U.S. patent application number 15/635594 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for surgical cutting and fastening devices with pivotable anvil with a tissue locating arrangement in close proximity to an anvil pivot axis.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ethicon LLC. Invention is credited to Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV.
Application Number | 20190000461 15/635594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65023611 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190000461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shelton, IV; Frederick E. ;
et al. |
January 3, 2019 |
SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A
TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT
AXIS
Abstract
A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw
that is pivotally attached to the first jaw. At least one tissue
locating feature on the second jaw extends downward beyond a second
surface on the second jaw and is configured to prevent tissue
received between a first surface on the first jaw and the second
surface on the second jaw from extending proximally beyond a distal
end portion of the at least one tissue locating feature. When the
second jaw is in a fully open position, the distal end portion of
each tissue locating feature is positioned relative to a
corresponding portion of the first surface to prevent a gap
therebetween and wherein a jaw aperture angle between the first and
second surfaces when the second jaw is in the fully open position
is greater than 12.25 degrees.
Inventors: |
Shelton, IV; Frederick E.;
(Hillsboro, OH) ; Harris; Jason L.; (Lebanon,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ethicon LLC |
Guaynabo |
PR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65023611 |
Appl. No.: |
15/635594 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00734
20130101; A61B 2017/07278 20130101; A61B 2090/0814 20160201; A61B
17/07207 20130101; A61B 2017/00477 20130101; A61B 2017/0046
20130101; A61B 2017/2929 20130101; A61B 2017/00464 20130101; A61B
2017/00473 20130101; A61B 2017/07257 20130101; A61B 2017/07271
20130101; A61B 2017/2939 20130101; A61B 2017/00862 20130101; A61B
2017/2936 20130101; A61B 2017/07264 20130101; A61B 2017/2946
20130101; A61B 2017/2947 20130101; A61B 2017/07214 20130101; A61B
2017/2925 20130101; A61B 2017/07285 20130101; A61B 2017/2934
20130101; A61B 2017/00022 20130101; A61B 2017/00017 20130101; A61B
2017/2933 20130101; A61B 34/30 20160201; A61B 2017/00398 20130101;
A61B 2017/2927 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/072 20060101
A61B017/072 |
Claims
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a surgical end effector,
comprising: a first jaw defining a first tissue contacting surface;
and a second jaw pivotally coupled to said first jaw and
selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully
closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis, said second jaw
comprising: a second tissue contacting surface facing said first
tissue contacting surface; and at least one tissue locating feature
on said second jaw and extending downward beyond said second tissue
contacting surface and configured to prevent tissue received
between said first and second tissue contacting surfaces from
extending proximally beyond a distal end portion of said at least
one tissue locating feature when said second jaw is in said fully
closed position wherein, when said second jaw is in said fully open
position, said distal end portion of each said tissue locating
feature is positioned relative to a corresponding portion of said
first tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap therebetween and
wherein a jaw aperture angle between said first and second tissue
contacting surfaces when said second jaw is in said fully open
position is greater than 12.25 degrees.
2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said distal end
portion of each said tissue locating feature is located a distance
that is less than 0.750 inches from said fixed jaw pivot axis when
said second jaw is in said fully closed position.
3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said first jaw
comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support a
surgical fastener cartridge therein and wherein said first tissue
contacting surface comprises a deck surface of said surgical
fastener cartridge.
4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein said second jaw
comprises an anvil and wherein said second tissue contacting
surface comprises a fastener forming undersurface of a portion of
said anvil.
5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said anvil comprises
an anvil body portion and wherein said at least one tissue locating
feature is formed on a proximal portion of said anvil body
portion.
6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said surgical end
effector is sized to pass through a trocar cannula when said second
jaw is in said fully closed position.
7. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising means for
applying closing and opening motions to said second jaw.
8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said means for
applying closing and opening motions comprises an axially movable
closure tube comprising: a closure cam surface on a distal end
thereof configured to cammingly engage a jaw cam surface on said
second jaw to apply closure motions thereto; and at least one jaw
opening feature configured to apply jaw opening motions to said
second jaw when said axially movable closure tube is moved in a
proximal direction.
9. A surgical instrument, comprising: a surgical end effector,
comprising: a surgical fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge
body operably supporting a plurality of surgical fasteners therein,
said cartridge body defining a tissue contacting surface through
which said surgical fasteners are ejected; and an anvil pivotally
supported relative to said surgical fastener cartridge for
selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open
position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis,
said anvil comprising: an anvil body defining a fastener forming
surface thereon comprising a plurality of fastener forming
formations, wherein each said fastener forming formation
corresponds to one of said surgical fasteners in said surgical
fastener cartridge, said fastener forming surface facing said
tissue contacting surface on said surgical fastener cartridge; and
at least one tissue stop protruding from said anvil body and
extending downward beyond said fastener forming surface and
configured to prevent tissue received between said tissue
contacting surface and said fastener forming surface from extending
proximally beyond a distal end portion of said at least one tissue
stop when said anvil is in said fully closed position wherein when
said anvil is in said fully closed position, said distal end
portion of each said tissue stop is spaced from said fixed jaw
pivot axis an axial distance that is less than 0.750 inches and
wherein a vertical distance between a distalmost one of said
fasteners in said surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of
said fastener forming formations on said fastener forming surface
when said anvil is in said fully open position is at least 0.900
inches.
10. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein when said anvil is
in said fully open position, a jaw aperture angle between said
fastener forming surface and said tissue contacting surface is
greater than 12.25 degrees.
11. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein said surgical end
effector is sized to pass through a trocar cannula when said anvil
is in said fully closed position.
12. The surgical instrument of claim 9, further comprising means
for applying closing and opening motions to said anvil.
13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein said means for
applying closing and opening motions comprises an axially movable
closure tube comprising: a closure cam surface on a distal end
thereof configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on said
anvil to apply closure motions thereto; and at least one jaw
opening feature configured to apply jaw opening motions to said
anvil when said axially movable closure tube is moved in a proximal
direction.
14. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein said surgical end
effector is operably coupled to an elongate shaft assembly that
defines a shaft axis.
15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein said tissue
contacting surface of said cartridge body is parallel to said shaft
axis and wherein said vertical distance is measured along a line
extending from a distal most fastener and said corresponding
fastener forming formation and perpendicular to said shaft
axis.
16. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein when said anvil is
in said fully open position, said distal end portion of each said
tissue stop is positioned relative to a corresponding portion of
said tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap therebetween.
17. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein, when said anvil is
in said fully open position, a portion of each said tissue stop is
even with or extends below said tissue contacting surface to
prevent tissue on said tissue contacting surface from extending
proximally past the tissue stops.
18. A surgical system, comprising: a housing operably supporting a
closure system; and an interchangeable surgical tool assembly
comprising: an elongate shaft assembly operably and removably
couplable to said housing such that a proximal closure portion
thereof is configured to receive axial closure motions from said
closure system, said elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis;
and a surgical end effector operably coupled to said elongate shaft
assembly for selective articulation relative thereto about an
articulation axis that is transverse to said shaft axis, said
surgical end effector comprising: a surgical fastener cartridge
comprising a cartridge body operably supporting a plurality of
surgical fasteners therein, said cartridge body defining a tissue
contacting surface through which said surgical fasteners are
ejected; and an anvil pivotally supported relative to said surgical
fastener cartridge for selective pivotal travel relative thereto
between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a
fixed jaw pivot axis, said anvil comprising: an anvil body defining
a fastener forming surface thereon comprising a plurality of
fastener forming formations, wherein each said fastener forming
formation corresponds to one of said surgical fasteners in said
surgical fastener cartridge, said fastener forming surface facing
said tissue contacting surface on said surgical fastener cartridge;
and at least one tissue stop protruding from said anvil body and
extending downward beyond said fastener forming surface and
configured to prevent tissue received between said tissue
contacting surface and said fastener forming surface from extending
proximally beyond a distal end portion of said at least one tissue
stop when said anvil is in said fully closed position wherein when
said anvil is in said fully closed position, said distal end
portion of each said tissue stop is spaced from said fixed jaw
pivot axis an axial distance that is less than 0.750 inches and
wherein a vertical distance between a distalmost one of said
fasteners in said surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of
said fastener forming formations on said fastener forming surface
when said anvil is in said fully open position is at least 0.900
inches.
19. The surgical system of claim 18, wherein, when said anvil is in
said fully open position, a jaw aperture angle between said
fastener forming surface and said tissue contacting surface is
greater than 12.25 degrees.
20. The surgical system of claim 18, wherein said surgical end
effector is sized to pass through a trocar cannula when said anvil
is in said fully closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and,
in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting
instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are
designed to staple and cut tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Various features of the embodiments described herein,
together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance
with the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a surgical system
comprising a handle assembly and multiple interchangeable surgical
tool assemblies that may be used therewith;
[0004] FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the
handle assembly and one of the interchangeable surgical tool
assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;
[0005] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable
surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3;
[0007] FIG. 5 is another exploded assembly view of a distal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0008] FIG. 6 is another exploded assembly view of a distal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-5;
[0009] FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-6;
[0010] FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-7;
[0011] FIG. 9 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-8;
[0012] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-9;
[0013] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the proximal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-10;
[0014] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of
FIGS. 3-11;
[0015] FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the
proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of
FIGS. 3-12;
[0016] FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the
proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of
FIGS. 3-13;
[0017] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a distal
portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS.
