An apparatus configured to deliver electrical energy to energize an end effector coupled via a clevis to a shaft of a medical instrument comprises an electrical transmission conduit configured to extend along the shaft from a proximal portion to a distal portion and configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector, and a connector assembly configured to couple to the end effector. The connector assembly comprises an electrically conductive contact portion configured to electrically couple the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, the electrically conductive contact portion defining a pivot surface about which the end effector is rotatable in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector; and an electrically insulating member configured to electrically insulate the end effector from the clevis in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector.

A method for controlling a powered surgical stapler that includes an end effector with jaws that are movable between an open and a closed position and a firing member that is movable between a starting position and an ending position within the end effector. The jaws and firing member are controlled by separate rotary systems and the end effector includes a firing member lockout system that prevents axial movement of the firing member unless the surgical staple cartridge is in ready to fire condition.

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

A surgical kit includes a surgical stapling device and a loading assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a buttress material. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member supports a staple cartridge that includes a retention assembly. The retention assembly includes a cam block including a pair of protrusions and a spring biasing the cam block towards the second jaw member. The buttress material includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion defines bores laterally spaced apart and configured to receive the pair of protrusions of the cam block. The distal portion defines a cavity to be placed over a distal end portion of the staple cartridge. The loading assembly includes a housing defining a chamber configured to receive a portion of the buttress material. The housing includes a proximal portion defining a slot configured to receive the buttress material therethrough and the pair of protrusions of the cam block.

A surgical system comprising an electric motor and a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, a fastener cartridge, an anvil, a translatable drive member, and a rotatable actuator knob. The housing comprises an input shaft operably coupled to the electric motor. The input shaft is rotatable in a first mode by the electric motor. The fastener cartridge comprises a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein. The anvil is configured to deform the fasteners. The translatable drive member is configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge. The translatable drive member is movable by the electric motor in the first mode. The rotatable actuator knob is configured to be rotated multiple full rotations in a second mode to manually cause the input shaft to move the anvil.

The present application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft, which has at least one portion deflectable in at least one plane, and having at least one deflection mechanism, which is configured to deflect the deflectable portion and includes, arranged in series, at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member interacting for a deflection with the first connection member. The first connection member is formed at least partially from a first material, and the second connection member is formed at least partially from a second material, of which the elasticity differs from that of the first material.

A vessel sealing instrument includes a housing having a shaft extending from a distal end thereof including an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members operably coupled thereto. One of the jaw members moveable between open and closed positions for clamping tissue with a closure pressure within the range of about 3 kg/cm.sup.2 to about 16 kg/cm.sup.2. The jaw members are adapted to connect to a generator for providing energy thereto in accordance with a sealing algorithm. An anti-backdrive mechanism is associated with the end effector assembly and includes: a drive shaft coupled to a controller and a screw on opposite ends, the screw configured to engage one of the jaw members upon extension thereof to provide additional closure pressure therebetween. The drive shaft is rotatable by the controller to extend the screw in response to tissue expansion during sealing based on the sealing algorithm.

A vessel sealing instrument includes a housing having a shaft extending from a distal end thereof having an end effector assembly including a pair of opposing first and second jaw members operably coupled thereto. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing and is configured to move the jaw members upon actuation thereof between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue with a closure pressure within the range of about 3 kg/cm.sup.2 to about 16 kg/cm.sup.2. An anti-backdrive assembly is operably disposed within the housing and includes a drive wedge. A solenoid controller is operably coupled to the drive wedge and is configured to selectively move the drive wedge into the drive assembly upon activation thereof to increase the closure pressure between the jaw members in response to tissue expansion during sealing.

A vessel sealing instrument includes a housing having a shaft extending from a distal end thereof, the distal end including an end effector assembly having a pair of opposing jaw members operably coupled thereto. One or both of the jaw members is moveable between open and closed positions for clamping tissue with a closure pressure. One or both of the jaw members connects to a generator that provides energy thereto in accordance with a sealing algorithm upon activation thereof. An anti-backdrive mechanism is coupled to the end effector assembly and includes a drive shaft coupled at one end to a solenoid and another end that engages one of the jaw members upon extension thereof to provide additional closure pressure between the jaw members. The drive shaft is extendible by the solenoid to extend the drive shaft in response to tissue expansion during sealing based on the sealing algorithm.