JP2023159301A - Staple cartridge with lock-out key configured to lift discharge member - Google Patents

Abstract

SOLUTION: A stapling assembly configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge includes: a discharge assembly including a discharge member configured to be mounted with staples; and a lock-out configured to prevent the discharge member from moving in a distal direction. The stapling assembly is provided with a cam member having an inclined part. When the cam member is moved in the distal direction by the staple cartridge, the discharge member moves upward so as to release the lock constitution, thereby, allowing the discharge member to move in the distal direction.EFFECT: A stapling assembly is configured to, when a surgical staple cartridge is not mounted therein, prevent a discharge member from moving in a distal direction; and, when the surgical staple cartridge is mounted therein, release a lock constitution so as to allow the discharge member to move in the distal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 163

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,310, filed on February 19, 2019, entitled “METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE A ND FIRING SYSTEMS”, February 19, 2019 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,319, filed on February 19, 2019, titled “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,309, filed on February 19, 2019, Invention SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/650,887, filed March 30, 2018, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. , incorporated herein by reference. This application is filed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,302, filed on March 28, 2018, titled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES," filed on March 28, 2018, in the United States. Provisional Patent Application No. No. 62/649,294, title of the invention “DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649, filed on March 28, 2018 No. 649,300, title of invention “SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,309 filed March 28, 2018, title of the invention “SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING” THEATER”, US patent filed on March 28, 2018 Provisional Application No. 62/649,310, title of the invention “COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/649,291, filed March 28, 2018, title of the invention “USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,296 filed March 28, 2018, title of the invention “ADAPTIVE CONT” ROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES”, 2018 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,333, filed on March 28, 2018, entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 /649,327, title of invention “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES”, US patent provisional filed on March 28, 2018 Application No. 62/649,315, title of invention “DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,313 filed March 28, 2018, title of the invention “CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED” SURGICAL DEVICE”, filed on March 28, 2018 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,320, entitled “DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,307, filed March 28, 2018, entitled “ AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,323 filed March 28, 2018, title of the invention “SENSING ARRANGEMENTS” CLAIMS THE INTEREST OF “FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS” , the entire contents of these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

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

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, can be understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the replaceable surgical shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1; 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the replaceable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is another exploded view of a portion of the replaceable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another powered surgical stapling system. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 6; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of another surgical end effector that may be used with a rotary powered surgical stapling system. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a rotary power firing member that may be used with the surgical end effector of FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating initial insertion of a new, unfired surgical staple cartridge into the interior of the surgical end effector of FIG. 9; FIG. 13 is another partial cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 12 after a surgical staple cartridge has been operably installed therein; FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and cam assembly of the end effector of FIG. 13; FIG. 10 is another partial cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 9 prior to insertion of a new surgical staple cartridge therein and with its firing member lockout assembly in a locked position; FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and lockout lug of the end effector of FIG. 15, with the cam assembly and end effector channel omitted for clarity; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position. FIG. 18 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the channel attachment mechanism and anvil lockout spring of the surgical end effector of FIG. 17; 18 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 17 without a surgical staple cartridge installed therein and with its anvil in a locked position; FIG. 21 is another partial bottom perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 20 after a matching surgical staple cartridge has been installed therein and the anvil lockout spring has been moved to an unlocked position; FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 21; FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of a surgical staple cartridge and corresponding anvil and anvil lockout system of a surgical end effector; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of a surgical staple cartridge and corresponding anvil and anvil lockout system of another surgical end effector. FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of a channel of another end effector with a matching surgical staple cartridge loaded therein, with a portion of the matching surgical staple cartridge omitted for clarity; 26 is a side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 25 with portions of the channel, anvil and cartridge omitted for clarity; FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 25 and 26 shown in a closed position with an anvil mating staple cartridge; FIG. 27 is another partial cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 25 and 26 with its anvil shown in a locked open position; FIG. 27 is a side view of the anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 25 and 26 in a locked and unlocked configuration (dashed line); FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector with portions of the channel, anvil and cartridge omitted for clarity; 31 is a front view of the anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 30; FIG. FIG. 32 is a top view of the anvil lock of FIG. 31; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position and a matching surgical staple cartridge mounted therein; 34 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end of the compatible surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 33 in relation to a portion of the anvil locking mechanism of the surgical end effector of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the channel of the surgical end effector of FIG. 33 and the profile of the matching surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 33 inserted therein; FIG. 34 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 33 with its anvil in an open position during initial installation of a mismatched surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position while a matching surgical staple cartridge is installed therein; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position while a matching surgical staple cartridge is installed therein; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position while a matching surgical staple cartridge is installed therein; 40 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 39 while a mismatched cartridge is installed therein; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end portion of the anvil. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end portion of another anvil. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional end view of a portion of another surgical end effector. 44 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43; FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the channel and anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43 with the anvil lock in a locked position; FIG. 44 is a partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43 with the anvil in an open position and the anvil lock shown in phantom in a locked position; FIG. 44 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the channel and anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43 with the anvil lock in an unlocked position; FIG. 44 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43 with the anvil in a closed position and the anvil lock shown in phantom in an unlocked position; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of another surgical end effector. 50 is a partial perspective view of the proximal end portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 49; FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the channel and anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 49 with the anvil lock in a locked position; FIG. FIG. 7 is a partial side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position and its anvil lock shown in phantom in a locked position; 53 is a side view of a portion of the anvil of the surgical end effector of FIG. 52; FIG. 54 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the anvil of FIG. 53; FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the channel and anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 52 with the anvil lock in a locked position; FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the channel and anvil lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 52 with the anvil lock in an unlocked position; FIG. 53 is a partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 52 with the anvil in a closed position and the anvil lock shown in phantom in an unlocked position; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of another anvil. 59 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of another channel usable in connection with the anvil of FIG. 58; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of another anvil; 61 is a perspective view of a portion of the anvil of FIG. 60; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of another anvil; FIG. 3 is a side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position before a surgical staple cartridge is installed therein. 64 is another side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 63 after a matching surgical staple cartridge has been installed therein; FIG. 64 is an end view of the surgical end effector closure tube of the surgical end effector of FIG. 63 with its closure lock in a locked position; FIG. 66 is another end view of the surgical end effector closure tube and closure lock of FIG. 65, with the closure lock shown in an unlocked position; FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the mating surgical staple cartridge and closure lock of the surgical end effector of FIG. 63; FIG. 64 is a partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 63 with its anvil in an open position before a surgical staple cartridge is installed therein; FIG. 69 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 68 with its anvil in an open position while a matching surgical staple cartridge is installed therein; FIG. 69 is a partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 68 with its anvil in an open position during initial installation of a matching surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 71 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 70 with its anvil in an open position after a matching surgical staple cartridge has been operably installed therein; FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the compatible surgical staple cartridge shown in FIGS. 70 and 71; FIG. 71 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 70 with its anvil in an open position while installing a surgical staple cartridge without a matching cam assembly in the starting position; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial side view of another surgical end effector with its anvil in an open position during initial installation of a matching surgical staple cartridge therein; 75 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 74 with the anvil in an open position after a matching surgical staple cartridge has been operably installed therein; FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the anvil lock and channel attachment mechanism of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 74 and 75; FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staple cartridge compatible with the surgical end effector of FIGS. 74 and 75; FIG. 75 is another partial side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 74 with its anvil in an open position after a mismatched surgical staple cartridge has been installed therein; FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of another surgical end effector with a matching surgical staple cartridge loaded therein and its anvil in an open position; 80 is a top view of a portion of a surgical staple cartridge compatible with the surgical end effector of FIG. 79, with portions omitted for clarity; FIG. 81 is a partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 81-81 of FIG. 80 of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 80 installed within the surgical end effector of FIG. 79, showing the cartridge nose assembly in a locked position; ing. 81 is another partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 82-82 of FIG. 80 of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 80 installed within the surgical end effector of FIG. 79, with the cartridge nose in an unlocked position; Assembly shown. 81 is another partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 83-83 of FIG. 80 of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 80 installed within the surgical end effector of FIG. 79, with the cartridge nose assembly in a locked position; It shows. 80 is another partial cross-sectional side view, taken along line 84-84 of FIG. 80, of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 80 installed within the surgical end effector of FIG. 79, with the cartridge nose in an unlocked position; Assembly shown. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the firing member and cam assembly of the surgical staple cartridge, the cam assembly being in a starting position and in unlocked engagement with the firing member lock on the firing member; FIG. 86 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the firing member of FIG. 85 with the firing member lock in a locked position; FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of an anvil of another surgical end effector with the anvil in an open position with respect to a matching surgical staple cartridge mounted in a corresponding channel omitted for clarity; 88 is another side view of the anvil and surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 87 during initial closure of the anvil; FIG. 88 is another side view of the anvil and surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 87 after the anvil has been moved to a closed position; FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a portion of the compatible surgical staple cartridge of FIGS. 87-89; FIG. 89 is a partial bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 87-89; FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staple cartridge that is incompatible with the anvil of FIGS. 87-89; FIG. 89 is a side view of the anvil of FIGS. 87-89 in an open position with respect to the mismatched surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 92 installed in corresponding channels omitted for clarity; FIG. 94 is another side view of the anvil and surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 93 during initial closure of the anvil; FIG. 94 is another side view of the anvil and surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 93 after the anvil has been moved to a closed position; FIG. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of another surgical end effector loaded with a matching surgical staple cartridge, with its anvil omitted for clarity; 97 is a top view of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge and surgical end effector of FIG. 96; FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a portion of the proximal end portion of the compatible surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 97; FIG. 97 is another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 96 illustrating installation of a matching surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 97 is another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 96 illustrating installation of a matching surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 99 is a top view of the surgical end effector and matching surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 98; FIG. 97 is another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 96 illustrating installation of a mismatched surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 97 is another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 96 illustrating installation of a mismatched surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 104 is a top view of the surgical end effector and mismatched surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 103; FIG. 97 is another partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 96 illustrating installation of a mismatched surgical staple cartridge therein; FIG. 106 is a top view of the surgical end effector and mismatched surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 105; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of another surgical end effector with a mismatched surgical staple cartridge installed therein; 108 is a partial top view of a portion of the surgical end effector and mismatched surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 107; FIG. 106 is another partial top view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 105 with a matching surgical staple cartridge mounted therein; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of another surgical end effector with a matching surgical staple cartridge mounted therein; 111 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 110; FIG. 111 is an end view, partially in section, of the surgical end effector and matching surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 110; FIG. 111 is another partial cross-sectional surgical end view of the end effector of FIG. 110 with a mismatched surgical staple cartridge installed therein; FIG. 111 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 110 with a mismatched surgical staple cartridge installed therein; FIG. 115 is a top view of the surgical end effector and surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 114; FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of another surgical staple cartridge. 117 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 116 with its cam assembly in a locked position; FIG. 117 is another top view of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 116 interacting with a mating actuator portion of a surgical end effector; FIG. 117 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 116 with its cam assembly in an unlocked position; FIG. A stapling device with some components removed, including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, and a firing member, with the firing member in an unfired position, according to at least one embodiment. It is a partial elevational view shown in FIG. 121 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 120 showing the firing member in a lockout position; FIG. A stapling device with some components removed, including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, and a firing member, with the firing member in an unfired position, according to at least one embodiment. It is a partial elevational view shown in FIG. 123 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 122 showing the firing member in an unlocked position; FIG. 123 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 122 showing the firing member in a lockout position; FIG. 123 is a partial bottom view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 122 showing the firing member in an unfired position; FIG. 123 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 122; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. A stapling device with some components removed, including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, and a firing member, with the firing member in an unfired position, according to at least one embodiment. It is a partial elevational view shown in FIG. 129 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 128 showing the firing member in an unlocked position; FIG. FIG. 129 is a partial top view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 128 shown in the unfired position of FIG. 128; 130 is a partial top view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 128 shown in the unlocked position of FIG. 129; FIG. 129 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 128 in an unused configuration; FIG. 129 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 128 in a used configuration; FIG. A stapling device with some components removed, including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, and a firing member, with the firing member in an unfired position, according to at least one embodiment. It is a partial elevational view shown in FIG. 135 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 134 showing the firing member in a lockout position; FIG. According to at least one embodiment, the firing member includes a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, a firing member, and a firing member lock, wherein the firing member partially connects a stapling device unlocked by the staple cartridge. FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view of the vehicle with components removed. 137 is a partial elevational view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 136 showing an improperly installed staple cartridge within the cartridge channel; FIG. 137 is a partially sectional plan view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 136 showing an incorrect staple cartridge installed within the cartridge channel; FIG. 137 is a partially sectional plan view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 136 showing the firing member lock unlocked by the staple cartridge; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling instrument unlocked by a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling instrument unlocked by a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. 141 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 140; FIG. 142 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 141; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge pan, according to at least one embodiment. According to at least one embodiment, the firing member includes a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, a firing member, and a firing member lock, wherein the firing member partially connects a stapling device unlocked by the staple cartridge. FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view of the vehicle with components removed. 146 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 145 showing a different staple cartridge positioned within the cartridge channel without unlocking the firing member; FIG. 146 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 145 showing the firing member in a locked configuration; FIG. 147 is a partial perspective view of a stapling instrument configured to be unlocked by the different staple cartridge of FIG. 146; FIG. 148 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge similar to the staple cartridge of FIG. 146 and configured to unlock the stapling instrument of FIG. 148; FIG. 146 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge similar to that of FIG. 145 and configured to unlock the stapling instrument of FIG. 145; FIG. A stapling apparatus including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel, a firing member, an anvil, and a dual-purpose firing member/anvil lock according to at least one embodiment is provided with some components removed. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the stapling instrument shown in an unlocked state; 152 is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 151 unlocked by insertion of a staple cartridge into the cartridge channel; FIG. 152 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 151 showing the stapling instrument of FIG. 151 in a locked condition; FIG. 153 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument of FIG. 151 showing the stapling instrument of FIG. 152 in an unlocked state; FIG. 152 is a perspective view of the firing member/anvil lock of FIG. 151; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling assembly including an anvil, a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a firing lockout; FIG. 157 is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and firing lockout of FIG. 156 shown in an unlocked configuration; FIG. 157 is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and firing lockout of FIG. 156 shown in a locked configuration; FIG. The surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 156, wherein the surgical stapling assembly further comprises an external access opening configured to allow a user to manually move the firing lockout to the unlocked configuration with a separate lockout key. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly. 157 is a perspective view of the lockout member of the firing lockout of FIG. 156; FIG. A partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling assembly including a lockout and an external access orifice configured to allow a user to manually move the firing lockout to an unlocked configuration with a separate lockout key. It is. 162 is a bottom view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 161; FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling assembly including a firing member, a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge configured to be installed within the cartridge channel, and a lockout, with the lockout shown in an unengaged configuration; FIG. has been done. 164 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 163 showing the lockout in an engaged configuration; FIG. 2 includes an elevational view of two staple cartridges, each containing a different lockout key. 166 is a graph showing the knife lift timing provided by each lockout key of the staple cartridge of FIG. 165; FIG. 166 is a graph showing the knife lift displacement provided by each lockout key of the staple cartridge of FIG. 165; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling system, the first staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a pan, a thread, and a first lockout key; FIG. 168, a second staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling system used with the first staple cartridge of FIG. 168, comprising: a cartridge body; a pan; a thread; and a second lockout key. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second staple cartridge that includes the second staple cartridge. An elevation of a surgical stapling assembly comprising a firing member, a first jaw including a staple cartridge, a second jaw including an anvil movable relative to the first jaw, and a lockout. It is a diagram. 171 is another perspective view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170; FIG. 171 is a partial elevational view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 without the staple cartridge installed within the first jaw; FIG. 171 is a partial elevational view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 with a staple cartridge installed within the first jaw; FIG. 171 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 with the staple cartridge installed within the first jaw and the firing member in an unfired position; FIG. 171 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 with the staple cartridge installed within the first jaw and the firing member in a partially fired position; FIG. 171 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 without the staple cartridge installed in the first jaw and with the firing member in an unfired position; FIG. 171 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 without the staple cartridge installed in the first jaw and with the firing member in a locked position; FIG. 171 is a partial elevational view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 with the staple cartridge installed within the first jaw and the firing member in a partially fired position, with some components hidden in line; It is shown in 171 is a perspective view of the staple cartridge of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 170 including a lockout key extending from its proximal end; FIG. 180 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 179; FIG. 179 is a partial plan view of a second staple cartridge configured for use with a system including the staple cartridge of FIG. 179, the second staple cartridge having a lock having a different configuration than the lockout key of the staple cartridge of FIG. 179; Contains out keys.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the figures. The examples set forth herein are illustrative of 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. do not have.

The applicant of this application owns the following United States patent applications filed on the same date as this application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application, title of invention “METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS”, attorney docket number END90 20USNP1/180504-1M,
- U.S. patent application, title of invention “SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A C "OMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN", agent docket number END9021USNP2/180505-2,
- United States patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END9021USNP3/180505-3;
- U.S. patent application, title of invention “SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT”, agent reference number END9021USNP4/180505-4,
- U.S. patent application, title of invention “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRI” DGE INSTALLED THEREIN”, agent reference number END9021USNP5/180505-5,
- U.S. patent application, title of invention "STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT", attorney docket number END9021USNP6/18505-6,
- United States patent application, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT", attorney docket number END9021USNP7/180505-7,
- U.S. patent application, title of invention “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS”, attorney docket number END9021USNP8/180 505-8,
- U.S. patent application, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE" , agent reference number END9022USNP1/180508-1,
- United States patent application, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS", attorney docket number END9022USNP2/180508-2,
- United States patent application, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES", attorney docket number END9022USNP3/180508-3,
- United States patent application, title of the invention "ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND CHANNEL ENGAGEMENT FEATURES", attorney docket number END9022USNP4/180508-4, and -U.S. Patent application, title of invention “SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE” AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING”, agent docket number END9022USNP5/180508-5.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed February 19, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,310, Title: METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYST EMS”,
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,319, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS," and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,309, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS”.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 28, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference:
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,302, title of the invention "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,294, title of the invention "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,300, title of invention "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,309, title of the invention "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,310, title of the invention "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,291, title of the invention "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,296, titled "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,333, title of the invention "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,327, titled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,315, title of the invention "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,313, title of the invention "CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,320, title of the invention "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS";
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,307, entitled "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS," and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,323, entitled "SENSING A." RRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT -ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS”.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent application filed on March 30, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/650,887, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES."

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent application filed on December 4, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser. THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS”.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed August 20, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 16/105,081, entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"
- U.S. Patent Application No. 16/105,094, title: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS";
- U.S. Patent Application No. 16/105,097, Title: “POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY D RIVE MOTIONS”,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 16/105,104, Title: “POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN AR TICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM”
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 16/105160, Title: "SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/660,252, Title of the Invention. "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS".

The assignee of this application owns the following US patent applications and US patents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,209, Title: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168645;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No.,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,240, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168651;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. RE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS” currently published in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168630,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,943, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168631;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,950, titled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168635;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,946, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168633;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 68636,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,953, Title: "METHODS FOR STAPLING TISSUE," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168637;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 8638,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,955, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168639;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,948, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168584;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,956, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168640;
- U.S. patent application Ser. ENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT”, currently U.S. Patent Application No. 2018/0168641;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,896, entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168597;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,898, entitled "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168599;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,899, Title: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168600;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,902, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168603;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 605,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,905, Title: "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168606;
- U.S. patent application Ser. 2018/0168608,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,908, Title: “FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168609;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,909, Title: "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168610;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,920, Title: "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168620;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,913, entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168614;
- U.S. patent application Ser. PLING INSTRUMENT”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168615,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,893, entitled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-FORMING POCKET PAIRS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168594;
- U.S. patent application Ser. OSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168626,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168612;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,927, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168625;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 68601,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,931, entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168627;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,915, Title: "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168616;
-A US Patent Available No. 15/385, 897, the name of the invention "Staple -Forming Pocket ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES" 18/0168598,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,922, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168622;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,924, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168624;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,910, entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168611;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,903, titled "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168604;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,906, Title: “FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168607;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,192, Title: "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168643;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,206, Title: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168586;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2018/0168648,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 47,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 50,
- U.S. patent application Ser. ”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168589,
- U.S. patent application Ser. INSTRUMENT SYSTEM”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168590,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,890, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168591;
- U.S. patent application Ser. IFFERENT SYSTEMS”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168592,
- U.S. patent application Ser. EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168593,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,894, Title: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168595;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,895, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168596;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,916, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168575;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,918, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168618;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,919, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168619;
- U.S. patent application Ser. FEATURES”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168621,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,923, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168623;
- U.S. patent application Ser. TOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR, now a published U.S. patent application No. 2018/0168576,
- U.S. patent application Ser. ENTS, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168577,
- U.S. patent application Ser. RGICAL INSTRUMENT”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168578,
- U.S. patent application Ser. ECTOR JAWS”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168579,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,932, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168628;
U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,933, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now is US Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168580,
- U.S. patent application Ser. ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM”, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168581 ,
- U.S. patent application Ser. MENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168582,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 583,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/318,996, titled "FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297228;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No.,
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/319,008, Title: "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297232;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/318,997, titled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGING MEMBERS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297229;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19,016, The title of the invention is "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297235.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/191,775, Title: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/191,807, entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367696;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/191,834, Title: "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367699;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/191,788, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367698, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15/191,818, Title of the Invention Name "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367697.

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/569,218, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER", now U.S. Design Patent No. D826,405;
- U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/569,227, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER", now U.S. Design Patent No. D822,206;
- United States Design Patent Application No. 29/569,259, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and - United States Design Patent Application No. 29/569,264, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,325, Title: "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281171;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,321, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281163;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,326, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0 No. 281172,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,263, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281165;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,262, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281161;
-A US Patent Available No. 15/089, 277, the name of the invention "Surgical Cutting and End End End End WITIL WITIL WITIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER" 2017/0281166,
- U.S. patent application Ser. OUT A SHAFT AXIS”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281168,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,258, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281178;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,278, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281162;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,284, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281186;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,295, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281187;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,300, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281179;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,196, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281183;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,203, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281184;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,210, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281185;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,324, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281170;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,335, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281155;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,339, Title: "SURGICAL STAPLINING INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281173;
- U.S. patent application Ser. Publication No. 2017/0281177,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,304, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281188;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,331, titled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281180;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,336, Title: "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281164;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,312, entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281189;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,309, title of the invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281169; and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,349; The title of the invention is "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281174.

The applicant of this application also owns the United States patent applications identified below, filed December 31, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 89018,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 019, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/984, No. 552, the title of the invention is "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189020.

The applicant of this application also owns the United States patent applications identified below, filed February 9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,220, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATION AND AXIALY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224333;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,228, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224342;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224330;
- U.S. patent application Ser. ASSEMBLY”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224331,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,215, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224332;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,227, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224334;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 15/019,235, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVE ARTICULATION SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 /0224336,
- U.S. patent application Ser. Patent Application No. 15/019, No. 245, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224343.

The applicant of this application also owns the United States patent applications identified below, filed February 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 623,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 626,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 627, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15/043, No. 289, title of the invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231628.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on June 18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Patent Application No. 14/742,925, entitled “SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No.,
- U.S. patent application Ser. MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367254,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 246, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/742,876 PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent No. 10,178,992.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on March 6, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. ,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6/0256154,
- U.S. patent application Ser. 6/0256071,
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 9,895,148,
- U.S. patent application Ser. EASURES, now U.S. Patent No. 10,052,044;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. ROM HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,776;
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 56160,
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. Patent No. 9,901,342, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640 ， No. 780, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. patent application Ser. WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Patent No. 10,180,463;
-A US Patent Available No. 14/633,560, the name of the invention "Surgical Charging System THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITITIONS OR MORE BATTERIES" Published 2016/0249910,
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,548, Title: "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,526, Title: "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,541, entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY," now U.S. Patent No. 9,993,258, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,562, entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY." SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,483.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser. ING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,374;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/574,483, Title: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;
No. 14/575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now US Pat.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,085,748;
- U.S. patent application Ser. TIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972 ,
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- U.S. patent application Ser. Currently U.S. Patent No. 9,943,309;
- U.S. patent application Ser. , currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,968,355;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/574,493, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent No. 9,987,000, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/57 No. 4,500 , title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent No. 10,117,649.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 46471,
- U.S. patent application Ser.
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- U.S. Patent Application No. 13/782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM," now U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13/782, 536 No. 9,307,986, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Pat.
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- U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application No. 9,351,727, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,159 No. , entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent No. 9,888,919.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent application filed on March 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/200,111, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Patent No. 9,629,629.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,106, titled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,094, titled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;
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- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," now U.S. Pat.
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- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,133, Title: "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- United States patent application Ser. SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT”, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
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- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 8,
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- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/479,115, entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. Patent No. 9,788,836, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/479,108, The title of the invention is “LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION”, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- U.S. patent application Ser.
- U.S. patent application Ser. UTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,595, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND DRIVE SYSTEMS," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,588, title of the invention "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,591, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A GAP SETTING SYSTEM," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. patent application Ser. ITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,626;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,587, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,586, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent Application No. 10,136,887, and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,607 , title of the invention ``MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS,'' now U.S. Patent No. 9,814,460.

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

As described in the specification and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. The reader should note that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples and, therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. You will understand that. Variations 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" (any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (any form of contain, 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 is defined as having one or more elements. but is not limited to having only one or more of them. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features is defined as However, it is not limited to having only one or more of these characteristics.

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

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. By continuing to read the Detailed Description herein, the reader will understand that the various instruments disclosed herein can be used, for example, through an incision made in tissue through a pre-existing opening. It will be further understood that it may be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a vent or puncture. The working or end effector portions of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device having a working passageway through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced. You can also do it.

The surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into the first jaw and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw or at least Other embodiments are envisioned that are not easily interchangeable. 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 the closure axis, the first jaw being pivotable relative to the second jaw, etc. Embodiments are envisioned. The surgical stapling system further includes an articulation joint configured to allow the end effector to rotate or articulate relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis that extends through the articulation joint. Other embodiments that do not include articulating joints are also envisioned.

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

The staples are supported by a staple drive within the cartridge body. The drive is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position in which it ejects the staples from the staple cavity. The drive section is held within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge body, and also includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer against the cartridge body. include. The drives are movable by the sled between their unfired position and their fired position. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drive and lift the drive upon which the staples are supported toward the anvil.

In addition to the above, the sled is moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and force the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined within the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive a firing member. The firing member further includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck portion of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member also includes a knife configured to ablate tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. Desirably, the knife is positioned at least partially proximal to the ramp so that the staples are ejected in front of the knife.

FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument 1010 that includes a replaceable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled to a housing 1012. FIG. 2 shows replaceable shaft assembly 1200 removed from housing 1012 or handle 1014. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may include a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 1016 and 1018 that may be interconnected with screws, snap mechanisms, adhesives, or the like. In the illustrated configuration, handle housing segments 1016, 1018 cooperate to form pistol grip portion 1019. 1 and 3 illustrate a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1010 that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, instrument 1010 includes a housing 1012 as described above with a handle 1014 configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a clinician. Housing 1012 is configured to be operably attached to replaceable shaft assembly 1200 to which is operably coupled a surgical end effector 1300 configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. As the detailed description continues, it will be appreciated that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively used in conjunction with robotically controlled surgical systems. be understood. Accordingly, the term "housing" also refers to a structure configured to generate and apply at least one controlled movement that can be used to operate the replaceable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The robot system may include a housing or similar portion of the robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports the at least one drive system. Additionally, various components may be "housed" or included within the housing, or may be "associated with" the housing. In such instances, the component may not be contained within or directly supported by the housing. The term "frame" may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also refer to a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of a robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the replaceable shaft assemblies disclosed herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. It may be used with the various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods disclosed.

The above-described housing 1012 depicted in FIG. 1 includes an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 (see FIG. 2, FIGS. 4 and 5). Housing 1012 includes an end effector that is adapted to support staple cartridges of various sizes and types, and is adapted for use in conjunction with a replaceable shaft assembly having various shaft lengths, sizes, types, etc. may be configured. In addition, the housing 1012 is also adapted to provide other forms of energy, such as motion and radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasound energy, and/or motion, for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. It may also be advantageously used in connection with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies, including assemblies configured to apply to a modified end effector configuration. Additionally, the end effector, shaft assembly, handle, surgical instrument, and/or surgical instrument system may utilize any suitable fasteners that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As described in more detail below, the handle 1014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein, each of which has corresponding portions of an interchangeable shaft assembly operably attached to the handle. The controller is configured to generate and apply various control motions to the controller.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may further include a frame 1020 that operably supports multiple drive systems. For example, the frame 1020 can operably support a "first" or closed drive system, indicated generally at 1030, which has an interchangeable shaft operably attached or coupled to it. It may be used to apply opening and closing motions to assembly 1200. In at least one form, closure drive system 1030 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 that is pivotally supported by frame 1020. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, closure trigger 1032 is pivotally coupled to handle 1014 by pin 1033. Such a configuration allows the closure trigger 1032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the closure trigger 1032 is moved from a starting or "deactuated" position. It can be easily pivoted into an "actuated" position, and more particularly into a fully compressed or fully activated position. Closing trigger 1032 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing device (not shown). In various forms, closure drive system 1030 further includes a closure linkage assembly 1034 pivotally coupled to closure trigger 1032. As shown in FIG. 3, closure linkage assembly 1034 may include a first closure link 1036 and a second closure link 1038 pivotally coupled to closure trigger 1032 by pin 1035. The second closure link 1038 is sometimes referred to herein as an “attachment member” and includes a lateral attachment pin 1037.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the first closure link 1036 has a locking wall or end 1039 thereon configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 1060 pivotally coupled to the frame 1020. You can observe what can be done. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1060 may include a release button assembly 1062 having a distally projecting locking pawl 1064 formed thereon. Release button assembly 1062 may be pivoted counterclockwise by a release spring (not shown). When the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032 from its inactive position toward the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014 , the locking pawl 1064 moves toward the point where it enters retaining engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036 . The first closure link 1036 pivots upwardly, thereby preventing the closure trigger 1032 from returning to the unactuated position. The closure release assembly 1060 thus serves to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. If the clinician wishes to unlock the closure trigger 1032 so that it can be biased to the inactive position, the clinician simply pivots the release button assembly 1062, thereby causing the lock pawl 1064 to pivot. is moved out of engagement with locking wall 1039 on first closure link 1036. When locking pawl 1064 is moved out of engagement with first closure link 1036, closure trigger 1032 may pivot back to the inactive position. Other closure trigger locks and release configurations may be used.

An arm 1061 may extend from release button assembly 1062. A magnetic element 1063, such as a permanent magnet, may be attached to arm 1061. When release button assembly 1062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, magnetic element 1063 can move toward circuit board 1100. Circuit board 1100 can include at least one sensor configured to detect movement of magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall effect” sensor (not shown) can be attached to the bottom side of circuit board 1100. The Hall effect sensor may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field surrounding the Hall effect sensor caused by movement of the magnetic element 1063. The Hall effect sensor is capable of signal communication with, for example, a microcontroller such that the release button assembly 1062 is in its first position associated with the inoperative position of the closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of the end effector. or in a second position thereof associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or in any position between the first position and the second position. You can determine whether there is.

In at least one form, the handle 1014 and frame 1020 have another firing drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 1080, that is configured to apply firing motion to a corresponding portion of an attached interchangeable shaft assembly. A drive system may be operably supported. Firing drive system 1080 may also be referred to herein as a "second drive system." Firing drive system 1080 may employ an electric motor 1082 located within pistol grip portion 1019 of handle 1014. In various forms, motor 1082 may be a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 RPM, for example. 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. Motor 1082 may be powered by a power source 1090 and, in one form, may include a removable power pack 1092. For example, as seen in FIG. 3, power pack 1092 may include a proximal housing portion 1094 configured to attach to distal housing portion 1096. Proximal housing portion 1094 and distal housing portion 1096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. Batteries 1098 may each include, for example, a lithium ion (LI) or other suitable battery. Distal housing portion 1096 is configured to be removably and operably attached to a circuit board 1100 that is also operably coupled to motor 1082. Multiple batteries 1098, which may be connected in series, may be used to power the surgical instrument 1010. Additionally, power source 1090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above in connection with various other configurations, the electric motor 1082 is driven by a gear mounted in mating engagement with a set or rack of drive teeth 1122 on a longitudinally movable drive member 1120. A rotary shaft (not shown) operably associated with the reducer assembly 1084 may be included. In use, the voltage polarity provided by the power supply 1090 may cause the electric motor 1082 to operate in a clockwise direction, whereas the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery may cause the electric motor 1082 to operate in a counterclockwise direction. can be reversed. When electric motor 1082 is rotated in one direction, drive member 1120 will be axially driven in the distal direction "DD". When motor 82 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, drive member 1120 will be axially driven in the proximal direction "PD". Handle 1014 can include a switch that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to electric motor 1082 by power source 1090. Similar to other forms described herein, the handle 1014 may also include a sensor configured to detect the position of the drive member 1120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1120 is being moved. I can do it.

Operation of motor 1082 may be controlled by a firing trigger 1130 pivotally supported on handle 1014. Firing trigger 1130 may pivot between an unactuated position and an actuated position. Firing trigger 1130 may be biased to a deactivated position by spring 1132 or other biasing device such that when the clinician releases firing trigger 1130, it is activated by spring 1132 or other biasing device. It may be pivoted into position or otherwise returned. In at least one form, firing trigger 1130 can be positioned "outside" of closure trigger 1032, as described above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 1134 may be pivotally attached to the closure trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. Safety button 1134 may have a pivot arm 1136 positioned between and projecting from firing trigger 1130 and closure trigger 1032. Please refer to FIG. 3. When the closure trigger 1032 is in the non-actuated position, a safety button 1134 is housed in the handle 1014 and is not easily accessible to the clinician and is in a safe position that prevents activation of the firing trigger 1130 and It also cannot be moved to or from the firing position where it may be fired. When the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1134 and firing trigger 1130 pivot down, then allowing the clinician to operate them.

As shown above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 has teeth 1122 formed thereon for mating engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. It has a rack. At least one form also includes a manually actuated "emergency release" device configured to allow a clinician to manually retract longitudinally movable drive member 1120 if motor 1082 is disabled. ” assembly 1140. The emergency release assembly 1140 may include a lever or emergency release handle assembly 1142 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 1124 also provided on the drive member 1120. Accordingly, the clinician can manually retract drive member 1120 by ratcheting drive member 1120 in the proximal direction "PD" using emergency release handle assembly 1142. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANNUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," provides an emergency release device, as well as various devices also disclosed herein. May be used with other equipment Discloses components, devices, and systems for. US Pat. No. 8,608,045 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, replaceable shaft assembly 1200 includes a surgical end effector 1300 that includes an elongated channel 1310 configured to operably support staple cartridge 4000 therein. End effector 1300 may further include an anvil 2000 pivotally supported relative to elongate channel 1310. Replaceable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020 and an articulation lock 2140 that can be configured to releasably hold end effector 1300 in a desired position relative to shaft axis SA. Examples of various features of end effector 1300, articulation joint 3020, and at least one form of articulation lock are described in U.S. patent application Ser. INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK,” now available in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. The entire book is by reference Incorporated into the specification. As seen in FIG. 4, the replaceable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 comprised of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203.

Interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a closure tube 3000 that can be utilized to open and close anvil 2000 of end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 may include a spine 1210 that (1) slidably supports a firing member therein and (2) slidably has a closure member assembly 3000 extending around the spine 1210. is configured to support. As shown in FIG. 5, the distal end 1212 of the spine 1210 terminates in an upper lug attachment mechanism 1270 and a lower lug attachment mechanism 1280. A lug slot 1272 is formed inside the upper lug attachment mechanism 1270 and is capable of fixedly supporting an upper attachment link 1274 therein. Similarly, a lug slot 1282 is formed in the interior of the lower lug attachment mechanism 1280 in which a lower attachment link 1284 can be fixedly supported. Upper mounting link 1274 has a pivot socket 1276 therein rotatably receiving a pivot pin 1292 formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1290 attached to proximal end portion 1312 of elongate channel 1310. include. Lower attachment link 1284 includes a lower pivot pin 1286 receivable within a pivot hole 1314 formed in proximal end portion 1312 of elongate channel 1310. Please refer to FIG. 5. Lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with pivot socket 1276 to define articulation axis AA about which surgical end effector 1300 may articulate relative to shaft axis SA. Please refer to FIG. 2.

In the illustrated example, surgical end effector 1300 is selectively articulatable about articulation axis AA by articulation system 2100. In one form, articulation system 2100 includes a proximal articulation drive 2102 pivotally coupled to articulation link 2120. As seen most specifically in FIG. 5, an offset attachment lug 2114 is formed at the distal end 2110 of the proximal joint drive 2102. A pivot hole 2116 is formed in the offset mounting lug 2114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2124 formed in the proximal end 2122 of the articulation link 2120. Distal end 2126 of articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2128 configured to pivotally receive channel pin 1317 formed in proximal end portion 1312 of elongated channel 1310 therein. Accordingly, axial movement of proximal articulation drive 2102 applies articulation motion to elongate channel 1310, which causes surgical end effector 1300 to articulate relative to spine assembly 1210 about articulation axis AA. Details regarding the construction and operation of articulation system 2100 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER”, now found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464. In various situations, if the proximal joint drive 2102 is not moving proximally or distally, the proximal joint drive 2102 may be maintained in place by the joint lock 2140. Further details regarding examples of articulation locks 2140 may be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/635,631, current U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, as well as other references incorporated herein by reference. I can do it.

In various situations, the spine 1210 can include a proximal end 1211 that is rotatably supported within the chassis 1240. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 is formed with threads 1214 for threaded attachment to a spine bearing 1216 configured to be supported within the chassis 1240. Please refer to FIG. 4. Such a configuration facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 1210 to the chassis 1240 and allows the spine 1210 to be selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1240.

Referring primarily to FIG. 4, replaceable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 slidably supported therein such that it can be moved axially relative to chassis 1240. Closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1252 that are adapted to attach to mounting pins 1037 (FIG. 3) attached to second closure link 1038, as described in further detail below. It is configured. In at least one example, closure member assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure member segment 3010 having a proximal end 3012 coupled to closure shuttle 1250 for rotation relative to closure shuttle 1250. For example, a U-shaped connector 1263 is inserted into an annular slot 3014 at the proximal end 3012 of proximal closure member segment 3010 and retained within vertical slot 1253 of closure shuttle 1250. Such a configuration allows proximal closure member segment 3010 and closure shuttle 1250 to be mounted for axial movement together while proximal closure member segment 3010 is rotated relative to closure shuttle 1250 about shaft axis SA. It is now possible to rotate. A closure spring 1268 is pivoted on the proximal closure member 3010 and serves to bias the proximal closure member 3010 in a proximal direction “PD” thereby operably coupling the shaft assembly to the handle 1014. can serve to pivot the closure trigger 1032 to a non-actuated position.

In at least one form, the replaceable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020. However, other interchangeable shaft assemblies may not be articulable. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 3030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member segment 3010. Articulation joint 3020 includes a dual pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022. According to various forms, the dual pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022 includes an end effector closure tube 3050 having an upper distal protrusion tang 3052 and a lower distal protrusion tang 3054. Upper dual pivot link 3056 engages an upper distal pinhole of upper proximal projecting tongue 3052 on distal obturator tube segment 3030 and an upper proximal pinhole of upper distal projecting tongue 3032, respectively. , including upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins. The lower dual pivot link 3058 has upwardly projecting distal and proximal pinholes that engage the lower distal pinhole of the lower proximal projecting tongue 3054 and the lower proximal pinhole of the lower distal projecting tongue 3034, respectively. Includes pivot pin. Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. As described in more detail below, closure member assembly 3000 is translated distally (direction DD) to close anvil 2000, for example in response to actuation of closure trigger 1032. Anvil 2000 is opened by proximally translating closure member assembly 3000 such that end effector closure tube 3050 interacts with anvil 2000 and pivots anvil 2000 to the open position.

Also as described above, the replaceable shaft assembly 1200 further includes a firing member 1900 supported for axial movement within the shaft spine 1210. Firing member 1900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 configured to be attached to distal cutting portion or knife bar 1910. Intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may include a longitudinal slot 1223 at its distal end that may be configured to receive tab 1912 at the proximal end of distal knife bar 1910. Longitudinal slot 1223 and proximal end tab 1912 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a slip joint 1914. Slip joint 1914 may allow intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of firing member 1900 to move to articulate end effector 1300 without moving knife bar 1910, or at least substantially without moving. Once end effector 1300 is properly oriented, intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 is advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of longitudinal slot 1223 contacts tab 1912 to advance knife bar 1910 and open the channel. Staple cartridge 4000 located within 1310 can be fired. Knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1920 that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge 1922 and includes an upper anvil engaging tab 1924 and a lower channel engaging tab 1926. The construction and operation of various firing members are disclosed in various other references, which are incorporated herein by reference.

As seen in FIG. 4, shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 1500 rotatably received on proximal closure member segment 3010. Switch drum 1500 includes a hollow shaft segment 1502 with a shaft boss formed therein for receiving an outwardly projecting actuation pin. Under various circumstances, the actuation pin extends through the slot and into a longitudinal slot provided in the locking sleeve to direct the axial movement of the locking sleeve when it is engaged with the articulation driver. help. Rotating torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage a boss on switch drum 1500 and a portion of nozzle housing 1203 to apply a biasing force to switch drum 1500. The switch drum 1500 can further include an at least partially circumferential opening 1506 defined therein that receives a circumferential mount extending from the nozzle portions 1202, 1203. , the switch drum 1500 and the nozzle 1201 may be configured to allow relative rotation but not translation. The mount also extends through the opening 3011 of the proximal closure member segment 3010 and fits into the recess 1219 of the spine 1210. As switch drum 1500 rotates about shaft axis SA, the actuation pin and lock sleeve eventually rotate between their engaged and disengaged positions. In one configuration, rotation of the switch drum 1500 may be coupled to axial advancement of the closure tube or closure member. Essentially, therefore, the operation of the closure system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. is articulated with a firing drive system in various ways as described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and U.S. Patent No. 9,913,642, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM." The drive system may be operably engaged and disengaged. For example, when the closure member segment 3010 is in its most proximal position corresponding to the "jaws open" position, the closure member segment 3010 moves the switch drum 1500 to couple the articulation system with the firing drive system. It is placed. When the closure tube has been moved to its distal position corresponding to the "jaws closed" position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position where the articulation system is released from the firing drive system. .

As also shown in FIG. 4, shaft assembly 1200 can be configured to conduct power to and/or communicate signals to and from end effector 1300, for example. A slip ring assembly 1600 can be included. Slip ring assembly 1600 can include a proximal connector flange 1604 mounted to a chassis flange 1242 extending from chassis 1240 and a distal connector flange positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housing. The proximal connector flange 1604 can include a first surface, and the distal connector flange can include a second surface positioned adjacent to the first surface and movable relative to the first surface. You can prepare. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 1604 about shaft axis SA. Proximal connector flange 1604 can include a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined on a first surface thereof. The connector can be mounted on the proximal surface of the connector flange and can have a plurality of contacts, each contact corresponding to and making electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such a configuration allows the proximal connector flange 1604 and the distal connector flange to rotate relative to each other while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. Proximal connector flange 1604 can include, for example, an electrical connector 1606 in which a conductor can be placed in signal communication with shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to shaft chassis 1240. In at least one example, a wiring harness with multiple conductors can extend between electrical connector 1606 and shaft circuit board 1610. Electrical connector 1606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in chassis flange 1242. Please refer to FIG. 4. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 1600 can be found in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. No., 2013 U.S. Patent Application No. 13/800,067, filed March 13, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481 No. 1, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM". U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/800,067, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Patent Application No. No. 9,345,481 are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

As mentioned above, shaft assembly 1200 can include a proximal portion that is fixedly attached to handle 1014 and a distal portion that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about slip ring assembly 1600, as described above. A distal connector flange of slip ring assembly 1600 can be positioned within a rotatable distal shaft portion. In addition to the above, a switch drum 1500 can also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Rotating the rotatable distal shaft portion allows the distal connector flange and switch drum 1500 to rotate synchronously with each other. Additionally, switch drum 1500 can be rotated between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switch drum 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system, such that operation of the firing drive system articulates the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. I can't exercise. When the switch drum 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system may be operably engaged with the firing drive system, such that operation of the firing drive system causes the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200 to articulate. be able to. Moving switch drum 1500 between its first position and its second position causes switch drum 1500 to move relative to the distal connector flange. In various examples, shaft assembly 1200 can include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of switch drum 1500.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the chassis 1240 has at least one, and preferably two, holes formed thereon that are receivable in corresponding dovetail slots 1702 formed in the distal mounting flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. Includes a tapered attachment portion 1244. Please refer to FIG. 3. Each dovetail slot 1702 may be tapered, or in other words somewhat V-shaped, to accommodate and receive the attachment portion 1244 therein. As further shown in FIG. 4, a shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed at the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222. As described in further detail below, when the replaceable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1014, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1126 formed at the distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. . Please refer to FIG. 3.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latching system 1710 to removably couple shaft assembly 1200 to housing 1012 and, more specifically, to frame 1020. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in at least one form, latch system 1710 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1712 that is movably coupled to chassis 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, locking yoke 1712 has a U-shape with two spaced apart downwardly extending legs 1714. Each leg 1714 is formed with a pivoting lug 1715 that is receivable within a corresponding hole 1245 formed in chassis 1240. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotally attaching locking yoke 1712 to chassis 1240. Locking yoke 1712 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1716 configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 1704 on distal mounting flange 1700 of frame 1020 . Please refer to FIG. 3. In various configurations, locking yoke 1712 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of locking yoke 1712 may be accomplished by a latch button 1722 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 mounted to chassis 1240. Latch button 1722 can be biased proximally relative to lock yoke 1712. As discussed in more detail below, locking yoke 1712 may be moved to an unlocked position by distally biasing the latch button, which also pivots locking yoke 1712 to lock frame 1020. from retaining engagement with the distal mounting flange 1700. When locking yoke 1712 is in “retention engagement” with distal mounting flange 1700 of frame 1020, locking lug 1716 is secured within a corresponding locking detent or groove 1704 of distal mounting flange 1700. It's settled.

When using a replaceable shaft assembly, including end effectors of the types described herein adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, during actuation of the end effector, the replaceable shaft It may be desirable to prevent the assembly from being inadvertently separated from the housing. For example, in use, a clinician may actuate closure trigger 1032 to grasp and manipulate target tissue into a desired location. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 1300 in the desired orientation, the clinician then fully actuates the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 2000 and position the target tissue for cutting and stapling. May be clamped. In that case, first drive system 1030 is fully operational. It may be desirable to prevent inadvertent separation of shaft assembly 1200 from housing 1012 after target tissue is clamped to end effector 1300. One form of latch system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent separation.

As seen most particularly in FIG. 4, the locking yoke 1712 has at least one, and preferably two, locking hooks 1718 adapted to contact a corresponding locking projection portion 1256 formed on the closure shuttle 1250. including. When closure shuttle 1250 is in the inoperative position (i.e., first drive system 1030 is inactive and anvil 2000 is open), locking yoke 1712 is pivoted distally to lock the replaceable shaft assembly. 1200 may be unlocked from housing 1012. In that position, locking hook 1718 is not in contact with locking projection portion 1256 of closure shuttle 1250. However, moving the closure shuttle 1250 to the activated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is activated and the anvil 2000 is in the closed position) prevents the locking yoke 1712 from pivoting to the unlocked position. be done. Stated another way, if a clinician attempts to pivot locking yoke 1712 to an unlocked position, or if, for example, locking yoke 1712 is inadvertently pushed out such that it pivots distally or When contacted, locking hook 1718 of locking yoke 1712 contacts locking protrusion portion 1256 of closure shuttle 1250 to prevent locking yoke 1712 from moving to the unlocked position.

The attachment of replaceable shaft assembly 1200 to handle 1014 is described below. To begin the coupling process, the clinician attaches the chassis 1240 of the replaceable shaft assembly 1200 to the frame 1020 such that the tapered attachment portion 1244 formed on the chassis 1240 is aligned with the dovetail slot 1702 of the frame 1020. may be located above or adjacent the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 1200 along an attachment axis perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to place the attachment portion 1244 into “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slot 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 are also mounted within the cradle 1126 of the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 and each portion of the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038. are housed within corresponding hooks 1252 of closure shuttle 1250. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that those two components are sufficiently engaged with each other such that upon application of an actuation motion to them; means that a component is capable of performing its intended act, function, and/or procedure.

As mentioned above, at least five systems of replaceable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of handle 1014. The first system can include a frame system that couples and/or aligns a frame or spine of shaft assembly 1200 with frame 1020 of handle 1014. Another system can include a closure drive system 1030 that can operably connect closure trigger 1032 of handle 1014, closure tube 1260, and anvil 2000 of shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, closure shuttle 1250 of shaft assembly 1200 may be engaged with pin 1037 of second closure link 1038. Another system can include a firing drive system 1080 that can operably connect a firing trigger 1130 of the handle 1014 with an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 1226 can be operably connected to the cradle 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. Another system can signal to a controller within the handle 1014, such as a microcontroller, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, is operably engaged with the handle 1014, and/or a second may include an electrical system that can conduct power and/or communication signals between shaft assembly 1200 and handle 1014. As one example, shaft assembly 1200 can include an electrical connector 1810 operably attached to shaft circuit board 1610. Electrical connector 1810 is configured to matingly engage a corresponding electrical connector 1800 on handle control board 1100. Further details regarding circuitry and control systems can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,142, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The fifth system may consist of a latching system that releasably locks shaft assembly 1200 to handle 1014.

Anvil 2000 in the illustrated example includes an anvil body 2002 terminating in an anvil attachment portion 2010. Anvil attachment portion 2010 is movable or pivotable on elongate channel 1310 for selective pivoting movement relative to anvil attachment portion 2010 about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA transverse to shaft axis SA. Possibly supported. In the illustrated configuration, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 2012 extends laterally from each lateral side of the anvil attachment portion 2010 with a corresponding trunnion formed in the upright wall 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongated channel 1310. Received within cradle 1316. Anvil trunnion 2012 is pivotally retained within a corresponding trunnion cradle 1316 by passage cap or anvil retainer 1290. The channel cap or anvil retainer 1290 has a pair of attachments configured to be retained and received within a corresponding protruding groove or notch formed in the upright wall 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. It has a lag. Please refer to FIG. 5.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, in at least one configuration, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube 3050 includes two axially offset proximal and distal positive jaw opening mechanisms 3060 and 3062. use. Positive jaw opening mechanisms 3060 and 3062 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. is configured to interact with a corresponding release region and a stepped portion formed on the anvil attachment portion 2010, as described in further detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464. Other jaw opening configurations may be used.

6-8 illustrate a conventional surgical cutting and fastening instrument 5010 configured to generate rotational drive motion to operate a surgical end effector 5012. Surgical instrument 5010 includes a handle 5006, a shaft 5008, and an articulating surgical end effector 5012 pivotally coupled to shaft 5008 at an articulation pivot point 5014. An articulation control 5016 may be provided adjacent the handle 5006 to rotate the end effector 5012 about an articulation pivot point 5014. It will be appreciated that various embodiments may include non-pivoting end effectors and therefore may not include articulation pivot points 5014 or articulation controls 5016.

Handle 5006 of instrument 5010 may include a closure trigger 5018 and a firing trigger 5020 for actuating end effector 5012. It will be appreciated that instruments including end effectors intended for different surgical procedures may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating the end effector 5012. . In one embodiment, the clinician or operator of the instrument 5010 may refer to co-pending U.S. Pat. An articulation control 5016 may be utilized to articulate the end effector 5012 relative to the shaft 5008, as described in more detail in ``EFFECTOR''. In this example, the end effector 5012 includes, among other things, a staple channel 5022 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 5024, that effectively staple the tissue clamped by the end effector 5012. and held at regular intervals to ensure cutting. The handle 5006 has a pistol grip 5026 that the clinician can use by pivoting and pulling a closure trigger 5018 toward the pistol grip 5026 to clamp or close the anvil 5024 toward the staple channel 5022 of the end effector 5012. , tissue located between anvil 5024 and channel 5022 can be sandwiched.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, end effector 5012 includes, in addition to channel 5022 and anvil 5024 described above, a dissection instrument 5032, a sled 5033, a staple cartridge 5034 removably housed within channel 5022, and a helically threaded shaft 5036. Cutting instrument 5032 may be, for example, a knife. Anvil 5024 includes a pivot pin 5025 movably supported within a corresponding slot within channel 5022. In one configuration, anvil 5024 includes a tab 5027 at its proximal end that is inserted into an element of a mechanical closure system (described in more detail below) to open and close anvil 5024.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the shaft 5008 may include a proximal closure tube 5040 and a distal closure tube 5042 pivotally connected by a pivot connection 5044. Distal closure tube 5042 has an opening 5045, and tab 5027 of anvil 5024 is inserted into opening 5045 to open and close anvil 5024, as described in detail below. A proximal spine tube 5046 may be disposed within the closure tubes 5040, 5042. A primary rotational (or proximal) drive shaft 5048 may be located inside the proximal spine tube 5046 and communicates with a secondary (or distal) drive shaft 5050 via bevel gear assemblies 5052a-c. Secondary drive shaft 5050 is connected to drive gear 5054 that engages proximal drive gear 5056 of helically threaded shaft 5036. A vertical bevel gear 5052b is located within an opening 5057 at the distal end of the proximal spine tube 5046 and may pivot within the opening 5057. Distal spine tube 5058 may be used to house secondary drive shaft 5050 and drive gears 5054, 5056. The primary drive shaft 5048, secondary drive shaft 5050, and articulation assemblies (eg, bevel gear assemblies 5052a-c) may be collectively referred to herein as the "primary drive shaft assembly."

A bearing 5038 located at the distal end of the staple channel 5022 receives the helical threaded shaft 5036, allowing the helical threaded shaft 5036 to rotate freely relative to the channel 5022. Rotation of the helical threaded shaft 5036 causes the knife 5032 to move distally or proximally within the staple channel 5022 (rotationally ) can be translated.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the handle 5006 has outer lower side pieces 5059, 5060 and outer upper side pieces 5061, 5062 that fit together to generally form the outer surface of the handle 5006. A battery 5064, such as a lithium ion battery, can be provided in the pistol grip 5026 of the handle 5006. A battery 5064 powers a motor 5065 located in the upper portion of the pistol grip portion 5026 of the handle 5006. Motor 5065 can drive a 90° bevel gear assembly 5066 that includes a first bevel gear 5068 and a second bevel gear 5070. Bevel gear assembly 5066 can drive planetary gear assembly 5072. Planetary gear assembly 5072 may include a pinion gear 5074 coupled to drive shaft 5076. Pinion gear 5074 can drive a mating ring gear 5078 that drives a helical gear drum 5080 via a drive shaft. A ring 5084 may be threaded onto the helical gear drum 5080. Thus, as the motor 5065 rotates, the ring 5084 is moved along the helical gear drum 5080 by the intervening bevel gear assembly 5066, planetary gear assembly 5072, and ring gear 5078.

Handle 5006 may include a central handle part 5104 adjacent an upper portion of firing trigger 5020. The handle 5006 may also include a biasing spring 5112 coupled between the central handle part 5104 and the post of the firing trigger 5020. A biasing spring 5112 can bias the firing trigger 5020 to its fully open position. Thus, when the operator releases firing trigger 5020, biasing spring 5112 pulls firing trigger 5020 to its open position. The distal end of helical gear drum 5080 includes a distal drive shaft 5120 that drives a ring gear 5122 that mates with a pinion gear 5124. Pinion gear 5124 is coupled to main drive shaft 5048 of the main drive shaft assembly. This causes end effector 5012 to actuate as rotation of motor 5065 rotates the main drive shaft assembly. A ring 5084 threaded onto the helical gear drum 5080 may have a post 5086 located within a slot 5088 of a slotted arm 5090. The slotted arm 5090 has an opening 5092 at its opposite end 5094 that receives a pivot pin 5096 that is connected between the outer side pieces 5059, 5060 of the handle. Pivot pin 5096 is also disposed through opening 5100 in firing trigger 5020 and opening 5102 in central handle part 5104.

Central handle part 5104 includes a rear shoulder 5106 that engages slotted arm 5090. Central handle part 5104 further includes a forward motion stop 5107 that engages firing trigger 5020. Movement of slotted arm 5090 is controlled by rotation of motor 5065 as described above. As the slotted arm 5090 rotates counterclockwise as the ring 5084 moves from the proximal end to the distal end of the helical gear drum 5080, the central handle piece 5104 is free to rotate counterclockwise. Thus, when the user pulls the firing trigger 5020, the firing trigger 5020 engages the forward movement stop 5107 of the central handle component 5104, causing the central handle component 5104 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. However, because the rear shoulder 5106 engages the slotted arm 5090, the central handle part 5104 can only rotate counterclockwise to the extent permitted by the slotted arm 5090. This ensures that if the motor 5065 stops rotating for any reason, the slotted arm 5090 will stop rotating and the central handle part 5104 will no longer be able to freely rotate counterclockwise due to the slotted arm 5090, allowing the user to Firing trigger 5020 cannot be pulled further.

Components of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) anvil 5024 of end effector 5012 by retracting closure trigger 5018 are also shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system includes a yoke 5250 connected to a closure trigger 5018. A pivot pin 5252 is inserted through aligned openings in both closure trigger 5018 and yoke 5250 such that both rotate about the same point. The distal end of yoke 5250 is connected to first closure bracket 5256 via pin 5254. First closure bracket 5256 is coupled to second closure bracket 5258. Closure brackets 5256, 5258 are attached to the proximal end of proximal closure tube 5040 such that longitudinal movement of closure brackets 5256, 5258 causes longitudinal movement by proximal closure tube 5040 (see FIG. 7). together define an opening within which the parts are mounted and retained. Instrument 5010 further includes a closure drive shaft 5260 disposed within proximal closure tube 5040. Closure drive shaft 5260 is fixedly connected to handle 5006 by having one post 5263 of a handle exterior component, such as exterior lower side component 5059 in the illustrated embodiment, disposed therein. It may also include a window 5261. This allows proximal closure tube 5040 to move longitudinally relative to closure drive shaft 5260. The closure drive shaft 5260 may further include a distal collar 5267 that fits into a cavity within the proximal spine tube 5046 and is retained within the cavity by the cap.

In operation, rotation of yoke 5250 by pulling closure trigger 5018 causes closure brackets 5256, 5258 to move proximal closure tube 5040 distally (i.e., away from the handle end of instrument 5010). , which causes distal closure tube 5042 to move distally, causing anvil 5024 to rotate about pivot pin 5025 to a clamped or closed position. When the closure trigger 5018 is released from the locked position, the proximal closure tube 5040 slides proximally, which causes the distal closure tube 5042 to slide proximally, causing the distal closure tube 5042 to slide proximally. Insertion of tab 5027 into window 5045 causes anvil 5024 to pivot about pivot pin 5025 to an open or unclamped position. In this manner, the operator can clamp tissue between the anvil 5024 and the channel 5022 by pulling and locking the closure trigger 5018 and by releasing the closure trigger 5018 from the locked position after the cutting/stapling operation. Tissue clamps can be loosened. Further details regarding the construction and operation of existing surgical instrument 5010 can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 7,845,537, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. be able to. Other rotary drives configured for use with various forms of robotic systems are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. TO COMPENSATE FOR AN UNEVEN GAP BETWEEN A FIRST JAW AND A SECOND JAW.

9-16 illustrate a surgical end effector 20012 that can be used in conjunction with, for example, the powered surgical instrument 5010 described above. Surgical end effector 20012 may also be used effectively with various other rotationally driven or robotically driven surgical systems disclosed in various references incorporated herein by reference. These components shown in FIGS. 9-16 are identical to components of powered surgical instrument 5010, which are similarly referenced. In the illustrated example, surgical end effector 20012 includes an elongated channel 20020 configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 20040 therein. Elongated channel 20020 is similar to channel 5022 described above except for the differences mentioned. Referring to FIG. 10, elongate channel 20020 includes a pair of spaced upright walls 20022 and a bottom 20024. The helical screw shaft 5036 is supported within the channel 20020 by a bearing 5038 that allows the helical screw shaft 5036 to rotate freely relative to the channel 20020. Surgical end effector 20012 further includes an anvil 5024 having a pivot pin or trunnion 5025 received within a corresponding slot 20026 in upright channel wall 20022.

Staple cartridge 20040 includes a cartridge body 20042 sized to be operably mounted within elongate channel 20020. Cartridge body 20042 includes a cartridge slot 20050 that extends from a proximal end portion 20046 to a distal end portion 20044 of cartridge body 20042. Cartridge body 20042 further includes a cartridge deck surface 20043 that faces staple-forming underside 5029 of anvil 5024 when cartridge 20040 is installed within channel 20020 and anvil 5024 is pivoted to a closed position. Also, in the illustrated example, three rows of surgical staple pockets 20052 are formed on each side of cartridge slot 20050 and open through cartridge deck surface 20043. Each staple pocket 20052 may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket 20052 that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the staple cartridge 20040 further includes a cam assembly 20060 that includes a cam assembly body 20062 that extends through a passageway 20064 that is configured to span the helical threaded shaft 5036 without affecting its rotation. In other embodiments, the cam assembly 20060 may have a series of internal threads (not shown) configured to threadably engage the helical threaded shaft 5036 driven by the cam assembly 20060. In such a configuration, for example, the helical threaded shaft 5036 may be provided with an unthreaded portion that corresponds to the starting position of the cam assembly 20060. Such cam assembly configurations are further described in various references, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated example, cam assembly 20060 is driven distally through cartridge body 20042 by firing member 20120.

As further shown in FIG. 10, cam assembly body 20062 includes a series of cam members 20066 aligned with corresponding staple drives supported in a row within staple cartridge body 20042. In the illustrated example, cam assembly 20060 includes an integrated tissue cutting member or blade 20068. Tissue cutting member 20068 is positioned above deck surface 20043 such that when cam assembly 20060 is driven distally, tissue cutting member 20068 cuts tissue clamped between anvil 5024 and staple cartridge 20040. extend. If the staple cartridge is "fresh" or new (i.e., the cartridge has never been fired and contains staples or fasteners therein that are ready to fire), the cam assembly 20060 is at the starting position within cartridge 20040. When the cam assembly 20060 is in the starting position, the tissue cutting member 20068 is located within the garage portion 20048 formed on the proximal end portion 20046 of the cartridge body 20042 to prevent damage when handling a new cartridge 20040. To prevent. In one aspect, cam member 20066 extends distally beyond tissue cutting member 20068 such that staples or fasteners are deployed through the tissue before tissue cutting member 20068 cuts the tissue. Thus, the clamped tissue is stapled and then severed as firing member 20120 and cam assembly 20060 are driven distally. Once firing member 20120 and cam assembly 20060 are driven to their distal-most end position, firing member 20120 rotates helical threaded shaft 5036 in a counter-rotational direction while cam assembly 20060 remains in its end position. It may be pulled back to its starting position by rotating it. In at least one configuration, the tissue cutting member 20068 is stored beneath the cartridge deck surface 20043 to prevent damage when the tissue cutting member 20068 handles a fired or spent cartridge 20040 from the deployed cutting position. Can be moved to storage position. For example, a retraction member (not shown) may be configured on the cartridge body 20042 to contact the tissue cutting member 20068 and move it from a deployed position to a retracted position when a portion of the tissue cutting member 20068 contacts the retraction member. may be strategically located within the distal end 20044 of the.

FIG. 11 shows one form of firing member 20120. As shown in FIG. 11, the firing member 20120 includes two downwardly extending hollow mounting portions 20124 for receiving a threaded drive nut 20130 between the body portion 20122 and the hollow mounting portions 20124. are unthreaded and spaced apart from each other. Threaded drive nut 20130 is configured to threadably engage helically threaded shaft 5036. Drive nut 20130 includes a vertical tab portion 20131 that is sized to extend through an axial slot 20025 (FIG. 10) in bottom 20024 of elongate channel 20020. Two laterally extending retention flanges 20134 are formed on the threaded drive nut 20130 and are configured to engage the bottom 20024 of the elongated channel 20020. In addition, two laterally extending anvil-engaging tabs 20126 are formed on the top of the firing member body 20122 to allow the firing member 20120 to move within the anvil 5024 as the firing member 20120 moves axially within the surgical end effector 20012. 20102 configured to engage a corresponding ledge 20102 formed therein.

As shown in FIG. 11, the firing member 20120 may further include an internal firing member lockout assembly 20140 that includes a lockout member 20142 pivotally coupled to the firing member body 20122. Lockout member 20142 includes a threaded latch 20148 configured to be engaged by cam assembly 20060 when cam assembly 20060 is in an unfired position. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, cam assembly 20060 includes a firing member ledge 20061 configured to engage a threaded latch 20148 on lockout member 20142. As shown in FIGS. A lockout spring 20150 is mounted within the elongated channel 20020 and biases the lockout member 20142 downwardly to each upright sidewall of the elongated channel 20020 when the cam assembly 20060 is not in its unfired starting position. Lockout member 20142 is configured to contact lockout lugs 20028 formed on portions of the inner surface of 20022 . Please refer to FIG. 15. In that position, if the user inadvertently attempts to advance firing member 20120 distally, lockout member 20142 contacts lockout lug 20028 on channel 20020 to prevent distal advancement of firing member 20120. .

FIG. 12 shows the initial insertion of a new, unfired surgical staple cartridge 20040 into channel 20020. As shown in FIG. 12, the cam assembly 20060 is in the starting position and the proximal end portion 20046 of the surgical staple cartridge 20040 is inserted at an angle relative to the channel 20020 and then the firing member ledge on the cam assembly 20060 20061 is pushed in the proximal direction PD until it is in non-locking engagement with threaded latch portion 20148 of lockout member 20142. 13 and 14 illustrate surgical staple cartridge 20040 in a properly installed position. As shown in FIG. 13, firing member lockout assembly 20140 is in the unlocked position. Rotation of the helical threaded shaft 5036 in the first rotational direction causes the firing member 20120 to move distally in the distal direction DD. Distally moving firing member 20120 also drives cam assembly 20060 distally. The cam member 20066 cams the drive section housed within the cartridge 20040 upward within the cartridge body 20042. As the drive cams upward, the staples or fasteners supported thereon are driven through the tissue clamped between the anvil 5024 and the cartridge 20040 and into contact with the staple-forming lower surface 5029 on the anvil 5024. The stapled tissue is then cut by tissue cutting member 20068. Once the firing member 20120 is driven to its distal-most position within the cartridge 20040, the helical threaded shaft 5036 rotates in a second, opposite direction of rotation to retract the firing member 20120 to its starting position. be able to. Cam assembly 20060 remains within distal end portion 20044 of cartridge body 20042. The used cartridge 20040 may then be removed from the channel 20020.

FIG. 14 shows end effector 20012 after a used cartridge has been removed from channel 20020. As shown in FIG. 14, spring 20150 biases lockout member 20142 of firing member lockout assembly 20140 into locking engagement with lockout lug 20028 within channel 20020. When a user attempts to fire surgical end effector 20012 (advance firing member 20120 distally), lockout member 20142 prevents firing member 20120 from moving distally. Similarly, if a user attempts to reuse a used cartridge, firing member lockout assembly 20140 prevents distal advancement of firing member 20120 because cam assembly 20060 is not in the starting position.

In the illustrated configuration, lockout member 20142 is pivotally coupled to firing member body 20122 by a pivot pin 20143 received within a hole 20123 extending through firing member body 20122. Please refer to FIGS. 14 and 16. In at least one configuration, the pivot pin 20143 is sized relative to the hole 20123 in the firing member body 20122 to facilitate free pivoting movement of the lockout member 20142 and to account for component tolerances. There is. As shown in FIG. 14, the firing member 20120 is configured to abut a distally facing bearing surface 20125 on the firing member body 20122 when the firing member lockout assembly 20140 is in the unlocked position. Includes a proximally facing firing surface 20145. Thus, as the firing member 20120 advances distally, the resistive forces experienced by the cam assembly 20060 during its distal movement are applied directly to the distally facing bearing surface 20125 on the firing member body 20122. Such a configuration can prevent these resistive forces from returning to the pivot pin 20143 and damaging the pivot pin 20143 from such loads. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the proximally facing sloped bearing surface 20145 of the firing member 20120 is distally facing on the firing member body 20122 when the firing member lockout assembly 20140 is in the locked position. The bearing surface 20125 is configured to abut the bearing surface 20125. Such a configuration prevents the resistive locking force created by lockout member 20142 locking engagement with locking lug 20028 from returning to pivot pin 20143 and damaging pivot pin 20143 due to such loads. be able to. The loose fit between the pin 20143 and the hole 20123 in the firing member body 20122 allows for some translation of the lockout member 20142 when a load is applied, causing the load to be transferred to the firing member body 20122 rather than the pin 20143 itself. make it easier to

In another configuration, or in addition to the lockout member 20142 configuration described above, the amount of current drawn by the motor used to apply rotational motion to the helical threaded shaft 5036 is monitored. When the current increases above a predetermined threshold, the control circuitry of the surgical instrument or robotic system stops the motor and prevents further rotation of the helical screw shaft 5036 to prevent damage to the aforementioned components. And movement of the firing member 20120 can be prevented.

Some conventional firing member lockout configurations configured to prevent advancement of the end effector firing member if a new, unfired staple cartridge is not properly seated within the surgical end effector, It requires the user to actively retract the firing member to its most proximal starting position before it can be opened. If the user attempts to open the anvil before the firing member returns to its most proximal position, the user may not understand why the anvil does not open. The above configuration can prevent such confusion.

