A surgical tool assembly that includes an axially movable closure member and an axially movable firing member that is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The tool assembly includes a second jaw that has a mounting portion and mounting walls that are movably mounted to a first jaw. The mounting portion defines a cam area that is configured for engagement by the movable closure member to move the second jaw from an open position to a closed position. The mounting walls define an open-topped parking area for accommodating the firing member therein when in the unfired position. A protective cap member is attached to the mounting walls such that it covers at least a portion of the open topped parking area.

A method is disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a first staple cartridge and obtaining a second staple cartridge, wherein the first staple cartridge and the second staple cartridge comprise the same length and the same width. The method can further comprise inserting the first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile, wherein complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into the channel is prevented by the keyed profile. Additionally, the method can comprise inserting the second staple cartridge into the channel, wherein complete insertion of the second staple cartridge into the channel is permitted by the keyed profile.

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue. Generally, the systems may include a grasper and a delivery device configured to releasably couple to the grasper. The grasper may have a first jaw and a second jaw and a main body having a barrel portion. The barrel portion may have a lumen extending therethrough, and a portion of the delivery device may be advanced through the lumen to rotate one or both of the jaws. The delivery devices may include a handle, a shaft, and a distal engagement portion. The delivery devices may further include an actuation rod which may be advanced through a barrel portion of a grasper to actuate the grasper. In some instances, the delivery device may further include a locking sheath, wherein the locking sheath is configured to temporarily couple to a grasper.

A surgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and a second working arm configured to move towards and away from each other; and an electromagnetic latching system; wherein the electromagnetic latching system is configured to create a force that is in a direction aligned with closing of the forceps or opposite to the closing of the forceps when an electromagnetic activation button is depressed.

A surgical tool can include a handle, an outer tube, an end effector, an inner tube, and a guide tube. The outer tube can be connected to the handle and can extend along a longitudinal axis. The end effector can be connected to the outer tube. The inner shaft can be located within the outer tube and can extend along the longitudinal axis. The inner shaft can be connected to the end effector and the outer shaft. The handle can be operable to translate the inner shaft with respect to the outer tube to operate the end effector. The guide tube can be located within the outer tube between the handle and the end effector. The guide tube can include a conduit extending therethrough.

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation drive is disclosed. The articulation drive comprises a lock configured to hold the end effector in position when the articulation drive is not being operated. The articulation lock self-unlocks when the articulation drive is actuated.

A surgical instrument includes first and second shaft members defining proximal and distal end portions and including handles at the proximal end portions thereof. A pivot member couples the distal end portions with a gap defined therebetween proximally of the pivot member. First and second jaw members extend distally from the shaft members, distally of the pivot member. A lockout bar is movable between an unlocked position, withdrawn from the gap, and a locked position, disposed within the gap. The handles are pivotable between spaced-apart and approximated positions to pivot the jaw members between open and closed positions. The handles are yawable between the approximated position and a yawed position to yaw the jaw members between the closed position and a cutting position. The gap provides clearance to permit yawing such that, when the lockout bar is disposed in the locked position, yawing of the handles is inhibited.

A surgical instrument includes first and second shaft members defining proximal and distal end portions and including handles at the proximal end portions thereof. A pivot member couples the distal end portions with a gap defined therebetween proximally of the pivot member. First and second jaw members extend distally from the shaft members, distally of the pivot member. A lockout bar is movable between an unlocked position, withdrawn from the gap, and a locked position, disposed within the gap. The handles are pivotable between spaced-apart and approximated positions to pivot the jaw members between open and closed positions. The handles are yawable between the approximated position and a yawed position to yaw the jaw members between the closed position and a cutting position. The gap provides clearance to permit yawing such that, when the lockout bar is disposed in the locked position, yawing of the handles is inhibited.

A surgical instrument system comprising a first motor, a second motor, and a third motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises a first handle comprising a first number of controls, a second handle comprising a second number of controls, and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is attachable to the first handle in a first orientation in order to engage one of the motors. The shaft assembly is attachable to the second handle in a second orientation to engage a different motor. The surgical instrument system is configured to perform a different function of an end effector in the first orientation and the second orientation.

An axis-aligning, force-limiting periarticular/intraarticular reduction forceps suitable for the reduction and realignment of specific anatomic structures includes a pair of medial and lateral forceps tines. A pair of tine tips may terminate the forceps tines, respectively. A pair of lateral and medial forceps handles may extend from the medial and lateral forceps tines, respectively. A first tine/handle junction may attach the lateral forceps handle to the medial forceps tine. A second tine/handle junction may attach the medial forceps handle to the lateral forceps tine. The second tine/handle junction may be pivotally attached to the first tine/handle junction. A force quantifying and limiting mechanism limits the magnitude of clamping force the medial and lateral forceps handles apply to the medial and lateral forceps tines. A pair of X-ray-visible targets on the medial and lateral tines assist with axis alignment for the insertion of fixation devices.