3-14;
[0018] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another one of the
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16;
[0020] FIG. 18 is another exploded assembly view of a distal
portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 16
and 17;
[0021] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another one of the
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 20 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19;
[0023] FIG. 21 is another exploded assembly view of a distal
portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 19
and 20;
[0024] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another one of the
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 23 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22;
[0026] FIG. 24 is another exploded assembly view of a distal
portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 22
and 23;
[0027] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil
thereof in a fully closed position;
[0028] FIG. 26 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 25;
[0029] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0030] FIG. 28 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 27;
[0031] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0032] FIG. 30 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 29;
[0033] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0034] FIG. 32 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 31;
[0035] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil
thereof in a fully open position;
[0036] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the
anvil thereof in a fully open position;
[0037] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the
anvil thereof in a fully open position;
[0038] FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the
anvil thereof in a fully open position;
[0039] FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
another interchangeable surgical tool assembly with the anvil
thereof shown in one open position in solid lines and another open
position in phantom lines;
[0040] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
another interchangeable surgical tool assembly with the anvil
thereof in an open position;
[0041] FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil
thereof in a fully open position;
[0042] FIG. 40 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 39;
[0043] FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 39 and 40 with
the anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0044] FIG. 42 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil thereof in a fully
open position;
[0045] FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 42 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0046] FIG. 44 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil thereof in a fully
open position;
[0047] FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 44 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0048] FIG. 46 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the anvil thereof in a fully
open position;
[0049] FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of a distal portion of
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 46 with the
anvil thereof in a fully closed position;
[0050] FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil in a fully open
position;
[0051] FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil in a fully open
position;
[0052] FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil in a fully open
position;
[0053] FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil
mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the anvil in a fully open
position;
[0054] FIG. 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the
anvil of the surgical end effector thereof in a fully open
position;
[0055] FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 52 with the
anvil in a fully closed position;
[0056] FIG. 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 wherein
the anvil is in a fully open position;
[0057] FIG. 55 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 wherein
the anvil is in a fully open position;
[0058] FIG. 56 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 wherein
the anvil is in a fully open position;
[0059] FIG. 57 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 wherein the
firing member thereof is in a starting position;
[0060] FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of the surgical end
effector of FIG. 57 with the anvil in a fully closed position;
[0061] FIG. 59 is another partial cross-sectional view of the
portion of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 57 and 58 wherein the
firing member is in initial engagement with the anvil thereof;
[0062] FIG. 60 is another partial cross-sectional view of the
surgical end effector of FIGS. 57 and 58 after the firing member
thereof has been distally advanced during the firing process;
[0063] FIG. 60A is a perspective view of a portion of a firing
member assembly of surgical stapling instrument that includes a
first firing member element and a second firing member element that
is movable relative to the first firing member element between a
locked and an unlocked position;
[0064] FIG. 60B is another perspective view of the firing member
assembly of FIG. 60A with the second firing member element in the
locked position;
[0065] FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional elevational view of the
surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60A with the firing member
assembly in a starting position;
[0066] FIG. 60D is another cross-sectional view of the surgical
stapling instrument of FIG. 60C illustrated in a locked out
configuration;
[0067] FIG. 60E is a side view of a firing member assembly with the
second firing member element in a lockout orientation;
[0068] FIG. 60F is another side view of the firing member assembly
of FIG. 60E with the second firing member element illustrated in an
unlocked or firing orientation;
[0069] FIG. 60G is another partial perspective view of the surgical
stapling instrument of FIG. 60A illustrated in an unlocked
configuration;
[0070] FIG. 60H is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling
instrument of FIG. 60A with an unfired surgical fastener cartridge
operably supported in an elongate channel thereof and with the
firing member assembly illustrated in a starting position;
[0071] FIG. 60I is another cross-sectional view of the surgical
stapling instrument of FIG. 60H with the firing member assembly
illustrated in a partially-fired configuration;
[0072] FIG. 61 is another side elevational view of the surgical end
effector of FIGS. 57-60 with the anvil in an over closed
position;
[0073] FIG. 62 is a partial side elevational view of the surgical
end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG.
3 in a fully open position with the distal closure tube segment
shown in phantom to illustrate the anvil retaining member;
[0074] FIG. 63 is another partial side elevational view of the
surgical end effector of FIG. 62 with the anvil in a fully closed
position;
[0075] FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a distal closure
tube segment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG.
3 with the anvil in a fully closed position;
[0076] FIG. 65 is a top plan view of the distal closure tube
segment and anvil of FIG. 64;
[0077] FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and
distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64 and 65 illustrating the
position of a proximal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in a
fully closed position;
[0078] FIG. 67 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-66
illustrating the position of the proximal jaw opening feature when
the anvil is between the fully open and fully closed positions;
[0079] FIG. 68 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-67
illustrating the position of the proximal jaw opening feature when
the anvil is in the fully open position;
[0080] FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and
distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-68 illustrating the
position of a distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in a
fully closed position;
[0081] FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and
distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-69 illustrating the
position of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is
between the fully open and fully closed positions;
[0082] FIG. 71 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion
of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-70
illustrating the position of the distal jaw opening feature when
the anvil is in the fully open position;
[0083] FIG. 72 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil
and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-71 with the anvil in a
fully closed position;
[0084] FIG. 73 is a partial right side perspective view of the
anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-72 with the anvil
in a fully closed position;
[0085] FIG. 74 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil
and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-73 with the anvil in a
partially open position;
[0086] FIG. 75 is a partial right side perspective view of the
anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-74 with the anvil
in a partially open position;
[0087] FIG. 76 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil
and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-75 with the anvil in a
fully open position;
[0088] FIG. 77 is a partial right side perspective view of the
anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-76 with the anvil
in a fully open position; and
[0089] FIG. 78 is a graphical comparison between the jaw aperture
angle and retraction of the distal closure tube segment of FIGS.
64-77.
[0090] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one
form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0091] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
patent applications that were filed on even date herewith and which
are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties: [0092] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION
JOINT; Attorney Docket No. END8207USNP/170098; [0093] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO; Attorney Docket No.
END8210USNP/170099; [0094] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM
RATIO; Attorney Docket No. END8204USNP/170100; [0095] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8218USNP/170101; [0096] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM
LOCKABLE TO A FRAME; Attorney Docket No. END8217USNP/070102; [0097]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE
SYSTEM; Attorney Docket No. END8211USNP/170103; [0098] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT; Attorney Docket
No. END8215USNP/170107; [0099] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY
ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS; Attorney Docket No.
END8201USNP/170104; [0100] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE
CARTRIDGE NOSES; Attorney Docket No. END8206USNP/170105; [0101]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE;
Attorney Docket No. END8212USNP/170106; [0102] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; Attorney Docket No. END8200USNP/170089M;
[0103] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED
ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS; Attorney Docket No.
END8214USNP/170090; [0104] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND
AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING; Attorney Docket No.
END8202USNP/170091; [0105] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT
AN AXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO THE PIVOT AXIS; Attorney Docket No.
END8213USNP/170092; [0106] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE
ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No. END8203USNP/170093; [0107] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled JAW RETAINER
ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW IN
PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
JAW; Attorney Docket No. END8216USNP/170095; [0108] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH
POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; Attorney Docket No.
END8208USNP/170096; [0109] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER;
Attorney Docket No. END8209USNP/170097; [0110] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT
ARRANGEMENT; Attorney Docket No. END8233USNP/170084; [0111] U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled STAPLE FORMING
ANVIL; Attorney Docket No. END8236USDP/170109D; [0112] U.S. Design
patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
SHAFT; Attorney Docket No. END8239USDP/170108D; and [0113] U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL
FASTENER CARTRIDGE; Attorney Docket No. END8240USDP/170110D.
[0114] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
patent applications that were filed on Jun. 27, 2017 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties: [0115] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS; Attorney Docket No.
END8165USNP/170079M; [0116] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8168USNP/170080; [0117] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8170USNP/170081; [0118] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8164USNP/170082; [0119] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8169USNP/170083; [0120] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8167USNP/170085; [0121] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Docket No.
END8232USNP/170086; [0122] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS; Attorney Docket No.
END8166USNP/170087; and [0123] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______, entitled ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;
Attorney Docket No. END8171USNP/170088.
