A deactivator element for use with a staple cartridge is disclosed. The deactivator element is configured to be removably supported on the staple cartridge in a deactivator position. When the deactivator element is supported on a staple cartridge in the deactivator portion and the staple cartridge is seated in a surgical stapling device, a cam surface on the deactivator element defeats a lockout in the surgical stapling device.

A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The staple cartridge includes an authentication ramp that extends from a proximal end of the cartridge body and defines a ramp axis that is transverse to an axis of the cartridge. The authentication ramp is aligned with a sled cavity in the cartridge and comprises first and second cam surfaces that are configured to move a lockout of the surgical stapling device in a direction away from the cartridge axis upon contact therewith when the staple cartridge is seated into the surgical stapling device.

A stapling system that comprises a retainer for use with staple cartridges that are configured for use with multiple surgical stapling devices that comprise different lockout arrangements is disclosed. The retainer is configured to be releasably attached to a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a lockout arrangement in any one of the surgical stapling devices in which the cartridge assembly is seated.

Systems and methods are provided for performing tensionable knotless surgical procedures. A suture locking device that includes a one-way locking mechanism may be utilized for tensioning and locking one or more strands of suture during the surgical procedure. The one-way locking mechanism may be established by one or more locking barbs of the suture locking device.

A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.

A surgical apparatus comprising: a mechanism that is configured to perform an operational motion of the surgical apparatus; and at least one transformation member having an original shape and a deformed shape, the at least one transformation member connecting the mechanism together, when the at least one transformation member is in the deformed shape so that the mechanism is capable of performing the operational motion; and wherein after the transformation member is subject a transition temperature, the at least one transformation member changes from the deformed shape to the original shape and disengages a portion of the mechanism so that the mechanism is prevented from performing the operational motion.

A surgical system includes a surgical end effector and a fluid and communication assembly. The surgical end effector is configured to releasably engage a surgical handpiece, includes electronics and a proximal hub having a connection port disposed thereon, and defines a fluid flow path. The fluid and communication assembly includes a cable and a connection plug disposed at a distal end portion of the cable. The cable includes a fluid line and a communication line. The connection plug is configured to releasably engage the connection port to thereby establish fluid communication between the fluid line and the fluid flow path and to thereby establish electrical communication between the communication line and the electronics.

There is provided a method for controlling the movement of bile and/or gall stones in the biliary duct. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or for actively moving the fluid in the biliary duct, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.

A surgical apparatus comprising: a mechanism that is configured to perform an operational motion of the surgical apparatus; and at least one transformation member having an original shape and a deformed shape, the at least one transformation member connecting the mechanism together, when the at least one transformation member is in the deformed shape so that the mechanism is capable of performing the operational motion; and wherein after the transformation member is subject a transition temperature, the at least one transformation member changes from the deformed shape to the original shape and disengages a portion of the mechanism so that the mechanism is prevented from performing the operational motion.

Provided are surgical instrument including a base body, a shaft unit extending in a direction from the base body and having an end at which an end effector is mounted, a gear unit including a first gear mounted on the base body and a second gear mounted on another end of the shaft unit and engaged with the first gear, and a bearing unit positioned between the base body and the first gear.