17-21 illustrate a surgical end effector 20300 that can be used in conjunction with, for example, the powered surgical instrument 1010 described above. Surgical end effector 20300 may also be used effectively with various other robotically driven surgical systems disclosed in various references incorporated herein by reference. These components shown in FIGS. 17-21 are identical to the components of surgical instrument 1010 that are similarly numbered. The structure and function of those components of surgical instrument 1010 that are not necessary to understand the operation of surgical end effector 20300 are not repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 17-21, surgical end effector 20300 includes an elongate channel 20310 configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 20600 therein. In the illustrated example, elongated channel 20310 includes a channel bottom 20312 and a pair of upright sidewalls 20314. Channel 20310 is coupled to elongate shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about articulation joint 3020 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 19, for example, in one configuration, the channel attachment mechanism 20340 includes a body portion 20342 comprising an upright support 20344 and a slot 20346 for receiving the firing member beam 1900 (FIG. 5) therein. 20344. Channel attachment mechanism 20340 may be movably or pivotally attached to proximal end 20316 of channel 20310 by channel attachment mechanism or channel pin 20320. Specifically, channel attachment mechanism 20320 includes a transverse pin opening 20348 configured to be coaxially aligned with hole 20318 in sidewall 20314 of channel 20310 to receive channel pin 20320 therein. Including further.

As mentioned above, the shaft assembly 1200 includes a spine 1210 that terminates in an upper lug attachment mechanism 1270 and a lower lug attachment mechanism 1280. Please refer to FIG. 5. A lug slot 1272 is formed inside the upper lug attachment mechanism 1270 and is capable of fixedly supporting an upper attachment link 1274 therein. Similarly, a lug slot 1282 is formed in the interior of the lower lug attachment mechanism 1280 in which a lower attachment link 1284 can be fixedly supported. Upper mounting link 1274 has a pivot socket 1276 therein rotatably receiving a pivot pin 1292 formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1290 attached to proximal end portion 20316 of elongated channel 20310. include. As shown in FIG. 19, channel attachment mechanism 20340 further includes a shaft attachment flange 20350 extending proximally therefrom. For example, in one configuration, the shaft mounting flange 20350 has a centrally disposed shaft mounting flange 20350 that can pivotably receive a lower pivot pin 1286 on the lower mounting link 1284 of the lower lug attachment mechanism 1280 (FIG. 5). It has a pivot hole 20352. Lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with pivot socket 1276 to define articulation axis AA about which surgical end effector 20300 may articulate relative to spine 1210. In one configuration, proximal articulation drive 2102 (FIG. 5) may be coupled directly to articulation lug 20354 formed on shaft attachment flange 20350. In other configurations, proximal articulation drive 2102 may be attached to one or more articulation links attached to shaft attachment flange 20350. In either case, axial movement of the proximal articulation drive 2102 in the manner described above causes the channel attachment mechanism to pivot about the articulation axis relative to the spine 1210 (FIG. 5), causing the end effector 20300 to pivot relative to the spine 1210 (FIG. 5). The joints are moved around the joint movement axis AA.

Surgical end effector 20300 further comprises an anvil 20400, which is very similar to anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences described below. Anvil 20400 includes an elongated anvil body portion 20402 having a staple-forming lower surface 20404 and an anvil attachment portion 20410 configured to interact with end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the manner described above. Anvil 20400 is pivotally mounted onto elongated channel 20310 by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions 20412 received within corresponding elongated trunnion slots 20322 formed in upright channel walls 20314. Axial movement of the end effector closure tube 3050 in a distal direction causes the anvil 20400 to pivot to the closed position about the pivot axis defined by the anvil trunnion 20412 in a proximal direction of the end effector closure tube 3050. movement causes the anvil to pivot relative to the elongated channel 20310 to an open position.

FIG. 22 illustrates one form of staple cartridge 20600 that can be used in conjunction with a surgical end effector 20300. In at least one configuration, surgical staple cartridge 20600 includes an elongate cartridge body 20602 sized to be removably mounted within elongate channel 20310. Cartridge body 20602 includes a cartridge slot 20608 that extends from proximal end portion 20604 to distal end portion 20606 (FIG. 17) of cartridge body 20602. Cartridge body 20602 further includes a cartridge deck surface 20610 that faces staple-forming underside 20404 of anvil 20400 when cartridge 20600 is installed within channel 20310 and anvil 20400 is pivoted to a closed position. Also, in the illustrated example, three rows of surgical staple pockets 20612 are formed on each side of cartridge slot 20608 and open through cartridge deck surface 20610. Each staple pocket 20612 may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket 20612 that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, cartridge body 20602 is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets 20612 molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets 20612 also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 20602 to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets 20612. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets 20612, a cartridge pan 20620 is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body 20602. In one form, the cartridge pan 20620 is fabricated from a metallic material and includes a bottom 20622 that spans the bottom of the cartridge body 20602 and two upright side walls 20624 corresponding to each side of the cartridge body 20602. Cartridge pan 20620 may be removably attached to cartridge body 20602 by a series of hooks 20626 formed on sidewall 20624 and configured to engage corresponding portions of cartridge body 20602 in a hooking manner. Please refer to FIG. 22. In particular, when installed, the cartridge pan 20620 can prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 20602 during handling and installation of the cartridge 20600 into the elongated channel 20310.

As described above with respect to cartridge 20040, cartridge 20600 operably supports a cam assembly therein. The cam assembly includes a series of spaced apart cam members configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 20609 formed on either side of cartridge slot 20608 within cartridge body 20602. The cam slot 20609 is configured to drive the drive within the cartridge body 20602 as the cam assembly is driven through the staple cartridge 20600 from a starting position within the proximal end portion 20604 of the cartridge body 20602 to an ending position within the distal end portion 20606. are aligned with corresponding rows of sections to facilitate camming contact with corresponding camming members.

The example shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is attached to the distal end of a firing member beam 1900 and operably interfaces with a cam assembly within a staple cartridge 20600 to move the cam assembly from its starting location within the cartridge 20600 to its terminal location. A firing member 20500 configured to be driven into position is also employed. In at least one configuration, firing member 20500 is configured to interact with a cam assembly (not shown) within staple cartridge 20600 suitably mounted within elongated channel 20310. For example, the firing member 20500 includes a firing member body 20502 having a tissue cutting surface or blade 20504 formed thereon or attached thereto. Firing member body 20502 is large enough to move axially within an axial anvil slot (not shown) of anvil 20400, within cartridge slot 20608 of cartridge body 20602, and within a channel slot (not shown) of elongate channel 20310. It is said that A lower foot assembly 20506 with a pair of laterally extending lower flanges 20508 extends from the lower end of the firing member body 20502 and slides into corresponding channel ledges (not shown) formed on opposite sides of the channel slot. movably engaged. An upper foot (not shown) with two laterally extending anvil tabs may be formed at the upper end of the firing member body 20502 and slides onto anvil ledges (not shown) formed on either side of the anvil slot. and are configured to be movably engaged. In at least one configuration, the firing member 20500 further includes a pair of central tabs 20510 extending laterally from opposite sides of the firing member body 20502.

20 and 21, in one configuration, the firing member body 20502 is mounted within the elongated channel 20310 and biases the firing member 20500 downwardly (arrow DN) within the elongated channel 20310 to a locked position. The firing member lockout spring 20512 is configured to include a proximally extending spring tail 20512 that is configurable to operably interface with a firing member lockout spring 20520 configured to. In the locked position, the firing member foot 20506 and/or the central tab 20510 are offset from the corresponding passageway within the channel 20310 and, therefore, cannot be fired even if the user attempts to advance the locked-out firing member 20500 distally. Member 20500 does not move distally due to such misalignment. That is, foot 20506 and/or central tab 20510 prevent distal advancement of firing member 20500 by contacting a portion of the elongated channel. In one configuration, a threaded latch 20514 is formed on the firing member body 20502 and configured to be engaged by a corresponding portion formed on a cam assembly operably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 20600. There is. When a new, unfired staple cartridge 20600 with its cam assembly in its starting position is operably installed within the elongated channel 20310, a portion of the cam assembly engages the threaded latch 20514 on the firing member body 20502 and the firing member 20500 upwardly to an unlocked position in which the lower foot assembly 20506 and/or the central tab 20510 are aligned with their respective passages within the channel 20310 to allow the firing member 20500 to advance axially therein. (arrow UP in FIG. 20). When the user advances the firing member 20500 distally into the cartridge 20600, the firing member 20500 also drives the cam assembly therein, camming the drive upwardly to release the staples or fasteners supported thereon. Bring the tool into contact with the underside of the anvil. Tissue cutting member 20504 on firing member 20500 then cuts the stapled tissue. Once the firing member 20500 has been driven to its most distal position corresponding to the end position of the cam assembly, the firing member 20500 is retracted to its most proximal position, driving the cam assembly into the distal end 20606 of the cartridge 20600. leave. When the firing member 20500 returns to its most proximal starting position, the firing member lockout spring 20520 re-biases the firing member 20500 back to its locked position. Therefore, even if the user attempts to reuse the used cartridge 20600, the cam assembly will not be in its starting position required to unlock the firing member 20500.

Surgical end effector 20300 also prevents anvil 20400 from moving from an open position to a closed (clamped) position unless a corresponding matching surgical staple cartridge 20600 is operably installed within elongated channel 20310. A closed lockout system 20700 may be employed. In the illustrated example, closure lockout system 20700 includes an anvil lock 20702 configured to move between an anvil lock position and an anvil unlock position in response to installation of staple cartridge 20600 therein. FIG. 19 shows one form of anvil lock 20702. Anvil lock 20702 may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and is proximal and configurable to be mounted within a transverse spring attachment slot 20343 provided within body portion 20342 of channel attachment mechanism 20340. Includes biasing arm 20704. Anvil lock 20702 further includes a distally extending body portion 20706 from which a downwardly extending attachment tab 20708 and an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab 20710 project. As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 20, attachment tab 20708 extends into a clearance window 20319 formed within elongated channel 20310.

FIG. 19 shows a surgical end effector 20300 without a surgical staple cartridge mounted therein. As shown in FIG. 19, proximal biasing arm 20704 biases anvil lock 20702 to a distal "anvil lock" position. In this position, anvil lockout tab 20710 is aligned with a portion of anvil lock lug 20414 formed on anvil attachment portion 20410 of anvil 20400. When the user attempts to close anvil 20400, anvil lock lug 20414 contacts anvil lockout tab 20710 to prevent further movement of anvil 20400 in the closing direction.

Returning to FIG. 21, in at least one configuration, the staple cartridge 20600 is unlocked with an actuation tab 20712 formed on the distal end of the anvil lock 20702 when the cartridge 20600 is operably installed within the elongated channel 20310. Includes an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630 projecting proximally from cartridge body 20602 that is aligned to engage. FIG. 20 shows surgical staple cartridge 20600 operably mounted within elongated channel 20310. As shown in FIG. 21, the anvil lock release tab 20630 on the staple cartridge body 20602 contacts the actuation tab 20712 of the anvil lockout 20702, causing the anvil lockout tab 20710 to contact the anvil lockout tab 20710 on the anvil 20400. Force proximally PD to an unlocked position where it is no longer aligned with lug 20414. In that position, the user can pivot the anvil 20400 to the closed position. Even if the user attempts to install an unsuitable cartridge that does not have an anvil lock release tab 20630 or a similar mechanism designed to unlock anvil lockout 20702, the user will not be able to close anvil 20400 and complete the surgical stapling procedure. cannot be completed.

FIG. 23 illustrates that anvil 20400' of surgical end effector 20300' is closed from an open position when a corresponding appropriate surgical staple cartridge 20600' is not operably installed within a corresponding elongate channel (not shown). 20700' shows an alternative closure lockout system 20700' to prevent movement to the (clamped) position. Surgical end effector 20300' is substantially identical to surgical end effector 20300 described above, except for the differences described below. Closing lockout system 20700' includes an anvil lockout 20702' that is substantially identical to anvil lockout 20702 described above with the following differences. For example, anvil lockout 20702 may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and may include a distally extending body portion 20706' having a spring portion 20707' formed therein. An anchor tab 20703' is formed on the proximal end of the anvil lockout 20702' that serves to connect the anvil lockout 20702' to the channel attachment mechanism 20340 (FIG. 19). Additionally, projecting from the body portion 20706' are a downwardly extending attachment tab 20708' and an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab 20710'. An actuation tab 20712' is formed on the distal end of the body portion 20706'.

Surgical staple cartridge 20600' is similar to surgical staple cartridge 20600 described above and includes a cartridge body 20602' sized to be removably mounted within elongated channel 20310. Cartridge body 20602' includes a cartridge slot 20608' extending from a proximal end portion 20604' to a distal end portion of cartridge body 20602'. The cartridge body 20602' further includes a cartridge deck surface 20610' and three rows of surgical staple pockets 20612' located on either side of the cartridge slot 20608'. As shown in FIG. 23, the staple pocket 20612' and the staples or fasteners (not shown) therein are aligned on a pocket axis PA' that is parallel to the cartridge slot 20608'. Thus, the staples/fasteners are applied in a row generally parallel to the cartridge slot 20608' and the tissue cut line. Similar to surgical staple cartridge 20600, surgical staple cartridge 20600' includes a cartridge pan 20624' and an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630' that projects proximally from cartridge body 20602'.

With continued reference to FIG. 23, anvil 20400' is similar to anvil 20400 except for the differences described below. Anvil 20400' includes an elongated anvil body portion 20402' and an anvil attachment portion 20410' configured to interact with end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the manner described above. Anvil body portion 20402' includes a staple-forming lower surface 20404' bisected by an anvil slot 20405' configured to pass firing member 20500 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 23, the staple forming lower surface 20404' includes three rows of staple forming pockets 20407' disposed on a forming pocket axis FPA parallel to the anvil slots 20405'. When anvil 20400' moves to the closed position, anvil slot 20405' is vertically aligned with cartridge slot 20608' to allow passage of firing member 20500. The rows of staple forming pockets 20407' are aligned with the staple pockets 20612' such that when the staples are driven out of the cartridge 20600', they are crimped into contact with a corresponding pair of staple forming pockets 20407'. Therefore, the arrangement of staple forming pockets within anvil 20400' must correspond to the arrangement of staple pockets 20612' within cartridge 20600' to ensure that staples are properly formed. As further shown in FIG. 23, in this configuration, the anvil 20400' includes a downwardly extending anvil locking lug 20414' formed distally from the anvil attachment portion 20410'; When anvil lockout 20702' is in the locked position (e.g., no cartridge inserted into channel 20310 or an incorrect cartridge installed into channel 20310), it makes contact with anvil lockout tab 20710'. is configured to do so. When the cartridge 20600' is properly seated within the elongated channel 20310, the anvil lock release mechanism 20630' thereon contacts the actuation tab 20712' on the anvil lockout 20702' to release the lockout 20702' from the anvil. Lockout tab 20710' is forced proximally into an unlocked position which removes lockout alignment with anvil locking lug 20414' and allows anvil 20400' to pivot to a closed position.

FIG. 24 shows that the anvil 20400'' of another surgical end effector 20300'' moves from the open position to the closed (clamped) position when a matching surgical staple cartridge 20600'' is not operably seated within the elongate channel 20310. 20700'' shows an alternative closure lockout system 20700'' for preventing The surgical end effector 20300'' is substantially identical to the surgical end effector 20300 described above, except for the differences described below. The closure lockout system 20700'' is substantially identical to the surgical end effector 20300 described above, except for the differences described below. an anvil lockout 20702'' that is substantially identical to an anvil lockout 20702 of a It may include a distally extending body portion 20706'' having a portion 20707''. The proximal end of the anvil lockout 20702'' has an anchor tab 20703'' formed thereon that serves to connect the anvil lockout 20702'' to the channel attachment mechanism 20340 (FIG. 19). In addition, the body portion 20706 Projecting therefrom are downwardly extending attachment tabs 20708'' and upwardly extending anvil lockout tabs 20710''. An actuation tab 20712'' is formed on the distal end of the body portion 20706''.

Surgical staple cartridge 20600'' is similar to surgical staple cartridge 20600 described above and includes a cartridge body 20602'' sized to be removably mounted within elongated channel 20310. Cartridge body 20602'' includes a cartridge slot 20608'' that extends from a proximal end portion 20604'' to a distal end portion of cartridge body 20602''. The cartridge body 20602'' further includes a cartridge deck surface 20610'' and two rows of surgical staple pockets 20612'' located on either side of the cartridge slot 20608''. As shown in FIG. 24, the staple pocket 20612'' and the staples or fasteners (not shown) therein are aligned on a pocket axis PA'' that intersects the cartridge slot 20608''. The fasteners are applied in a row generally transverse to the cartridge slot 20608'' and the tissue cut line. This arrangement of fasteners creates a "flexible" or "stretchable" staple line. Further details regarding cartridges for developing flexible or stretchable staple lines can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 14/498,121, entitled " FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE," now US Pat. No. 9,801,627. Similar to surgical staple cartridge 20600, surgical staple cartridge 20600'' includes a cartridge pan 20624'' and an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630'' that projects proximally from cartridge body 20602'.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, anvil 20400'' is similar to anvil 20400 except for the differences described below. Anvil 20400'' includes an elongated anvil body portion 20402'' and an end effector closure tube 3050 in the manner described above. (FIG. 5). The anvil body portion 20402'' includes a staple-forming lower surface 20404'' bisected by an anvil slot 20405'' configured to pass a firing member 20500 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 24, the staple-forming lower surface 20404'' , including a row of staple forming pockets 20407'' disposed on a forming pocket axis FPA transverse to the anvil slots 20405''. When the anvil 20400'' moves to the closed position, the anvil slot 20405'' is vertically aligned with the cartridge slot 20608'' to allow passage of the firing member 20500. The staple forming pockets 20612'' in the anvil 20400'' are aligned such that when driven from the staple cartridge 20600'', they are pressed into contact with corresponding pairs of forming pockets 20407''. The arrangement of the staple pockets 20612" in the cartridge 20600" must correspond to the arrangement of the staple pockets 20612" in the cartridge 20600" to ensure that the staples are properly formed. As further shown in FIG. The anvil 20400'' includes a downwardly extending anvil locking lug 20414'' formed distally from or attached to the anvil attachment portion 20410'', and the anvil locking lug 20414'' is such that the anvil lockout 20702'' is configured to contact the anvil lockout tab 20710'' when in the locked position (e.g., no cartridge inserted into the channel 20310 or an unsuitable cartridge installed into the channel 20310). When the cartridge 20600'' is properly seated within the elongated channel 20310, the anvil lock release mechanism 20630'' thereon contacts the actuation tab 20712'' on the anvil lockout 20702'' to release the anvil lockout 20702''. proximally to an unlocked position in which the anvil lockout tab 20710'' is brought out of locked alignment with the anvil lock lug 20414'' allowing the anvil 20400'' to pivot closed.

As mentioned above, various surgical staple cartridges may have different arrangements and/or orientations of staples/fasteners therein. The size of the staples or fasteners as well as the number of fasteners may vary depending on the type of cartridge for the particular surgical procedure or application. In order for the staples to be properly crimped or formed, the surgical staple cartridge must be used in conjunction with a corresponding anvil having the proper arrangement of staple forming pockets therein. If a "mismatched" cartridge is loaded into an end effector that has an anvil that does not match the cartridge, the staples will not form properly during the firing process, potentially resulting in catastrophic results. For example, the surgical staple cartridge 20600' shown in FIG. 23 matches or "matches" the anvil 20400' shown in FIG. The surgical staple cartridge 20600'' shown in FIG. 24 is matched or "matched" with the anvil 20400'' shown in FIG. However, the surgical staple cartridge 20600'' of FIG. 24 is incompatible with the anvil 20400' shown in FIG. 23, for example.

The closed lockout system used in the example described above can prevent activation of mismatched cartridges loaded within the end effector. For example, the anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630' on the staple cartridge 20600' is located to the left of the cartridge slot 20608' when the cartridge 20600' is properly loaded within the channel 20310 of the end effector 20300'. Positioned to contact actuator tab 20712' on anvil lockout spring 20707'. Conversely, an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630'' on cartridge 20600'' is located to the right of cartridge slot 20608'' and locks the anvil when cartridge 20600'' is properly loaded within channel 20310. It is aligned to contact the actuator tab 20712'' on the out 20702''. When a user loads cartridge 20600'' into channel 20310 of end effector 20300', anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630'' on staple cartridge 20600'' contacts and releases actuator tab 20712' on anvil lockout 20702'. to the unlocked position, the user cannot pivot the anvil 20400' closed. Similarly, when the user loads the cartridge 20600' into the channel of the end effector 20300', the staple cartridge 20600' The anvil lock release mechanism or tab 20630' does not contact and move the actuator tab 20712'' on the anvil lockout 20702'' to the unlocked position, allowing the user to pivot the anvil 20400'' closed. No. If the user inadvertently loads another cartridge that does not have the appropriate anvil lock release mechanism or tab to accommodate the anvil lockout in the end effector, the user will not be able to close the anvil.Surgical The location, shape, length, etc. of the staple cartridge anvil lock release mechanism or tab may vary depending on the type of cartridge, and the actuator member ( For example, the anvil lock release mechanism or tab may be integrally formed on the cartridge body, or may be machined or molded within the cartridge body. may be attached to the cartridge body, attached to or integrally formed on the cartridge cam assembly, or may include a portion of the cartridge pan. All modifications are contemplated herein and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

25-29 illustrate a surgical end effector 21300 that is very similar to the surgical end effectors 20300, 20300', 20300'' described above, except for the differences described below. In this configuration, e.g. , end effector 21300 includes an elongate channel 21310 configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 21600 therein. In the illustrated example, elongate channel 21310 has a channel bottom 21312 and a pair of upright sidewalls 21314. Although not shown, the channel 21310 can be attached to the elongate shaft assembly by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 (described above) that can facilitate its articulation about the articulating joint 3020 (FIG. 5). 1200 (FIG. 5). Surgical end effector 21300 further comprises an anvil 21400, which may be very similar to anvil 20400 described above, except for the differences described below. Anvil 21400 has a staple-forming lower surface. and an anvil attachment portion 21410 configured to interact with end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the manner described above. Anvil 21400 is formed within upright channel wall 21314. The end effector closure tube 3050 is pivotally mounted on the elongate channel 21310 by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions 21412 received within corresponding elongate trunnion slots 21320. The axial movement distally translates the anvil 21400 until the trunnions 21412 contact the distal ends of their respective trunnion slots 21320 and pivot to the closed position. When moved in this direction, anvil 21400 pivots relative to elongated channel 21310 to an open position.

End effector 21300 operably supports surgical staple cartridge 21600, which may be substantially identical to surgical staple cartridge 20600, except that anvil lock release mechanism or tab 21630 includes a portion of cartridge pan 21620. It is configured as follows. Anvil lock release mechanism 21630 is configured to operably interact with axially movable anvil lock 21702 supported by channel 21310. Referring to FIG. 27, anvil lock 21702 is supported for axial movement between a distal locking position and a proximal locking position by a guide block 21720 attached to a portion of channel 21310. In one example, the anvil lock 21702 may be formed from metal and the guide block 21720 may be made from 40% carbon filled nylon 6/6 and attached to the sidewall 21314 of the channel 21310 by a suitable adhesive or other fastening means. May be attached. Guide block 21720 may define a guide channel 21722 configured to support lock tab portion 21710 of anvil lock 21702. Anvil lock 21702 further includes a vertical body portion 21706 having an actuation tab 21712 formed at a distal end thereof. Anvil lock 21702 is biased to a distal locked position by a tension spring 21730 attached to anvil lock 21702 and channel sidewall 21314. When a cartridge is not present, tension spring 21730 biases anvil lock 21702 to a distal locking position where locking tab portion 21710 contacts a portion of anvil 21400 and prevents anvil 21400 from pivoting to the closed position. do. When a suitable or compatible cartridge 21600 is loaded into the elongated channel 21310, the lock release mechanism or tab 21630 of the cartridge pan 21620 contacts the actuation tab 21712 on the anvil lock 21702, causing the anvil lock 21702 to be released into the anvil lock. The locking tab portion 21710 of 21702 is moved proximally to an unlocked position where it no longer impedes pivoting movement of the anvil 21400. As shown in FIG. 25, the anvil lock release mechanism 21630 of the surgical staple cartridge 21600 is designed to be "asymmetric." That is, anvil lock release mechanism 21630 is located only on one side of the proximal end of cartridge 21600. FIG. 25 shows the old mitigation region 21315 existing within the previous channel configuration and the new mitigation regions 21317, 21319 provided within the channel 21310 and housing the cartridge 21600 therein.

FIG. 30 shows a portion of a surgical end effector 21300' that is identical to end effector 21300, except that end effector 21300' uses an anvil lock 21702' shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. In one example, the anvil lock 21702' may be made from 40% carbon filled nylon 6/6 and may include a vertical body portion 21706' with a locking portion 21710' formed at the upper end thereof. An actuation tab 21712' is formed on the distal end, and a gusset 21714' is also employed to further support the actuation tab 21712'. As described above, when a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge 21600 is loaded into the elongated channel 21310, the lock release mechanism or tab 21630 of the cartridge pan 21620 contacts the actuation tab 21712' on the anvil lock 21702'. and moves anvil lock 21702' proximally to an unlocked position where locking portion 21710' of anvil lock 21702' no longer prevents pivoting movement of anvil 21400.

FIG. 33 shows another surgical end effector 22300 that uses an anvil lockout system 22700. End effector 22300 is similar to end effector 20300 except for the differences noted. In this configuration, end effector 22300 includes an elongated channel 22310 configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 22600 therein. In the illustrated example, elongate channel 22310 includes a channel bottom 22312 and a pair of upright sidewalls 22314. Although not shown, the channel 22310 is coupled to the elongated shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 (described above) that can facilitate its articulation about the articulating joint 3020 (FIG. 5). can be done. Surgical end effector 22300 further comprises an anvil 22400 that is very similar to anvil 20400 described above, except for the differences described below. Anvil 22400 includes an elongated anvil body portion 22402 and an anvil attachment portion 22410 configured to interact with end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the manner described above. Anvil 22400 is pivotally mounted onto elongated channel 22310 by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions 22412 received within corresponding elongated trunnion slots 22320 formed in upright channel sidewalls 22314. As end effector closure tube 3050 axially moves distally, anvil trunnion 22412 translates distally within trunnion slot 22320, pivoting anvil 22400 to the closed position. Conversely, as end effector closure tube 3050 moves proximally, anvil 22400 pivots to an open position relative to elongated channel 22310.

End effector 22300 is substantially similar to surgical staple cartridge 20600 except that anvil lock release mechanism or tab 22630 has a curved proximal end surface 22632 formed on the right side of proximal end portion 22604 of cartridge body 22602. The surgical staple cartridge 22600 is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 22600, which may be identical to the surgical staple cartridge 22600. In the illustrated example, the curved proximal end surface 22632 has an arcuate shape. Anvil lock release mechanism 22630 is configured to operably interact with axially movable anvil lock 22702 of anvil lockout system 22700 supported by channel 22310. In the illustrated example, anvil lock 22702 is supported for axial movement within proximal end portion 22316 of elongated channel 22310 between a distal locked position and a proximal unlocked position. In the illustrated example, the anvil lock 22702 is an elongated elongate having an anvil locking tab 22710 formed at its proximal end and configured for locking interaction with a locking lug 22413 formed on the anvil attachment portion 22410 of the anvil 22400. Includes body portion 22706. Please refer to FIG. 33. An actuation tab 22712 is formed on the distal end of body portion 22706. A curved actuation surface 22714 is formed within actuation tab 22712 that is configured to substantially match or mate with curved proximal end surface 22632 on anvil lock release mechanism 22630. Please refer to FIG. 34.

In at least one configuration, a spring or biasing member 22730 (such as a leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) is mounted or secured within the channel 22310 to lock the anvil lock 22702 so that the anvil lock tab 22710 on the anvil attachment portion 22410 It can be configured to bias in the distal direction DD into a locking position in which it is in blocking alignment with locking lug 22413 to prevent closure of anvil 22400. When a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge 22600 is operably loaded into the channel 22310, the anvil lock release mechanism or tab 22630 engages the curved surface 22714 on the actuation tab 22712 of the anvil lock 22702. Surgical staple cartridge 22600 is then moved proximally to seat cartridge 22600 within channel 22310. As the surgical staple cartridge 22600 moves proximally, the anvil lock release mechanism 22630 contacts the actuation tab 22712 of the anvil lock 22702 and locks the anvil lock 22702 such that the anvil lock tab 22710 releases the locking lug 22413 on the anvil attachment portion 22410. the anvil 22400 out of blocking alignment with the anvil 22400 and biasing it proximally into an unlocked position that allows the anvil 22400 to pivot closed. When surgical staple cartridge 22600 is removed from channel 22310, spring 22730 biases anvil lock 22702 distally back to the locked position. FIG. 35 shows the curved proximal end 22632 of the anvil lock release mechanism 22630 formed on the right side of the proximal end portion 22604 of the cartridge body 22602 and the corresponding curved proximal end 22632 of the anvil lock 22702 on the actuation tab 22712 of the anvil lock 22702. surface 22714 allows the cartridge 22600 to facilitate unlocking interaction between the unlocking mechanism 22630 and the actuation tab 22712 even when the cartridge 22600 is mounted at an attachment angle IA relative to the central axis EA of the end effector 22300. This shows that it can be easily done. See FIG. 35.

FIG. 36 illustrates attempting to use a mismatched cartridge 22600X that does not have an unlocking mechanism to move anvil lock 22702 from a locked position to an unlocked position. As shown in FIG. 36, lockout tab 22710 is in blocking alignment with locking lug 22413 on anvil 22400 to prevent closure of anvil 22400 even after cartridge 22600X is installed within channel 22310.

FIG. 37 depicts another surgical end effector 22300' that may be substantially identical to the surgical end effector 22300 described above except for the differences described below. End effector 22300' is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 22600' that is substantially identical to cartridge 20600 and includes an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 22630' having a curved proximal end surface 22632'. include. In the illustrated example, anvil lock 22702' is formed on a proximal end 22711' thereof and configured for locking interaction with locking lug 22413' formed on anvil attachment portion 22410 of anvil 22400. It includes an elongated body portion 22706' having a tab 22710'. A curved line within the distal end 22712' of the anvil lock 22702' configured to substantially match or mate with the curved proximal end surface 22632' on the anvil lock release mechanism 22630' in the manner described above. A shaped working surface 22714' is formed. A spring or biasing member 22730' (such as a leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) is mounted or secured within the channel 22310' to lock the anvil lock 22702' so that the anvil lock tab 22710' thereon locks into the locking lug on the anvil attachment portion 22410. 22413' can be configured to bias in the distal direction DD into a locked position that prevents closure of anvil 22400 when in blocking alignment with anvil 22413'.

When a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge 22600' is operably loaded into the channel 22310', the anvil lock release mechanism or tab 22630' engages the contoured surface 22714' of the anvil lock 22702'. Cartridge 22600' is then moved proximally PD to install cartridge 22600' into channel 22310'. As the cartridge 22600' moves proximally, the anvil lock release mechanism 22630' contacts the distal end of the anvil lock 22702', causing the anvil lock tab 22710' to contact the distal end of the anvil lock 22702' and release the anvil lock tab 22710' onto the anvil attachment portion 22410. Proximally biasing the anvil 22400 out of blocking alignment with the locking lug 22413' into an unlocked position that allows the anvil 22400 to pivot closed. When cartridge 22600' is removed from channel 22310', spring 22730' biases anvil lock 22702' distally back into the locked position. As shown in FIG. 37, compared to the anvil lock 22702 described above, the anvil lock 22702' has a more robust body portion 22706'. In at least one example, a clearance notch 22709' is provided in the body portion 22706' to provide sufficient clearance for the locking lug 22413' when the anvil 22400 is pivoted to the closed position. Additionally, a channel stop 22313' is formed on the bottom 22312' of the channel 22310' and contacts the proximal end 22711' of the anvil lock 22702' when the anvil lock 22702' is in the unlocked position to lock the anvil lock. 22702' is configured to prevent further proximal movement and to keep locking lug 22413' aligned with clearance notch 22709' in anvil lock 22702' during closure of anvil 22400.

FIG. 38 depicts another surgical end effector 22300'' that may be substantially identical to the surgical end effector 22300' described above except for the differences described below. The end effector 22300'' includes: Anvil 22400'' includes an elongated channel 22310'' pivotally supported thereon. Channel 22310'' is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 22600 that mates with the staple-forming underside of anvil 22400'' such that surgical staple cartridge 22600 is operably mounted within end effector 22300''. an anvil locking system 22700'' configured to prevent closure of the anvil 22400'' when the anvil 22400'' is Anvil lock 22702'' includes a body portion 22706'' having a distal end portion 22712''. When the anvil lock 22702'' is in its most distal locked position, a portion of the anvil 22400'' contacts the higher distal end portion 22712'' to prevent closure of the anvil 22400''. The distal end portion 22712'' of the anvil lock 22702'' is configured to substantially match or mate with the curved proximal end surface 22632 on the anvil lock release mechanism 22630 formed on the cartridge 22600 in the manner described above. A curved actuating surface 22714'' configured in the channel 22710'' is formed. A spring or biasing member 22730'' (such as a leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) is mounted or secured within the channel 22310'' to lock the anvil lock 22702''. can be configured to bias in the distal direction DD into a locked position where the distal end portion 22712'' is in blocking alignment with a corresponding portion of the anvil 22400'' to prevent closure of the anvil 22400''.

When a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge 22600 is operably loaded into the channel 22310'', the anvil lock release mechanism 22630 on the cartridge 22600 releases the curved shape on the distal end 22712'' of the anvil lock 22702''. surface 22714''. Cartridge 22600 is then moved proximally to seat cartridge 22600 within channel 22310''. As cartridge 22600 is moved proximally, anvil lock release mechanism 22630 dislocates distal of anvil lock 22702''. end 22712'' and causes anvil lock 22702'' to move distal end portion 22712'' out of blocking alignment with a corresponding portion of anvil 22400'' to allow anvil 22400'' to pivot to a closed position. When cartridge 22600 is removed from channel 22310'', spring 22730'' biases anvil lock 22702'' distally back to the locked position. As further shown in FIG. 38, a channel stop 22313'' is formed on the bottom 22312'' of the channel 22310'' and contacts the proximal end 22711'' of the anvil lock 22702'' to allow the cartridge 22600 to move proximally. It is configured to prevent excessive insertion into the end effector 22300''.