[0124] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties: [0125] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL
ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; [0126] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;
[0127] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled
LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; [0128] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS
AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; [0129] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END
EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; [0130] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS
AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; [0131] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND
ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; [0132] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL
ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE
SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND
FIRING SYSTEMS; [0133] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;
[0134] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled
SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;
[0135] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;
[0136] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; [0137]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING
DISTANCE; [0138] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953,
entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; [0139] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW
ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; [0140] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS
WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; [0141] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; [0142] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH
POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; [0143] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN
UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; [0144] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF
STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; [0145] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; [0146] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO
ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; [0147] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; [0148] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE
CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; [0149] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; [0150] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING
CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; [0151] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY
COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; [0152] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END
EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; [0153] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY
COMPRISING A FUSE; [0154] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE
FAILED-STATE FUSE; [0155] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; [0156]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; [0157] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING
STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; [0158] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING
POCKET PAIRS; [0159] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929,
entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;
[0160] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND
FIRING SYSTEMS; [0161] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE
CARTRIDGES; [0162] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917,
entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT
CLAMPING BREADTHS; [0163] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING
PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; [0164] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT
CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;
[0165] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING
MEMBER PIN ANGLE; [0166] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING
ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES; [0167] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE
RESPONSE MODES; [0168] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;
[0169] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED
AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;
[0170] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL
HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; [0171] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; [0172] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE
CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; [0173] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE
RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; [0174] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE
DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; [0175] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND
FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; [0176] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES;
[0177] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled
CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; [0178] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; [0179]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE
WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM; [0180] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING
SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; [0181] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING
A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER
TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS; [0182] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER
ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR
OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; [0183] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; [0184]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; [0185]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING SYSTEMS; [0186] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; [0187] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
SYSTEMS; [0188] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING
MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;
[0189] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; [0190] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING
ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN
UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR; [0191] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE
CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; [0192] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT
INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT; [0193] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930,
entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING
OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS; [0194]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; [0195]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN
ARTICULATION LOCK; [0196] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN
END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF
A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM; [0197] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK
ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and [0198] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.
[0199] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties: [0200] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775,
entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED
STAPLES; [0201] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807,
entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED
STAPLES; [0202] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834,
entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;
[0203] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and [0204] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE
COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.
[0205] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties: [0206] U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.
29/569,218, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; [0207] U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; [0208]
U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled
SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and [0209] U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER
CARTRIDGE.
[0210] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0211] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD
FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM; [0212] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING
SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY; [0213] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A
DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD; [0214] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION; [0215] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM; [0216]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL
CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE
MEMBER; [0217] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296,
entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END
EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS; [0218]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION; [0219] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE; [0220]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT; [0221] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM
COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT; [0222] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM
COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT; [0223] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A
JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; [0224] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW
ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT; [0225] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT
CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; [0226] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING
MECHANISM; [0227] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;
[0228] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; [0229] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO
APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS; [0230] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET; [0231] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION
MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; [0232] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH
ATRAUMATIC FEATURES; [0233] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN
INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT; [0234] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY
FIRING SYSTEM; and [0235] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD
CONTROL.
[0236] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
patent applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31,
2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety: [0237] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK
FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; [0238] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR
COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS; and [0239] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND
MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.
[0240] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9,
2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety: [0241] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND
AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR; [0242] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE
LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS; [0243] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM
WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT; [0244] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END
EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT
ASSEMBLY; [0245] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION
ARRANGEMENTS; [0246] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227,
entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE
ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS; [0247] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING
ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS; [0248] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and
[0249] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION
ARRANGEMENTS.
[0250] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12,
2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety: [0251] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN
FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; [0252] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR
COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS; [0253] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275,
entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and [0254] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR
DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.
[0255] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0256] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256; [0257] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END
EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367248; [0258] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM
SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255; [0259] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH
CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367254; [0260] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE
SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367246; and [0261]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL
ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245.
[0262] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0263] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0256184; [0264] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY
OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/02561185; [0265] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE
COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE
TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;
[0266] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled
OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO
MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2016/0256071; [0267] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION
INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153; [0268] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION
OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC
ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0256187; [0269] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817,
entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0256186; [0270] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844,
entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN
MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256155; [0271] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL
SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0256163; [0272] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765,
entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE
CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0256160; [0273] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and [0274] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.
[0275] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0276] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919; [0277] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS
CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE
SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915; [0278] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING
SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910; [0279] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM
THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918; [0280] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING
WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0249916; [0281] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0249908; [0282] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548,
entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0249909; [0283] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0249945; [0284] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541,
entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0249927; and [0285] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO
TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0249917.
[0286] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0287] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END
EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING
MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;
[0288] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969; [0289] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174978; [0290] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT
ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976; [0291] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH
AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE
AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174972; [0292] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE
ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0174983; [0293] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND
MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0174975; [0294] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH
ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT
ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0174973; [0295] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE
ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0174970; and [0296] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A
LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174971.
[0297] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0298] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR
SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0246471; [0299] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323,
entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0246472; [0300] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338,
entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557; [0301]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled
ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003; [0302] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR
MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794; [0303]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK
SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,326,767; [0304] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481,
entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH
TROCAR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438; [0305] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0246475; [0306] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,398,911; and [0307] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,307,986.
[0308] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0309] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542; [0310] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,332,987; [0311] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH
A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263564; [0312] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086,
entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN
ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263541; [0313] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210,
entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263538; [0314] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148,
entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554; [0315] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,629,623; [0316] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117,
entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726; [0317] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,351,727; and [0318] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159,
entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.
[0319] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety: [0320] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.
[0321] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each
herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0322] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER
MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582; [0323] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION
VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272581; [0324] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094,
entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE
COUNT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;
[0325] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER
MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP
CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;
[0326] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled
MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT
ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272579; [0327] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093,
entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272569; [0328] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571; [0329] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0272578; [0330] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0272570; [0331] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272572; [0332] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133,
entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0272557; [0333] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0277471; [0334] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT
AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0280424; [0335] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and [0336]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.
[0337] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0338] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled
CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0066912; [0339] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED
SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0066914; [0340] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON
COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0066910; [0341] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895,
entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND
SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0066909; [0342] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT
MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0066915; [0343] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098,
entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911; [0344] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR
CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0066916; and [0345] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER
STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0066913.
[0346] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0347] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR
DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987; [0348] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED
FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110; [0349]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION
OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2014/0305988; [0350] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666; [0351] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION
ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0305991; [0352] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH
SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0305994; [0353] U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665; [0354] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING
ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0305990; and [0355] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.
[0356] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0357] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A
SINGLE MOTOR; [0358] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER; [0359] U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR
CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP; [0360] U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and [0361]
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE
MOTOR.
[0362] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,
manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been
described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described
in the specification. The reader will understand that the
embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting
examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein may be
representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may
be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0363] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that
"comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements
possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to
possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of
a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes"
or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more
features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more
features.
[0364] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with
reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the
surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion
closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the
portion located away from the clinician. It will be further
appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such
as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down" may be used herein
with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are
used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not
intended to be limiting and/or absolute.
[0365] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for
performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various
methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous
surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in
connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed
Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the
various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in
any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or
puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end
effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into
a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that
has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate
shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.
[0366] A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end
effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a
first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple
cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable
from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in
which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily
replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil
configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The
second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure
axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first
jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling
system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit
the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the
shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis
extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are
envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.
[0367] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The
cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck
extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the
staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be
stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue.
The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and
clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably
stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The
cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein
staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple
cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of
staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal
slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second
side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple
cavities and staples may be possible.
[0368] The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge
body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position,
and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the
staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by
a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body
and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge
body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are
movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions
by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent
the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The
sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide
under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported
thereon, toward the anvil.
[0369] Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing
member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and
push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined
in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member.
The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing
member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which
engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second
jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and
the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the
deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also
comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured
intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable
for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the
ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the
knife.
[0370] FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be
used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can
be seen in that Figure, one example of the surgical system 10
includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000,
5000 and 7000 that are each adapted for interchangeable use with a
handle assembly 500. Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly
1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000 may be designed for use in connection
with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures.
In another surgical system embodiment, one or more of the
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000
may also be effectively employed with a tool drive assembly of a
robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example,
the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with
various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods such
as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE
DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0371] FIG. 2 illustrates attachment of an interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. It will be
understood that any of the other interchangeable tool assemblies
3000, 5000, and 7000 may be coupled to the handle assembly 500 in a
similar manner. The attachment arrangement and process depicted in
FIG. 2 may also be employed in connection with attachment of any of
the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and
7000 to a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a robotic
system. The handle assembly 500 may comprise a handle housing 502
that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and
manipulated by the clinician. As will be briefly discussed below,
the handle assembly 500 operably supports a plurality of drive
systems 510, 530 that are configured to generate and apply various
control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000 and/or 7000 that is
operably attached thereto.
