Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, an axially movable articulation driver, and an articulation lock system. The articulation lock system comprises a lock gear and a lock element. The lock gear comprises a first annular array of first lock teeth in meshing engagement with a longitudinal array of driver lock teeth on the axially movable articulation driver and a second annular array of second lock teeth. The lock element comprises a third annular array of third lock teeth. The lock element is movably supported relative to the lock gear such that the third lock teeth meshingly engage the second lock teeth as a closure element moves through a closure stroke to prevent rotation of the lock gear and prevent the axially movable articulation driver from moving axially.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

A tissue guard for use with a surgical access device includes an upper portion having: a proximal ring with proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a first mechanical interface disposed therearound; a plurality of fingers extending about the proximal ring that the access device; an inner peripheral surface having an upper channel; and a plurality of second mechanical interfaces disposed about a distal end of the inner peripheral surface. The lower portion includes: a body having a proximal end including a corresponding first mechanical interface disposed therearound configured to engage the first mechanical interface of the upper portion; a lower channel defined within the body including a plurality of corresponding second mechanical interfaces configured to engage the plurality of second mechanical interfaces of the upper portion; and long and short petals disposed of the lower portion to facilitate insertion of the tissue guard within an incision.

An example method includes registering, via a visualization device, a virtual model of a portion of an anatomy of an ankle of a patient to a corresponding portion of the anatomy of the ankle viewable via the visualization device, the virtual model obtained from a virtual surgical plan for an ankle arthroplasty procedure to attach a prosthetic to the anatomy. The example method also comprises displaying, via the visualization device and overlaid on the portion of the anatomy, a virtual guide that guides at least one of preparation of the anatomy for attachment of the prosthetic or attachment of the prosthetic to the anatomy.