39 and 40 illustrate another surgical end effector 23300 that is similar to other surgical end effectors described herein, except for various differences described below. End effector 23300 includes an elongated channel 23310 with an anvil 23400 pivotally supported thereon. Channel 23310 is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 22600 that fits within the staple-forming underside of anvil 23400 and is configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 22600 that fits within anvil 23400 when cartridge 22600 is not operably mounted within end effector 23300. The anvil lock system 23700 is configured to prevent closure of the anvil lock system 23700. In the illustrated example, anvil lock system 23700 includes an anvil lock 23702 that includes a body portion 23706 having a distal end portion 23712. The distal end portion 23712 of the anvil lock 23702 is configured to substantially match or mate with the curved proximal end surface 22632 on the anvil lock release mechanism 22630 formed on the cartridge 22600 in the manner described above. A curved, curved working surface 23714 is formed. A spring or biasing member 23730 is secured within the channel 23310 and is configured to bias the anvil lock 23702 in the distal direction DD to the "locked" position.

In the illustrated example, anvil 23400 includes an elongated anvil body 23402 and an anvil attachment portion 23410 configured to interact with end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the manner described above. Anvil 23400 is pivotally mounted on elongated channel 22310 by a pair of laterally extending trunnion formations 23412 received within corresponding trunnion slots 23320 formed in the upright sidewalls of channel 23310. At least one trunnion structure 23412 includes a laterally projecting actuator lobe 23414 that defines an actuator ledge 23416. A trunnion pin 23418 projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 23414 and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 23320.

As shown in FIG. 39, at least one trunnion slot 23320 includes an arcuate actuation portion 23322 and a locking offset portion 23324 formed at a proximal end 23321 of the trunnion slot 23320. FIG. 39 shows insertion of cartridge 22600 into elongated channel 23310. To install cartridge 22600 within elongated channel 23310, anvil 23400 is first moved to the open position. This may be accomplished by activating the closure system to move the end effector closure tube 3050 (FIG. 5) in the proximal direction PD. As closure tube 3050 moves proximally, closure tube 3050 interacts with open tab 23411 formed on anvil attachment portion 23410. As closure tube 3050 interacts with anvil attachment portion 23410, anvil 23400 begins to translate proximally and pivot open, such that when anvil 23400 reaches its fully open position, trunnion formation 23412 translates the arcuate actuating portion 23322 of the corresponding trunnion slot 23320 downwardly into the proximal end 23321 of the trunnion slot 23320.

During loading of a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge 22600 into the channel 23310, the anvil lock release mechanism or tab 22630 mates with the curved surface 23714 on the distal end 23712 of the anvil lock 23702. Cartridge 22600 is then moved proximally to seat cartridge 22600 within channel 22310. As cartridge 22600 moves proximally, anvil lock release mechanism 22630 contacts distal end 23712 of anvil lock 23702 and urges anvil lock 23702 proximally by an unlocking distance UD to release the anvil lock body. A proximal end 23710 of 23706 is engaged with at least one actuator lobe 23414 on trunnion formation 23412 to cause trunnion formation 23412 to respond when a closing motion is applied to anvil attachment portion 23410. The arcuate actuating portion 23322 of the trunnion slot 23320 is moved to a position where it can be translated upwardly. In other words, the proximal end 23710 of the anvil lock 23702 prevents the trunnion formation 23412 from entering the locking offset portion 23324 formed in the proximal end 23321 of the trunnion slot 23320 so that the trunnion formation 23412 Allowing passage into the arcuate working portion 23322 of the slot 23320.

FIG. 40 illustrates attempting to insert a mismatched cartridge 22600X that does not have the necessary lock release mechanism or tab 22630 to move the anvil lock 23702 from the distal locking position. Anvil lock system 23700 prevents anvil 23400 from closing even if a user installs a mismatched cartridge 22600X in channel 23310 and then attempts to close anvil 23400. For example, to close anvil 23400, a closure system is activated to move a closure tube (or other closure member) distally into and into operative contact with anvil attachment portion 23410 of anvil 23400. Add a closing motion. The initial application of a closing motion to the anvil attachment portion 23410 causes the anvil attachment portion 23410 to move downward (arrow DL in FIG. 40) and the anvil trunnion formation 23412 into the locking offset portion 23324 formed within the trunnion slot 23320. enter. Thus, during application of a closing motion to anvil 23400 and anvil 23400, anvil 23400 is prevented from closing because anvil trunnion formation 23412 is unable to translate into arcuate working portion 23322 of corresponding trunnion slot 23320. be done.

FIG. 41 shows a portion of an alternative anvil 23400' that includes an anvil attachment portion 23410' with a trunnion formation 23412' formed thereon. Each trunnion structure 23412' includes a laterally projecting actuator lobe 23414' that defines an actuator ledge 23416' configured to interact with the anvil lock system 23700 in the manner described above. As shown in FIG. 41, the actuator ledge 23416' is vertically offset (a distance OD) from the bottom surface 23415' of the anvil attachment portion 23410'. A trunnion pin 23418' projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 23414' and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 23320. In this example, trunnion pin 23418' has a trunnion pin diameter TRD approximately equal to the width LW of actuator lobe 23414'.

FIG. 42 shows a portion of an alternative anvil 23400'' that includes an anvil attachment portion 23410'' with trunnion formations 23412'' formed thereon. Each trunnion formation 23412'' is attached to an anvil lock system 23700'' in the manner described above a laterally projecting actuator lobe 23414'' defining an actuator ledge 23416'' configured to interact with the actuator ledge 23416''. As shown in FIG. 42, the actuator ledge 23416'' occupies the same area (e.g., not offset) as the bottom edge 23415'' of the anvil attachment portion 23410''. The trunnion pin 23418'' extends from the actuator lobe 23414''. The trunnion pin 23418'' is sized to project in a direction and to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 23320. In this example, the trunnion pin 23418'' has a trunnion pin diameter TRD' approximately equal to the width LW' of the actuator lobe 23414'. has.

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional end view of a surgical end effector 24100 with an anvil 24400 pivotally supported on an elongate channel 24310. Anvil 24400 includes an anvil mounting portion 24410 with a trunnion formation 24412 formed thereon. Each trunnion structure 24412 includes a laterally projecting actuator lobe 24414 defining a bottom lobe surface 24416 configured to interact with the anvil lock system 24700 in the manner described above. As shown in FIG. 44, bottom lobe surface 24416 is vertically offset (by a distance OD ₁ ) from bottom surface 24415 of anvil attachment portion 24410. A trunnion pin 24418 projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 24414 and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320 formed within the elongated channel 24310. In this example, trunnion pin 24418 has a trunnion pin diameter TRD ₁ approximately equal to the width LW ₁ of actuator lobe 24414.

Channel 20310 includes a channel bottom 24312 and a pair of upright sidewalls 24314. Channel 24310 may be coupled to elongate shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about articulation joint 3020 (FIG. 5). FIG. 45 shows a portion of proximal end 24316 of channel 24310. In one example, each channel wall 24314 has a trunnion slot 24320 formed therein. In the illustrated configuration, a row ledge 24340 is formed in each channel wall 24314 such that the top surface 24342 of the row ledge 24340 occupies the same area as the bottom surface 24321 of the corresponding trunnion slot 24320. Each trunnion 24418 is received within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320 and is free to rotate and translate therein.

Still referring to FIG. 45, a portion of anvil lock 24702 of anvil lock system 24700 is shown. Anvil lock 24702 operates similarly to anvil lock 20702 described above and includes a lockout body 24706 with an actuator tab (not shown) formed on its distal end, which actuator tab is proximate from a mating cartridge. The lock release mechanism is configured to come into contact with a lock release mechanism that protrudes in the position direction. The anvil lock 24702 may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and is adapted to fit within a transverse spring attachment slot (not shown) provided in the body portion of the channel attachment mechanism (not shown). includes a proximal biasing arm 24704 that is configurable. The anvil lock 24702 has an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab 24710 projecting therefrom and configured to extend above the corresponding lobe ledge 24340 and contact the corresponding lobe 24414, as described below. Including further.

45 and 46 show anvil lock 24702 in a locked position where anvil 24400 is pivoted to an open position. This may occur if the cartridge is not inserted into the channel 24310 or if the cartridge is an incompatible cartridge (e.g., does not have the appropriate anvil lock release mechanism necessary to bias the anvil lock spring proximally, among other things). cartridge) is inserted into channel 24310. If the user inadvertently attempts to close the anvil 24400 when the anvil lock 24702 is in the distal locking position shown in FIGS. Prevent pivoting. 47 and 48 illustrate the position of anvil lock 24702 in a proximal unlocked position, with anvil lockout tab 24710 disposed proximal to lobe 24414, allowing lobe 24414 to pivot to the closed position. shows.

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional end view of a surgical end effector 24100' with an anvil 24400' pivotally supported on an elongated channel 24310'. Anvil 24400' includes an anvil mounting portion 24410' having a trunnion formation 24412' formed thereon. Each trunnion structure 24412' includes a laterally projecting actuator lobe 24414' that defines a bottom lobe surface 24416' that is configured to interact with the anvil lock system 24700' in the manner described above. As shown in FIG. 50, the bottom lobe surface 24416' occupies the same area as the bottom surface 24415' of the anvil attachment portion 24410'. A trunnion pin 24418' projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 24414' and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320' formed within the elongated channel 24310'. In this example, trunnion pin 24418' has a trunnion pin diameter TRD ₂ that is less than the width LW ₂ of actuator lobe 24414'.

Channel 20310' includes a channel bottom 24312' and a pair of upright sidewalls 24314'. Channel 24310' may be coupled to elongated shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about articulation joint 3020 (FIG. 5). FIG. 51 shows a portion of the proximal end 24316' of the channel 24310'. In one example, a trunnion slot 24320' is formed in each channel wall 24314'. In the illustrated configuration, a row ledge 24340' is formed in each channel wall 24314' such that a top surface 24342' of the row ledge 24340' is vertically offset from the bottom surface 24321' of the corresponding trunnion slot 24320' by an offset distance OSD. There is. The offset distance OSD may be approximately equal to the distance TSD between the trunnion pin 24418' and the bottom lobe surface 24416'. Please refer to FIG. 50. Each trunnion pin 24418' is received within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320' and is free to rotate and translate therein.

Still referring to FIG. 51, a portion of anvil lock 24702' of anvil lock system 24700' is shown. Anvil lock 24702' operates similarly to anvil lock 20702 described above and includes a lockout body 24706' having an actuator tab (not shown) formed on its distal end, which actuator tab is adapted to The lock release mechanism is configured to contact a lock release mechanism that projects proximally from the cartridge. The anvil lock 24702' may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and is mounted within a transverse spring attachment slot (not shown) provided in the body portion of the channel attachment mechanism (not shown). and a proximal biasing arm 24704' that is configurable to. Anvil lock 24702' projects upwardly therefrom and is configured to extend above corresponding lobe ledge 24340' and contact corresponding lobe 24414' with upwardly extending anvil lockout tab 24710, as described above. further includes '.

FIG. 51 shows anvil lock 24702' in a locked position where anvil 24400 is pivoted to an open position. This may occur if the cartridge is not inserted into the channel or if the cartridge is an incompatible cartridge (e.g., a cartridge that does not have the appropriate anvil lock release mechanism required to bias the anvil lock spring proximally, among other things). ) is inserted into channel 24310'. If the user inadvertently attempts to close the anvil 24400' when the anvil lock 24702' is in the distal locking position shown in FIG. Prevents pivoting to the closed position. When a compatible surgical staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector 24100', the anvil lock 24702' is biased to the unlocked position (see, e.g., FIG. 47) and the anvil 24400' is free to the closed position. Pivot.

FIG. 52 shows a portion of a surgical end effector 24100'' with an anvil 24400'' pivotally supported on an elongated channel 24310''. The anvil 24400'' has a trunnion formation 24412'' formed thereon. Includes anvil attachment portion 24410''. As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, each trunnion formation 24412'' has a laterally projecting surface that defines a bottom lobe surface 24416'' that is configured to interact with the anvil locking system 24700'' in the manner described above. actuator lobe 24414''. As shown in FIG. 53, the actuator lobe 24414'' and the bottom lobe surface 24416'' of the actuator lobe 24414'' are aligned with the end effector axis EA and the bottom edge 24419'' of the anvil attachment portion 24410'' and/or the bottom 24312 of the channel 24310''. 53, the bottom lobe surface 24416 is parallel to the lobe axis LBA, which is disposed at a lobe angle LA with respect to the end effector axis EA. It is. A trunnion pin 24418'' projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 24414'' and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320'' formed within the elongated channel 24310''. Please refer to FIG. 55. In this example, trunnion pin 24418'' has a trunnion pin diameter TRD ₃ equal to the width LW ₃ of actuator lobe 24414''.

Referring to FIG. 55, channel 24310'' includes a channel bottom 24312'' and a pair of upright sidewalls 24314''. Channel 24310'' includes an articulating joint 3020 (FIG. ) may be coupled to the elongated shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about the center of the shaft. FIG. 55 shows a portion of the proximal end 24316'' of the channel 24310''. In one example, a trunnion slot 24320'' is formed within each channel wall 24314''. In the illustrated configuration, a row ledge 24340'' is formed in each channel wall 24314'' such that the proximal surface portion 24344'' of the top surface 24342'' of the row ledge 24340'' occupies the same area as the bottom surface 24321'' of the corresponding trunnion slot 24320''. In the illustrated configuration, the bottom surface 24321'' of the trunnion slot 24320'' is substantially parallel to the end effector axis EA and/or the bottom 24312'' of the channel 24310''. As shown in FIG. ``A sloped portion 24346'' extends distally at an angle TSA from the proximal surface portion 24344'' and terminates in a horizontal distal surface portion 24348''. In one configuration, for example, 24348'' is generally parallel to the end effector axis EA and/or the bottom 24312'' of the channel 24310'', and angle TSA=angle LA. However, in other embodiments, angle TSA may be different from angle LA. Each trunnion 24418'' is received within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320'' and is free to rotate and translate therein.

55 and 56, a portion of an anvil lock 24702'' of an anvil lock system 24700'' is shown. Anvil lock 24702'' operates similarly to anvil lock 20702 described above and includes a lockout body 24706'' having an actuator tab (not shown) formed on its distal end, which actuator tab has a The surgical staple cartridge is configured to contact a lock release mechanism that projects proximally from the surgical staple cartridge. The anvil lock 24702'' may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and is mounted within a transverse spring attachment slot (not shown) provided in the body portion of the channel attachment mechanism (not shown). and a proximal biasing arm 24704'' configurable to. The anvil lock 24702'' is configured to protrude therefrom and extend above the distal surface portion 24348'' of the corresponding low ledge 24340'' and to be at the same or equal height as the proximal surface portion 24344'' of the low ledge 24340''. further including an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab 24710'' configured to .

FIG. 55 shows anvil lock 24702''' in a distal locking position where anvil 24400'' is pivoted to an open position. This means that if no surgical staple cartridge is inserted into channel 24310'', or an incompatible surgical staple cartridge (e.g., a surgical staple cartridge that does not have the appropriate anvil lock release mechanism necessary to bias the anvil lock 24702'' proximally, among other things) is inserted into the channel 24310''. This can happen if When the anvil lock 24702'' is in that position, the anvil trunnion 24418'' is located at the proximal end of the respective trunnion slot 24320'' and the bottom lobe surface 24416'' of the at least one lobe 24414'' is connected to the corresponding lobe ledge 24340''. and on the anvil lockout tab 24710''. If the user inadvertently attempts to close the anvil 24400'' when the anvil lock 24702'' is in the distal locking position shown in FIGS. 52. Prevents pivoting downwardly onto face portion 24346'', thereby preventing anvil 24400'' from pivoting to the closed position. See FIG. 52. 24100'', the anvil lockout mechanism thereon biases the anvil lock 24702'' proximally into the unlocked position. See FIGS. 56 and 57. Anvil lock 24702'' When the is in the proximal unlocked position, the anvil lockout tab 24710'' is locked proximal to the ramped surface 24346'' on the lobe ledge 24340'', thereby causing the lobe 24414'' to pivot downwardly to release the anvil 24400''. allow for closure.

FIG. 58 shows a proximal portion of another anvil 24400''' configured to be pivotally supported within an elongated channel 24310''' similar to channel 24310'' except for the differences described below. The anvil 24400''' includes an anvil mounting portion 24410''' with a trunnion formation 24412'' formed thereon. Each trunnion formation 24412''' defines a laterally projecting actuator lobe 24414''' that defines a bottom lobe surface 24416''' configured to interact with the anvil locking system 24700'' in the manner described above. The actuator lobe 24414''' as well as the bottom lobe surface 24416''' of the actuator lobe 24414''' are disposed at the same angle LA discussed above with respect to the actuator lobe 24414''. A trunnion pin 24418''' projects outwardly from the actuator lobe 24414''' and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot 24320''' formed within the elongated channel 24310'''. ing. See FIG. 59. In this example, trunnion pin 24418''' has a trunnion pin diameter TRD ₄ equal to the width LW ₄ of actuator lobe 24414'''.

As shown in FIG. 59, the channel 24310''' includes a channel bottom 24312''' and a pair of upright side walls 24314'''. Channel 24310''' may be coupled to elongate shaft assembly 1200 (FIG. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about articulation joint 3020 (FIG. 5). FIG. 59 shows a portion of the proximal end 24316''' of the channel 24310'''. In one embodiment, a trunnion slot 24320''' is formed within each channel wall 24314'''. In the illustrated configuration, the row leg 24340''' is arranged such that the top surface 24342''' of the row leg 24340''' is vertically offset from the bottom surface 24321''' of the corresponding trunnion slot 24320''' by an offset distance OSD ₁ . are formed in each channel wall 24314'''. Offset distance OSD ₁ may be approximately equal to the distance between trunnion 24418''' and bottom lobe surface 24416'''. In the illustrated configuration, the top surface 24342''' of the row leg 24340''' is the same as the top surface 24342''' of the row leg 24340'', and the proximal portion 24344' is parallel to the bottom surface 24321''' of the trunnion slot 24320'''. '', as well as an inclined surface 24346'' and a distal surface 24348''.

The anvil lock system 24700'' operates in a similar manner to prevent the anvil 24400'' from closing. When a cartridge (without a suitable anvil lock release mechanism to bias the anvil proximally) is inserted into the channel 24310'', the anvil locking tab 24710'' and maintains the anvil 24400''' in the open position by preventing the corresponding actuator lobe 24414''' from pivoting downwardly onto the ramped surface 24346'''. When a compatible surgical staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector 24100'', the anvil lockout mechanism thereon biases the anvil lock 24702'' proximally into the unlocked position.Anvil lock 24702 When the ``anvil lockout tab 24710'' is in the proximal unlocked position, the anvil lockout tab 24710'' is locked proximal to the ramped surface 24346'''' on the lobe ledge 24340'', thereby pivoting the lobe 24414'' downwardly. the anvil 24400''' to close the anvil 24400''.

60 and 61 are identical in _construction and operation to the anvil 24400 described above, except that the trunnion formation _24412A is vertically offset from the bottom edge _24415A of the anvil attachment portion _24410A of the anvil 24400A. Another anvil _24400A is shown. FIG. ₆₂ is identical in construction and operation to anvil 24400' described above, except that trunnion formation _24412B is vertically offset from the bottom edge _24415B of anvil attachment portion _24410B of anvil 24400B. Another anvil _24400B is shown.

The examples shown in FIGS. 41-62 are such that the interaction between the anvil locking mechanism and the corresponding lobe structure interacts with the anvil locking mechanism to facilitate positioning of the anvil trunnion into the respective trunnion slot. Trunnion structures with lobe structures of various shapes and configurations are employed. This arrangement of the lobe structure allows a closing motion to be applied to the anvil to close the anvil when a compatible surgical staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector. When a mismatched surgical staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector, the anvil locking mechanism holds the corresponding trunnion structure in a position that does not allow the anvil to be closed by applying a closing motion to the anvil. Thus, although the initial position of the trunnion arrangement prevents closure, loading a suitable or compatible surgical staple cartridge into the channel changes the position of the trunnion arrangement to cause closure. The various lobe mechanisms described herein are also generally more robust than conventional trunnion configurations, which may result in improved anvil reliability.

63-69 illustrate a surgical end effector 25300 that can be used, for example, in connection with the powered surgical instrument 1010 described above. Surgical end effector 25300 includes an anvil 25400 pivotally supported on an elongate channel 25310 configured to operably support surgical staple cartridge 25600. Anvil 25400 is movable between open and closed positions by interacting with an axially movable closure member in various ways disclosed herein. In the illustrated example, anvil 25400 includes an anvil body 25402 and an anvil attachment portion 25410. Anvil attachment portion 25410 includes a pair of laterally extending trunnion slots operably received within corresponding trunnion slots provided in upright sidewalls 25314 of channel 25310 in various manners disclosed herein. Includes trunnion 25412. As discussed above with respect to end effector 1300, anvil 25400 may be pivoted between open and closed positions by interaction with end effector closure tube 3050 in various ways described herein. good. For example, end effector closure tube 3050 may be moved axially by actuation of closure trigger 1032 of surgical instrument 1010. In other configurations, the end effector 25300 and the shaft assembly to which it is attached may operably interface with a robotic system, as described in detail in the numerous references incorporated herein by reference. good. In such applications, the end effector closure tube 3050 may be axially advanced and retracted through actuation of the closure control system of the robotic system.

In the illustrated configuration, distal movement of end effector closure tube 3050 causes distal end 3051 of end effector closure tube 3050 to operably interact with camming surface 25411 formed on anvil attachment portion 25410 to Cam the 25400 to the closed position. End effector closure tube 3050 may be configured to interact with various structures, ledges or tabs to apply an opening motion to anvil 25400 as end effector closure tube 3050 is axially retracted proximally. can. Further details can be found in various other references, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The elongated channel 25310 is attached to the elongated shaft assembly 1200 (Fig. 5) by a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about the articulating joint 3020 (Fig. 5). The illustrated example is attached to the distal end of firing member beam 1900 (FIG. 5) and configured to operably interface with a cam assembly within surgical staple cartridge 25600 loaded within channel 25310. Further includes a firing member 20500 (FIG. 20). To ensure that a compatible surgical staple cartridge 25600 is loaded into the end effector 25300 prior to closing the anvil 25400, the end effector uses a closure lockout system 25700. In the illustrated example, closure lockout system 25700 is configured to prevent distal movement of end effector closure tube 3050 unless a matching cartridge 25600 is properly seated within channel 25310. In one example, the closure lockout system 25700 includes a closure lock 25702 configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to installation of a compatible surgical staple cartridge 25600. 65-69 illustrate one form of closure lock 25702, which may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal, and includes a body portion 25706, the body portion 25706 having a pivot hole in the body portion 25706. Pivotally pinned to body portion 20342 of channel attachment mechanism 20340 by pivot pin 25709 extending through 25707. Closing lock 25702 further includes a proximal biasing arm 25704 configurable to be mounted within a slot (not shown) provided in body portion 20342 of channel attachment mechanism 20340. Such a configuration serves to bias closure lock 25702 downwardly within channel 25310.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, in the illustrated example, closure lock 25702 further includes a blocking feature 25710 that protrudes from the bottom of body portion 25706 and extends laterally outwardly. When closure lock 25702 is in the locked position shown in FIG. 65, blocking mechanism 25710 is positioned to prevent distal advancement of end effector closure tube 3050. When closure lock 25702 is in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 66, blocking mechanism 25710 is moved away from the blocking position to allow distal advancement of end effector closure tube 3050.

Referring to FIG. 67, the closure lock 25702 has a proximally extending actuator portion 25712 to be engaged by a closure lock release mechanism 25630 formed on the proximal end 25604 of a matching surgical staple cartridge 25600. further including. In at least one configuration, surgical staple cartridge 25600 includes an elongate cartridge body 25602 sized to be removably mounted within elongate channel 25310. Cartridge body 25602 includes a cartridge slot 25608 that extends from proximal end portion 25604 to distal end portion 25606 (FIG. 64) of cartridge body 25602. Cartridge body 25602 further includes a cartridge deck surface 25610 that faces staple-forming underside 25404 of anvil 25400 when cartridge 25600 is installed within channel 25310 and anvil 25400 is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown in FIG. 67, surgical staple cartridge 25600 has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of cartridge slot 25608 that opens through cartridge deck surface 25610. Good too. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, cartridge body 25602 is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 25602 to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, cartridge pan 25620 is attached to the bottom of cartridge body 25602. In particular, when installed, the cartridge pan 25620 can prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 25602 during handling and installation of the cartridge 25600 into the elongated channel 25310. As described above with respect to cartridge 20040, cartridge 25600 operably supports a cam assembly therein. The cam assembly includes a series of spaced apart cam members configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 25609 formed on either side of cartridge slot 25608 within cartridge body 25602. The cam slot 25609 is configured to drive the drive within the cartridge body 25602 as the cam assembly is driven through the staple cartridge 25600 from a starting position within the proximal end portion 25604 of the cartridge body 25602 to an ending position within the distal end portion 25606. are aligned with corresponding rows of sections to facilitate camming contact with corresponding camming members.

63 and 68 illustrate a surgical end effector 25300 without a surgical staple cartridge mounted therein. As shown in FIG. 68, proximal biasing arm 25704 biases closure lock 25702 downwardly within channel 25310 such that blocking mechanism 25710 engages distal end 3051 of end effector closure tube 3050. Move to blocking position (lock position). When the user activates the closure system to distally move the end effector closure tube 3050, the blocking mechanism 25710 ensures that a closure motion is applied to the anvil 25400 by blocking distal advancement of the end effector closure tube 3050. To prevent. Returning to FIG. 67, in at least one configuration, the staple cartridge 25600 is unlocked with an actuation tab 25712 formed on the distal end of the closure lock 25702 when the cartridge 25600 is operably installed within the elongate channel 25310. Includes an anvil lock release mechanism or tab 25630 projecting proximally from cartridge body 25602 that is aligned to engage. In one example, the unlocking mechanism 25630 has a slightly sloped surface 25632 configured to operably interact with a sloped surface 25713 on the actuation tab 25712, such that the sloped surface 25632 and the sloped surface 25713 engage. Once engaged, closure lock 25702 is pivoted upward. When closure lock 25702 is pivoted upward to the unlocked position, blocking mechanism 25710 is moved out of blocking alignment with end effector closure tube 3050. Please refer to FIG. 66.

64 and 69 illustrate a surgical end effector 25300 having a matching surgical staple cartridge 25600 operably mounted within an elongated channel 25310. As shown in FIG. 69, the ramped surface 25632 on the lock release mechanism 25630 on the staple cartridge body 25602 contacts the ramped surface 25713 (shown in FIG. 68) on the actuation tab 25712 on the closure lock 25702 to lock the closure lock. 25702 to the unlocked position. In that position, the user can distally advance end effector closure tube 3050 to apply a closure motion to anvil 25400. If the user attempts to install an unsuitable cartridge into position that does not have a lock release mechanism 25630 or a similar mechanism designed to disengage the closure lock 25702, the user may disengage the end effector closure tube 3050. The anvil 25400 cannot be closed by moving forward.

70 and 71 employ a different closure lock 25702' in which the closure lock system 25700' is configured to interact with an unlocking mechanism provided on a cam assembly 25650' within a surgical staple cartridge 25600'. A surgical end effector 25300' is shown comprising an anvil 25400' pivotally supported on a channel 25310', which is substantially the same as the end effector 25300 described above, except that the surgical end effector 25300' is substantially identical to the end effector 25300 described above, except that As shown in FIGS. 70 and 71, the closure lock 25702' includes an elongated body 25706' having a tapered actuator tab portion 25712' at its distal end. Body 25706' is pivotally attached to channel attachment mechanism 20340, and proximal biasing arm 25704' biases closure lock 25702' within channel 25310'.

FIG. 72 depicts a surgical staple cartridge 25600' comprising an elongated cartridge body 25602' sized to be removably mounted within an elongated channel 25310'. Cartridge body 25602' includes a cartridge slot 25608' extending from a proximal end portion 25604' to a distal end portion of cartridge body 25602'. The cartridge body 25602' has a cartridge deck surface 25610 that faces the staple-forming underside 25404' of the anvil 25400' when the cartridge 25600' is installed within the channel 25310' and the anvil 25400' is pivoted to the closed position. further includes '. Although not shown in FIG. 72, the surgical staple cartridge 25600' has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot 25608' that opens through the cartridge deck surface 25610'. May have. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 25602' is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 25602' to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, the cartridge pan 25620' is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body 25602'. The cartridge pan 25620' can particularly, when installed, prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 25602' during handling and installation of the cartridge 25600' into the elongated channel 25310'. . A cam assembly 25650' is operably supported within the cartridge body 25602'. In at least one configuration, the cam assembly 25650' includes a series of spaced cams configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 25609' formed on opposite sides of the cartridge slot 25608' in the cartridge body 25602'. A member 25652' is provided. The cam slot 25609' is inserted into the staple cartridge 25600' as the cam assembly 25650' is driven through the staple cartridge 25600' from a starting position in the proximal end portion 25604' of the cartridge body 25602' to an ending position in the distal end portion. Aligned with corresponding rows of drives within body 25602' to facilitate camming contact with corresponding cam members 25652'. In at least one example, the cam assembly 25650' is configured such that when the cartridge 25600' is operably mounted within the elongated channel 25310' and the cam assembly 25650' is in its unfired starting position within the cartridge 25600'. a closure release mechanism or tab projecting proximally from the cam assembly 25650' aligned in non-locking engagement with an actuation tab 25712' formed on the distal end of the closure lock 25702'; 25660'.

Returning to FIG. 71, in one example, the unlocking mechanism 25660' has a tapered nose portion 25662' configured to operably interact with the actuation tab 25712', and the tapered nose portion 25662' is actuated. When engaged with tab 25712', closure lock 25702' is pivoted upwardly. When the closure lock 25702' is pivoted upward to the unlocked position, the blocking mechanism 25710' on the closure lock 25702' moves out of blocking alignment with the end effector closure tube 3050.

As shown in FIG. 72, the cartridge body 25602' may further include a locking safety device 25670' that projects proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body 25602' and adjacent the tapered nose portion 25662'. The top surface 25672' of locking safety device 25670' is sloped to match the tapered nose portion 25662' when the cam assembly 25650' is in its most proximal starting position. 25662' projects proximally beyond the end of locking safety 25670'.

FIG. 70 depicts initial insertion of an unfired, matching surgical staple cartridge 25600' into channel 25310'. As shown in FIG. 70, tapered nose portion 25662' initially contacts actuator tab portion 25712' on closure lock 25702'. The closure lock 25702' remains biased downwardly into the locked position where the blocking mechanism 25710' of the closure lock 25702' is in blocking alignment with the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. As the cartridge 25600' advances further proximally within the channel 25310' to the installed position, the tapered nose portion 25662' on the cam assembly 25650' locks the actuation tab 25712' of the sloped top surface 25672' of the safety device 25670'. Lifting upwardly allows closure lock 25702' to pivot to an unlocked position where blocking mechanism 25710' is out of blocking alignment with distal end 3051 of end effector closure tube 3050. In that position, the user can distally advance the end effector closure tube 3050 to apply a closure motion to the anvil 25400'. Thus, in this embodiment, the closure locking system 25700' is actuated by the cam assembly 25650' only when the cam assembly 25650' is in the unfired start position.

FIG. 73 shows insertion of staple cartridge 25600X without its cam assembly in the most proximal unfired position. This may occur, for example, if the user attempts to use a previously used staple cartridge 25600X. Because the cam assembly is not in its unfired starting position, there is no tapered nose portion to begin biasing the closure lock 25702' into an upward position above the closure safety 25670'. When the cartridge 25600X is fully seated within the channel 25310', the actuation tab 25712' of the closure lock 25702' is positioned below the lower locking surface 25674'. The closure lock 25702' remains in the locked position where its blocking mechanism 25710' is in blocking alignment with the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. If the user inadvertently advances distally the end effector closure tube 3050 to close the anvil 25400', the distal end 3051 contacts the blocking mechanism 25710', causing the closure safety device 25670' to cause the closure lock 25702' to release the closure load. further prevents pivoting upward to the unlocked position.

74 and 75 illustrate a surgical end effector 25300'' with an anvil 25400'', substantially identical to the end effector 25300' described above, pivotably supported on a channel 25310''. End effector 25300'' employs a closure lock system 25700'' with a closure lock 25702''. As shown in FIG. 76, the closure lock 25702'' comprises an elongated body 25706'' having an actuator tab portion 25712'' at its distal end. The body 25706'' has a lower spring arm 25720'' mounted within a channel 25310''. including. The lower spring arm 25720'' is mounted to apply a downward biasing force to the closure lock 25702'' described below. As described in further detail below, the closure lock 25702'' has a vertically extending lock lug 25414'' configured to lockingly interact with a locking lug 25414'' formed on the anvil attachment portion 25410'' of the anvil 25400''. It further includes an anvil lock tab 25710''. In addition, the closure lock 25702'' includes a proximal biasing spring 25704'' that serves to bias the closure lock 25702'' in the distal direction DD (FIG. 76). As shown in FIG. 74, the elongated channel 25310'' has a channel attachment mechanism 20340 that can facilitate its articulation about the articulating joint 3020 (FIG. 5) in various ways described herein. The proximal biasing spring 25704'' is mounted within the transverse slot 20343 of the body portion 20342 of the channel attachment mechanism 20340, as shown in FIG. It is configured as follows.

Similar to the closure of anvil 25400' described above, distal movement of the end effector closure tube causes the distal end of the end effector closure tube to engage the cam surface 25411'' formed on the anvil attachment portion 25410'' of anvil 25400''. operatively interact to cam anvil 25400'' to a closed position. The end effector closure tube can be configured to interact with various configurations, ledges, or tabs to apply an opening motion to the anvil 25400'' when the end effector closure tube is axially retracted proximally. Further details can be found in various other references, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 77 shows a surgical staple cartridge 25600'' comprising an elongated cartridge body 25602'' sized to be removably mounted within an elongated channel 25310''. The cartridge body 25602'' is a proximal end portion of the cartridge body 25602''. 25604'' to a distal end portion. Cartridge body 25602'' has cartridge 25600'' installed within channel 25310'' and anvil 25400'' pivoted to a closed position. In some cases, the surgical staple cartridge 25600'' further includes a cartridge deck surface 25610' that faces the staple-forming lower surface 25404'' of the anvil 25400''. Although not shown in FIG. The cartridge slot 25608'' may have multiple rows (usually three) of surgical staple pockets on either side of the cartridge slot 25608''. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 25602' is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 25602'' to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. A cam assembly 25650'' is operable within the cartridge body 25602''. In at least one configuration, the cam assembly 25650'' is configured to move axially within a corresponding cam slot 25609'' formed on each side of the cartridge slot 25608'' within the cartridge body 25602''. a series of spaced apart cam members 25652''. The cam slot 25609'' is inserted into the staple cartridge 25600'' as the cam assembly 25650'' is driven through the staple cartridge 25600'' from a starting position within the proximal end portion 25604'' of the cartridge body 25602'' to an ending position within the distal end portion. The cam assembly 25650' is aligned with a corresponding row of drives within the body 25602'' to facilitate camming contact with the corresponding cam member 25652''. is operably mounted within the elongate channel 25310'' and the cam assembly 25650'' is in its unfired starting position within the cartridge 25600''. It includes a closure release mechanism or tab 25660'' projecting proximally from the cam assembly 25650'' that is aligned in non-locking engagement with the tab 25712''.