[0372] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the handle assembly 500 may
further include a handle frame 506 that operably supports the
plurality of drive systems. For example, the handle frame 506 can
operably support a "first" or closure drive system, generally
designated as 510, which may be employed to apply closing and
opening motions to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000,
3000, 5000 and 7000 that is operably attached or coupled to the
handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system
510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512
that is pivotally supported by the handle frame 506. Such
arrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by a
clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip
portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 may
be easily pivoted from a starting or "unactuated" position to an
"actuated" position and more particularly to a fully compressed or
fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system
510 further includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is
pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operably
interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in further detail below,
in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514
includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates
attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool
assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510, the
clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 towards the pistol grip
portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety herein, when the clinician fully depresses the closure
trigger 512 to attain the full closure stroke, the closure drive
system 510 is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 into the
fully depressed or fully actuated position. When the clinician
desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to permit it to be biased
to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates a
closure release button assembly 518 which enables the closure
trigger to return to unactuated position. The closure release
button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact with various
sensors that communicate with a microprocessor 560 in the handle
assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512.
Further details concerning the configuration and operation of the
closure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.
[0373] In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the handle
frame 506 may operably support another drive system referred to
herein as a firing drive system 530 that is configured to apply
firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly that is attached thereto. As was described
in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575,
the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor 505 that
is located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly
500. In various forms, the motor 505 may be a DC brushed driving
motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for
example. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may include a
brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper
motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be
powered by a power source 522 that in one form may comprise a
removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of
Lithium Ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. A number of
batteries connected in series may be used as the power source 522
for the surgical system 10. In addition, the power source 522 may
be replaceable and/or rechargeable.
[0374] The electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive a
longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) in a distal and
proximal directions depending upon the polarity of the motor. For
example, when the motor is driven in one rotary direction, the
longitudinally movable drive member will be axially driven in a
distal direction "DD". When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite
rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member will be
axially driven in a proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly
500 can include a switch 513 which can be configured to reverse the
polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by the power source 522
or otherwise control the motor 505. The handle assembly 500 can
also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is configured to
detect the position of the drive member and/or the direction in
which the drive member is being moved. Actuation of the motor 505
can be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) that is
pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger
532 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated
position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated
position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when
the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted or
otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or
biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532
can be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 512 as was
discussed above. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be
equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent
inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the closure
trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is
contained in the handle assembly 500 where the clinician cannot
readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing
actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position wherein
the firing trigger 532 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the
closure trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532
pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the
clinician.
[0375] In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive
member may have a rack of teeth (not shown) formed thereon for
meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not
shown) that interfaces with the motor. Further details regarding
those features may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2015/0272575. At least one form also includes a
manually-actuatable "bailout" assembly that is configured to enable
the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive
member should the motor 505 become disabled. The bailout assembly
may include a lever or bailout handle assembly that is stored
within the handle assembly 500 under a releasable door 550. See
FIG. 2. The lever may be configured to be manually pivoted into
ratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drive member. Thus, the
clinician can manually retract the drive member by using the
bailout handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in the proximal
direction "PD". U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL
CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING
SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein, discloses bailout arrangements and other
components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with
any one of the various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies
disclosed herein.
[0376] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1500 that
comprises a first jaw 1600 and a second jaw 1800. In one
arrangement, the first jaw comprises an elongate channel 1602 that
is configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener
cartridge 1700 therein. The second jaw 1800 comprises an anvil 1810
that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1602.
The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an
articulation system 1300 that comprises an articulation joint 1302
and an articulation lock 1400 (FIGS. 4-6) which can be configured
to releasably hold the surgical end effector 1500 in a desired
articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA.sub.1. Further
details regarding the articulation system and articulation lock may
be found in U.S. patent application entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME, Attorney
Docket No. END8217USNP/170102, filed on even date herewith and
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0377] As can be further seen in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a tool frame
assembly 1200 that comprises a tool chassis 1210 that operably
supports a nozzle assembly 1240 thereon. In one form, the nozzle
assembly 1240 is comprised of nozzle portions 1242, 1244 as well as
an actuator wheel portion 1246 that is configured to be coupled to
the assembled nozzle portions 1242, 1244 by snaps, lugs, screws
etc. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a
proximal closure assembly 1900 which is operably coupled to a
distal closure assembly 2000 that is utilized to close and/or open
the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 as will be
discussed in further detail below. In addition, the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1250 that
operably supports the proximal closure assembly 1900 and is coupled
to the surgical end effector 1500. In various circumstances, for
ease of assembly, the spine assembly 1250 may be fabricated from an
upper spine segment 1251 and a lower spine segment 1252 that are
interconnected together by snap features, adhesive, welding, etc.
In assembled form, the spine assembly 1250 includes a proximal end
1253 that is rotatably supported in the tool chassis 1210. In one
arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine
assembly 1250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is
configured to be supported within the tool chassis 1210. Such
arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly
1250 to the tool chassis 1210 such that the spine assembly 1250 may
be selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA.sub.1 relative to
the tool chassis 1210. In particular, in one arrangement, for
example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 includes
an upper lug seat 1254 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10) and a lower lug
seat (not shown) that are each configured to receive a
corresponding nozzle lug 1245 extending inwardly from each of the
nozzle portions 1242, 1244. Such arrangement facilitates rotation
of the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis SA.sub.1 by
rotating the actuator wheel portion 1246 of the nozzle assembly
1240.
[0378] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, spine assembly 1250 further
includes an intermediate spine shaft segment 1256 that has a
diameter that is less than the diameter of the proximal end 1253 of
the spine assembly 1250. The intermediate spine shaft segment 1256
of the upper spine segment 1251 terminates in an upper lug mount
feature 1260 and the intermediate spine shaft segment of the lower
spine segment 1252 terminates in a lower lug mount feature 1270. As
can be most particularly seen in FIG. 6, for example, the upper lug
mount feature 1260 is formed with a lug slot 1262 therein that is
adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link 1264 therein.
Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 1270 is formed with a lug
slot 1272 therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower
mounting link 1274 therein. The upper mounting link 1264 includes a
pivot socket 1266 therein that is offset from the shaft axis
SA.sub.1. The pivot socket 1266 is adapted to rotatably receive
therein a pivot pin 1634 that is formed on a channel cap or anvil
retainer 1630 that is attached to a proximal end portion 1610 of
the elongate channel 1602. The lower mounting link 1274 includes
lower pivot pin 1276 that adapted to be received within a pivot
hole 1611 formed in the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate
channel 1602. See FIG. 6. The lower pivot pin 1276 as well as the
pivot hole 1611 is offset from the shaft axis SA.sub.1. The lower
pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1266 to
define an articulation axis AA.sub.1 about which the surgical end
effector 1500 may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA.sub.1.
Although the articulation axis AA.sub.1 is transverse to the shaft
axis SA.sub.1, the articulation axis AA.sub.1 is laterally offset
therefrom and does not intersect the shaft axis SA.sub.1.
[0379] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 15, the anvil 1810 in the
illustrated example includes an anvil body 1812 that terminates in
anvil mounting portion 1820. The anvil mounting portion 1820 is
movably or pivotably supported on the elongate channel 1602 for
selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot
axis PA.sub.1 (FIG. 15) that is transverse to the shaft axis
SA.sub.1. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil
trunnion 1822 extends laterally out of each lateral side of the
anvil mounting portion 1820 to be received in a corresponding
trunnion cradle 1614 formed in the upstanding walls 1612 of the
proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The anvil
trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding
trunnion cradle 1614 by the channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The
channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 includes a pair of attachment
lugs 1636 that are configured to be retainingly received within
corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 formed in the upstanding
walls 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel
1602.
[0380] In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1500
is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA.sub.1
by the articulation system 1300. In one form, the articulation
system 1300 includes proximal articulation driver 1310 that is
pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1320. As can be most
particularly seen in FIG. 6, an offset attachment lug 1314 is
formed on a distal end 1312 of the proximal articulation driver
1310. A pivot hole 1316 is formed in the offset attachment lug 1314
and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin
1326 formed on the proximal end 1325 of the articulation link 1320.
A distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320 includes a pivot
hole 1324 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel
pin 1618 formed on the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate
channel 1602. Thus, axial movement of proximal articulation driver
1310 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate
channel 1602 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 1500 to
articulate about the articulation axis AA.sub.1 relative to the
spine assembly 1250.
[0381] Movement of the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel
1602 is effectuated by axial movement of the proximal closure
assembly 1900 and the distal closure assembly 2000. Referring now
to FIGS. 4 and 7, in the illustrated arrangement, the proximal
closure assembly 1900 comprises a proximal closure tube 1910 that
has a proximal closure tube portion 1920 and a distal portion 1930.
The distal portion 1930 has a diameter that is less than the
diameter of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. The proximal
end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably
supported in a closure shuttle 1940 that is slidably supported
within the tool chassis 1210 such that it may be axially moved
relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1940 includes a
pair of proximally-protruding hooks 1942 that are configured for
attachment to the attachment pin 516 that is attached to the
closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The
proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is
coupled to the closure shuttle 1940 for relative rotation thereto.
