An apparatus applicable for the ligation of internal tissue in a created or natural cavity in animals or in the human body, for example varicose veins in the gullet or a duodenal diverticulum, by means of an elastic band (19) while observing the ligations through an endoscope. The apparatus includes an automatic trigger unit (1) mounted firmly on the handle of the endoscope which can release a number of elastic bands (19) with the aid of a single-stranded trigger cord (11). Only a single elastic band (19) is released for each ligation thereby establishing a one-man-operated apparatus.

A system and apparatus taught to determine the identification and selected information relating to surgical instruments near a reader. The information can be stored on a member operable to transmit the information to a reader at a selected time. The information can be used in a navigation system to assist in navigation of the instrument relative to a patient.

Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information maybe stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Systems, devices, and methods are operable to track usage of a surgical instrument and modify the performance of the surgical instrument based on the prior usage of the surgical instrument. Some surgical instruments are designed to have a limited service life beginning at their first use, or a limit to their overall usage in order to ensure safe use of the sensitive instruments. However, a lack of ability to track usage characteristics when the instrument is separated from an external power supply allows for user abuse and avoidance of such safety mechanisms. Adding a battery or capacitor to the instrument may allow for an ability to track usage when the instrument is separated from an external power supply. Implementing special user prompts, device use ratios, and device use half-life upon powering down of an instrument may additionally be used to prevent circumvention of safety features.

A surgical device is provided that includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to grasp tissue therebetween, the cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical fasteners. A motor is configured to fire one or more surgical fasteners. A sensor determines a first parameter of the tool assembly and a control system adjusts a second parameter of the motor used to fire the one or more surgical fasteners based on the first parameter detected by the sensor.

An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.

Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint.

Various examples are directed to systems and methods for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firing member translatable proximally and distally along a longitudinal axis between a stroke begin position to a stroke end position distal of the stroke begin position; a knife coupled to the firing member; and a motor coupled to the firing member to translate the firing member between the stroke begin position and the stroke end position. A control circuit may receive a firing signal and begin a firing member stroke by providing an initial motor setting to the motor. The control circuit may maintain the initial motor setting for an open-loop portion of the firing member stroke. The control circuit may receive firing member motion data describing a motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke and may select a firing control program based at least in part on the motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke.

A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel configured to support a staple cartridge, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a knife mechanically coupled to the staple cartridge, an electric motor and a control circuit electrically connected to the electric motor. The control circuit is configured to change a firing motion a first way based on a first value of a projected peak firing force and a second way based on a second value of the projected peak firing force value.

A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel configured to support a staple cartridge, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a knife mechanically coupled to the staple cartridge, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the knife and a control circuit electrically connected to the electric motor. The control circuit is configured to ignore an occurrence of a first predefined event based on a position of the knife, automatically stop an advancement of the knife after an occurrence of a second predefined event, and automatically restart the closing action of the knife after an occurrence of a third predefined event.