Returning to FIG. 77, in one example, the unlocking mechanism 25660'' has a tapered nose portion 25662'' configured to operably interact with the actuation tab 25712'', and the tapered nose portion 25662'' When engaged with actuation tab 25712'', closure lock 25702'' is moved upwardly against the downward biasing force applied by bottom spring 25720''. Closure lock 25702'' pivots upward to the unlocked position. When the anvil locking tab 25710'' on the closure lock 25702'' is removed from blocking alignment with the locking lug 25414'' on the anvil attachment portion 24410''.

FIG. 74 depicts initial insertion of an unfired, matching surgical staple cartridge 25600'' into channel 25310''. As shown in FIG. 74, the tapered nose portion 25662'' of the cam assembly 25650'' has not yet interacted with the actuator tab portion 25712'' on the closure lock 25702''. The closure lock 25702'' remains biased downwardly into the locked position where the anvil locking tab 25710'' of the closure lock 25702'' is in blocking alignment with the locking lug 25414'' on the anvil attachment portion 25410'' of the anvil 25400''. As the surgical staple cartridge 25600'' is advanced further proximally into the installed position within the channel 25310'', the tapered nose portion 25662'' on the cam assembly 25650'' contacts the actuation tab 25712'', locking the closure lock 25702'' against the anvil. Forces the locking tab 25710'' upwardly into the unlocked position where it is no longer aligned with the anvil locking lug 25414''. In that position, the user can close the anvil 25400'' by distally advancing the end effector closure tube to apply a closing motion to the anvil 25400''. Thus, in this embodiment, the closure locking system 25700'' is actuated by the cam assembly 25650'' only when the cam assembly 25650'' is in the unfired starting position. When removed, the lower spring 25720'' on the closure lock 25702'' forces the closure lock 25702'' downward into its locked position where the anvil locking tab 25710'' is in blocking alignment with the locking lug 25414'' on the anvil 25400''. to strengthen

FIG. 78 shows the insertion of a staple cartridge 25600X" having the cam assembly therein that is not in its proximal unfired position. The cam assembly is not in its unfired starting position, thus moving the closure lock 25702" to the unlocked position. and there is no tapered nose portion for upward bias. The closure lock 25702' remains in a locked position where its anvil lock tab 25710'' is in blocking alignment with the anvil lock lug 25414'' on the anvil 25400''. If the user inadvertently attempts to close the anvil 25400'', the anvil lock lug 25414'' "contacts anvil lock tab 25710" on closure lock 25702" and prevents anvil 25400" from pivoting to the closed position.

FIGS. 79-83 illustrate another method for allowing a surgical staple cartridge compatible with an end effector to be inserted into the end effector channel and providing another visual indication to the user that the cartridge has been fired. 25A and 2B illustrate an alternative cartridge nose assembly 25800 that may be used with any of the cartridge and channel configurations disclosed herein to provide a mechanism. For example, cartridge nose assembly 25800 may be used with cartridge 25600 and channel 25310 (FIG. 64) of end effector 25300. In the illustrated configuration, cartridge nose assembly 25800 includes a nose assembly body 25802 movably coupled to a distal end 25606 of cartridge body 25602. As shown in FIGS. 81 and 82, the distal end portion 25606 of the cartridge body 25602 includes a distally extending tapered portion 25605 that is receivable within a complementary nose notch 25804 in the nose assembly body 25802. include. In addition, the nose assembly body 25802 is configured to include an axial alignment feature (not shown) that can be slidably supported within an axial groove 25607 provided in the distal end portion 25606 of the cartridge body 25602. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 83 and 84, a nose retainer latch arm 25810 extends proximally from the top of the nose assembly body 25802 into a latch cavity 25680 formed in the cartridge body 25602. The nose assembly body 25802 is axially movable from a locked position shown in FIGS. 81 and 83 to an unlocked position shown in FIGS. 82 and 84. When the nose assembly body 25802 is in the unlocked position, a retention latch 25812 formed on the proximal end of the retainer latch arm 25810 engages a retention lug 25682 formed on the distal end portion 25606 of the cartridge body 25602. , retains the cartridge nose assembly 25800 at the distal end 25606 of the cartridge body 25602.

81 and 82 , the nose assembly body 25802 frictionally engages a corresponding distally extending channel ledge 25317 formed in the distal end 25315 of the channel 25310 so that the nose assembly body 25802 It further includes a proximally extending nose tab portion 25820 sized to maintain the proximally forward "locked position". As shown in FIGS. 83 and 84, the nose assembly body 25802 has an integral spring lug 25684 configured to interact with a spring lug 25684 formed on a distally extending tapered portion 25605 of the cartridge body 25602. A spring arm 25830 may also be included. Spring arm 25830 applies a distal biasing force BF to cartridge nose assembly 25800 to increase the frictional force between nose tab portion 25820 and channel ledge 25317 to hold cartridge nose assembly 25800 in the locked position.

In operation, cartridge nose assembly 25800 is within channel 25310 when cartridge 25600 is in its unfired state and ready to be installed. To install an unfired cartridge 25600 within the end effector 25300, the cartridge body 25602 is placed within the channel 25310 and then advanced proximally to align the channel ledge 25317 with the nose tab portion, as shown in FIGS. 81 and 82. 25820. As mentioned above, when cartridge 25600 is unfired, cam assembly 25650 is in the most proximal starting position. During the firing process, cam assembly 25650 is driven within cartridge body 25602 to its most distal position. When cam assembly 25650 reaches its most distal position, central body portion 25651 of cam assembly 25650 forces cartridge nose assembly 25800 with a sufficient amount of force to overcome the frictional force FF holding cartridge nose assembly 25800 in the locked position. to axially move the cartridge nose assembly 25800 to the unlocked position. Alternatively, the user may disengage cartridge nose assembly 25800 by pulling cartridge nose assembly 25800 distally to the unlocked position. Once the cartridge nose assembly 25800 is moved to the unlocked position, the cartridge 25600 can be removed from the elongated channel 25310. Additionally, the distally extending cartridge nose assembly 25800 may provide a visual indication to the user that the cartridge has been fired (spent).

85 and 86 illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 26300 using a firing member 26120 configurable for distal advancement by a rotary firing system or an axially driven (non-rotary) firing system. . Specifically, the firing member 26120 can be used in combination with any of the various end effector configurations and firing drive system configurations disclosed herein, as well as those described in the various references incorporated herein by reference. may be used in conjunction with end effector configurations and firing drive system configurations.

As shown in FIGS. 85 and 86, the firing member 26120 includes a firing member body 26122, the firing member body 26122 includes a firing member lockout 26142 pivotally attached to the firing member body 26122. System 26140 included. Firing member lockout 26142 includes a lockout body 26144 that spans firing member body 26122 and includes a pair of legs 26146 pivotally attached to firing member body 26122. Lockout body 26144 further includes a thread latch 26148 configured to contact a cam sled or cam assembly 26650 operably supported within a staple cartridge (not shown). FIG. 85 shows firing member 26120 in its most proximal starting position. As shown in FIGS. 85 and 86, a firing lockout hole 26315 is provided through the bottom 26312 of the elongated channel 26310 of the end effector 26300. A lockout spring 26150 is installed within the elongated channel 26310 and distal edge 26149 of the lockout body 26144 causes the firing lockout when a new, unfired staple cartridge is not properly loaded within the elongated channel 26310. The firing member lockout 26142 is configured to be biased downwardly into engagement with the sloped distal edge 26317 of the bore 26315. In that position, if the user inadvertently attempts to advance the firing member 26120 distally, the firing member lockout 26142 prevents distal advancement of the firing member 26120, as shown in FIG.

The new unfired surgical staple cartridge includes a cam assembly 26650 located in a starting or unfired position proximal to the row of staple drives supported within the cartridge body. As used herein, the term "new unfired" means that all of the intended staples or fasteners of the staple cartridge are in their respective unfired positions and the cam assembly is in the proximal unfired starting position. It means something. When a new, unfired surgical staple cartridge is properly installed within elongated channel 26310, proximally extending unlock portion 26653 on cam assembly 26650 engages threaded latch 26148 on firing member lockout 26142. engagement pivots firing member lockout 26142 to an unlocked position in which firing member lockout 26142 does not extend into firing lockout hole 26315 of elongated channel 26310. FIG. 85 shows the cam assembly 26650 in the starting position and the firing member 26120 being freely advanced in the distal direction by actuating the firing drive system.

Upon completion of the firing process, the cam assembly 26650 remains at the distal end of the staple cartridge (i.e., in the "fired position") while the firing member 26120 is positioned at the distal end of the staple cartridge (i.e., in the "fired position"), while the firing member 26120 is positioned at the distal end of the staple cartridge so that the anvil can be opened and the spent cartridge removed from the channel 26310. Thus, once the surgical staple cartridge is used (e.g., fully fired), the cam assembly 26650 is not returned to its starting position. Upon reinstallation within the end effector 26300, the cam assembly 26650 is not in a starting position from which the cam assembly 26650 can unlock the firing member lockout 26142. Therefore, the firing member lockout system 26140 is referred to herein as "unused." may also be referred to as a "defective cartridge lockout system".

87-90 illustrate an anvil 26400 configured to be pivotally supported on a channel 26310 or similar channels of various types disclosed herein. In Figures 87-89, the cartridge body has been omitted for clarity. In the illustrated configuration, anvil 26400 includes a cartridge verification system 26440 that is configurable to prevent firing of non-compliant cartridges installed within the cartridge. Anvil 26400 and cartridge verification system 26440 prevent distal advancement of firing member 26120 if firing member lockout 26142 has not been moved to the unlocked position through interaction with a corresponding cam assembly located within the surgical staple cartridge. It may be used in conjunction with a surgical end effector 26300 that utilizes a firing member 26120 equipped with an onboard firing member lockout system 26140 configured to prevent. Cartridge verification system 26440 may also be used in conjunction with a surgical end effector that employs an axially advancing (non-rotating) firing member with a firing member lockout system otherwise similar to firing member lockout system 26140. It's okay.

FIG. 90 shows a portion of a surgical staple cartridge 26600 compatible with a surgical end effector 26300. In at least one configuration, surgical staple cartridge 26600 includes an elongated cartridge body 26602 sized to be removably mounted within an elongated channel of end effector 26300. Cartridge body 26602 includes a cartridge slot 26608 that extends from proximal end portion 26604 to distal end portion of cartridge body 26602. Cartridge body 26602 further includes a cartridge deck surface 26610 that faces staple-forming underside 26404 of anvil 26400 when cartridge 26600 is installed within the channel and anvil 26400 is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown in FIG. 90, surgical staple cartridge 26600 has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of cartridge slot 26608 that opens through cartridge deck surface 26610. Good too. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, cartridge body 26602 is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 26602 to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, cartridge pan 26620 is attached to the bottom of cartridge body 26602. In particular, when installed, the cartridge pan 26620 can prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 26602 during handling and installation of the cartridge 26600 into the elongated channel 26310.

In the illustrated configuration, cartridge 26600 operably supports cam assembly 26650 therein. Cam assembly 26650 includes a central body portion 26652 and a series of spaced apart cam members 26654 configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 26609 formed on opposite sides of cartridge slot 26608 within cartridge body 26602. , is provided. The cam slot 26609 is inserted into the cartridge body 26609 as the cam assembly 26650 is driven through the staple cartridge 26600 from a starting position within the proximal end portion 26604 of the cartridge body 26602 to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body 26602. 26602 to facilitate camming contact with the corresponding cam member 26654. Central body portion 26652 includes a proximally extending unlock portion 26653 configured to engage threaded latch 26148 on firing member lock 26142 when cartridge 26600 is properly loaded within channel 26310. include. As shown in FIG. 90, when the cam assembly 26650 is in its most proximal starting position where the unlocking portion 26653 can move the firing member lockout 26142 to the unlocked position, each cam member 26654 may protrude proximally from a corresponding cam slot 26609.

87 and 91, in the illustrated configuration, cartridge verification system 26440 includes a cartridge verification member or shuttle member 26442 attached to the underside of anvil mounting portion 26410 of anvil 26400. The cartridge verification member 26442 may be of unitary construction and bifurcated by a firing member slot 26447 (FIG. 91) to include a pair of downwardly extending shuttle legs to facilitate passage of the firing member 26120 therebetween. 26444. In other configurations, the cartridge verification member 26442 is comprised of two separate downwardly extending shuttle legs 26444 separated from each other by a space 26448 configured to pass the firing member 26122 therebetween. It may be a piece structure. In either case, shuttle member 26442 may be fabricated from a compliant polymer or rubber material and may be attached to the underside of anvil attachment portion 26410 by a suitable adhesive in a fastener configuration.

In the illustrated example, each shuttle leg 26444 includes a distally projecting sled actuator arm 26446. Returning to FIG. 90, cartridge body 26602 is configured for non-locking engagement with threaded actuator arm 26446 on corresponding shuttle leg 26444 when cartridge 26600 is operably installed within channel 26310. It includes two proximally projecting verification features or cartridge key portions 26630. As described further below, if the verification feature 26630 is not present in contact with the corresponding sled actuator arm 26446, the sled actuator arm 26446 contacts the protruding cam member 26654, causing the cam assembly 26650 to The unlocking portion 26653 on the firing member lock 26142 is pushed or biased distally into a position where it becomes disengaged from the threaded latch 26148 on the firing member lock 26142.

The interaction between cartridge verification system 26440 and cartridge 26600 can be understood with reference to FIGS. 87-92. FIG. 87 shows initial installation of a matching surgical staple cartridge 26600 into a surgical end effector 26300. The channel has been omitted from the drawing, but the anvil 26400 is shown in the fully open position. In the illustrated example, anvil 26400 is partially closed as shown in FIG. The channel is movably pivoted on the channel for pivoting to a fixed position or an intermediate position. In that position, each sled actuator arm 26446 is aligned facing a corresponding verification feature 26630 on the cartridge body 26602. Further application of a closing motion to the anvil 26400 can translate the anvil 26400 distally to the closed position. As the anvil 26400 moves distally, the verification mechanism 26630 prevents the distal movement of the corresponding compliant sled actuator arm 26446 such that the sled actuator arm 26446 contacts the proximally projecting cam member 26654. prevent. Thus, cam assembly 26650 remains in its starting position where unlocking portion 26653 on cam assembly 26650 maintains unlocking engagement with threaded latch 26148 on firing member lock 26142. Thus, firing member 26120 is free to move distally through cartridge 26600 upon actuation of the firing drive system.

FIG. 92 shows cartridge 26600X, which may be very similar to cartridge 26600, except that it is "incompatible" with surgical end effector 26300. For example, cartridge 26600X does not have the verification feature or key portion 26630 of cartridge 26600. In addition to cartridge 26600X not having a verification feature or key 26630, the number, size, location, etc. of fasteners contained within cartridge 26600X also makes cartridge 26600X compatible with cam assembly 26650 used in cartridge 26600. Despite the fact that cam assembly 26650 may have the same structure and usage, it may be different from cartridge 26600.

93-95 illustrate insertion of a mismatched cartridge 26600X into a surgical end effector 26300. FIG. 93 shows the installation of a mismatched surgical staple cartridge 26600X into an end effector 26300. The channel has been omitted from the drawing, but the anvil 26400 is shown in the fully open position. FIG. 94 shows anvil 26400 in an intermediate position when an initial closing motion is applied to anvil 26400. In that position, each sled actuator arm 26446 is aligned facing a corresponding cam member 26654 that projects proximally from a respective cam slot 26609. Applying a further closing motion to the anvil 26400 can translate the anvil 26400 distally to a final closed position. As the anvil 26400 moves distally, the sled actuator arm 26446 contacts the proximally projecting cam member 26654, causing the cam assembly 26650 to lock onto the firing member lock 26142. Move distally until it no longer engages thread latch 26148. Thus, the firing member lockout 26142 remains in locking engagement with the elongated channel 26310 of the end effector 26300, preventing distal advancement of the firing member 26120 upon actuation of the firing drive system.

96-98 illustrate another cartridge verification system 26440' that can be used with an end effector 26300' that uses a firing member 20500 that is axially advanced by a firing member beam 1900 in various ways described herein. shows. As discussed above, the firing member 20500 is a firing member configured to axially pass through a vertically aligned slot in an anvil (not shown), a staple cartridge 26600', and an elongated channel 26310'. A member main body 20502 is provided. A lower foot assembly 20506 with a pair of laterally extending lower flanges extends from the lower end of the firing member body 20502 to slidably engage corresponding channel ledges formed on opposite sides of the channel slot. . An upper foot with two laterally extending anvil tabs 20507 may be formed at the upper end of the firing member body 20502 and slidably engage anvil ledges (not shown) formed on opposite sides of the anvil slot. configured to match. In at least one configuration, the firing member 20500 further includes a pair of central tabs (not shown) extending laterally from opposite sides of the firing member body 20502.

Firing member body 20502 also includes a firing member lockout spring (not shown) mounted within elongated channel 26310' and configured to bias firing member 20500 downwardly within elongated channel 26310' to a locked position. and a proximally extending spring tail 20512 configurable to operably interface with the spring tail 20512 . In the locked position, the firing member foot 20506 and/or central tab are offset from the corresponding passageway within the channel 20310' and, therefore, cannot be fired even if the user attempts to advance the locked-out firing member 20500 distally. Member 20500 does not move distally due to such misalignment. That is, the foot 20506 and/or the central tab contact a portion of the elongated channel 20310' thereby preventing distal advancement of the firing member 20500. In one configuration, a threaded latch 20514 is formed on the firing member body 20502 and is operable in the most proximal unfired or starting position within a matching cartridge 26600' operably seated within the channel 26310'. It is configured to be engaged by a proximally extending unlocking portion 26653' on supported cam assembly 26650'. When a new unfired staple cartridge 26600' with its cam assembly 26650' in its unfired position is operably installed within the elongated channel 26310', the unlocking portion 26653' on the cam assembly 26650' threaded latch 20514 on channel 20502 engages threaded latch 20514 on firing member 20500 to rotate firing member 20500 axially therein with lower foot assembly 20506 and/or central tab aligned with respective passages within channel 26310'. Move upward to an unlocked position allowing forward movement. When the user advances the firing member 20500 distally into the cartridge 26600', the firing member 20500 also drives the cam assembly 20650' therein, camming the drive upwardly to support the firing member 20500 distally into the cartridge 26600'. Contact the staple or fastener with the underside of the anvil. Tissue cutting member 20504 on firing member 20500 then cuts the stapled tissue. Once the firing member 20500 is driven to its most distal position corresponding to the end position of the cam assembly 26650', the firing member 20500 is retracted to its most proximal position, causing the cam assembly 26650' to move into the cartridge 26600'. Leave at the distal end. When the firing member 20500 returns to its most proximal starting position, the locking spring re-biases the firing member 20500 back to its locked position. Therefore, even if a user attempts to reuse a used cartridge, cam assembly 26650' will not be in its starting position required to unlock firing member 20500. Accordingly, this firing member lockout configuration may also be referred to herein as a "spent cartridge lockout configuration."

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, the cartridge verification system 26440' is moved axially within the channel 26310' from a distal-most cartridge engagement position within the channel 26310' to a proximal verification position. A supported, axially movable cartridge verification member or mounting shuttle 26442' is provided. A shuttle spring 26449' is mounted within the channel 26310' and serves to bias the cartridge verification member or mounting shuttle 26442' to the most distal cartridge engagement position. As shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, the cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442' further includes a pair of distally projecting sled actuator arms 26446'. The threaded actuator arm 26446' is positioned to contact a corresponding cam member on the cam assembly of the mismatched cartridge, as described below.

Figure 98 shows a proximal end portion 26604' of a surgical staple cartridge 26600' that mates with a surgical end effector 26300'. In at least one configuration, the surgical staple cartridge 26600' includes an elongated cartridge body 26602' sized to be removably mounted within the elongated channel 26310'. Cartridge body 26602' includes a cartridge slot 26608' extending from a proximal end portion 26604' to a distal end portion of cartridge body 26602'. The cartridge body 26602' further includes a cartridge deck surface 26610' that faces the staple-forming underside of the anvil when the cartridge 26600' is installed within the channel 26310' and the anvil is pivoted to the closed position. Although not shown in FIG. 98, surgical staple cartridge 26600' has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of cartridge slot 26608' that opens through cartridge deck surface 26610'. May have. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 26602' is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 26602' to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, the cartridge pan 26620' is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body 26602'. Cartridge pan 26620', when installed, can specifically prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of cartridge body 26602' during handling and installation of cartridge 26600' into elongated channel 26310'. can.

In the illustrated configuration, the cartridge 26600' operably supports a cam assembly 26650' therein. The cam assembly 26650' includes a series of spaced apart units configured to move axially within a central body portion 26652' and corresponding cam slots 26609' formed on either side of the cartridge slot 26608' within the cartridge body 26602'. and a cam member 26654'. Cam slot 26609' allows cam assembly 26650' to be driven through staple cartridge 26600' from a starting position within proximal end portion 26604' of cartridge body 26602' to an end position within distal end portion of cartridge body 26602'. In doing so, they are aligned with corresponding rows of drives within cartridge body 26602' to facilitate camming contact with corresponding cam members 26654'. Central body portion 26652' includes a proximally extending unlocking portion configured to engage threaded latch 20514 on firing member 20500 when cartridge 26600' is properly loaded into channel 26310'. 26653'.

The compatible cartridge 26600' includes a proximally projecting verification feature or key arrangement configured to engage the threaded actuator arm 26446' when the cartridge 26600' is operably installed within the channel 26310'. 26630'. In the illustrated configuration, the cartridge body 26602' further includes two side verification features or cartridge key arrangements 26632' configured to engage a cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442'. As described further below, when the verification structures 26630', 26632' are not in contact with the corresponding sled actuator arm 26446' and cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442', the sled actuator arm 26446' cam member 26654' on the firing member 20500 and forces the cam assembly 26650' distally into a position where the unlocking portion 26653' on the cam assembly 26650' is no longer disengaged from the threaded latch 20514 on the firing member 20500. or energize.

Referring now to FIGS. 99-101, in the illustrated configuration, each verification mechanism or key arrangement 26630', 26632' initially inserts the cartridge 26600' into the channel 26310' at a first position angle FPA. The slanted lower registration surface 26634' has a sloped lower registration surface 26634' thereon that facilitates this, and the sloped lower registration surface 26634' avoids abutting contact with the sled actuator arm 26446'. Surface 26634' may be referred to herein as a secondary surface. When the user places the surgical staple cartridge 26600' in the first attachment position, the cartridge 26600' then pivots downward into the channel 26310' and locks the verification mechanism or cartridge key arrangement 26630', 26632 in position 2. Vertical abutment surfaces '26636' (secondary surfaces) abut corresponding vertical abutment surfaces 26641' and 26647' (primary surfaces) on cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442'. The user may then proximally advance cartridge 26600' to position 3 within elongated channel 26310'.

FIG. 102 illustrates the insertion of a non-compliant staple cartridge 26600X'' into a surgical end effector 26300'. In this example, the non-compliant cartridge 26600X' is mounted on a matching cartridge 26600' and a cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442 is inserted into the surgical end effector 26300'. 26630', 26632' to engage the cam member 26630', 26632'.Thus, when the cartridge 26600X' is installed within the channel 26310', the threaded actuator arm 26446' 26654' and forces or biases the cam assembly 26650' distally into a position where the unlocking portion 26653' on the cam assembly 26650' is not disengaged from the threaded latch 20514 on the firing member 20500. Thus, the firing member 20500 remains locked in place and the user is unable to distally advance the firing member 20500 into the mismatched cartridge 26600X'.

103 and 104 illustrate the insertion of a mismatched cartridge 26600X' into an end effector 26300', where the mismatched cartridge 26600X' is first inserted proximally deep into the channel 26310' and the firing member 20500' The distal end of the cam assembly 26650' or "thread" contacts the cam assembly 26650' or "thread" and pushes it distally deeper into the cartridge 26600X', thereby finally positioning the cartridge 26600X' in the proper position within the channel 26310'. Once installed, it is prevented from moving distally within cartridge 26600X' into the proper position into non-locking engagement with threaded latch 20514 portion of firing member 20500. Similarly, if a mismatched cartridge 26600X' is first inserted into diagonal position 1 and then moved to positions 2 and 3 as described above, firing member 20500 will properly seat cam assembly 26650'. The cam assembly 26650' or sled may be pushed distally beyond the firing member unlocked position so that the firing member 20500 cannot be unlocked even when the firing member 20500 is unlocked. Please refer to FIGS. 105 and 106.

107-109 illustrate another cartridge verification system 26440'' that can be used with an end effector 26300'' that uses a firing member 20500 that is axially advanced by a firing member beam 1900 in various ways described herein. shows. As discussed above, the firing member 20500 has a firing member body configured to axially pass through a vertically aligned slot in an anvil (not shown), a staple cartridge, and an elongated channel 26310''. 20502. A lower foot assembly (not shown) comprising a pair of laterally extending lower flanges extends from the lower end of the firing member body 20502 to form corresponding channel ledges on opposite sides of the channel slot. An upper foot 20507 with two laterally extending anvil tabs 20509 may be formed on the upper end of the firing member body 20502 and anvil ledges formed on either side of the anvil slot. (not shown). In at least one configuration, the firing member 20500 further includes a pair of central tabs 20510 extending laterally from opposite sides of the firing member body 20502. include.

The firing member body 20502 also includes a firing member lockout spring (not shown) mounted within the elongated channel 26310'' and configured to bias the firing member 20500 downwardly within the elongated channel 26310' to a locked position. In the locked position, the firing member foot and/or central tab 20510 is configured to include a proximally extending spring tail (not shown) configurable to operably interface with the channel. 20310'' and, therefore, even if a user attempts to distally advance the locked-out firing member 20500, the firing member 20500 will not move distally due to such misalignment. . That is, the foot and/or central tab 20510 contacts a portion of the elongated channel 26310'', thereby preventing distal advancement of the firing member 20500. In one configuration, a threaded latch 20514 is formed on the firing member body 20502. and is engaged by a proximally extending unlocking portion on a cam assembly operably supported at a proximal-most starting point within a matching cartridge operably mounted within channel 26310''. It is configured as follows.

When a new, unfired, matching staple cartridge with its cam assembly in its (unfired) starting position is operably installed within the elongated channel 26310'', the unlocking portion of the cam assembly threads onto the firing member body 20502. The lower foot assembly and/or central tab 20510 are engaged with the latches 20514 to allow the firing member 20500 to be axially advanced therein such that the lower foot assembly and/or the central tab 20510 are aligned with the respective passages of the channels 26310''. Move it upward to the unlocked position. When the user advances the firing member 20500 distally into the cartridge, the firing member 20500 also drives a cam assembly therein, camming the drive upwardly to release the staples or fasteners supported thereon. Make contact with the underside of the anvil. Tissue cutting member 20504 on firing member 20500 then cuts the stapled tissue. Once the firing member 20500 is driven to its distal-most position corresponding to the end position of the cam assembly, the firing member 20500 is retracted to its proximal-most position, causing the cam assembly to move toward the distal end of the cartridge (fired). position). When the firing member 20500 returns to its most proximal starting position, the locking spring re-biases the firing member 20500 back to its locked position. Therefore, even if a user attempts to reuse a used cartridge, the cam assembly will not be in its starting position necessary to unlock the firing member 20500. Such a firing member locking system may also be referred to herein as a "spent cartridge lockout system."

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 107 and 109, the cartridge verification system 26440'' is moved axially within the channel 26310'' from a distal-most cartridge engagement position within the channel 26310'' to a proximal verification position. a supported, axially movable cartridge verification shuttle 26442''. A shuttle spring 26449'' is mounted within the channel 26310'' and serves to bias the cartridge verification shuttle 26442'' to the most distal cartridge engagement position. As shown in FIGS. Shuttle 26442'' further includes a distally extending shuttle base member 26644'' and a pair of laterally movable shuttle drive arms 26450''. Each shuttle drive arm 26450'' has a drive latch mechanism 26452'' thereon having an angled proximal drive surface 26454'' and an angled distal drive surface 26456'' that converge together to form a point 26548''. The drive arm 26450'' is biased laterally inwardly into the drive position by the shuttle spring 26449''. When the shuttle drive arm 26450'' is in the drive position, the angled proximal drive surface 26454'' is As shown in FIG. 108, it is in driving engagement with the central tab 20510 on the firing member 20500. When the shuttle drive arm 26450'' is in that position, distal advancement of the firing member 20500 causes the mounting shuttle 26442'' to At the same time, it is moved distally.

FIG. 109 shows a proximal end portion 26604'' of a surgical staple cartridge 26600'' mounted within a channel 26310'' that mates with a surgical end effector 26300''. In at least one configuration, the surgical staple cartridge 26600'' includes an elongated cartridge body 26602'' sized to be removably mounted within the elongated channel 26310''. The cartridge body 26602'' has a proximal end of the cartridge body 26602''. The cartridge slot 26608'' extends from the portion 26604'' to the distal end portion. The cartridge 26600'' operably supports a cam assembly 26650'' therein. The cam assembly 26650'' includes a central body portion 26652''; a series of spaced apart cam members 26654'' configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 26609'' formed on opposite sides of cartridge slot 26608'' within cartridge body 26602''. cam slot 26609. ``as the cam assembly 26650'' is driven through the staple cartridge 26600'' from a starting position within the cartridge body 26602'''' proximal end portion 26604'' to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body 26602''. and are aligned with corresponding rows of drives within cartridge body 26602'' to facilitate camming contact with corresponding cam members 26654''. Central body portion 26652'' includes a proximally extending unlocking portion configured to engage threaded latch 20514 on firing member 20500 when cartridge 26600'' is properly loaded into channel 26310''. 26653''.

The compatible cartridge 26600'' includes a proximally projecting lock release mechanism or cartridge key configured to engage the shuttle drive arm 26450'' when the cartridge 26600'' is operably installed within the channel 26310''. 109, during distal advancement of the firing member 20500, the verification shuttle 26442'' has each shuttle drive arm 26450'' contacting a corresponding cartridge key arrangement 26630''; This drives the shuttle drive arm 26450'' distally until it is biased laterally outwardly. As the firing member 20500 continues to move distally, the drive latch mechanism 26452'' on the shuttle drive arm 26450'' , disengages from a corresponding central tab 20510 on the firing member body 20502, allowing the firing member 20500 to move distally without driving the verification shuttle 26442'' in the distal direction. Therefore, in such a case, verification shuttle 26442'' has not moved distally enough to disengage cam assembly 26650'' from unlocked engagement with threaded latch 20514 on firing member 20500. Thus, the firing member 20500 can be driven distally through the matching cartridge 26600'' to drive the fastener therefrom to cut tissue clamped within the end effector 26300''. When the firing member 20500 is pulled back to its starting position, the tapered surface 20511 on each central tab 20510 contacts the sloped distal drive surface 26456'' on the corresponding drive latch mechanism 26452'' and the shuttle arm 26450'' is laterally biased to reengage the central tab 20510 with the sloped proximal drive surface 26454'', allowing the verification shuttle 26442'' to be driven distally again by the firing member 20500.

107 and 108 illustrate loading a mismatched cartridge 26600X'' into a surgical end effector 26300''. As shown in these figures, the non-compliant cartridge 26600X'' does not have the proximally projecting unlocking mechanism or cartridge key arrangement 26630'' provided on the matching cartridge 26600''. As the firing member 20500 is advanced distally, the cartridge verification shuttle 26442'' also moves distally with the firing member 20500. As the cartridge verification shuttle 26442'' moves distally, the distal end 26645'' of the distally extending shuttle base member 26644'' contacts the cam assembly 26650'', causing the cam assembly 26650'' to thread onto the firing member 20500. When the unlocking portion 26653'' of the cam assembly 26650'' disengages the threaded latch 20514, the firing member body 20502 falls into locking engagement with the elongated channel 26310''. , preventing further distal advancement of firing member 20500.

As further shown in FIGS. 108 and 109, in the illustrated configuration, a lateral stiffener member 26470'' projects laterally outwardly from each shuttle arm 26450''. When the firing member 20500 and verification shuttle 26442'' are positioned in their respective most proximal starting positions, each lateral stiffener member 26470'' has a corresponding channel notch 26472'' provided in each channel sidewall 26314''. Laterally aligned to provide space for shuttle arm 26450'' to move laterally when a compatible cartridge 26600'' is properly loaded into end effector 26300''. However, a non-compatible cartridge 26600X'' is loaded into the end effector 26300'' and the user begins distally advancing the firing member 20500 and verification shuttle 26442'', the lateral stiffener member 26470'' is inserted into the channel sidewall 26314'' as shown in FIG. channel notch 26472''. In such case, the lateral stiffener member 26470'' extends laterally from both sides of the firing member body 20502 with the shuttle arm 26450'' biased laterally outwardly. center tab 20510.

The cartridge verification system described herein can address a variety of issues that may occasionally arise when using an initially acceptable end effector with a variety of cartridges, including cartridges that are not specifically compatible with the end effector. . For example, a cartridge may operably fit into a channel of an end effector, but not have the appropriate fastener configuration to fit into a formed pocket on the anvil of the end effector. An incompatible cartridge may have an inappropriate number or type of staples. The cartridge may not have a cam assembly that is compatible with the firing member lockout configuration used by the end effector. Some cartridges have a suitable cam assembly, but the cam assembly may at some point have moved to a marginal unlock position where it may or may not be in non-locking engagement with the firing member lockout configuration. be. At least some cartridge verification systems may address this issue. The cartridge verification system disclosed herein may also provide the ability to distinguish between older cartridges and newer, suitable cartridges that have features that better mate with end effector components, for example. The cartridge verification system also ensures that the cartridge is properly seated within the end effector channel and that the proximal end of the cartridge is aligned relative to the firing member with the central tab on the firing member at the top of the cartridge pan as desired. Misalignment of the cartridge within the channel may be minimized such that it is placed in an undesirable position where it may end up under the cartridge pan. Such misalignment can cause damage or bending of the cartridge pan, resulting in premature locking of the firing member.

110-115 illustrate another cartridge verification system that can be used with an end effector 27300 that uses a firing member 20500 (described above) that is axially advanced by a firing member beam 1900 in various ways described herein. 27440 is shown. In the illustrated configuration, cartridge verification system 27440 has a shaft supported within channel 27310 of end effector 27300 for axial movement from a distal-most cartridge engagement position within channel 27310 to a proximal verification position. a cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 movable in direction. Cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 may be fabricated from spring steel and may include an elongate body 27444 that includes a blocking hook 27446 formed on a distal end 27445 of elongate body 27444. See FIG. 111. Cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 further includes an actuator portion 27448 formed on proximal end 27447 of elongate body 27444.