For example, a U-shaped connector 1944 is inserted into an annular
slot 1924 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 and is retained
within vertical slots 1946 in the closure shuttle 1940. Such
arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 1900 to
the closure shuttle 1940 for axial travel therewith while enabling
the proximal closure assembly 1900 to rotate relative to the
closure shuttle 1940 about the shaft axis SA.sub.1. A closure
spring 1948 (FIGS. 12-14) extends over the proximal closure tube
portion 1920 to bias the closure shuttle 1940 in the proximal
direction PD which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 on
the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 2) into the unactuated position when
the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled
to the handle assembly 500.
[0382] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a distal portion 1930 of the
proximal closure tube 1910 is attached to the distal closure
assembly 2000. In the illustrated arrangement for example, the
distal closure assembly 2000 includes an articulation connector
2010 that is coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. In the
illustrated example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 has a
diameter that is larger than the diameter of the distal portion
1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910. The articulation connector
2010 has a proximally extending end portion 2012 that is adapted to
be received on a connection flange 1934 formed on the distal end of
the distal portion 1930. The articulation connector 2010 may be
retained on the connection flange 1934 by an appropriate fastener
arrangement such as adhesive, welding, etc. The articulation
connector 2010 includes upper and lower tangs 2014, 2016 protrude
distally from a distal end of the articulation connector 2010 to be
movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure
tube segment 2030. The distal closure tube segment 2030 includes an
upper tang 2032 and a lower tang (not shown) that protrude
proximally from a proximal end thereof. An upper double pivot link
2060 includes proximal and distal pins 2061, 2062 that engage
corresponding holes 2015, 2034 in the upper tangs 2014, 2032 of the
articulation connector 2010 and distal closure tube segment 2030,
respectively. Similarly, a lower double pivot link 2064 includes
proximal and distal pins 2065, 2066 that engage corresponding holes
2019 in the lower tangs 2016 of the articulation connector 2010 and
distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. As will be
discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial
translation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 and distal
closure assembly 2000 will result in the closing and opening of the
anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602.
[0383] In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing system generally
designated as 2100. In the illustrated example, the firing system
2100 includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for
axial travel within the spine assembly 1250. In the illustrated
embodiment, the firing member assembly 2110 includes an
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 that is configured for
attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 2130. The
firing member assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as a
"second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As can be seen in
FIG. 5, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 may include a
longitudinal slot 2124 in a distal end 2122 thereof which can be
configured to receive a proximal end 2132 of the knife bar 2130.
The longitudinal slot 2124 and the proximal end 2132 of the knife
bar 2130 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement
therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 2134. The slip joint
2134 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the
firing member assembly 2110 to be moved to articulate the end
effector 1500 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the
knife bar 2130. Once the end effector 1500 has been suitably
oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can be
advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal
slot 2124 comes into contact with a portion of the knife bar 2130
to advance the knife bar 2130 and fire the surgical staple/fastener
cartridge 1700 positioned within the elongate channel 1602. In the
illustrated arrangement, a proximal end 2127 of the intermediate
firing shaft portion 2120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 2128
formed thereon (FIG. 8) that is configured to be seated into an
attachment cradle (not shown) that is on the distal end of the
longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive
system 530 within the handle assembly 500. Such arrangement
facilitates the axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 2120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530.
[0384] Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000
can include a shifter assembly 2200 which can be configured to
selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver
1310 to the firing system 2100. In one form, the shifter assembly
2200 includes a lock collar, or lock sleeve 2210, positioned around
the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing system
2100 wherein the lock sleeve 2210 can be rotated between an engaged
position in which the lock sleeve 2210 couples the proximal
articulation driver 1310 to the firing member assembly 2110 and a
disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 1310
is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 2110. When
lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the
firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation
driver 1310 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the
firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation
driver 1310 proximally. When lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged
position, movement of the firing member assembly 2110 is not
transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 1310 and, as a
result, the firing member assembly 2110 can move independently of
the proximal articulation driver 1310. In various circumstances,
the proximal articulation driver 1310 can be held in position by
the articulation lock 1400 when the proximal articulation driver
1310 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the
firing member assembly 2110.
[0385] In the illustrated arrangement, the intermediate firing
shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 is formed
with two opposed flat sides 2121, 2123 with a drive notch 2126
formed therein. See FIG. 8. As can also be seen in FIG. 13, the
lock sleeve 2210 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least
substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal
aperture 2212 that is configured to receive the intermediate firing
shaft portion 2120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 2210 can comprise
diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 2214, 2216
that, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in one position, are engagingly
received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 2126 in
the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 and, when in another
position, are not received within the drive notch 2126 to thereby
permit relative axial motion between the lock sleeve 2210 and the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120.
[0386] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 12-14, in the illustrated
example, the lock sleeve 2210 further includes a lock member 2218
that is sized to be movably received within a notch 1319 in a
proximal end 1318 of the proximal articulation driver 1310. Such
arrangement permits the lock sleeve 2210 to slightly rotate into
and out of engagement with the intermediate firing shaft portion
2120 while remaining in engagement with the notch 1319 in the
proximal articulation driver 1310. For example, when the lock
sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 2214,
2216 are positioned within the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate
firing shaft portion 2120 such that a distal pushing force and/or a
proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member
assembly 2110 to the lock sleeve 2210. Such axial pushing or
pulling motion is then transmitted from the lock sleeve 2210 to the
proximal articulation driver 1310 to thereby articulate the
surgical end effector 1500. In effect, the firing member assembly
2110, the lock sleeve 2210, and the proximal articulation driver
1310 will move together when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged
(articulation) position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve
2210 is in its disengaged position, the lock protrusions 2214, 2216
are not received within the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate
firing shaft portion 2120 and, as a result, a distal pushing force
and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the
firing member assembly 2110 to the lock sleeve 2210 (and the
proximal articulation driver 1310).
[0387] In the illustrated example, relative movement of the lock
sleeve 2210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be
controlled by a shifter assembly 2200 that is interfaces with the
proximal closure tube 1910 of the proximal closure assembly 1900.
More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the shifter
assembly 2200 further includes a shifter key 2240 that is
configured to be slidably received within a key groove 2217 formed
in the outer perimeter of the lock sleeve 2210. Such arrangement
enables the shifter key 2240 to move axially with respect to the
lock sleeve 2210. Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the shifter key 2240
includes an actuator lug 2242 that extends through a cam slot or
cam opening 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920. See
FIG. 9. A cam surface 2243 is also provided adjacent the actuator
lug 2242 which is configured to cammingly interact with the cam
opening 1926 so as to cause the shifter key 2240 to rotate in
response to axial motion of the proximal closure tube portion
1920.
[0388] Also in the illustrated example, the shifter assembly 2200
further includes a switch drum 2220 that is rotatably received on a
proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. As
can be seen in FIGS. 10-14, the actuator lug 2242 extends through
an axial slot segment 2222 in the switch drum 2220 and is movably
received within an arcuate slot segment 2224 in the switch drum
2220. A switch drum torsion spring 2226 (FIGS. 12-14) is mounted on
the switch drum 2220 and engages nozzle portion 1244 to apply a
torsional bias or rotation (arrow SR in FIGS. 10 and 11) which
serves to rotate the switch drum 2220 until the actuator lug 2242
reaches the end of the arcuate slot segment 2224. See FIGS. 11 and
12. When in this position, the switch drum 2220 may provide a
torsional bias to the shifter key 2240 which thereby causes the
lock sleeve 2210 to rotate into its engaged position with the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. This position also
corresponds to the unactuated configuration of the proximal closure
assembly 1900. In one arrangement, for example, when the proximal
closure assembly 1900 is in an unactuated configuration (anvil 1810
is in an open position spaced away from the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 1700) the actuator lug 2242 is located in
the upper portion of the cam opening 1926 in the proximal closure
tube portion 1920. When in that position, actuation of the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will result in the axial
movement of the proximal articulation driver 1310. Once the user
has articulated the surgical end effector 1500 to a desired
orientation, the user may then actuate the proximal closure
assembly 1900. Actuation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 will
result in the distal travel of the proximal closure tube portion
1920 to ultimately apply a closing motion to the anvil 1810. This
distal travel of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 will result
in the cam opening 1926 cammingly interacting with the cam surface
2243 on the actuator lug 2242 to thereby cause the shifter key 2240
to rotate the lock sleeve 2210 in an actuation direction AD. Such
rotation of the lock sleeve 2210 will result in the disengagement
of the lock protrusions 2214, 2216 from the drive notch 2126 in the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. When in such configuration,
the firing drive system 530 may be actuated to actuate the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 without actuating the
proximal articulation driver 1310. Further details concerning the
operation of the switch drum 2220 and lock sleeve 2210, as well as
alternative articulation and firing drive arrangements that may be
employed with the various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies
described herein, may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, the
entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0389] Referring again to FIGS. 8-13, the switch drum 2220 can
further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 2228,
2230 defined therein which can receive circumferential lugs/mounts
1245 that extend from the nozzle portions 1242, 1244 and permit
relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum
2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240. The nozzle lugs 1245 extend
through corresponding openings 1923 in the proximal closure tube
portion 1920 to be seated in lug seats 1254 in the spine assembly
1250. See FIGS. 8 and 9. Such arrangement enables the user to
rotate the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis by rotating the
nozzle assembly 1240.
