Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses for and methods of separating tissue with opposing jaw members having distal ends that translate toward a surface of the tissue as the jaw members are rotated outwardly to maintain engagement with the tissue. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes jaw members rotatably coupled adjacent to their proximal ends. The jaw members define opposing outwardly-facing curved channels disposed between their proximal and distal ends that slidably engage a distal pin. A bracket defines a distal socket that receives the distal pin. As the jaw members are motivated in a distal direction relative to the bracket toward the distal pin, engagement of the distal pin with the outwardly-facing curved channels causes the jaw members to rotate to cause the distal ends of the jaw members move outwardly transversely to the distal direction while the distal ends translate in the distal direction.

A method for adjusting the operation of a surgical instrument using machine learning in a surgical suite is disclosed.

A surgical instrument comprising motor-driven drive systems is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to shift the surgical instrument between an end effector articulation mode and a staple firing mode.

A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a tissue-supporting surface, a staple cavity defined within the cartridge body, a staple removably positioned in the staple cavity, and a staple driver movably positioned within the staple cavity, wherein the staple driver is configured to support the staple. The staple cartridge further comprises a wedge sled translatable between a proximal end and a distal end of the staple cartridge, wherein the wedge sled is configured to move the staple driver from an unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke, and a driver retention member configured to retain the staple driver in a retention position that allows for the wedge sled to be retracted after the staple firing stroke.

A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about an articulation axis that is laterally offset from the shaft axis and extends transversely relative thereto. An end effector driver link is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and an articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel in distal and proximal directions upon application of articulation motions thereto. A flexible de-articulation member is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and the surgical end effector to apply de-articulation motions to the surgical end effector.

A system for passing suture through biological tissue using a cannula, introducer or other minimally invasive means, to approximate, ligate, fixate, and/or close biological tissue. The system includes a hand actuator mechanism, an elongated tubular member housing a deformable tubular needle therein in operative communication with the hand actuator mechanism, and a jaw mechanism disposed on the tubular member distal end. The jaw mechanism having top and bottom members and a floating pivot mechanism, the top and bottom members in operative communication with the floating pivot mechanism. The floating pivot mechanism providing pivotal and axial articulation of the top member with respect to the bottom member.

Surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a cartridge lockout configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced through the staple cartridge if the staple cartridge has been already spent. The stapling instruments further comprise a lockout in the shaft that responds to the cartridge lockout blocking the firing member.

Forceps that include a hand piece, a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece, and a web. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The web is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of a gripping section of the jaw assembly. The web remains generally stationary relative to the handpiece when the jaw assembly is moved between an open position and a closed position.

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.

A surgical port feature may include a funnel portion, a tongue, a waist portion, and surgical instrument channels. The waist portion may be located between the funnel portion and the tongue. The surgical instrument channels may extend from the funnel portion through the waist portion. The surgical port feature may further include a second tongue, with the wait portion being located between the funnel portion, the tongue, and the second tongue.