Still referring to FIG. 111, cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 is configured to move axially within a shuttle track 27360 formed within channel bottom 27312 of channel 27310. As shown in FIG. 111, the shuttle track 27360 includes a curved transverse portion 27362 that extends transversely to a channel slot 27313 that is centrally disposed within the channel bottom 27312 and passes the firing member 20500 axially. including. The curved transverse portion 27362 of the shuttle track 27360 terminates in a sloped track portion 27364 located on the other side of the channel slot 27313. As shown in FIG. 111, the sloped track portion 27364 has a sloped bottom surface 27366. The proximal end 27370 of the shuttle track 27360 has an axial spring cavity configured to support a shuttle spring 27382 pivoted on a spring retainer pin 27449 that projects proximally from an actuator portion 27448 of the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442. It touches 27380. Shuttle spring 27382 serves to bias verification shuttle 27442 to a distal-most locked position where cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 prevents distal advancement of cam assembly 27650 and firing member 20500.

FIG. 110 shows proximal end portion 27604 of surgical staple cartridge 27600 compatible with surgical end effector 27300. In at least one configuration, surgical staple cartridge 27600 includes an elongate cartridge body 27602 sized to be removably mounted within elongate channel 27310. Cartridge body 27602 includes a cartridge slot 27608 that extends from proximal end portion 27604 to distal end portion of cartridge body 27602. Cartridge body 27602 further includes a cartridge deck surface 27610 that faces the staple-forming underside of the anvil when cartridge 27600 is installed within channel 27310 and the anvil is pivoted to the closed position. Although not shown in FIG. 110, surgical staple cartridge 27600 has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of cartridge slot 27608 that opens through cartridge deck surface 27610. Good too. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, cartridge body 27602 is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 27602 to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, cartridge pan 27620 is attached to the bottom of cartridge body 27602. In particular, when installed, the cartridge pan 27620 can prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 27602 during handling and installation of the cartridge 27600 into the elongated channel 27310.

In the illustrated configuration, cartridge 27600 operably supports cam assembly 27650 therein. Cam assembly 27650 includes a central body portion 27652 and a series of spaced apart cam members 27654 configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots 27609 formed on opposite sides of cartridge slot 27608 in cartridge body 27602. , is provided. The cam slot 27609 is inserted into the cartridge body 27609 as the cam assembly 27650 is driven through the staple cartridge 27600 from a starting position within the proximal end portion 27604 of the cartridge body 27602 to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body 27602. Aligned with corresponding rows of drives in 27602 to facilitate camming contact with corresponding cam members 27654. Central body portion 27652 includes a proximally extending unlock portion 27653 configured to engage threaded latch 20514 on firing member 20500 when cartridge 27600 is properly loaded within channel 27310. .

Compatible cartridge 27600 further includes a proximally projecting verification feature or cartridge key arrangement 27630 configured to engage sled actuator 27448 when cartridge 27600 is operably installed within channel 27310. . Verification mechanism 27630 biases cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 to the most proximal unlocked position in which cam assembly 27650 and firing member 20500 can be displaced distally through cartridge 27600. When the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 is in the unlocked position, a blocking hook 27446 formed on the distal end 27445 of the elongated body 27444 of the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 is inserted into the curved transverse portion 27362 of the shuttle track 27360. and does not extend across the channel slot 27313 in the channel bottom 27312. If the blocking hook 27446 does not extend across the channel slot 27313, the firing member 20500 and cam assembly 27650 can be advanced into the cartridge 27310''.

114 and 115 illustrate a surgical end effector 27300 with a mismatched cartridge 27600X installed therein. In this example, the non-compliant cartridge 27600X does not have a verification mechanism or cartridge key arrangement 27630 provided on the compatible cartridge 27600 to engage the actuator portion 27448 of the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442. Accordingly, the shuttle spring 27382 locks the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 in such a way that the blocking hook 27446 formed at the distal end 27445 of the elongate body 27444 of the cartridge verification member or shuttle 27442 traverses the channel slot 27313 and the inclined track portion 27364 biasing distally to a locking position extending transversely inward. As the blocking hook 27446 enters the sloped track portion 27364, the sloped bottom surface 27366 moves the blocking hook 27446 upwardly to a position where the blocking hook 27446 blocks distal advancement of the cam assembly 27650 and firing member 20500. Thus, in that position, blocking hook 27446 prevents distal advancement of cam assembly 27650 and firing member 20500 if the user inadvertently attempts to advance firing member 20500 distally.

In at least one configuration shown in FIG. 115, the portion of the blocking hook 27446 that traverses the channel slot 27313 may be reinforced with an additional reinforced blocking portion 27450 attached thereto. That is, the cross-sectional thickness of the portion of the reinforced blocking hook 27446 is greater than the cross-sectional thickness of the remaining body portion of the cartridge verification member or shuttle 26442. Alternative configurations are contemplated for use with the end effectors disclosed herein using an axially movable closure member to move the anvil to a closed position, such as an end effector closure tube. Ru. In such an end effector configuration, for example, the end effector closure tube may be configured to bias the verification shuttle into a locked blocking position when the closure member is actuated to close the anvil. Cartridge verification system 27440 may also be effectively used with surgical end effectors that include rotating firing member configurations having firing member lockout systems of the type disclosed herein.

116-119 illustrate another surgical staple cartridge 28600 that can be used in conjunction with various end effector configurations disclosed herein. In the illustrated configuration, surgical staple cartridge 28600 includes an elongated cartridge body 28602 sized to be removably mounted within an elongated channel of an end effector. As shown in FIG. 117, cartridge body 28602 includes a cartridge slot 28608 that extends from a proximal end portion 28604 of cartridge body 28602 to a distal end portion of cartridge body 28602. Cartridge body 28602 further includes a cartridge deck surface 28610 that faces the staple-forming underside of the anvil when cartridge 28600 is installed within the channel and the anvil is pivoted to the closed position. Although not shown in FIG. 117, surgical staple cartridge 28600 has multiple rows (typically three rows) of surgical staple pockets on each side of cartridge slot 28608 that opens through cartridge deck surface 28610. Good too. Each staple pocket may have a staple drive (not shown) associated with each staple pocket that supports surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, cartridge body 28602 is molded from a polymeric material with staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one configuration, the staple pockets also open through the bottom of the cartridge body 28602 to facilitate attachment of the drive and fasteners to their respective pockets. Once the drive and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, cartridge pan 28620 is attached to the bottom of cartridge body 28602. In particular, when installed, the cartridge pan 28620 can prevent the drive and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 28602 during handling and installation of the cartridge 28600 into the elongated channel.

In the illustrated configuration, cartridge 28600 operably supports cam assembly 28650 therein. Cam assembly 28650 includes a series of spaced apart cam members 28654 28654 configured to move axially within a central body portion 28652 and corresponding cam slots 28609 formed on either side of cartridge slot 28608 in cartridge body 28602. ' and . The cam slot 28609 is inserted into the cartridge body 28609 as the cam assembly 28650 is driven through the staple cartridge 28600 from a starting position within the proximal end portion 28604 of the cartridge body 28602 to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body 28602. Aligned with corresponding rows of drives within 28602 to facilitate camming contact with corresponding cam members 28654, 28654'.

Still referring to FIG. 117, cartridge 28600 includes a cam assembly locking system 28440 configured to hold cam assembly 28650 in its starting position when cartridge 28600 is not loaded into a mating end effector. . In the illustrated configuration, for example, cam assembly locking system 28440 includes a laterally displaceable locking mechanism 28442 that includes an actuator portion 28444 and a locking tab 28446. As shown in FIG. 117, locking tab 28446 is configured to be received within a locking cavity 28655 provided within a corresponding cam member 28654' when cam assembly 28650 is in the locked position. Please refer to FIGS. 116 and 117. Actuator portion 28444 is configured to contact an actuator lug or other portion of the end effector anvil when the anvil moves to the closed position. For example, actuator lug 28411 may be formed on an anvil attachment portion of any of the various anvils disclosed herein to laterally move actuator portion 28444 to an unlocked position when the anvil moves to a closed position. It may be configured to be biased. When actuator portion 28444 is in the unlocked position and the firing drive system is actuated as described herein, locking tab 28446 moves laterally from locking cavity 28655 within cam member 28654' and then Cam assembly 28650 may be advanced distally through cartridge 28600. Please refer to FIGS. 118 and 119.

In various cases, the surgical stapling instrument includes a cartridge jaw configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge. The stapling instrument further includes a staple firing system configured to eject or fire the staples from the staple cartridge, and an anvil including a shaped surface or pocket configured to deform the staples. The staple firing system includes a tissue cutting knife that moves from a proximal end to a distal end of the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. The tissue cutting knife drives the staples toward and against the anvil by abutting and displacing the threads in the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. As the staples are deformed relative to the anvil, the staples are embedded in the tissue in longitudinal rows and the tissue cutting knife cuts the tissue between the two longitudinal rows of staples. After the staple firing stroke is completed and/or after a staple firing stroke of sufficient length is completed, the tissue cutting knife is retracted proximally. However, the cartridge sled is not retracted proximally with the tissue cutting knife. Instead, the cartridge thread is left in the most distal position pushed out by the tissue cutting knife. After the staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the cartridge jaw and then optionally replaced with another replaceable staple cartridge. At such point, the stapling instrument can be used again to continue stapling and dissecting the patient's tissue. However, in some cases, a fired staple cartridge may be accidentally loaded into the cartridge jaw. When a tissue cutting knife is advanced distally within such a fired staple cartridge, the stapling instrument will sever patient tissue without stapling. If the tissue cutting knife is advanced distally through the staple firing stroke without the staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge jaws, the stapling instrument will similarly cut patient tissue without stapling. . To this end, the stapling instrument is equipped with one or more lockouts that prevent the above occurrences as described in more detail below.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232200 filed on May 20, 2003, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232199, title of the invention " SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL”, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232197 filed May 20, 2003, title of the invention “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATION AN” E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM”, filed on May 20, 2003 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232196, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", filed May 20, 3003 Publication No. 2004/0232195, name of invention “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING” and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0085123 filed August 17, 2017, title of the invention “ARTICU LATING SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATION A TWO-PIECE E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM” is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIG. 120, surgical stapling instrument 30000 includes a cartridge jaw or channel 30010 and a staple cartridge 30020 mounted within cartridge jaw 30010. Staple cartridge 30020 includes a cartridge body 30022, a plurality of staple cavities defined within cartridge body 30022, and staples removably stored within the staple cavities. Staple cartridge 30020 further includes a sled 30030 and a staple drive driven by sled 30030 to eject staples from the staple cavity as sled 30030 advances distally during a staple firing stroke. Stapling instrument 30000 further comprises a firing member 30040 configured to engage thread 30030 and force thread 30030 distally, as described in more detail below.

In addition to the above, firing member 30040 includes a cutting portion 30042 that includes a tissue knife 30044. The cutting portion 30042 is defined on the sled 30030 when the sled 30030 is in its unfired position within the staple cartridge 30020 and the firing member 30040 moves distally from its unfired position shown in FIG. Further includes a distal nose 30043 configured to be positioned on shoulder 30033. Once the distal nose 30043 is positioned over the thread shoulder 30033, the firing member 30040 can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. Note that the cutting portion 30042 includes a first cam member 30046 configured to engage a cam surface of the channel 30010 that cooperates to position the anvil and staple cartridge 30020 relative to each other; and a second cam member 30048 configured to engage a cam surface on the anvil of the stapling instrument 30000. However, embodiments having only one or both of cam member 30046 and cam member 30048 are also envisioned.

Referring to FIG. 121, firing member 30040 is biased toward channel 30010 by a spring such that sled 30030 is in its unfired position when firing member 30040 is advanced distally to begin a staple firing stroke. If not, the distal nose 30043 of the cutting portion 30042 will miss or fail to land on the shoulder 30033 and the cutting portion 30042 will instead be directed downwardly into the channel 30010. Cutting portion 30042 includes a lockout pin 30045 extending laterally therefrom, which lockout pin 30045 is defined within channel 30010 when distal nose 30043 does not land on shoulder 30033 of sled 30030. into the recess 30012. In such a case, the firing member 30040 would be allowed to move distally within the lockout window 30012. However, the distal end of the lockout window 30012 includes a lockout shoulder 30015 that contacts a lockout pin 30045 to stop distal advancement of the firing member 30040. In such a case, the result is that firing member 30040 is locked out and prevented from performing its staple firing stroke. However, when the sled 30030 is in its unfired position, the interaction between the distal nose 30043 of the cutting portion 30042 and the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030 prevents the firing member 30040 from entering the lockout window 30012. would be prevented and the staple firing stroke would be executed.

In addition to the above, distally advancing the firing member 30040 without a staple cartridge disposed within the cartridge channel 30010 and/or without a staple cartridge properly seated causes the firing member 30040 to lock out. It will enter window 30012. In view of the foregoing, the surgical instrument 30000 will not perform a staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge within the surgical instrument 30000 is missing, improperly seated, and/or at least partially spent. Equipped with a lockout to prevent However, even when the staple cartridge is unfired, i.e., all of its staples remain disposed within their staple cavities, the distal nose 30043 of the cutting portion 30042 may be subject to various manufacturing tolerances, e.g. Therefore, the shoulder portion 30033 of the thread 30030 may be missed. In such a case, the firing member 30040 may be unnecessarily locked out, requiring the clinician to replace the staple cartridge with another staple cartridge. Although such things may not occur frequently, when they do they are an inconvenience to the clinician.

A surgical instrument 30100 is shown in FIG. 122 and includes improvements that can reduce the likelihood that the distal nose 30043 of the cutting portion 30042 will miss the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030. Surgical instrument 30100 is similar in many respects to surgical instrument 30000, except that it includes staple cartridge 30120 in place of staple cartridge 30020. Staple cartridge 30120 includes a cartridge body 30122, a plurality of staple cavities defined within cartridge body 30122, and staples removably stored within the staple cavities. Referring to FIG. 123, the staple cartridge 30120 further comprises a sled 30030, which is activated during the staple firing stroke when the distal nose 30043 of the cutting portion 30042 captures the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030, as described above. is movable distally from the unfired position. Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 124, when the firing member 30040 is distally advanced, the cutting portion 30042 is forced into the lockout window 30012 defined within the cartridge channel 30010.

125 and 126, the cartridge body 30122 includes a proximal ramp 30126 configured to lift the firing member 30040 upwardly as the firing member 30040 is advanced distally. More specifically, a lockout pin 30045 extending laterally from the firing member 30040 has a proximal slope that guides the cutting portion 30042 away from the lockout window 30012 as the firing member 30040 is advanced distally. contacting an inclined surface 30127 defined on portion 30126; Lockout pin 30045 does this, in addition to the above, against the spring biasing force that forces firing member 30040 toward cartridge channel 30010. Lifting the firing member 30040 in this manner causes the nose 30043 of the firing member 30040 to land on the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030 even if the sled 30030 were accidentally pushed slightly distally from its unfired position. More likely. Therefore, the possibility of unintentionally locking out an unfired staple cartridge is reduced. However, when the staple cartridge 30120 is at least partially fired, the nose 30043 misses the shoulder 30033 and the lockout pin 30045 closes the window 30125 formed between the proximal ramp 30126 and the lockout window 30012. fall through. Thus, as described above, when an at least partially used staple cartridge 30120 is installed within cartridge channel 30010, surgical instrument 30100 is locked out. Additionally, as discussed above, if the staple cartridge is not within the cartridge channel 30010, the surgical instrument 30100 is locked out and the absence of the proximal ramp 30126 causes the firing member 30040 to immediately enter the lockout window 30012 and release the staples. The firing stroke begins.

Note that in addition to the above, the ramp 30126 is located proximal to the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030. Thus, the firing member 30040 is provided with missing cartridge/improper cartridge lockout provided by the ramp 30126 and by the sled 30030 as the firing member 30040 moves distally to perform a staple firing stroke. must be continuously passed through the used cartridge lockout. Additionally, ramp 30126 raises firing member 30040 to the appropriate height to be supported by sled 30030. Ultimately, the ramp 30126 of the cartridge body 30122 and the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030 cooperate to defeat the lockout of the stapling instrument 30100.

A staple cartridge 30220 according to at least one alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 127. Similarly, staple cartridge 30220 includes a cartridge body 30222 that is similar to cartridge body 30122 in many respects. However, cartridge body 30222 includes a proximal ramp 30226 that extends further proximally than proximal ramp 30126. Thus, firing member 30040 is lifted earlier in the staple firing stroke when staple cartridge 30220 is used. In various examples, staple cartridge 30220 may include a drop window 30225 that is larger than drop window 30125. Additionally, proximal ramp 30226 includes a ramp 30227 that is shorter than ramp 30127. In such an example, when staple cartridge 30220 is used, firing member 30040 is not raised as high as when staple cartridge 30120 is used. In any event, such parameters may be used to complete proper lifting motion of the firing member 30040.

As discussed above, the lockout pin 30045 of the firing member 30040 allows the firing member 30040 to land on the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030 when the sled 30030 is properly positioned within the staple cartridge 30220. , is configured to contact the ramp 30226 that lifts the firing member 30040. However, alternative embodiments are also envisioned in which the ramp can raise any suitable portion of the staple firing member onto the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030. For example, firing member 30040 may include a laminated bar attached to cutting portion 30042 that contacts ramp 30226 and lifts firing member 30040 upwardly when a staple firing stroke is initiated.

Referring again to FIG. 127, staple cartridge 30220 includes a pan 30024 that extends at least partially below cartridge body 30222. Pan 30024 is configured to prevent staple drives and/or staples within cartridge body 30222 from falling out of the bottom of cartridge body 30222. Pan 30024 includes a latch 30021 that engages a slot defined in cartridge body 30222. A window 30029 is further defined in the pan 30024 that cooperates with a projection extending from the cartridge body 30222 to align the pan 30024 with the cartridge body 30222. Additionally or alternatively, a lift ramp 30226 may extend from the pan 30024, for example.

In FIG. 128, a surgical stapling instrument 30300 is shown. Stapling instrument 30300 is similar to stapling instrument 30200 in many respects. However, stapling instrument 30300 includes staple cartridge 30320 instead of staple cartridge 30220. Staple cartridge 30320 includes a cartridge body 30322, a plurality of staple cavities defined within cartridge body 30322, and staples removably stored within the staple cavities. Within the cartridge body 30322 is a longitudinal slot 30023 configured to receive a firing member 30040 and a sled 30030 extending forward of the longitudinal slot 30023 in its unfired position as shown in FIG. A proximal ramp 30327 is defined that raises the firing member 30040 onto the sled 30030 when at or at least approximately at that position. As the sled 30030 advances at least partially through its staple firing stroke, the shoulder 30033 does not capture the nose 30043 of the firing member 30040 and the cutting portion 30042 locks through the window defined between the ramp supports 30326. It falls into the out window 30012.

130 and 132, the ramp 30327 also includes a gate configured to pivot out of the way of the firing member 30040 when a sufficient force is applied to the firing member 30040. Ramp 30327 includes a first end rotatably attached to one of the ramp supports 30326 and a second end releasably attached to the other ramp support 30326. 131 and 133, the second end of the ramp 30327 is such that the nose 30043 of the firing member 30040 is in the unfired position when the sled 30030 is in its unfired position or at least approximately in its unfired position. The firing member 30040 is configured to be lifted upwardly and then released from its ramp support 30326 so that it falls onto the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030 upon disengaging from the ramp 30327. At such point, ramp 30327 no longer impedes distal movement of firing member 30040 and firing member 30040 can be advanced distally across longitudinal slot 30023. Ramp 30327 remains laterally displaced throughout the staple firing stroke and after firing member 30040 is retracted to its unfired position. Therefore, the displaced ramp 30327 is unable to lift the firing member 30040 when the firing member 30040 is advanced distally again. In such an example, when the firing member 30040 is advanced distally before the used staple cartridge 30320 is replaced, the lockout pin 30045 of the cutting portion 30042 is moved from the lockout window 30012 by the spring acting against the firing member 30040. pushed inside. The ramp 30327 thus functions as a used cartridge lockout. In at least one alternative embodiment, ramp 30327 is configured to move away from cartridge body 30322 to release firing member 30040.

Further, in addition to the above, the lockout configuration of stapling instrument 30300 also functions as an unsuitable/non-conforming cartridge lockout. If an unsuitable or incompatible staple cartridge that does not have ramp 30327 or another suitably configured ramp is attempted to be loaded into cartridge channel 30010, firing member 30040 will fire onto the sled of the unsuitable staple cartridge. Instead, the lockout pin 30045 is forced into the lockout window 30012, thereby locking out the staple firing system. In such instances, the firing member 30040 can be retracted to its unfired position and the unsuitable/non-compatible staple cartridge can be replaced with a suitable/compatible staple cartridge. Inadvertent exchange of a suitable staple cartridge with an unsuitable staple cartridge may occur, such as in an operating room where a particular staple cartridge is intended to be used with a particular stapling instrument.

As mentioned above, ramp 30327 extends to the rear of sled 30030. As a result, the ramp 30327 can prevent the sled 30030 from being accidentally pushed distally. In various examples, the staple cartridge 30320 is inserted into the stapling device 30300 by first inserting the proximal end of the staple cartridge 30320 into the cartridge channel 30010, and then by loading the staple cartridge 30320 into the cartridge channel 30010. loaded. Thus, sled 30030 may contact cartridge channel 30010 and be forced distally from its proximal unfired position within staple cartridge 30320, for example. In such instances, the sled 30030 may not be positioned to override the staple firing lockout of the stapling instrument 30300 when the staple firing stroke is initiated, and thus the staple firing lockout may be This staple cartridge 30320 must be treated as used and replaced if the stapling instrument 30300 is to be used. The ramp 30327 can prevent this because it extends proximally behind the thread 30030, allowing the thread 30030 to move distally within the staple cartridge 30320 when the staple cartridge 30320 is installed. can be prevented from being pushed out.

As mentioned above, the sled 30030, when properly positioned within the staple cartridge, overrides the staple firing lockout of the stapling instrument so that the staple firing stroke can be completed. In use, firing member 30040 is advanced at least partially distally to assess whether sled 30030 is properly positioned and whether staple firing lockout has been disabled. be done. More specifically, the firing member 30040 is advanced distally until the firing member 30040 is supported by the sled 30030 to perform a staple firing stroke when the sled 30030 is properly positioned within the staple cartridge 30320. or otherwise contacts lockout shoulder 30015 if sled 30030 is not properly positioned within staple cartridge 30320 or staple cartridge 30320 is not within cartridge channel 30010. The firing member 30040 is retracted to insert an unused staple cartridge 30320 into the cartridge channel 30010 and/or to begin another staple firing stroke when the firing member 30040 contacts the lockout shoulder 30015. There may be a need. With this in mind, the surgical instrument 30400 of FIGS. 134 and 135 is designed to allow the firing member to reach the lockout shoulder 30015 when a staple cartridge is not present in the cartridge channel, as described in more detail below. The firing member is configured to limit movement of the firing member so that the firing member can be stopped before the firing member can stop the firing member.

In addition to the above, the firing member 30440 of the surgical instrument 30400 is similar in many respects to the firing member 30040, except that it includes a cutting member 30442 that includes a secondary lockout pin 30449 extending laterally therefrom. It's different then. If the staple cartridge 30320 is not positioned within the cartridge channel 30410 of the stapling instrument 30400, the cutting member 30442 will advance into the lockout window 30012 as soon as the firing member 30440 is advanced distally and the secondary lockout pin 30449 quickly contacts secondary lockout shoulder 30419 within lockout window 30012. Accordingly, if staple cartridge 30320 is not present within cartridge channel 30410, firing member 30440 does not need to move distally until contacting lockout shoulder 30015. In such instances, the distance that firing member 30440 needs to be retracted is at least reduced. In some examples, secondary lockout shoulder 30419 is positioned such that cutting member 30442 does not need to be retracted at all. In such an example, as a result, an unused staple cartridge 30320 can be inserted into the channel 30410 and the staple firing stroke can be completed without the need to retract the firing member 30440.

In addition to the above, the interaction between lockout pin 30449 and lockout shoulder 30419 functions as a missing cartridge lockout. When staple cartridge 30320 is installed within cartridge channel 30410, cutting member 30442 engages ramp 30327 of staple cartridge 30320 that raises lockout pin 30449 above lockout shoulder 30419. In other words, the presence of staple cartridge 30320 within cartridge channel 30010 disables the secondary staple firing lockout. However, in order to raise the lockout pin 30045 over the lockout shoulder 30015 as described above, the nose 30043 of the cutting member 30442 must land on the shoulder 30033 of the sled 30030, thereby reducing the staple firing stroke. To complete, thread 30030 of staple cartridge 30320 must be properly positioned within staple cartridge 30320. In other words, the presence of the sled 30030 within the staple cartridge 30320 in its unfired position disables the primary fire lockout, and the presence of the staple cartridge 30320 within the cartridge channel 30410 disables the secondary fire lockout. . Thus, stapling instrument 30400 includes a primary missing cartridge lockout and a secondary missing cartridge lockout, where the primary missing cartridge lockout also functions as a spent cartridge lockout.

In FIG. 136, a surgical stapling assembly 30500 is shown. Stapling instrument 30500 is similar to stapling instrument 30000 in many respects. In particular, stapling instrument 30500 includes a cartridge channel 30510, a staple cartridge 30520 removably positionable within cartridge channel 30510, a firing member 30040, and a staple firing lockout 30514. Staple firing lockout 30514 includes, for example, a resilient metal spring mounted within cartridge channel 30510. However, the staple firing lockout 30514 disclosed herein may be constructed of any suitable material. Staple firing lockout 30514 includes a base attached to cartridge channel 30510 and a flexible locking arm 30516 extending from the base. Each flexible locking arm 30516 moves independently of each other and has a locking window 30515 defined therein, the locking window 30515 releasably receiving a lockout pin 30045 extending from a firing member 30040. configured to capture. The flexible locking arm 30516 extends toward and/or inwardly against the side of the firing member 30040 and is thus biased to capture the lockout pin 30045. It is composed of When one or both of the lockout pins 30045 are captured within the locking window 30515, the staple firing member 30040 is prevented from advancing distally throughout the staple firing stroke.

In addition to the above, staple cartridge 30520 includes a cartridge body 30522, a plurality of staple cavities defined within cartridge body 30522, and staples removably stored within the staple cavities. Staple cartridge 30520 includes a pan 30024 attached to cartridge body 30522 and a thread configured to move distally within staple cartridge 30520 to eject staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. Prepare more. Similar to above, firing member 30040 is configured to push the thread distally to perform a staple firing stroke when firing member 30040 is unlocked. To this end, with reference to FIGS. 136 and 139, cartridge body 30522 is configured to engage locking arm 30516 when staple cartridge 30520 is installed within cartridge channel 30510. It includes a proximally extending projection or key 30526. Note that the end of locking arm 30516 flares outward so that when projection 30526 contacts locking arm 30516, locking arm 30516 is not captured between projection 30526 and firing member 30040. As a result, projection 30526 causes locking arm 30516 to flex laterally outwardly when staple cartridge 30520 is installed within cartridge channel 30510 such that lockout pin 30045 extending from firing member 30040 be placed within the lockout window 30515 of Thus, loading staple cartridge 30520 within cartridge channel 30510 unlocks stapling instrument 30500.

When staple cartridge 30520 is not installed within cartridge channel 30510 as described above, firing member 30040 remains locked by firing lockout 30514 and stapling instrument 30500 cannot be used to staple patient tissue. I can't. When a staple cartridge is installed within a cartridge channel 30510 that does not have a protrusion or key 30526, such as staple cartridge 30020, the staple cartridge may have a firing lockout 30514, as shown in FIGS. 137 and 138. does not unlock and, as a result, stapling instrument 30500 cannot be used to staple tissue of a patient. As shown in FIGS. 137 and 138, the proximal end of cartridge body 30022 does not engage locking arm 30516 and/or does not sufficiently displace locking arm 30516. Thus, in this example, staple cartridge 30020 is an inappropriate staple cartridge because it does not unlock the staple firing drive of stapling instrument 30500, whereas staple cartridge 30520 does not unlock the staple firing drive of stapling instrument 30500. It is a suitable staple cartridge because the firing drive can be unlocked. Thus, firing lockout 30514 is both a missing cartridge lockout and an incorrect cartridge lockout. The stapling instrument 30500 may further include a spent cartridge lockout. If an incorrect staple cartridge is installed within the stapling device 30500 and the stapling device 30500 cannot be fired, the incorrect staple cartridge can be removed and the appropriate staple cartridge, i.e. Cartridge 30520 can be installed within stapling instrument 30500 to unlock the staple firing drive.

Referring again to FIG. 121, as described above in connection with stapling instrument 30000, when thread 30030 is not in its proper position within staple cartridge 30020, lockout pin 30045 of firing member 30040 engages locking shoulder 30015. engage. Also, as discussed above, the firing member 30040 of the stapling instrument 30000 advances distally before engaging the locking shoulder 30015 and therefore has time to accelerate before contacting the locking shoulder 30015. . As such, firing member 30040 of stapling instrument 30000 may impact locking shoulder 30015 with significant velocity and energy. Therefore, the locking shoulder 30015 is robustly designed to absorb this shock. However, it is possible for firing member 30040 to rupture locking shoulder 30015, thereby inadvertently disabling the staple firing lockout of stapling instrument 30000. Lockout 30514 of FIGS. 136 and 137 cannot eliminate these potential problems, but can reduce them. For example, the locking window 30515 of the firing lockout 30514 is sized and sized to substantially prevent proximal and distal movement of the staple firing member 30040 while the locking arm 30516 is engaged with the lockout pin 30045. configuration, thus there is little time for the staple firing member 30040 to accelerate before being stopped by the distal end of the locking window 30515. Additionally, when the lockout pin 30045 engages the distal end of the lock window 30515, tension is applied to the lock arm 30516, which may result in complete failure of the lock arm 30516, but not before failure occurs. can handle considerable loads.

As discussed above, both locking arms 30516 are disengaged from the firing member 30040 by the cartridge body 30522 when the staple cartridge 30520 is installed within the stapling device 30500. However, when the staple cartridge is installed within the stapling device 30500, the first component of the staple cartridge unlocks the first locking arm 30516 and the second component of the staple cartridge unlocks the second locking arm 30516. Alternative embodiments of unlocking 30516 are also envisioned. For example, the cartridge body of the staple cartridge may unlock the first locking arm 30516 and the thread of the staple cartridge may unlock the second locking arm 30516.

A surgical stapling instrument 30600 is shown in FIG. 140 and a surgical stapling instrument 30700 is shown in FIG. 141. Stapling instrument 30600 and stapling instrument 30700 are similar to stapling instrument 30500 in many respects. Referring to FIG. 140, the stapling instrument 30600 includes a cartridge channel 30610, a staple cartridge 30620 removably positionable within the cartridge channel 30610, a staple firing lockout 30614 attached to the cartridge channel 30610, and a staple firing lockout 30614 attached to the cartridge channel 30610. and a staple firing lockout 30614 that prevents the firing member 30040 from advancing through the staple firing stroke when the cartridge 30620 is not installed within the cartridge channel 30610. Similarly, referring to FIG. 141, stapling instrument 30700 includes a cartridge channel 30710, a staple cartridge 30720 removably positionable within cartridge channel 30710, and a staple firing lockout 30714 attached to cartridge channel 30710. and a staple firing lockout 30714 that prevents the firing member 30040 from advancing through the staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge 30720 is not installed within the cartridge channel 30710. However, installing staple cartridge 30720 within stapling instrument 30600 does not unlock the staple firing system of stapling instrument 30600, and similarly, installing staple cartridge 30620 within stapling instrument 30700 does not unlock the staple firing system of stapling instrument 30600. The staple firing system of fastener 30700 is not unlocked. Thus, stapling instrument 30600 and stapling instrument 30700 can be used at the same time without risk of being used with the wrong staple cartridge, despite the fact that staple cartridge 30620 and staple cartridge 30720 may be confusingly similar. Can be used in the operating room.

Referring to FIG. 142, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge 30620 is angled such that the center of the cartridge body 30622, i.e., the portion closest to the longitudinal slot 30023, extends further proximally than the sides of the cartridge body 30622. The cartridge body 30622 further includes a cartridge body 30622 including a proximal end 30626. Staple cartridge 30620 further comprises a thread 30630 that is similar in many respects to thread 30630, with thread 30630 having a shape that matches or at least substantially matches the shape of proximal end 30626 of cartridge body 30622. A proximal end 30636 is provided. Referring again to FIG. 140, fire lockout 30614 is similar to fire lockout 30514. Firing lockout 30614 specifically includes a locking arm 30616 that is laterally displaced by the proximal end of cartridge body 30622 and/or the proximal end of sled 30630 to engage lockout pin 30045. The firing member 30040 is releasably retained in its unfired position until released from the lock window defined in the locking arm 30616. When staple cartridge 30620 is removed from cartridge channel 30610, locking arm 30616 resiliently returns to its locked position.

Referring to FIG. 143, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge 30700 is angled such that the side of the cartridge body 30722, i.e., the portion furthest from the longitudinal slot 30023, extends further proximally than the center of the cartridge body 30722. The cartridge body 30722 further includes a cartridge body 30722 including a proximal end 30726. Staple cartridge 30720 further comprises a thread 30730 that is similar in many respects to thread 30730, with thread 30730 having a shape that matches or at least substantially matches the shape of proximal end 30726 of cartridge body 30722. A proximal end 30736 is provided. Referring again to FIG. 141, fire lockout 30714 is similar to fire lockout 30514. Firing lockout 30714 specifically includes a locking arm 30716 that is laterally displaced by the proximal end of cartridge body 30722 and/or the proximal end of sled 30730 to engage lockout pin 30045. The firing member 30040 is releasably retained in its unfired position until released from the lock window defined in the locking arm 30716. When staple cartridge 30720 is removed from cartridge channel 30710, locking arm 30716 resiliently returns to its locked position.

In addition to the above, even if the staple cartridge 30620 is attempted to be loaded into the stapling device 30700, the proximal end of the staple cartridge 30620 may be attached to the lock arm 30716 of the firing lockout 30714 and the firing lockout 30714 from the firing member 30040. Not displaced, or at least not sufficiently displaced, to disengage. Additionally, even if the staple cartridge 30720 is attempted to be installed within the stapling device 30600, the proximal end of the staple cartridge 30720 may cause the lock arm 30616 of the firing lockout 30614 to disengage the firing lockout 30614 from the firing member 30040. or at least not sufficiently displaced. Accordingly, staple cartridge 30620 and staple cartridge 30720 each include a unique keying mechanism that unlocks their corresponding or appropriate stapling instrument.

In various examples, in addition to the above, the cartridge body and/or thread of a staple cartridge or type of staple cartridge may include one or more unique keying mechanisms that can unlock only its respective stapling device. good. In some examples, a pan extending below the cartridge body may include a proximal mechanism or key configured to unlock the staple firing drive of the stapling instrument. Referring to FIG. 144, a cartridge pan 30824, similar in many respects to pan 30024, includes a proximal projection or key 30826 configured to unlock the staple firing drive of the stapling instrument. Protrusion 30826 is constructed from sheet metal that is folded to form a tubular structure, for example. The tubular structure is reinforced by nested interconnections including tabs 30827 and slots 30828.