[0390] As also illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 12-14, the
interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can comprise a slip ring
assembly 1230 which can be configured to conduct electrical power
to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 and/or communicate
signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500, back to a
microprocessor 560 (FIG. 2) in the handle assembly 500 or robotic
system controller, for example. Further details concerning the slip
ring assembly 1230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,196 which have each been herein incorporated by reference in
their respective entirety as well as in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS
SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety. As also described in further detail in the
aforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated by
reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000
can also comprise at least one sensor that is configured to detect
the position of the switch drum 2220.
[0391] Referring again to FIG. 2, the tool chassis 1210 includes at
least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1212
formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding
dovetail slots 507 formed within the distal end portion of the
handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. Various
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1220
for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly
1000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be
seen in FIG. 7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system
1220 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1222 that is movably
coupled to the tool chassis 1210. In the illustrated embodiment,
for example, the lock yoke 1222 has a U-shape with two spaced
downwardly extending legs 1223. The legs 1223 each have a pivot lug
(not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to be received in
corresponding holes formed in the tool chassis 1210. Such
arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1222 to
the tool chassis 1210. The lock yoke 1222 may include two
proximally protruding lock lugs 1224 that are configured for
releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves
509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506 of the handle
assembly 500. See FIG. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1222 is
biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member
1225. Actuation of the lock yoke 1222 may be accomplished by a
latch button 1226 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator
assembly 1221 that is mounted to the tool chassis 1210. The latch
button 1226 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the
lock yoke 1222. The lock yoke 1222 may be moved to an unlocked
position by biasing the latch button 1226 in the distal direction
which also causes the lock yoke 1222 to pivot out of retaining
engagement with the distal end of the handle frame 506. When the
lock yoke 1222 is in "retaining engagement" with the distal end of
the handle frame 506, the lock lugs 1224 are retainingly seated
within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal
end of the handle frame 506.
[0392] In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1222 includes
at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1227 that are adapted to
contact corresponding lock lug portions 1943 that are formed on the
closure shuttle 1940. When the closure shuttle 1940 is in an
unactuated position, the lock yoke 1222 may be pivoted in a distal
direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000
from the handle assembly 500. When in that position, the lock hooks
1227 do not contact the lock lug portions 1943 on the closure
shuttle 1940. However, when the closure shuttle 1940 is moved to an
actuated position, the lock yoke 1222 is prevented from being
pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the
clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke 1222 to an
unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1222 was
inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise
cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1227 on the lock yoke
1222 will contact the lock lug portions 1943 on the closure shuttle
1940 and prevent movement of the lock yoke 1222 to an unlocked
position.
[0393] Referring again to FIG. 6, the knife bar 2130 may comprise a
laminated beam structure that includes at least two beam layers.
Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands
that are interconnected by, for example, welding or pinning
together at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along
their length. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the
bands are not connected together to allow the laminates or bands to
splay relative to each other when the end effector is articulated.
Such arrangement permits the knife bar 2130 to be sufficiently
flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various
laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH
CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 6, a
firing shaft support assembly 2300 is employed to provide lateral
support to the knife bar 2130 as it flexes to accommodate
articulation of the surgical end effector 1500. Further details
concerning the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 2300
and alternative knife bar support arrangements may be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR,
which are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
respective entireties.
[0394] As can also be seen in FIG. 6, a firing member or knife
member 2140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 2130. In
one exemplary form, the firing member 2140 comprises a body portion
2142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 2144. The body
portion 2142 protrudes through an elongate slot 1604 in the
elongate channel 1602 and terminates in a foot member 2146 that
extends laterally on each side of the body portion 2142. As the
firing member 2140 is driven distally through the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member 2146 rides within a
passage 1622 (FIG. 48) in the elongate channel 1602 that is located
under the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. In one
arrangement, the body portion 2142 includes two laterally
protruding central tabs 2145 that may ride above the central
passage within the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. See
FIG. 6. The tissue cutting portion 2144 is disposed between a
distally protruding top nose portion 2143. As can be further seen
in FIG. 6, the firing member 2140 may further include two laterally
extending top tabs, pins or anvil engagement features 2147. As the
firing member 2140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body
portion 2142 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 1814
and the anvil engagement features 2147 ride on corresponding anvil
ledges 1816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1814. In one
arrangement, to facilitate assembly of the anvil 1810 and firing
member 2140 arrangement, the top of the anvil body 1812 has an
opening 1817 therein. Once the anvil 1810 is assembled onto the
elongate channel 1602 and the firing member 2140 is installed, the
opening 1817 is covered by an anvil cap 1819 that is affixed to the
anvil body 1812 by welding or other suitable fastening means.
[0395] Returning to FIG. 6, the firing member 2140 is configured to
operably interface with a sled assembly 2150 that is operably
supported within a body 1702 of the surgical staple/fastener
cartridge 1700. The sled assembly 2150 is slidably displaceable
within the surgical staple/fastener cartridge body 1702 from a
proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end 1704 of the
cartridge body 1702 to an ending position adjacent a distal end
1706 of the cartridge body 1702. The cartridge body 1702 operably
supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that are
aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1708. The
centrally disposed slot 1708 enables the firing member 2140 to pass
therethrough and cut the tissue that is clamped between the anvil
1810 and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. The drivers
are associated with corresponding staple/fastener pockets 1712 that
open through an upper deck surface 1710 of the cartridge body 1702.
Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical
staple/fastener or fastener (not shown) thereon. The sled assembly
2150 includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams 2152
wherein each cam 2152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners
or drivers located on a side of the slot 1708.
[0396] Attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly
1000 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 2. To commence the coupling process, the
clinician may position the tool chassis 1210 of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 1000 above or adjacent to the distal end of
the handle frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portions 1212
formed on the tool chassis 1210 are aligned with the dovetail slots
507 in the handle frame 506. The clinician may then move the
surgical tool assembly 1000 along an installation axis IA that is
perpendicular to the shaft axis SA.sub.1 to seat the tapered
attachment portions 1212 in "operable engagement" with the
corresponding dovetail receiving slots 507 in the distal end of the
handle frame 506. In doing so, the firing shaft attachment lug 2128
on the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will also be seated
in the attachment cradle (not shown) in the longitudinally movable
drive member (not shown) within the handle assembly 500 and the
portions of attachment pin 516 on the closure link 514 will be
seated in the corresponding hooks 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940.
As used herein, the term "operable engagement" in the context of
two components means that the two components are sufficiently
engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation
motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action,
function and/or procedure.
[0397] During a typical surgical procedure, the clinician may
introduce the surgical end effector 1500 into the surgical site
through a trocar or other opening in the patient to access the
target tissue. When doing so, the clinician typically axially
aligns the surgical end effector 1500 along the shaft axis
(unarticulated state). Once the surgical end effector 1500 has
passed through the trocar port, for example, the clinician may need
to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageously position it
adjacent the target tissue. This is prior to closing the anvil onto
the target tissue, so the closure drive system 510 would remain
unactuated. When in this position, actuation of the firing drive
system 530 will result in the application of articulation motions
to the proximal articulation driver 1310. Once the end effector has
attained the desired articulated position, the firing drive system
530 is deactivated and the articulation lock 1400 may retain the
surgical end effector 1500 in the articulated position. The
clinician may then actuate the closure drive system 510 to close
the anvil 1810 onto the target tissue. Such actuation of the
closure drive system 510 may also result in the shifter assembly
2200 delinking the proximal articulation driver from the
intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. Thus, once the target
tissue has been captured in the surgical end effector 1500, the
clinician may once again actuate the firing drive system 530 to
axially advance the firing member 2140 through the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 1700 to cut the clamped tissue and fire
the staples into the cut tissue. Other closure and firing drive
arrangements, actuator arrangements (both handheld, manual and
automated or robotic) may also be employed to control the axial
movement of the closure system components, the articulation system
components and/or the firing system components of the surgical tool
assembly 1000 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
various inventions disclosed herein.
[0398] Returning now to FIG. 1, the surgical system 10 illustrated
in that Figure includes four interchangeable surgical tool
assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000 that may each be effectively
employed with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different
surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS. 16-18, the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a surgical end
effector 3500 that comprises a first jaw 3600 and a second jaw
3800. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an elongate
channel 3602 that is configured to operably support a surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 3700 therein. The second jaw 3800
comprises an anvil 3810 that is pivotally supported relative to the
elongate channel 3602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly
3000 includes an articulation system 3300 that comprises an
articulation joint 3302 and an articulation lock 3400 which can be
configured to releasably hold the surgical end effector 3500 in a
desired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA.sub.2.
