A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.

A shape-memory alloy orthopedic implant includes a bridge having a curved longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The bridge has a radially outer surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. In addition, the orthopedic implant includes a first leg extending from the first end of the bridge. The first leg has a central axis, a fixed end fixably attached to the bridge, a free end distal the bridge, and a radially outer surface extending axially from the fixed end of the first leg to the free end of the first leg. Further, the orthopedic implant includes a second leg extending from the second end of the bridge. The second leg has a central axis, a fixed end fixably attached to the bridge, a free end distal the bridge, and a radially outer surface extending axially from the fixed end of the second leg to the free end of the second leg. The radially outer surface of the bridge defines a first outer profile in a cross-section of the bridge taken in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bridge. The radially outer surface of the first leg defines a second outer profile in a cross-section of the first leg taken in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the first leg. The first outer profile has a different geometry than the second outer profile.

A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.

Techniques for mesh augmentation and prevention of incisional hernia, including systems and methods for affixing mesh to a fascial incision. A mesh strip can be integrated with one or more uni-directional fasteners. Each fastener can include an anchoring mechanism adapted for affixation to anterior abdominal wall fascia and a mating interface. An applicator can include tension arms adapted to interface with the mating interfaces of the fasteners to maintain a vertical tension of the mesh strip and a handle coupled with the tension arms adapted to spread the tension arms and thereby control a horizontal tension of the mesh strip. The mesh strip can be configured to be aligned over a fascial incision using the applicator and affixed under tension to anterior abdominal wall fascia by tissue penetration of the anchoring mechanisms of the one or more fasteners.

An anchor-handling device comprises a housing shaped to define a channel having an anchor-storage zone and a proximal opening. An anchor driver comprises an anchor-engaging head, the anchor-engaging head being dimensioned to be advanceable through the proximal opening toward the anchor-storage zone. A tissue anchor is stored in the anchor-storage zone, and comprises a coupling head configured to be locked to the anchor-engaging head. The tissue anchor is movable out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening in response to a proximally-directed force being applied to the tissue anchor by the anchor driver. The anchor-handling device comprises an element that serves as an indicator of movement of the tissue anchor out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening, by moving in response to the proximally-directed force such that at least part of the element protrudes out of the housing. Other embodiments are also described.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides devices for loading a surgical bolster material. In accordance with some forms, the device includes a tray defining a guide channel for receipt of a bolster material. The guide channel may be configured to align and/or direct the device onto which the bolster material is to be loaded onto the bolster material.

A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method can comprise inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system, receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system, comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge, and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge.

Apparatus is provided for repairing a cardiac valve, the apparatus including a catheter sized for delivery through vasculature of a subject and an elongated and flexible annuloplasty structure having an annuloplasty structure axis. The annuloplasty structure is sized and configured for delivery to a heart of the subject through the catheter substantially along a catheter axis of the catheter while the annuloplasty structure axis is substantially parallel to the catheter axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of anchors configured for delivery to a region of cardiac tissue from a proximal end of the catheter toward a distal end of the catheter and substantially along the annuloplasty structure axis and the catheter axis while at least a portion of the annuloplasty structure is within a delivery passage of the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel, an anvil, a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a lockout key is disclosed. The elongate channel comprises a blocking member. The staple cartridge comprises staples and a sled movable from a proximal end position to an intermediate position and then to a distal position during a staple firing stroke. The firing member is movable distally to advance the sled through the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The firing member comprises a cutting edge. The lockout key is movably mounted to the sled. The lockout key is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position during the staple firing stroke. The lockout key lifts the firing member over the blocking member when the lockout key is moved from the unactuated position toward the actuated position.

A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed that includes a first jaw configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. A closure lockout is movable between a locked position wherein the second jaw is retained in the open position by the closure lockout and an unlocked position wherein the second jaw is movable to the closed position. The closure lockout is configured to interface with an unlocking feature on a surgical staple cartridge supported in the first jaw such that when the unlocking feature operably interfaces with the closure lockout, the closure lockout moves to the unlocked position. The stapling instrument may further include a firing member lockout system for preventing movement of a firing member unless a camming assembly of the staple cartridge is in an unfired position.