Surgical stapling instrument 30900 is shown in FIGS. 145 and 147, and surgical stapling instrument 31000 is shown in FIG. 148. Stapling instruments 30900 and 31000 are similar to stapling instrument 30500 in many respects. Referring to FIG. 145, the stapling instrument 30900 includes a cartridge channel 30910, a staple cartridge 30920 removably positionable within the cartridge channel 30910, a staple firing lockout 30914 attached to the cartridge channel 30910, and a staple firing lockout 30914 attached to the cartridge channel 30910. and a staple firing lockout 30914 that prevents the firing member 30040 from advancing through the staple firing stroke when the cartridge 30920 is not installed within the cartridge channel 30910. Similarly, referring to FIG. 148, the stapling instrument 31000 includes a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge 31020 removably positionable within the cartridge channel, and a staple firing lockout 31014 attached to the cartridge channel, the stapler and a staple firing lockout 31014 that prevents the firing member 30040 from advancing through the staple firing stroke when the cartridge 31020 is not installed within the cartridge channel.

Note that staple firing lockout 30914 includes only one locking arm 30916 extending along the right side of firing member 30040. However, the interior of one locking arm 30916 captures the lockout pin 30045 of the firing member 30040 as shown in FIG. 147 until a staple cartridge 30920 is installed within the cartridge channel 30910 as shown in FIG. A locking window is defined that is configured to suitably retain and maintain the firing member 30040 in its unfired position. More specifically, the cartridge body 30922 of the staple cartridge 30920 engages the locking arm 30916 when the staple cartridge 30920 is installed within the cartridge channel 30910, causing the locking arm 30916 to flex laterally outwardly. with a proximal projection or key 30926 extending from the right side of the. Note that the cartridge body 30922 does not include a protrusion or key 30926 extending from the left side of the cartridge body 30922.

The staple firing lockout 31014 also includes only one locking arm 31016 extending along the left side of the firing member 30040. However, one locking arm 31016 is preferably configured to capture lockout pin 30045 of firing member 30040 as shown in FIG. A locking window is defined that is configured to retain and retain the firing member 30040 in its unfired position. More specifically, the cartridge body 31022 of the staple cartridge 31020 is a cartridge body that engages the locking arm 31016 and flexes the locking arm 31016 laterally outwardly when the staple cartridge 31020 is installed within the stapling instrument 31000. A proximal projection or key 31026 extends from the left side of 31022. Note that the cartridge body 31022 does not include a protrusion or key 31026 extending from the right side of the cartridge body 31022.

Due to the asymmetry of cartridge bodies 30922 and 31022 and the corresponding asymmetry of staple firing lockouts 30914 and 31014, loading staple cartridge 31020 within stapling instrument 30900 does not unlock the staple firing system of stapling instrument 30900. Similarly, installing staple cartridge 30920 within stapling instrument 31000 does not unlock the staple firing system of stapling instrument 31000. Thus, stapling instruments 30900 and 31000 can be used in the same operating room at the same time without fear of being used with the wrong staple cartridge, despite the fact that staple cartridges 30920 and 31020 may be confusingly similar. be able to. In some examples, the staple pattern produced by staple cartridge 30920 is different than the staple pattern produced by staple cartridge 30120, such that the anvil of stapling instrument 30900 is different than the anvil of stapling instrument 31000. Has a molded pocket configuration. In such instances, the asymmetric key/fire lockout configuration disclosed herein can prevent a mismatch between the configuration of the staple cavity and the configuration of the staple forming pocket.

149 and 150, staple cartridge 31120 includes a cartridge body 31122 that includes parallel longitudinal rows of staple cavities, while staple cartridge 31220 includes transversely oriented rows of staple cavities. A cartridge main body 31222 is provided. 149, the proximal end of the cartridge body 31122 includes a key 31126 extending from the left side of the cartridge body 31122, but not from the right or opposite side of the cartridge body 31122; 150, the proximal end of the cartridge body 31222 includes a key 31226 that extends from the right side of the cartridge body 31222 but not from the left side of the cartridge body 31222. Staple cartridge 31120 (FIG. 149) is used with a first stapling device having, for example, parallel longitudinal rows of anvil staple forming pockets and a left side staple firing lockout, such as firing lockout 31014 (FIG. 148). be done. Staple cartridge 31220 (FIG. 150) is used with a second stapling device having, for example, a longitudinal row of lateral staple-forming pockets and a right side staple firing lockout, such as firing lockout 30914 (FIG. 147). Ru. Staple cartridge 31220 does not unlock the first stapling instrument, and similarly, staple cartridge 31120 does not unlock the second stapling instrument. Therefore, the key 31126 of staple cartridge 31120 cannot unlock a stapling device that includes transversely extending staple forming pockets, whereas the key 31226 of staple cartridge 31220 cannot unlock a stapling device that includes a transversely extending staple forming pocket, whereas The stapling device, which includes staple molding pockets extending in a row, cannot be unlocked.

Note that staple cartridge 31120 and staple cartridge 31220 have substantially the same length and substantially the same shape. Additionally, staple cartridges 31120 and 31220 are both configured to form a staple line in patient tissue that is approximately 60 mm long. However, both staple cartridges 31120 and 31220 may be configured to form a staple line that is approximately 30 mm long or 45 mm long, for example. Additionally, cartridge body 31122 and cartridge body 31222 may have the same color. In various examples, commercial suppliers may color code the cartridge bodies of the staple cartridges they sell to indicate the size of staples stored therein. For example, a cartridge body containing unformed staples with an unformed height of about 4 mm is, for example, green in color. The cartridge body containing unformed staples having an unformed height of about 2.5 mm may be white, for example. Therefore, staple cartridges 31120 and 31220 may have the same color. Therefore, a clinician may grab one staple cartridge when he intended to grab another staple cartridge and install the staple cartridge in the wrong stapling instrument. The improvements disclosed herein take into account such possibilities and lock out the stapling instrument in such cases.

A surgical instrument 30800 is shown in FIGS. 151-155. 153 and 154, a surgical instrument 30800 includes a cartridge channel 30810, a staple cartridge 30820 removably disposed within the cartridge channel 30810, a firing member 30040, and a staple cartridge 30820 attached to the cartridge channel 30810. lockout 30814. Lockout 30814 includes a leaf spring 30816 that includes a proximal end fixed within an opening defined within cartridge channel 30810 and a distal end movable relative to the fixed proximal end. Referring primarily to FIGS. 153 and 155, lockout 30814 is one of lockout pins 30045 that extends from cutting portion 30042 of firing member 30040 when staple cartridge 30820 is not installed within cartridge channel 30810. It further includes a lockout box 30815 configured to capture one and hold the firing member 30040 in an unfired position. Lockout box 30815 includes a distal wall configured to prevent firing member 30040 from distally advancing and a proximal wall configured to prevent firing member 30040 from proximally retracting. and a bottom wall connecting the proximal wall and the distal wall of the lockout box 30815. The top of the lockout box 30815 is open, but can also be closed.

Staple cartridge 30820 includes a cartridge body 30822, a thread, and a pan 30824 attached to and extending below cartridge body 30822. In addition to the foregoing, the pan 30824 has a proximal end configured to engage the leaf spring 30816 of the lockout 30814 when the staple cartridge 30820 is installed within the cartridge channel 30810, as shown in FIGS. 152 and 154. 30826. When protrusion 30826 contacts leaf spring 30816, leaf spring 30816 deflects laterally, preventing lockout pin 30045 from becoming trapped within lockout box 30815 of lockout 30814. At such point, firing member 30040 is unlocked and can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. Referring primarily to FIG. 154, the distal or free end of leaf spring 30816 extends within a window 30819 defined within cartridge channel 30810. Window 30819 provides clearance for leaf spring 30816 when leaf spring 30816 is bent by staple cartridge 30820. The bottom sidewall of window 30819 also supports the distal end of leaf spring 30816 such that the distal end is at least simply supported. In either case, lockout 30814 provides missing cartridge lockout and improper cartridge lockout for staple cartridges, such as staple cartridge 30020, that do not have the appropriate keys to unlock stapling instrument 30800. .

As described above, lockout 30814 is moved from a locked position (FIGS. 152 and 153) to an unlocked position (FIG. 154) when staple cartridge 30820 is installed within cartridge channel 30810 of stapling instrument 30800. This deflection is illustrated in Figure 155, which shows the lockout 30814 in solid lines in its locked position and in dashed lines in its unlocked position. If an incorrect or mismatched staple cartridge, i.e., a staple cartridge without a suitable key, is installed in the cartridge channel 30810, the leaf spring 30816 will not deflect to unlock the firing member 30040. Or at least it doesn't flex properly. Note that the lockout 30814 further includes a tab 30817 extending from the leaf spring 30816, and when the lockout 30814 is deflected, the tab 30817 moves laterally with the leaf spring 30816. As shown in FIG. 153, when lockout 30814 is in its locked position, tab 30817 causes the anvil of surgical instrument 30800, or anvil 30050, to move to a closed or fully clamped position, as described in more detail below. Prevent movement.

Anvil 30050 is rotatably coupled to cartridge channel 30810 about a pivot pin 30051 mounted within an opening defined within cartridge channel 30810. When anvil 30050 is rotated toward cartridge channel 30810 by the closure system of surgical instrument 30800 and staple cartridge 30820 is not installed within cartridge channel 30810, bottom surface 30057 of anvil 30050 contacts tab 30817 and anvil 30050 is prevented from moving to its closed or fully clamped position. However, when staple cartridge 30820 is installed within cartridge channel 30810, tab 30817 indicates that when anvil 30050 is closed, anvil 30050 does not contact tab 30817 and anvil 30050 is moved to its closed or fully clamped position. Displace laterally so as to obtain. Thus, lockout 30814 also includes an anvil closure lockout, as lockout 30814 prevents anvil 30050 from being closed when staple cartridge 30820 is not installed within cartridge channel 30810. In such instances, the clinician may be unable to close the anvil 30050 and therefore determine that an incorrect staple cartridge is placed within the cartridge channel 30810 and/or that a staple cartridge is missing altogether. You will notice it immediately. In such instances, the staple firing stroke of the stapling instrument 30800 would also be prevented since the anvil 30050 cannot be closed over the tissue. In alternative embodiments where the staple cartridge jaw rather than the anvil is rotatable, if an incorrect staple cartridge is placed in the staple cartridge jaw or the staple cartridge is completely missing from the cartridge jaw. Additionally, such a lockout can be used to prevent rotation of the staple cartridge jaws to a closed or fully clamped position.

As discussed above, lockout 30814 is configured to resist closure of anvil 30050. To this end, in addition to the above, the proximal end of the lockout 30814 is fixedly supported within the cartridge channel 30810 and the distal end of the lockout 30814 is simply supported by the side wall of the window 30819. This is true both when lockout 30814 is in its locked configuration (FIG. 153) and in its unlocked configuration (FIG. 154). Thus, lockout 30814 can act as a beam supported at both ends and is sufficient to withstand the clamping loads applied by anvil 30050. Similarly, tab 30817 extending from lockout 30814 is also supported by cartridge channel 30810. More specifically, tab 30817 is inserted into slot 30818 defined within cartridge channel 30810 both when lockout 30814 is in its locked configuration (FIG. 153) and when it is in its unlocked configuration (FIG. 154). is slidably supported. Thus, lockout 30814 can function as a beam supported at both ends and in intermediate positions, and is sufficient to withstand the clamping loads applied by anvil 30050. However, any suitable sensor configuration may be used.

As described above, lockout 30814 is configured to prevent anvil 30050 of stapling instrument 30800 from being moved to a closed or fully clamped position when staple cartridge 30820 is not installed within cartridge channel 30810. has been done. However, lockout 30814 is configured to prevent anvil 30050 from being substantially fully closed when staple cartridge 30820 is not installed within cartridge channel 30810. In such an example, anvil 30050 may move slightly toward cartridge channel 30810. However, anvil 30050 is noticeably released when anvil 30050 contacts tab 30817 of lockout 30814. In various alternative embodiments, anvil 30050 is prevented from any movement until staple cartridge 30820 is installed within cartridge channel 30810. In either case, stapling instrument 30800 cannot be inserted into the patient through the trocar when anvil 30050 is locked out. More specifically, the trocar includes an internal passageway or cannula sized and configured to intimately receive a surgical instrument therein, and when the anvil 30050 is locked out as described above. The distance between 30050 and cartridge channel 30810 is too large for stapling instrument 30800 to fit through the internal passageway. As a result, in such instances, the clinician using the stapling instrument 30800 may be aware that an incorrect staple cartridge has been placed within the stapling instrument 30800 before the stapling instrument 30800 is inserted into the patient. you will notice.

A staple cartridge 31520 is shown in Figure 155A. Staple cartridge 31520 includes a cartridge body 31522 and a pan 31524 attached to cartridge body 31522. Pan 31524 includes a locking arm 31521 engaged in a lateral channel defined within cartridge body 31522 that retains pan 31524 in cartridge body 31522. The pan 31524 is made of stamped metal, such as stainless steel. Pan 31524 includes two sides, one on each side of longitudinal slot 30023. Each side of pan 31524 extends along a side of cartridge body 31522 and beneath a portion of cartridge body 31522. Each side of pan 31524 further includes a proximal end 31527 surrounding the proximal end of cartridge body 31522. Proximal end 31527 extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the side of pan 31524. Each proximal end 31527 includes a tab that is folded to form a proximally extending key 31526. Similar to above, the key 31526 is configured to unlock the staple firing system of the stapling appliance when the staple cartridge 31520 is installed within the stapling appliance.

In addition to the above, each key 31526 includes a rounded proximal end formed by folding the tab outward such that the end of the tab is pulled back into contact with proximal end 31527. As a result, the key 31526 is sturdy and deflection of the key 31526 is prevented or at least substantially reduced. Thus, the key 31526 positively deflects the firing system lock to unlock the firing system when the staple cartridge 31520 is installed within the stapling instrument. Each proximal end 31527 further includes one or more retention teeth 31529 extending within a slot 31528 defined in the proximal end 31527. Slot 31528 facilitates folding of proximal end 31527 and prevents or at least limits movement and/or deflection within key 31526. Teeth 31529 bite into proximal end 31527 and hold key 31526 in its folded configuration.

Staple cartridge 31620 is shown in Figure 155B. Staple cartridge 31620 includes a cartridge body 31522 and a pan 31624 attached to cartridge body 31522. Pan 31624 includes a locking arm 31621 engaged with a lateral channel defined within cartridge body 31522 that retains pan 31624 in cartridge body 31522. The pan 31624 is made of stamped metal, such as stainless steel. Pan 31624 includes two sides, one on each side of longitudinal slot 30023. Each side of pan 31624 extends along a side of cartridge body 31522 and beneath a portion of cartridge body 31522. Each side of pan 31624 further includes a proximal end that downwardly surrounds the proximal end of cartridge body 31522. The proximal end extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the sides of pan 31624. Each proximal end includes a tab that is folded to form a proximally extending key 31626. Similar to above, the key 31626 is configured to unlock the staple firing system of the stapling appliance when the staple cartridge 31620 is installed within the stapling appliance.

In addition to the above, each key 31626 includes a horizontal U-shaped channel. More specifically, each key 31626 includes an inner base 31627, a top surface 31628 extending laterally from the inner base 31627, and a bottom surface 31629 extending laterally from an opposite side of the inner base 31627. The U-shaped configuration of the key 31626 prevents the key 31626 from buckling under longitudinal loads and/or deflecting under lateral torque. Note that the key 31626 is folded from the tab extending from the pan 31624 to form a gap 31625 below the key 31626. Gap 31625 is sized and configured to allow the locking pin of the firing member to pass under key 31626 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member.

Staple cartridge 31720 is shown in Figure 155C. Staple cartridge 31720 includes a cartridge body 31522 and a pan 31724 attached to cartridge body 31522. Pan 31724 includes locking arms 31721 and 31721' engaged with lateral channels defined within cartridge body 31522 that retain pan 31724 in cartridge body 31522. The pan 31724 is made of stamped metal, such as stainless steel. Pan 31724 includes two sides, one on each side of longitudinal slot 30023. Each side of pan 31724 extends along a side of cartridge body 31522 and below a portion of cartridge body 31522. One side of pan 31724 further includes a proximal end 31727 that downwardly surrounds the proximal end of cartridge body 31522. Proximal end 31727 extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the side of pan 31724. Proximal end 31727 includes a tab that is folded to form a proximally extending key 31726. Similar to above, the key 31726 is configured to unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument when the staple cartridge 31720 is installed within the stapling instrument.

In addition to the above, the side of the pan 31724 includes an arcuate or circular notch, and the proximal end 31727 has an arcuate or circular projection 31723 that is folded into the circular notch around the side of the cartridge body 31522. including. The protrusion 31723 is closely received within the cutout such that the proximal end 31727 of the pan 31724 is significantly stiffened or strengthened by this arrangement. Key 31726 includes an L-shaped tab bent proximally from pan 31724. Key 31726 includes a shoulder 31728 that is bent upwardly from proximal end 31727 to form this L-shaped configuration. Shoulder 31728 includes at least one notch or strain relief 31729 configured to facilitate flexing of key 31726. The L-shaped configuration of the key 31726 prevents the key 31726 from buckling under longitudinal loads and/or deflecting under lateral torques. Note that the key 31726 is folded from the tab extending from the pan 31724 to form a gap 31725 below the key 31726. Gap 31725 is sized and configured to allow the locking pin of the firing member to pass under key 31726 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member.

Staple cartridge 31920 is shown in Figure 155E. Staple cartridge 31920 includes a cartridge body 31522 and a pan 31924 attached to cartridge body 31522. Pan 31924 includes a locking arm 31921 engaged in a lateral channel defined within cartridge body 31522 that retains pan 31924 to cartridge body 31522. The pan 31924 is made of stamped metal, such as stainless steel. Pan 31924 includes two sides, one on each side of longitudinal slot 30023. Each side of pan 31924 extends along a side of cartridge body 31522 and beneath a portion of cartridge body 31522. One side of pan 31924 further includes a proximal end 31927 surrounding the proximal end of cartridge body 31522. Proximal end 31927 extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the side of pan 31924. Proximal end 31927 includes a tab that is folded to form a proximally extending key 31926. Similar to above, the key 31926 is configured to unlock the staple firing system of the stapling appliance when the staple cartridge 31920 is installed within the stapling appliance.

In addition to the above, key 31926 includes an L-shaped tab bent proximally from pan 31924. Key 31926 includes a shoulder 31928 that is bent upwardly from proximal end 31927 to form this L-shaped configuration. The L-shaped configuration of the key 31926 prevents the key 31926 from buckling under longitudinal loads and/or deflecting under lateral torque. Additionally, the free edge of shoulder 31928 is welded, soldered, and/or brazed to proximal end 31927 to strengthen key 31926. However, any suitable number of welds 31929 may be used to secure or strengthen key 31926. Note that the key 31926 is folded from the tab extending from the pan 31924 to form a gap 31925 below the key 31926. Gap 31925 is sized and configured to allow the locking pin of the firing member to pass under key 31926 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member.

Staple cartridge 31820 is shown in Figure 155D. Staple cartridge 31820 includes a cartridge body 31522 and a pan 31824 attached to cartridge body 31522. Pan 31824 includes a locking arm 31821 engaged in a lateral channel defined within cartridge body 31522 that retains pan 31824 in cartridge body 31522. The pan 31824 is made of stamped metal, such as stainless steel. Pan 31824 includes two sides, one on each side of longitudinal slot 30023. Each side of pan 31824 extends along a side of cartridge body 31522 and beneath a portion of cartridge body 31522. One side of pan 31824 further includes a proximal end 31827 surrounding the proximal end of cartridge body 31522. Proximal end 31827 extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the side of pan 31824. Proximal end 31827 includes a tab that is folded to form a proximally extending key 31826. Similar to above, the key 31826 is configured to unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument when the staple cartridge 31820 is installed within the stapling instrument.

In addition to the above, key 31826 includes a rounded proximal end formed by folding the tab outward such that the end of the tab is pulled back into contact with proximal end 31827. As a result, the key 31826 is sturdy and deflection of the key 31826 is prevented or at least substantially reduced. Thus, key 31826 positively deflects and unlocks the firing system when staple cartridge 31820 is installed within the stapling instrument. Proximal end 31827 further includes one or more retention teeth 31829 extending within a slot 31828 defined in proximal end 31827. Slot 31828 facilitates folding of proximal end 31827 and prevents or at least limits movement and/or deflection within key 31826. Teeth 31829 bite into proximal end 31827 and hold key 31826 in its folded configuration. Note that the key 31826 is folded from the tab extending from the pan 31824 to form a gap 31825 below the key 31826. Gap 31825 is sized and configured to allow the locking pin of the firing member to pass under key 31826 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member.

Many of the lockouts disclosed herein are defeated once a matching or appropriate staple cartridge is installed within the stapling instrument. Once installed, the staple cartridge is locked in place within the stapling instrument. In such instances, little, if any, relative movement is possible between the staple cartridge and the stapling instrument until the staple cartridge is removed from the stapling instrument.

In various examples, a surgical stapling assembly includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft, the end effector having a first jaw and a first jaw. a rotatable second jaw. The surgical stapling assembly includes a lockout configured to prevent accidental firing of the surgical stapling assembly and/or clamping of the surgical stapling assembly until the lockout member unlocks the lockout member. It may also include a member. The lockout key may, for example, be part of a staple cartridge configured to be attached to one of the first jaw and the second jaw. In particular, the lockout key enables the staple cartridge to engage the lockout member when the staple cartridge is installed within the surgical stapling assembly with threads in its unfired position indicating that the staple cartridge is unused. It may be part of the thread of the staple cartridge so that it can be unlocked. In at least one example, further actions may be required to unlock the lockout with the lockout key. For example, the end effector may be required to achieve a full clamp configuration before the lockout key can unlock the lockout member. An example of a lockout is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249921, now U.S. Pat. "STRAIN RELIEF".

In at least one example, a surgical stapling assembly, such as those described above, may be used with a surgical robot. The surgical stapling assembly can be configured to be attached to and manipulated by a robotic arm of the robotic system. These robotic systems allow the surgeon to remain outside of the sterile field where the patient is present. In at least one example, a technician and/or another surgeon may be positioned within the confines of the sterile field, eg, to monitor the interface between the tool and the patient. The technician and/or surgeon can attach and detach instruments from the robotic arm during the surgical procedure. In some instances, it may be advantageous to be able to actively bypass a lockout member of a surgical stapling assembly. Providing this feature allows the surgeon or technician to manually override the staple cartridge lockout means if the lockout means cannot be automatically overridden for some reason. Providing this feature allows the surgeon to test the operability of the lockout member prior to using the surgical stapling assembly to ensure that the lockout member is functional. If the surgeon wishes to manually override the lockout member and fire a staple cartridge, the surgeon or clinician knows that the installed staple cartridge is a proper unfired staple cartridge and the lockout member It may be desired to fire the staple cartridge despite the fact that the out member is not actually disabled. In at least one example, the clinician may desire to exclude the lockout member from the firing sequence and prevent it from becoming part of the firing stroke. Additionally, having direct access to the lockout member within the end effector itself for manual unlocking may provide benefits with or without a system for automatically disabling the lockout member. Can be done. Direct access to the lockout member within the end effector may eliminate additional components that may be present in a system that utilizes a lock release mechanism to unlock the lockout member further upstream of the lockout member. can. For example, additional components that may be introduced using an unlocking mechanism further upstream of the lockout member within the shaft of a surgical instrument may become jammed or fail during application of the unlocking action. .

156-160 illustrate a surgical stapling assembly 41000 configured to clamp, staple, and cut patient tissue. The surgical stapling assembly 41000 is attached to, removed from, and operated by the surgical robot and/or surgical instrument handle. It is configured as follows. Surgical stapling assembly 41000 includes a shaft 41100, a first jaw 41200 pivotally supported within shaft 41100, and a second jaw 41300 attached to shaft 41100. The first jaw 41200 is movable between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration to clamp and unclamp tissue disposed between the first jaw 41200 and the second jaw 41300. be. Surgical stapling assembly 41000 further comprises a staple cartridge 41230 containing a plurality of staples removably stored therein. Staple cartridge 41230 is mounted within first jaw 41200 and is configured to be replaced with another staple cartridge. The surgical stapling assembly 41000 further includes a firing member 41400 extending through the shaft 41100, the firing member 41400 connecting the first jaw 41200 to the second jaw between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. 41300 to deploy staples from staple cartridge 41230 and use knife or blade 41422 to cut tissue during the firing stroke. Firing member 41400 is configured to be actuated by a surgical robot drive system and/or a surgical instrument handle. Embodiments are envisioned in which the firing member 41400 is driven by a rotary drive shaft. Embodiments are also envisioned in which a jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge is fixed to the shaft and the jaw, including the anvil, is movable between a clamped and an unclamped configuration.

Surgical stapling assembly 41000 is operated by firing member 41400 unless a suitable unused staple cartridge is installed within first jaw 41200 and first jaw 41200 is in a full clamp configuration. The device further includes a lockout 41500 (FIG. 160) configured to prevent distal movement of the device beyond a particular location. In at least one example, the firing member 41400 moves a first distance between the home position and the particular position to move the tissue, regardless of the state of the lockout 41500, as described in more detail below. Clamping and unclamping may be enabled. Lockout 41500 is biased toward a locking configuration in which firing member 41400 is prevented from moving distally beyond a certain position. The lockout 41500 is movable to an unlocked configuration in which the firing member 41400 can be moved distally beyond a certain position to deploy staples from the staple cartridge 41230. As described in more detail below, the surgical stapling assembly 41000 does not allow a clinician to manually or artificially unlock the lockout 41500, i.e., move the lockout 41500 to the unlocked configuration. further comprising a direct access orifice defined therein configured to allow.

First jaw 41200 includes a channel 41210 configured to receive staple cartridge 41230 therein. Staple cartridge 41230 is mounted within channel 41210 and is configured to be easily replaced with another staple cartridge. Staple cartridge 41230 is moved between an unfired position and a fired position to eject staples from staple cartridge 41230 when sled 41235 is pushed distally across cartridge body 41232 of staple cartridge 41230 by firing member 41400. Further includes a movable sled 41235. Second jaw 41300 includes an anvil 41320 that includes a staple forming surface 41310 configured to form staples ejected from staple cartridge 41230.

First jaw 41200 is movable relative to second jaw 41300 between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration by firing member 41400. Other embodiments are also envisioned in which the first jaw 41300 is movable relative to the second jaw 41200. To clamp tissue, firing member 41400 moves distally a first distance from the home position to cam first jaw 41200 into the clamping configuration. Referring to FIG. 159, the firing member 41400 includes an anvil cam portion 41423 configured to engage a sloped portion 41332 of an anvil channel 41330 defined within the second jaw 41300 and an anvil cam portion 41423 of the first jaw 41200. and a channel cam portion 41424 configured to engage a ramp 41222 of the bottom surface 41220. Anvil cam portion 41423 and channel cam portion 41424 extend laterally from distal portion 41420 of firing member 41400 and engage first jaw portion 41200 as distal portion 41420 of firing member moves through its firing stroke. The second jaw 41300 is configured to control the distance therebetween. During the first distance described above, the anvil cam portion 41423 and the channel cam portion 41424 engage the first and second jaws 41200, 41300 and cam the first jaw 41200 into the clamped configuration. Further distal movement of the distal portion 41420 of the firing member 41400 causes the first and second jaws 41200, 41300 to be held against each other during the firing stroke, pushing the sled 41235 distally. , ejects the staples stored in the staple cartridge 41230.

Surgical stapling assembly 41000 is configured such that the firing member is not activated unless a suitable unused staple cartridge is installed within first jaw 41200 and first jaw 41200 is fully clamped. A lockout 41500 is further configured to prevent distal advancement beyond the first distance. Lockout 41500 is pivotally supported within shaft 41100 and includes an unlocking configuration (FIG. 157) that allows firing member 41400 to move beyond a first distance to complete a firing stroke; 41400 includes a lockout member 41510 movable to and from a locking configuration (FIG. 158) that prevents movement of the lockout member 41400 beyond a first distance. Lockout member 41510 is biased into a locked configuration by spring 41520. A suitable unused staple cartridge installed within channel 41210 can overcome the bias applied by spring 41520 when first jaw 41200 is moved to the clamped configuration.

To unlock the lockout 41500, the first jaw 41200 must be moved to its clamping configuration, the thread 41235 must be engaged with the lockout member 41510, and the lockout member 41510 must be unlocked. Sled 41235 is unable to override lockout 41500 when first jaw 41200 is not in its clamping configuration. Embodiments are envisioned in which the cartridge jaw is not pivotable, but the anvil jaw is pivotable. In such embodiments, simply inserting the staple cartridge allows thread 41235 to override lockout 41500. In such embodiments, the lockout 41500 may be overridden prior to applying any clamping motion to the anvil jaws.

In order to unlock the lockout 41500 as described above, a suitable unused staple cartridge must be installed within the first jaw 41200 of the surgical stapling assembly 41000. Staple cartridge 41230 includes a thread 41235 that includes a lockout key 41237 extending proximally therefrom. Lockout key 41237 is configured to move lockout member 41510 to the unlocked configuration when sled 41235 is in the unfired position and first jaw 41200 is moved to the clamped configuration. To unlock the lockout, the lockout key 41237 lockout ledge or leg 41511 of the lockout member 41510 is defined within the firing shaft or bar 41410 of the firing member 41400 and the first jaw 41200 The lockout member 41510 is moved away from the lockout notch 41412, which prevents the firing member 41400 from moving distally beyond the initial distance used for clamping when moved to the clamped configuration. Pivot to unlocked configuration. Lockout member 41510 includes a pair of arms 41512 extending distally from lockout ledge 41511 that are configured to straddle firing member 41400 as firing member 41400 moves through its firing stroke.

FIG. 157 shows lockout key 41237 engaging distal end 41516 of arm 41512 on distal end 41515 of lockout member 41510. As shown in FIG. 157, lockout member 41510 is pivoted relative to shaft 41100 about nub 41513 (FIG. 160) of lockout member 41510 into an unlocked configuration. When lockout member 41510 is in the unlocked configuration, lockout notch 41412 of firing shaft 41410 is spaced apart from lockout ledge 41511 of lockout member 41510 such that firing member 41400 is moved far through staple cartridge 41230. Allows you to move in any direction. Referring to FIG. 158, when lockout key 41237 is not present when first jaw 41200 is clamped into the clamp configuration, lockout member 41510 has a spring that presses against tab 41514 (FIG. 160) of lockout member 41510. 41520 (FIG. 159), lockout ledge 41511 engages notch 41412 in firing shaft 41410 into a locking configuration that prevents distal movement of firing member 41400 beyond the initial distance used for clamping. It remains energized.

As mentioned above, surgical stapling assembly 41000 has a direct access orifice 41425 defined therein that is configured to allow a clinician to manually move lockout member 41510 to an unlocked configuration. Prepare more. Opening 41425 may be positioned within any suitable component such that tool 41590 can access lockout member 41510 through orifice 41425 to move lockout member 41510 to an unlocked configuration. . Orifice 41425 is defined within channel cam portion 41424 of distal portion 41420 of firing member 41400. Orifice 41425 may include, for example, an access slit defined within channel cam portion 41424. In at least one example, orifice 41425 is defined within shaft 41100 and/or components thereof. Nevertheless, lockout member 41510 is directly accessible through orifice 41425. Tool 41590 includes a hook portion 41591 configured to be inserted through orifice 41425 and an opening 41517 defined between arm 41512 of lockout member 41510 , hook portion 41591 hooking onto the upper side of ledge 41511 or latches and pulls on ledge 41511 to overcome the spring bias biasing lockout member 41510 into the locked configuration and pivot lockout member 41510 into the unlocked configuration. The orifice 41425 may be configured such that a commonly avoidable tool, such as a screwdriver, will not fit within the orifice or within the external access opening 41425, for example. Portions of lockout member 41510 are shown in the dashed unlocked configuration, with tool 41590 placing lockout member 41510 in the unlocked configuration. Arm 41512' and ledge 41511' represent arm 41512 and ledge 41511 of lockout member 41510 in a dashed unlocked configuration.

When lockout member 41510 is manually or artificially overridden to move lockout 41500 to the unlocked configuration, firing member 41400 moves distally beyond the unfired position and into staple cartridge 41230. It becomes possible to do so. An unfired position is defined as a position after clamping but before firing. As firing member 41400 is advanced distally beyond its unfired position, tool 41590 is disengaged from lockout member 41510 and removed from orifice 41425 allowing lockout 41500 to resume normal operation. enable. For example, lockout member 41510 pivots to a locked configuration as firing member 41400 returns to an unfired position after at least partially firing a staple cartridge. During the firing stroke, lockout member 41510 is accessible by tool 41590 through secondary access opening 41160 defined between the proximal end of channel 41210 and the distal end of shaft 41100. However, lockout member 41510 remains disabled during the staple firing stroke. In at least one example, a direct access orifice can be disposed within the shaft 41100, for example, to provide access to the lockout member 41510 during the firing stroke of the firing member 41400. In at least one example, secondary access opening 41160 includes a primary lockout access opening.

Lockout 41500 may be placed in any suitable location. In at least one example, lockout 41500 may be positioned proximal to distal portion 41420 of firing member 41400 when firing member 41400 is in its most proximal position (such as the position shown in FIG. 159). . In such instances, the access opening may be defined within the shaft housing or frame of surgical stapling assembly 41000. In at least one example, the access opening is defined within the channel 41210.

In at least one example, tool 41590 can be inserted through direct access opening 41425 to unlock lockout 41500 prior to inserting staple cartridge 41230 into channel 41210. The installation of the staple cartridge can be aided by moving the lockout 41500 to its unlocked configuration prior to insertion of the staple cartridge to prevent the lockout 41500 from engaging the staple cartridge during installation. Some lockouts immediately render the staple cartridge spent by forcing the threads of the staple cartridge from its unfired, ready-to-fire position to its unfired, unfireable position, causing the use of an unsuitable staple cartridge. make it impossible. Additionally, such a lockout can extrude the threads of the appropriate staple cartridge during installation of the appropriate staple cartridge. Unlocking the lockout 41500 prior to installing a staple cartridge may ensure that the appropriate staple cartridge is not inadvertently disabled during installation.

161 and 162 illustrate a surgical stapling assembly 42000 for use in clamping, stapling, and cutting patient tissue. Surgical stapling assembly 42000 is similar in many respects to other stapling assemblies described herein. Surgical stapling assembly 42000 includes a firing assembly 42100 and a cartridge channel 42200 configured to receive a staple cartridge therein. Firing assembly 42100 is configured to expel a suitable unused staple cartridge sled installed within cartridge channel 42200 to deploy the staples of the staple cartridge and sever the stapled tissue. Surgical stapling assembly 42000 further includes a lockout 42300 configured to prevent firing assembly 42100 from advancing over an inappropriate staple cartridge. Lockout 42300 includes a spring 42310 that biases lockout 42300 toward the locked configuration. Lockout 42300 is configured to be pushed proximally by a suitable unused staple cartridge to unlock firing assembly 42100. It should be noted that the lockout 42300 is configured to prevent the lockout 42300 from inadvertently forcing the threads of the appropriate staple cartridge into a position where the firing assembly 42100 is locked out. Lockout 42300 may employ any suitable lockout method. Firing assembly 42100 is similar to other firing assemblies described herein.