Details regarding the construction and operation of the
articulation lock 3400 as well as alternative lock configurations
and operational details may be found in in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details
concerning the articulation lock 3400 may also be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED
SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0399] As can be seen in FIG. 17, the interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 3000 includes a tool frame assembly 3200 that comprises a
tool chassis 3210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 3240
thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 3240 is comprised of
nozzle portions 3242, 3244 as well as an actuator wheel portion
3246 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle
portions 3242, 3244 by snaps, lugs, screws etc. The interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure assembly
3900 which is operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 4000
that is utilized to close and/or open the anvil 3810 of the
surgical end effector 3500 as will be discussed in further detail
below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000
includes an "elastic" spine assembly 3250 that operably supports
the proximal closure assembly 3900 and is coupled to the surgical
end effector 3500. One exemplary form of spine assembly 3250 is
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND
FIRING SYSTEMS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein. For example, the spine assembly
3250 may comprise an elastic spine member that has a proximal end
portion 3253 and a distal end portion 3280 that is separated from
the proximal end portion 3253 of the elastic spine assembly 3250 by
a stretch feature 3282 formed therebetween. In addition, a stretch
limiting insert 3284 is retainingly supported between the distal
end portion 3280 and the proximal end portion 3253. In various
arrangements, the elastic spine assembly 3250 may be fabricated
from, for example, suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc. which
has a modulus of elasticity designated as ME.sub.1 for reference
purposes. The stretch limiting insert 3284 may have a modulus of
elasticity designated as ME.sub.2 for reference purposes. In
various circumstances, the stretch limiting insert 3284 also
includes a pair of stretch limiters 3285 (only one is shown in FIG.
17). The stretch limiter 3285 may have a modulus of elasticity for
reference purposes of ME.sub.3. In at least one arrangement,
ME.sub.3<ME.sub.2<ME.sub.1. Further details about at least
one implementation of the elastic spine assembly 3250 and stretch
limiting insert 3284 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,911.
[0400] In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end portion 3280
of the spine assembly 3250 has an opening 3281 therein for ease of
assembly. A spine cap 3283 may be attached thereto to cover the
opening 3281 after the various components have been assembled
therein. In assembled form, the proximal end portion 3253 of the
spine assembly 3250 is rotatably supported in the tool chassis
3210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the
proximal end portion 3253 of the spine assembly 3250 is attached to
a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported
within the tool chassis 3210. Such arrangement facilitates
rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 3250 to the tool chassis
3210 such that the spine assembly 3250 may be selectively rotated
about a shaft axis SA.sub.2 relative to the tool chassis 3210. In
particular, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end
portion 3253 of the spine assembly 3250 includes two diametrically
opposed lug seats 3254 (only one can be seen in FIG. 17) that are
each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug (not shown)
that extend inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 3242, 3244.
Such arrangement facilitates rotation of the spine assembly 3250
about the shaft axis SA.sub.2 by rotating the actuator wheel
portion 3246 of the nozzle assembly 3240.
[0401] Referring now to FIG. 18, the distal end portion 3280 of the
elastic spine assembly 3250 is attached to a distal frame segment
3286 that operably supports the articulation lock 3400 therein. The
spine assembly 3250 is configured to, one, slidably support a
firing member assembly 4110 therein and, two, slidably support the
proximal closure tube 3910 which extends around the spine assembly
3250. The spine assembly 3250 can also be configured to slidably
support a proximal articulation driver 3310. As can be seen in FIG.
18, the distal frame segment 3286 is pivotally coupled to the
elongate channel 3602 by an end effector mounting assembly 3290. In
one arrangement, for example, the distal end of the distal frame
segment 3286 has a pivot pin 3288 formed thereon. The pivot pin
3288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 3292
formed in pivot base portion 3291 of the end effector mounting
assembly 3290. The end effector mounting assembly 3290 is attached
to a proximal end 3610 of the elongate channel 3602 by a spring pin
3620 or other suitable member that is received within mounting
holes 3611 in the proximal end portion 3610. The pivot pin 3288
defines an articulation axis AA.sub.2 that is transverse to the
shaft axis SA.sub.2. See FIG. 18. Such arrangement facilitates
pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the surgical end effector
3500 about the articulation axis AA.sub.2 relative to the elastic
spine assembly 3250. The distal frame segment 3286 is further
configured to support the articulation lock 3400 therein. Various
articulation lock arrangements may be employed. At least one form
of articulation lock 3400 is described in further detail in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Additional details concerning the articulation lock may also be
found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9,
2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH
SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT.
[0402] In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 3500
is electively articulatable about the articulation axis AA.sub.2 by
the articulation system 3300. In one form, the articulation system
3300 includes the proximal articulation driver 3310 that operably
interfaces with the articulation lock 3400. The articulation lock
3400 includes an articulation frame 3402 that is adapted to
operably engage a drive pin 3293 on the pivot base portion 3291 of
the end effector mounting assembly 3290. In addition, a cross link
3294 may be linked to the drive pin 3293 and articulation frame
3402 to assist articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. As
indicated above, further details regarding the operation of the
articulation lock 3400 and the articulation frame 3402 may be found
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding
the end effector mounting assembly and cross link 3294 may be found
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION
ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein. As further described therein, as well as in
other disclosures incorporated by reference herein, axial movement
of proximal articulation driver 3310 will result in the
engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 3400 to thereby
apply articulation motions to the elongate channel 3602 and thereby
cause the surgical end effector 3500 to articulate about the
articulation axis AA.sub.2 relative to the spine assembly 3250.
[0403] The anvil 3810 in the illustrated example includes an anvil
body 3812 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 3820. The anvil
mounting portion 3820 is movably or pivotably supported on the
elongate channel 3602 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto
about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA.sub.2 (FIG. 18) that is
transverse to the shaft axis SA.sub.2. In the illustrated
arrangement, an anvil trunnion 3822 extends laterally out of each
lateral side of the anvil mounting portion 3820 to be received in a
corresponding trunnion pivot hole 3613 formed in the upstanding
walls 3612 of the proximal end portion 3610 of the elongate channel
3602. Movement of the anvil 3810 relative to the elongate channel
3602 is effectuated by axial movement of the proximal closure
assembly 3900 and the distal closure assembly 4000. In the
illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 3900
comprises a proximal closure tube 3910 that has a proximal end 3912
and a distal end 3914. The proximal end 3912 is rotatably supported
in a closure shuttle 3940 that is slidably supported within the
tool chassis 3210 such that it may be axially moved relative
thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 3940 includes a pair of
proximally-protruding hooks 3942 that are configured for attachment
to the transverse attachment pin 516 that is attached to the
closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The
proximal end 3912 is coupled to the closure shuttle 3940 for
relative rotation thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 3944
is inserted into an annular slot 3916 in the proximal end 3912 and
is retained within vertical slots 3946 in the closure shuttle 3940.
Such arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly
3900 to the closure shuttle 3940 for axial travel therewith while
enabling the proximal closure tube 3910 to rotate relative to the
closure shuttle 3940 about the shaft axis SA.sub.2. As was
discussed above in connection with the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend over
the proximal end 3912 of the proximal closure tube 3910 to bias the
closure shuttle 3940 in the proximal direction PD which can serve
to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (FIG.
2) into the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 3000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500
in the above described manner.
[0404] As can be seen in FIG. 18, the distal end 3914 of the
proximal closure tube 3910 is attached to the distal closure
assembly 4000. The distal end 3914 includes upper and lower tangs
3917, 3918 that are configured to be movably coupled to an end
effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 4030. The
distal closure tube segment 4030 includes an upper tang 4032 and a
lower tang 4034 that protrude proximally from a proximal end
thereof. An upper double pivot link 4060 pivotally couples the
upper tangs 3917 and 4032 and a lower double pivot link 4064
pivotally couples the lower tangs 3918 and 4034 together in the
above-described manner. The distal advancement of the distal
closure tube segment 4030 on the anvil mounting portion 3820 will
result in closure or pivotal travel of the anvil 3810 towards the
elongate channel 3602 about the fixed anvil pivot axis PA.sub.2. In
the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 4030
also includes positive jaw or anvil opening features 4040 that are
configured to coact with surfaces or ramp portions on the anvil
mounting portion 3820 so as to cause the anvil 3810 to pivot from a
closed position to an open position as the distal closure tube
segment 4030 is moved proximally back to a starting position. Other
embodiments may not employ the positive jaw opening features, but
may rely on springs or other biasing arrangements to bias the anvil
to the open position when the distal closure tube segment has been
retracted to its proximal-most starting position. Further details
regarding configurations and operation of the anvil opening
features may be found in for example, U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH
INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS.
[0405] In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 3000 further includes a firing system generally
designated as 4100. In various instances, the firing system 4100
includes a firing member assembly 4110 that is supported for axial
travel within the spine assembly 3250. In the illustrated
embodiment, the firing member assembly 4110 includes an
intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 that is configured for
attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 4130. A support
bushing arrangement 4121 may be employed to support the
intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 within the spine assembly
3250. The firing member assembly 4110 may also be referred to
herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As can
be seen in FIG. 18, the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 may
include a longitudinal slot 4124 in a distal end 4122 thereof which
can be configured to receive a proximal end 4132 of the knife bar
4130. The longitudinal slot 4124 and the proximal end 4132 of the
knife bar 4130 can be sized and configured to permit relative
movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 4134. The slip
joint 4134 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of
the firing member assembly 4110 to be moved to articulate the end
effector 3500 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the
knife bar 4130 as was discussed above. In the illustrated
arrangement, a proximal end 4127 of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 4120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 4128 formed thereon
that is configured to be seated into the attachment cradle (not
shown) that is on the distal end of the longitudinally movable
drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the
handle assembly 500 as was discussed above. Such arrangement
facilitates the axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 4120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other
attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the
intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 to other firing drive
arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).
