A device is disclosed that can pierce and hold tissue and then pass suture through tissue. The device can have a shuttle that can removably attach to a suture and jaws that can be rotatably opened and closed with respect to each other. A method for using the device to repeatedly pass the suture through the tissue without removing the suture or device from the target site is also disclosed.

A surgical instrument that includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. In at least one form, an anvil is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the elongate channel such that the anvil is pivotal about a discrete, non-movable anvil axis defined by the elongate channel. A firing member is configured for axial travel within the elongate channel in response to an application of firing motions thereto. The firing member is configured to movably engage the anvil and the elongate channel to space the anvil relative to the elongate channel at a desired spacing as the firing member is axially driven through the elongate channel. A closure member is configured to move the anvil from an open position to closed positions relative to the elongate channel upon application of closure motions to the closure member.

Surgical instruments are disclosed comprising a firing assembly including a fuse having a plurality of operating states.

A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an external layer and tubular elements. The tubular elements are interconnected and positioned within the external layer. The tubular elements comprise apertures defined therein and the tubular elements are configured to collapse as pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion. The apertures enable fluids from the tissue to permeate the tissue thickness compensator.

This application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft with at least one portion deflectable, and having at least one deflection mechanism, which is configured to deflect the deflectable portion and includes at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member. When the connection members are arranged in a straight position relative to each other, a straight-position spacing exists defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member and, when the connection members are arranged in a deflection position relative to each other, a deflection-position spacing exists which is defined by a shortest connection between a geometric midpoint of the first connection member and a geometric midpoint of the second connection member, and the deflection-position spacing in the deflection position is greater than the straight-position spacing in the straight position.

A medical device includes an operating member, a hub, and an end effector. The operating member includes an actuation portion. The hub includes a channel receiving the actuation portion of the operating member. The actuation portion of the operating member moves within the channel. The end effector is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. Distal extension of the operating member transitions the end effector to the open configuration, and proximal retraction of the operating member transitions the end effector to the closed configuration. The medical device is formed through an additive manufacturing process.

The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.

A staple cartridge comprising a firing member and a sled releasably attachable to the firing member is disclosed.

An end effector for a robotic surgical tool includes a lower jaw, and an upper jaw opposite the lower jaw and including a first component part matable with a second component part at a mated interface that extends longitudinally and vertically.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compressible extracellular matrix and a bioabsorbable material dispersed within the extracellular matrix, wherein the bioapsorption of the bioabsorbable material is configured to leave behind channels in the extracellular matrix. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise generation means for generating the ingrowth of tissue into the channels. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise dissolvable wicking members which, when dissolved, can leave behind channels in the tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one rupturable capsule.