Surgical stapling assembly 42000 further comprises a direct access notch or opening 42210 defined in the bottom of cartridge channel 42200 at the proximal end of longitudinal slot 42230 defined within cartridge channel 42200. Firing assembly 42100 is movable through slot 42230 in cartridge channel 42200 during a staple firing stroke. Direct access notch 42210 allows a tool to be inserted into surgical stapling assembly 42000 to directly access lockout 42300. A tool can be inserted through direct access notch 42210 to move lockout 42300 to the unlocked configuration (FIG. 162). Unlocking lockout 42300 in this manner is referred to as artificial unlocking of lockout 42300 because an unused staple cartridge has not automatically unlocked lockout 42300 for some reason. obtain. Direct access cutout 42210 includes a proximal end 42211 and a distal end 42213 having a wider cutout portion than proximal end 42211. The wider cutout portion of the distal end 42213 may assist in proper insertion of the tool into the channel 42200. For example, the tool eliminates the possibility of accidentally inserting the tool into the proximal end 42211 by including a locking engagement portion that fits the distal end 42213 but not the proximal end 42211. Good too. Additionally, the lockout 42300, along with its position relative to other components of the surgical stapling assembly 42000, is directly visible through the direct access cutout 42210. Nevertheless, a tool can be inserted through the notch 42210 and pull and/or push the lockout 42300 proximally to overcome the spring bias and move the lockout 42300 to the unlocked configuration. The tool may also be removed and disengaged from the lockout 42300 so that the lockout 42300 can resume normal operation. Additionally, providing the ability to manually move the lockout 42300 allows the clinician to move the lockout 42300 into the cartridge channel 42200 to prevent the lockout 42300 from moving the threads of a staple cartridge that is prematurely installed within the cartridge channel 42200. The lockout 42300 can be moved from its locked position prior to installation of the staple cartridge.

163 and 164 illustrate a firing assembly 43100, a frame 43400 internally supporting firing assembly 43100, a cartridge channel 43300 pivotally mounted to frame 43400, and disabling lockout of surgical stapling assembly 43000. 43 shows a surgical stapling assembly 43000 comprising a lockout key mechanism 43500 configured to. Surgical stapling assembly 43000 may include any suitable lockout. However, a diving knife lockout is described below in which the firing assembly 43100 falls into the lock recess if a suitable unused staple cartridge is not placed within the cartridge channel 43300.

Firing assembly 43100 includes a firing shaft 43110 and a firing member 43120 attached to a distal end of firing shaft 43110. Although a linear firing shaft is shown, firing assembly 43100 may be configured with a rotating drive shaft. Firing shaft 43110 is configured to be actuated by, for example, a surgical instrument handle and/or a surgical robot's firing driver. Any suitable drive mechanism can be used. Firing member 43120 includes an anvil cam pin 43122 and a channel cam pin 43123 extending laterally therefrom. Pins 43122, 43123 are configured to control the clamping pressure applied to tissue captured within surgical stapling assembly 43000 during the firing stroke. Firing member 43120 further includes a cutting edge 43121 configured to cut the clamped tissue. The firing member 43120 has a ledge or Further includes a distal nose 43124.

Firing assembly 43100 further includes an extension 43111 configured to be biased downwardly toward channel 43300 by a spring member mounted within frame 43400. As described in more detail below, downward biasing of extension 43111 biases firing assembly 43100 into its lockout condition. When a suitable, unused staple cartridge is installed within cartridge channel 43300, the downward bias is overcome.

Lockout key mechanism 43500 includes a spring 43530, a wedge 43520 slidably supported within frame 43400, and a lifter spring 43510 including a proximal end 43511 attached to frame 43400. Wedge 43520 includes a ramp 43521 upon which distal end 43512 of lifter spring 43510 rests. When the staple cartridge is inserted into cartridge channel 43300, staple cartridge 43200 forces wedge 43520 in a proximal direction. Proximal movement of wedge 43520 causes lifter spring 43510 to lift firing member 43120, overriding the first stage of lockout. A lifter spring 43510 is defined on a distal end 43512 configured to engage a lifter pin 43125 extending laterally from firing member 43120 when lifter spring 43510 is lifted by wedge 43520 of staple cartridge 43200. includes a notch 43513.

Once the first stage of lockout is overcome, the firing assembly 43100 advances distally to evaluate the second stage of lockout. This second stage of lockout is defeated when the thread of staple cartridge 43200 is in its proximal unfired position. Similar to above, firing shaft 43110 may be lifted onto the sled by staple cartridge 43200 as firing shaft 43110 is advanced distally.

to land the nose 43124 of the firing member 43120 on the unfired sled of the staple cartridge 43200 to defeat the second stage of lockout and prevent the firing member 43120 from falling into the lockout recess; A cartridge body key 43211 is provided on the proximal end 43201 of the cartridge body 43210. Referring now to FIG. 164, when staple cartridge 43200 is installed within cartridge channel 43300, cartridge body key 43211 forces wedge 43520 proximally to overcome the spring bias provided by spring 43530. When wedge 43520 is pushed proximally, wedge 43520 lifts lifter spring 43510. At this point, notch 43513 can grab lifter pin 43125 and lift firing assembly 43100. Elevating the firing assembly 43100 in this manner may be referred to as overriding the first stage of lockout. Note that a staple cartridge without an appropriate cartridge lockout key may be able to be installed within the cartridge channel 43300, but will not be able to lift the firing assembly 43100. When staple cartridge 43200 is installed in cartridge channel 43300 and firing assembly 43100 is lifted, notch 43513 fires so that nose 43124 can land on an unfired sled in staple cartridge 43200 to avoid lockout recesses. The assembly 43100 can be held at the appropriate height and distance and the firing assembly 43100 can be advanced distally. Landing the nose 43124 on an unfired sled may be referred to as overriding the second stage of lockout. If the thread within staple cartridge 43200 is not in its unfired position, firing assembly 43100 will fall into the lockout recess and will not be able to advance distally beyond its locking configuration. In at least one example, cartridge body key 43211 extends proximally from cartridge body pan 43220 of staple cartridge 43200.

FIG. 165 shows a first staple cartridge 43610 including a proximal end 43611 and a lockout key 43613 extending from the proximal end 43611. Lockout key 43613 has a first shape. FIG. 165 shows a second staple cartridge 43620 including a proximal end 43621 and a lockout key 43623 extending from the proximal end 43621. Lockout key 43623 has a second shape that is different from the first shape of lockout key 43613. The first staple cartridge 43610 is configured to unlock only the stapling instrument with which it is compatible, and the second staple cartridge 43620 is configured to unlock only the stapling instrument with which it is compatible. There is.

Referring again to the lockout key mechanism 43500 of FIGS. 163 and 164, cartridges using different key geometries can be used to ensure that the firing member is raised in the proper position and at the proper height. Referring to FIG. 165, lifting the firing member at different positions causes different lift timing of the firing member. This can be used to prevent unsuitable staple cartridges from unlocking unsuitable instruments. 166 and 167 include graphs showing different lift timings 43610', 43620' and displacements 43610'', 43620'' provided by cartridges 43610, 43620. Staple cartridge 43610 is configured to lift the firing member faster than staple cartridge 43620. In a compatible surgical instrument, the first staple cartridge 43610 is configured such that the firing member lands on the unfired sled of the first staple cartridge 43610 to override the lockout and advance the firing member distally. A wedge, such as the wedges described herein, is caused to lift the firing member at the appropriate time and location to enable the staple firing stroke to be performed. With a mismatched surgical instrument, the first staple cartridge 43610 may fall before the firing member reaches the sled, for example by causing the wedge to lift the firing member at the wrong time and location, or the firing member may fall off before it reaches the sled. Pushing the firing member distally before being lifted onto the sled. Both of these situations, caused by installing an incompatible cartridge and instrument, result in a lockout condition of the firing member when attempting to move the firing member through the firing stroke. The second staple cartridge 43620 operates in a similar manner. However, the second staple cartridge 43620 cannot unlock an instrument that is compatible with the first staple cartridge 43610, and vice versa.

168 and 169 illustrate a system 44000 that includes a first cartridge 44100 (FIG. 168) and a second cartridge 44200 (FIG. 169). The first staple cartridge 44100 includes a proximal end 44111, a distal end 44112, and a plurality of staple cavities 44114 arranged in a row extending between the proximal end 44111 and the distal end 44112. Includes a cartridge body 44110. The first staple cartridge 44100 further includes a cartridge pan 44130 configured to retain staples within the cartridge body 44110 and a sled 44120 configured to deploy staples from the cartridge body 44110. A longitudinal slot 44113 is further defined within the cartridge body 44110 that is configured to receive a firing member of a surgical stapling assembly. Longitudinal slot 44113 defines first and second sides labeled "A" and "B", respectively. The cartridge body 44110 further includes a lockout key 44116 extending from the proximal surface 44115 of the first side "A" of the cartridge body 44110.

The second staple cartridge 44200 includes a proximal end 44211, a distal end 44212, and a plurality of staple cavities 44214 arranged in a row extending between the proximal end 44211 and the distal end 44212. Includes cartridge body 44210. Second staple cartridge 44200 further includes a cartridge pan 44230 configured to retain staples within cartridge body 44210 and a sled 44220 configured to deploy staples from cartridge body 44210. A longitudinal slot 44213 is further defined within the cartridge body 44210 that is configured to receive a firing member of a surgical stapling assembly. Longitudinal slot 44213 defines first and second sides labeled "A" and "B", respectively. The cartridge body 44210 further includes a lockout key 44216 extending from the proximal surface 44215 of the second side "B" of the cartridge body 44210.

Staple cavity 44114 includes three rows on either side of longitudinal slot 44113. Each row defines a row axis along which each staple cavity within that row is aligned. In other words, the proximal and distal ends of each cavity within a row are aligned with the row axis of that row. Staple cavity 44214 includes three rows on either side of longitudinal slot 44213. Each row defines a row axis along which each staple cavity within that row is laterally aligned. Each side of staple cartridge 44200 includes an outer row of staple cartridges 44214, an inner row of staple cavities 44214, and a central row of staple cavities 44214 disposed between the outer row of staple cartridges 44214 and the inner row of staple cartridges 44214. including. The center row of staple cavities 44214 defines a cavity axis that is transverse to the cavity axis defined by the inner row of staple cavities 44214 and the outer row of staple cavities 44214.

System 44000 provides a method to prevent inappropriate staple cartridges from being used with surgical stapling assemblies by providing lockout keys for each cartridge on different sides of the staple cartridge. providing lockout keys on different sides of the staple cartridge for use with a second staple cartridge 44200 of a stapling assembly that includes corresponding staple forming pockets for a first staple cartridge 44100; A stapling assembly that includes a corresponding staple forming pocket for cartridge 44200 is prevented from being used with first staple cartridge 44100. Therefore, the first staple cartridge 44100 is unable to unlock the firing lockout of the surgical stapling assembly for the second staple cartridge 44200, and the second staple cartridge 44200 is unable to release the firing lockout of the surgical stapling assembly for the second staple cartridge 44200. Unable to unlock surgical stapling assembly firing lockout for 44100. This prevents improper cartridge installation that could result in the deployment of staples to an anvil with non-compatible staple forming pockets.

170-179 illustrate a surgical stapling assembly 45000 configured to clamp, staple, and cut patient tissue. Surgical stapling assembly 45000 can be used with a surgical robot and/or surgical instrument handle. The surgical stapling assembly 45000 includes a first jaw 45200, a second jaw 45400 movable relative to the first jaw 45200 between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration, and a firing assembly 45500. , is provided. Surgical stapling assembly 45000 further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge 45300 configured to be deployed by firing assembly 45500 and having a plurality of staples removably stored therein. First jaw 45200 includes a channel 45210 configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge 45300. Second jaw 45400 includes an anvil 45410 that includes a staple forming surface 45415 configured to form staples deployed from staple cartridge 45300. The first jaw 45200 further includes a pin opening 45212 (FIG. 171) in which the pivot pin 45413 of the second jaw 45400 is received so that the second jaw 45400 is connected to the first jaw. 45200. Embodiments are envisioned in which the fixed jaw includes an anvil and the movable jaw includes a channel and a staple cartridge.

To clamp tissue using surgical stapling assembly 45000, second jaw 45400 includes a camming surface 45412 formed on its proximal end 45411, which camming surface 45412 is engaged by a closure member. is configured to be The closure member includes, for example, a closure tube, but may include any other suitable configuration. The closure member is configured to cam the second jaw 45400 toward the channel 45210 from the unclamped configuration to the clamped configuration by engaging and sliding along the camming surface 45412. To unclamp the surgical stapling assembly 45000, the closure member is retracted proximally. A spring may be provided to bias the second jaw 45400 into the unclamped configuration when the closure member disengages the camming surface 45412.

In order to staple and cut tissue using surgical stapling assembly 45000, a suitable unused staple cartridge must be installed within surgical stapling assembly 45000. Once a suitable unused staple cartridge is installed within channel 45210, firing assembly 45500 is actuated over staple cartridge 45300 by forcing threads 45340 of staple cartridge 45300 distally from an unfired position to a fired position. , the staples stored within the staple cartridge 45300 can be deployed. As the firing assembly 45500 is moved through the staple firing stroke, the cutting edge 45523 of the firing assembly cuts the tissue clamped between the first jaw 45200 and the second jaw 45400. In at least one example, cutting edge 45523 follows behind staple deployment to prevent tissue from being cut before it is stapled.

172-175, the firing assembly 45500 includes a firing member 45520 that includes a cutting edge 45523 and a distance between the first jaw 45200 and the second jaw 45400 during a staple firing stroke. an anvil cam portion 45521 and a channel cam portion 45522 configured to control the and a laterally extending portion 45525 configured to . Firing member 45520 further includes a tail 45526 extending proximally therefrom, and tail 45526 is configured to interface with a spring 45240 mounted within the shaft, as described in more detail below. .

To prevent firing assembly 45500 from advancing over an incorrect and/or used staple cartridge, surgical stapling assembly 45000 further includes a lockout system. The surgical stapling assembly 45000 is disclosed herein in which the firing assembly 45500 falls into the lockout pocket if a suitable unused staple cartridge is not installed within the surgical stapling assembly 45000. It has a diving knife lockout. A suitable unused staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 45300, is configured to prevent firing assembly 45500 from falling into the lockout pocket by lifting firing assembly 45500 when staple cartridge 45300 is unused. has been done. In such an example, the distal end of the firing assembly lands on the unfired sled of the staple cartridge 45300. Firing assembly 45500 can then be advanced over staple cartridge 45300.

The staple cartridge 45300 has a lock for lifting the firing assembly 45500 to a suitable height and distance to land the firing assembly 45500 on an unfired sled and disable the lockout of the surgical stapling assembly 45000. Includes out key 45330. Staple cartridge 45300 further includes a cartridge body 45310 including a proximal end 45301 including a proximal surface 45313 and a longitudinal slot 45311 configured to receive firing assembly 45500 during a staple firing stroke. Lockout key 45330 extends proximally from proximal surface 45313 of cartridge body 45310 and includes a pair of protrusions defining a proximal longitudinal slot portion 45333 of longitudinal slot 45311. Proximal longitudinal slot portion 45333 is configured to straddle firing member 45520 during installation of staple cartridge 45300 within channel 45210. Each protrusion of lockout key 45330 includes an angled surface or portion 45331 and a non-angled portion or surface 45332. Staple cartridge 45300 further includes a pan 45320 configured to hold staples within cartridge body 45310. Pan 45320 is configured to be clipped onto deck 45312 of cartridge body 45310. The pan 45320 may be removably attached to the cartridge body 45310 by a series of hooks 45321 formed on the sidewalls of the cartridge pan 45320 and configured to engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body 45310 in a hooked manner. good. In at least one example, the pan may include a lockout key.

Firing assembly 45500 includes a firing shaft 45510 configured to transmit firing motion to firing member 45520. Firing member 45520 is attached to distal end 45513 of firing shaft 45510. Firing member 45520 is biased downwardly by a spring 45420 mounted within the shaft. More specifically, spring 45420 urges tail 45526 of firing member 45520 downwardly to bias firing member 45520 when firing member 45520 is not lifted upwardly from firing lockout. To lift the firing assembly 45500, the surgical stapling assembly 45000 includes a floating pin 45600 positioned behind the firing member 45520 of the firing assembly 45500. Floating pin 45600 is supported within a slot or channel 45213 defined in the side of staple cartridge channel 45210. Floating pin 45600 is configured to move vertically within slot 45213 by ramped surface 45331. More specifically, floating pin 45600 is forced up into staple cartridge channel 45210 by lockout key 45330, which in turn contacts the bottom edge of firing member 45520 and forces firing member 45520 up. Floating pin 45600 thus prevents firing member 45520 from entering the firing lockout during installation of staple cartridge 45300 within staple cartridge channel 45210. As such, lockout key 45330 overcomes the downward spring bias applied to firing member 45520 by spring 45240.

Once the staple cartridge 45300 is fully installed and the firing assembly 45500 is raised to the position shown in FIG. 174, the firing assembly 45500 can then be advanced distally toward the sled 45340 of the staple cartridge 45300. In this way, the first stage of lockout is disabled using the appropriate lockout key. When the sled 45340 is in its unfired position, the distal nose or shelf 45524 of the firing member 45520 lands on the corresponding platform 45341 of the sled 45340 to avoid lockout as described above. Landing the distal nose 45524 of the firing member 45520 on the platform 45341 of the sled 45340 when the sled 45340 is in its unfired position overrides the second stage of lockout. As the firing assembly 45500 is advanced distally, the bottom surface 45511 rides over the floating pin 45600 and the height of the firing assembly 45500 is adjusted to accommodate the engagement between the floating pin 45600, the bottom surface 45511 of the firing shaft 45510, and the lockout key 45600. adjusted depending on the situation.

The height of the firing assembly 45500 is adjusted by engagement between the floating pin 45600, the bottom surface 45511 of the firing shaft 45510, and the lockout key 45600 so that the firing shaft 45510 can When not in the unfired position, the firing assembly 45500 is configured to still be able to fall into the lockout. 176 and 177, the bottom surface 45511 includes a notch 45515 defined proximal to the distal end 45513 of the firing shaft 45510. Notch 45515 is configured such that firing shaft 45510 falls into the lockout when sled 45340 is not in its unfired position. FIG. 176 shows staple cartridge 45300 installed within channel 45210. However, sled 45340 is not in its unfired position. Thus, referring to FIG. 177, firing shaft 45510 is not lifted upwardly by floating pin 45600 enough to lift firing shaft 45510 out of lockout. Instead, firing shaft 45510 is pulled down by spring 45240 as firing assembly 45500 is advanced distally by floating pin 45600 that fits in notch 45515. In order to perform a staple firing stroke, the unsuitable cartridge must be removed and replaced with a suitable unfired staple cartridge.

If the staple cartridge is installed in a surgical stapling assembly that does not have an appropriate lockout key, floating pin 45600 will remain in its lowest position as shown in FIG. 172. Attempting to advance the firing assembly 45500 distally does not allow the firing assembly 45500 to overcome the first stage of lockout.

FIG. 180 depicts staple cartridge 45300 as described above. FIG. 181 shows a second staple cartridge 45900 that includes a cartridge body 45910 and a pan 45920 configured to hold a plurality of staples within the staple cartridge 45900. Cartridge body 45910 further includes a lockout key 45930 extending proximally from proximal surface 45913 of cartridge body 45910. As can be seen in FIGS. 180 and 181, staple cartridge 45300 and second staple cartridge 45900 include similar features. However, they include lockout keys with different configurations. The lockout key 45330 of the staple cartridge 45300 has a first length 45338 and a first height 45339, while the lockout key 45930 of the second staple cartridge 45900 has a first length 45338 and a first height 45339. It has a second length 45938 and a second height 45939 that are different from the first height 45339, respectively. Staple cartridges 45300, 45900 are configured such that staple cartridge 45300 can only unlock the first instrument, cannot unlock the second instrument, and second staple cartridge 45900 can only unlock the second instrument. The first instrument may be part of the system that cannot be unlocked. Lockout key 45930 includes a sloped surface 45931 and a flat surface 45932 that have different dimensions than surfaces 45331, 45332 of lockout key 45330. Lockout key 45330 of staple cartridge 45300 is shown in dashed line in FIG. 181 for comparison.

For example, different lockout key configurations between similar-looking cartridges can prevent a clinician from inserting and using an incompatible cartridge in a second instrument. In this example, the lockout keys 45330, 45930 cause the firing assembly of the instrument to be raised to different heights at different times during the firing stroke of the firing assembly. Referring back to floating pin 45600, when second staple cartridge 45900 is installed within surgical stapling assembly 45000, firing assembly 45500 fires within firing assembly 45500 when staple cartridge 45300 is installed. is lifted by floating pin 45600 to a height lower than the height lifted by floating pin 45600. This prevents the firing assembly 45500 from landing on the thread platform of the second staple cartridge and instead locks it out. This prevents improper use of staple cartridges within the stapling instrument.

Instruments usable with the second staple cartridge 45900 can include a floating pin system similar to that described above. However, this floating pin prevents the lockout key 45930 from lifting the firing member of this instrument to the proper height at the proper time and landing on the sled of the second staple cartridge 45900 to avoid instrument lockout. The second staple cartridge 45900 may be placed in a different position relative to the second staple cartridge 45900 so that In at least one example, the lockout keys described herein include, for example, cartridge body fins.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the Examples below.

Example 1 - A surgical stapling assembly comprising a staple cartridge and a stapling instrument configured to receive the staple cartridge therein. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body that includes a lockout key, staples stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to deploy the staples from the cartridge body. The sled is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The stapling instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a firing member configured to push the thread to deploy the staples, and a staple cartridge configured to deploy the staples. a lockout configured to prevent distal advancement of the firing member when not properly seated within the fastener and when the threads of the staple cartridge are not in an unfired position. . The lockout key disables the first stage of lockout when the staple cartridge is fully seated within the stapling device. The sled overrides the second stage of lockout when the sled is in the unfired position and the staple cartridge is fully seated within the stapling device.

Example 2 - The surgical stapling assembly of Example 1, wherein the lockout key includes a cartridge body fin extending proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body.

Example 3 - The stapling instrument further includes a floating pin supported within the first jaw, the floating pin being engaged by a lockout key to lift the firing member away from the lockout. 3. The surgical stapling assembly of Example 1 or 2, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is configured to defeat the first stage.

Example 4 - An example in which the lockout key includes a cartridge body fin extending proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body, the cartridge body fin including an angled surface configured to lift a floating pin. 3. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 3.

Example 5 - The firing member includes a knife body and a firing shaft, the firing shaft is configured to transmit firing motion to the knife body, and the floating pin is configured to contact the firing shaft and lift the firing member. The surgical stapling assembly of Example 3 or 4, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is configured to.

Example 6 - The firing member as described in Example 3, 4, or 5, wherein the firing member includes a knife configured to cut tissue, and the floating pin is proximal to the knife when the knife is in the home position. Surgical stapling assembly.

Example 7 - The firing member is configured to engage the sled when the sled is in an unfired position to disable a second stage of lockout after the first stage of lockout has been disabled. 7. The surgical stapling assembly of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, including a shelf.

Example 8 - The lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward a locked configuration. Stapling assembly.

Example 9 - The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a spring biased cam member configured to be engaged by a lockout key, the spring biased cam member configured to engage the lockout key. The surgical stapling assembly of Example 8, wherein the surgical stapling assembly of Example 8 is configured to lift the firing member away from the locking configuration to defeat the first stage of lockout.

Example 10 - The surgical procedure of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the first stage of lockout must be ineffective before the second stage of lockout. stapling assembly.

Example 11 - Surgical staple cartridge configured for use with a stapling instrument. The stapling instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a firing member that includes a tissue cutting knife. The surgical staple cartridge includes a cartridge body including a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of staples stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to deploy the staples from the cartridge body. The sled is movable between an unfired position and a fired position within the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a lockout key ramp extending proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body. The lockout key ramp locks out the stapling instrument by contacting and elevating the firing member proximal to the tissue cutting knife when the surgical staple cartridge is properly seated within the stapling instrument. and configured to override the corresponding first stage of lockout. The sled is configured to override a corresponding second stage of lockout within the stapling instrument when the sled is in an unfired position.

Example 12 - The surgical staple cartridge of Example 11, wherein the lockout key ramp extends proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body.

Example 13 - A cartridge body includes a first side and a second side, and a lockout key ramp extends proximally from the first side of the cartridge body; and a second ramp extending proximally from a second side of the surgical staple cartridge of Example 11 or 12.

Example 14 - A stapling assembly configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge therein. The stapling assembly includes a firing assembly configured to deploy staples of a surgical staple cartridge mounted within the stapling assembly, a first jaw, and a first jaw. and a lockout configured to prevent distal advancement of the firing member when an unfired surgical staple cartridge is not installed within the stapling assembly. and. The lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward a locked configuration. The firing assembly further includes a cam member and a shelf. The cam member is configured to lift the firing member to defeat the first stage of lockout. The cam member is configured to be engaged by a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge. The shelf is configured to prevent the firing member from falling into the lockout to defeat the second stage of the lockout. The shelf is configured to engage an unfired sled of the surgical staple cartridge to defeat the second stage of lockout.

Example 15 - The stapling assembly of Example 14, wherein the firing member includes a knife and the cam member is disposed proximal to the knife.

Example 16 - Example in which the first jaw includes a channel configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge and the cam member includes a floating pin supported within the channel on the underside of the firing member. 16. The stapling assembly according to claim 14 or 15.

Example 17 - The stapling assembly of Example 14, 15, or 16, wherein the second jaw is pivotable about a pivot axis, and the cam member is disposed distal to the pivot axis. .

Example 18 - A firing member engages the sled of a surgical staple cartridge when the sled is in an unfired position to disable a second stage of lockout after the first stage of lockout has been disabled. The stapling assembly of Example 14, 15, 16, or 17, including a shelf configured to.

Example 19 - The stapling assembly of Example 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward the locked configuration.

Example 20 - The stapling assembly further comprises a spring-biased cam member configured to be engaged by a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge, the spring-biased cam member configured to cause the spring-biased cam member to lock out. Examples 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the firing member is configured to lift the firing member away from the locking arrangement to defeat the first stage of lockout when engaged by the key. A surgical stapling assembly as described in.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are powered by electric motors. The surgical instrument systems described herein may operate in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be operated by, for example, manually operated triggers. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein can comprise one or more parts of a robotically controlled system. Additionally, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with robotic surgical instrument systems. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. some examples are disclosed in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with staple deployment and deformation. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. Various embodiments are envisioned that deploy fastening elements other than staples, such as, for example, clamps or tacks. Additionally, various embodiments are envisioned that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. Also, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire content of the following disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,403,312, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE," issued April 4, 1995;
- U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," issued February 21, 2006;
- U.S. Patent No. 7,422,139, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK," issued September 9, 2008;
- U.S. Patent No. 7,464,849, entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS," December 16, 2008 Issue,
- U.S. Patent No. 7,670,334, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATION END EFFECTOR," issued March 2, 2010;
- U.S. Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLINING INSTRUMENTS," issued July 13, 2010;
- U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE," issued March 12, 2013;
- U.S. Patent Application No. 11/343,803, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES," now U.S. Pat.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 12/031,573, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES," filed February 14, 2008;
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U.S. Patent Application No. 13/800,067, filed March 13, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM," filed on January 31, 2006, and
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Although various devices are described herein with particular embodiments, modifications and changes may be made to those embodiments. The particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may, without limitation, be combined in whole or in part with the feature, structure, or characteristic of one or more other embodiments. good. Also, although materials are disclosed for particular components, other materials may be used. Further, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced with a single component to perform a given function(s), according to various embodiments. May be replaced. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or can be designed to be used multiple times. However, in any case, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include, but is not limited to, any combination of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing certain parts of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the reconditioning facility and/or surgical team may disassemble the device, clean and/or replace certain parts of the device, and then reassemble the device for subsequent use. I can do it. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning the device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned devices, are all within the scope of this application.

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

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

[Mode of implementation]
(1) A surgical stapling assembly comprising:
A staple cartridge,
a cartridge body containing a lockout key;
a plurality of staples stored inside the cartridge body;
a sled configured to deploy the staple from the cartridge body, the sled being movable between an unfired position and a fired position;
a staple cartridge, including;
A stapling device configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, the stapling device comprising:
a first jaw;
a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw;
a firing member configured to push the sled to deploy the staple;
and preventing distal advancement of the firing member if the staple cartridge is not properly seated within the stapling device and the sled of the staple cartridge is not in the unfired position. If the configured lockout is such that the staple cartridge is fully seated within the stapling device, the lockout key disables the first stage of the lockout and the sled locks out of the unfired position and the staple cartridge is fully seated within the stapling device, the sled disabling the second stage of the lockout;
a stapling device, including;
A surgical stapling assembly comprising:
(2) The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the lockout key includes a cartridge body fin extending proximally from a proximal end of the cartridge body.
(3) the stapling instrument further includes a floating pin supported within the first jaw, the floating pin being engaged by the lockout key to move the firing member away from the lockout; The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is configured to lift and override the first stage of the lockout.
(4) the lockout key includes a cartridge body fin extending proximally from a proximal end of the cartridge body, the cartridge body fin including a ramp configured to lift the floating pin; The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 3.
(5) The firing member includes a knife body and a firing shaft, the firing shaft being configured to transmit firing motion to the knife body, and the floating pin being in contact with the firing shaft to 5. The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 4, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is configured to lift the firing member.

6. The surgical method of claim 4, wherein the firing member includes a knife configured to cut tissue, and the floating pin is proximal to the knife when the knife is in the home position. stapling assembly.
(7) the firing member engages the sled when the sled is in the unfired position to effect the second stage of the lockout after the first stage of the lockout has been overridden; The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 1, including a shelf configured to override.
(8) The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward a locked configuration.
(9) The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a spring-biased cam member configured to be engaged by the lockout key, the spring-biased cam member being configured to engage the lockout key. 9. The surgical device of embodiment 8, wherein the surgical device is configured to lift the firing member away from the locking configuration to disable the first stage of the lockout when engaged by an outkey. Stapling assembly.
10. The surgical stapling assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first stage of lockout must be defeated before the second stage of lockout.

(11) A surgical staple cartridge configured for use with a stapling instrument, the stapling instrument having a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw. the surgical staple cartridge comprising a jaw and a firing member including a tissue cutting knife;
a cartridge body including a proximal end and a distal end;
a plurality of staples stored inside the cartridge body;
a sled configured to deploy the staple from the cartridge body, the sled being movable between an unfired position and a fired position within the cartridge body;
including;
The cartridge body includes a lockout key ramp extending proximally from the proximal end of the cartridge body, the lockout key ramp ensuring that the surgical staple cartridge is properly positioned within the stapling instrument. configured to disable a corresponding first stage of lockout of the stapling instrument by contacting and lifting the firing member proximal to the tissue cutting knife when seated; and the sled is configured to disable the second stage of the corresponding lockout in the stapling instrument when the sled is in the unfired position.
Surgical staple cartridge.
12. The surgical staple cartridge of embodiment 11, wherein the lockout key ramp extends proximally from a proximal end of the cartridge body.
(13) The cartridge body includes a first side and a second side, and the lockout key ramp includes a first ramp extending proximally from the first side of the cartridge body. , a second ramp extending proximally from the second side of the cartridge body.
(14) A stapling assembly configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge therein, the stapling assembly comprising:
a firing assembly including a firing member configured to deploy staples of a surgical staple cartridge mounted within the stapling assembly;
a first jaw;
a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw;
a lockout configured to prevent distal advancement of the firing member when an unfired surgical staple cartridge is not installed within the stapling assembly, the lockout locking the firing member; a lockout including a biasing member configured to bias toward the configuration;
Equipped with
The firing assembly includes:
a cam member configured to lift the firing member to disable the first stage of the lockout, the cam being configured to be engaged by a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge; parts and
a shelf configured to prevent the firing member from falling into the lockout to defeat a second stage of the lockout, the shelf engaging an unfired sled of the surgical staple cartridge; a shelf configured to disable the second stage of the lockout;
further including;
Stapling assembly.
15. The stapling assembly of claim 14, wherein the firing member includes a knife and the cam member is disposed proximal to the knife.

(16) The first jaw includes a channel configured to receive the surgical staple cartridge, and the cam member includes a floating pin supported within the channel on the underside of the firing member. 16. The stapling assembly of embodiment 15, comprising:
17. The stapling assembly of claim 15, wherein the second jaw is pivotable about a pivot axis, and the cam member is disposed distal to the pivot axis.
(18) The firing member engages the sled of the surgical staple cartridge when the sled is in an unfired position, and the firing member engages the sled of the surgical staple cartridge when the sled is in an unfired position to prevent the first stage of the lockout from disabling the first stage of the lockout. 15. The stapling assembly of embodiment 14, including a shelf configured to override the second stage.
19. The stapling assembly of embodiment 14, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward a locked configuration.
(20) the stapling assembly further comprises a spring-biased cam member configured to be engaged by a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge, the spring-biased cam member being configured to engage a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge; according to embodiment 14, wherein the firing member is configured to lift the firing member away from the locking configuration when engaged by the lockout key, disabling the first stage of the lockout. stapling assembly.

Claims (5)

A stapling assembly configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge therein, the stapling assembly comprising:
a firing assembly including a firing member configured to deploy staples of the surgical staple cartridge mounted within the stapling assembly;
biasing the firing member toward a locking configuration to prevent distal movement of the firing member when the surgical staple cartridge is not installed within the stapling assembly; configured lockout and
Equipped with
The stapling assembly includes a cam member;
The cam member is biased proximally by a spring, and the cam member is engaged by the surgical staple cartridge when the surgical staple cartridge is installed within the stapling assembly. The cam member moves in the distal direction against the biasing force of the spring, and the cam member includes an inclined portion that gradually slopes upward from the distal side toward the proximal side;
When the surgical staple cartridge is installed within the stapling assembly, the cam member is engaged by the surgical staple cartridge to move in the distal direction against the bias of the spring. and the ramp of the cam member moves the firing member upwardly, releasing the locking configuration and allowing the firing member to move in the distal direction. The firing assembly includes a shelf that engages the surgical staple cartridge to maintain the unlocked configuration when the surgical staple cartridge is installed within the stapling assembly. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing member is movable in the distal direction. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member configured to bias the firing member toward the locking configuration. When the cam member is engaged by a lockout key of the surgical staple cartridge and moves in the distal direction against the bias of the spring, the ramp of the cam member engages a lifter spring. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein the lifter spring pushes up a lifter pin of the firing member to move the firing member upwardly. When the surgical staple cartridge having unfired threads is installed within the stapling assembly, the shelf engages the unfired threads to maintain the unlocked configuration and the The stapling assembly of claim 2, wherein the firing member is allowed to move in the distal direction.

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