[0406] Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 3000
can include a shifter assembly 4200 which can be configured to
selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver
3310 to the firing member assembly 4110 in the manner described
above. In one form, the shifter assembly 4200 includes a lock
collar, or lock sleeve 4210, positioned around the intermediate
firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110
wherein the lock sleeve 4210 can be rotated between an engaged
position in which the lock sleeve 4210 couples the proximal
articulation driver 3310 to the firing member assembly 4110 and a
disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 3310
is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 4110. As was
discussed above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the
firing member assembly 4110 is formed with a drive notch 4126. The
lock sleeve 4210 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least
substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal
aperture 4212 that is configured to receive the intermediate firing
shaft portion 4120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 4210 can comprise
diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 4214, 4216
that, when the lock sleeve 4210 is in one position, are engagingly
received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 4126 in
the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 and, when in another
position, are not received within the drive notch 4126 to thereby
permit relative axial motion between the lock sleeve 4210 and the
intermediate firing shaft 4120 as was discussed in further detail
above. The lock sleeve 4210 further includes a lock member 4218
that is sized to be movably received within a notch 3319 in a
proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 3310. When the
lock sleeve 4210 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions
4214, 4216 are positioned within the drive notch 4126 in the
intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 such that a distal pushing
force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the
firing member assembly 4110 to the lock sleeve 4210. Such axial
pushing or pulling motion is then transmitted from the lock sleeve
4210 to the proximal articulation driver 3310 to thereby articulate
the surgical end effector 3500.
[0407] As was discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative
movement of the lock sleeve 4210 between its engaged and disengaged
positions may be controlled by the shifter assembly 4200 that
interfaces with the proximal closure tube 3910 of the proximal
closure assembly 3900. The shifter assembly 4200 further includes a
shifter key 4240 that is configured to be slidably received within
a key groove (similar to the key groove 2217 illustrated in FIG. 8)
formed in the outer perimeter of the lock sleeve 4210. Such
arrangement enables the shifter key 4240 to move axially with
respect to the lock sleeve 4210. Operation of the shifter assembly
4200 may be identical to the operation of the shifter assembly 2200
which was described in further detail above and which will not be
repeated again for brevity. Further details, alternative
arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are
disclosed in other arrangements that may be employed are disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/019,196, the as well as other disclosures
that have bee incorporated herein.
[0408] The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 can comprise a slip
ring assembly 3230 which can be configured to conduct electrical
power to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500 and/or
communicate signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500,
back to a microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 or robotic
system controller, for example as was discussed above. Further
details concerning the slip ring assembly 3230 and associated
connectors may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which
have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety as well as in [0409] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR
SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0410] The illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000
also employs a latch system 3220 for removably coupling the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 to the handle frame 506
of the handle assembly 500, for example. The latch system 3220 may
be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above.
The knife bar 4130 may comprise a laminated beam structure that
includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise,
for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for
example, welding or pinning together at their proximal ends and/or
at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments,
the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow
the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end
effector is articulated. Such arrangement permits the knife bar
4130 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the
end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As can
also be seen in FIG. 18, a firing shaft support assembly 4300 is
employed to provide lateral support to the knife bar 4130 as it
flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector
3500. Further details concerning the operation of the firing shaft
support assembly 4300 and alternative knife bar support
arrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE
REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND
AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR, which are each hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their respective
entireties.
[0411] As can also be seen in FIG. 18, a firing member or knife
member 4140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 4130.
The firing member 4140 is configured to operably interface with a
sled assembly 4150 that is operably supported within the body 3702
of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700. The sled assembly
4150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple/fastener
cartridge body 3702 from a proximal starting position adjacent the
proximal end 3704 of the cartridge body 3702 to an ending position
adjacent a distal end 3706 of the cartridge body 3702. The
cartridge body 3702 operably supports therein a plurality of staple
drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side of a
centrally disposed slot 3708. The centrally disposed slot 3708
enables the firing member 4140 to pass therethrough and cut the
tissue that is clamped between the anvil 3810 and the staple
cartridge 3700. The drivers are associated with corresponding
staple pockets 3712 that open through the deck surface 3710 of the
cartridge body 3702. Each of the staple drivers supports one or
more surgical staple/fastener or fastener (not shown) thereon. The
sled assembly 4150 includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped
cams 4152 wherein each cam 4152 corresponds to a particular line of
fasteners or drivers located on a side of the slot 3708.
[0412] In one exemplary form, the firing member 4140 comprises a
body portion 4142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion
4144. See FIG. 49. The body portion 4142 protrudes through an
elongate slot 3604 in the elongate channel 3602 and terminates in a
foot member 4146 that extends laterally on each side of the body
portion 4142. As the firing member 4140 is driven distally through
the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700, the foot member 4146
rides within a passage 3622 in the elongate channel 3602 that is
located under the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700. The
tissue cutting portion 4144 is disposed between a distally
protruding top nose portion 4143. As can be further seen in FIG.
18, the firing member 4140 may further include two laterally
extending top tabs, pins or anvil engagement features 4147. As the
firing member 4140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body
portion 4142 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 3814
and the anvil engagement features 4147 ride on corresponding ledges
3816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 3814. Further details
concerning the firing member 4140, sled assembly 4150 and their
various alternatives as well as examples of their operation will be
discussed in further detail below and may also be found in [0413]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 may be to
the handle assembly 500 in the manner as described above with
respect to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000.
[0414] Returning again to FIG. 1, as was discussed above, the
surgical system 10 illustrated in that Figure includes four
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000
that may each be effectively employed with the same handle assembly
500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS.
19-21, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a
surgical end effector 5500 that comprises a first jaw 5600 and a
second jaw 5800. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an
elongate channel 5602 that is configured to operably support a
surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700 therein. The second jaw
5800 comprises an anvil 5810 that is movably supported relative to
the elongate channel 5602. The interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 5000 includes an articulation system 5300 that comprises
an articulation joint 5302 and an articulation lock 5400 which can
be configured to releasably hold the surgical end effector 5500 in
a desired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA.sub.3.
Details regarding the construction and operation of the
articulation lock 5400 as well as alternative lock configurations
and operational details may be found in in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCK OUT,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein. Alternative articulation lock arrangements may also be
found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED
SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosures of each such reference
being hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0415] As can be seen in FIG. 20, the interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 5000 includes a tool frame assembly 5200 that comprises a
tool chassis 5210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 5240
thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 5240 is comprised of
nozzle portions 5242, 5244 as well as an actuator wheel portion
5246 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle
portions 5242, 5244 by snaps, lugs, screws etc. The interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a proximal closure assembly
5900 which is operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 6000
that is utilized to close and/or open the anvil 5810 of the
surgical end effector 5500 as will be discussed in further detail
below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000
includes a spine assembly 5250 that operably supports the proximal
closure assembly 5900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector
5500. In the illustrated arrangement, the spine assembly 5250
includes a distal end portion 5280 that has an opening 5281 therein
for ease of assembly. A spine cap 5283 may be attached thereto to
cover the opening 5281 after the various components have been
assembled therein. In assembled form, a proximal end portion 5253
of the spine assembly 5250 is rotatably supported in the tool
chassis 5210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of
the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 is
attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be
supported within the tool chassis 5210. Such arrangement
facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 5250 to the
tool chassis 5210 such that the spine assembly 5250 may be
selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA.sub.3 relative to the
tool chassis 5210. In particular, in one arrangement, for example,
the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 includes
two diametrically opposed lug seats 5254 (only one can be seen in
FIG. 20) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle
lug (not shown) that extend inwardly from each of the nozzle
portions 5242, 5244. Such arrangement facilitates rotation of the
spine assembly 5250 about the shaft axis SA.sub.3 by rotating the
actuator wheel portion 5246 of the nozzle assembly 5240.
[0416] Referring now to FIG. 21, the distal end portion 5280 of the
spine assembly 5250 is attached to a distal frame segment 5286 that
operably supports the articulation lock 5400 therein. The spine
assembly 5250 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing
member assembly 6110 therein and, two, slidably support a proximal
closure tube 5910 which extends around the spine assembly 5250. The
spine assembly 5250 can also be configured to slidably support a
first articulation driver 5310 and a second articulation driver
5320. As can be seen in FIG. 21, the distal frame segment 5286 is
pivotally coupled to a proximal end 5610 of the elongate channel
5602. In one arrangement, for example, the distal end of the distal
frame segment 5286 has a pivot pin 5288 formed thereon. The pivot
pin 5288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole
5611 formed in the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate
channel 5602. The pivot pin 5288 defines an articulation axis
AA.sub.3 that is transverse to the shaft axis SA.sub.3. See FIG.
21. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e.,
articulation) of the surgical end effector 5500 about the
articulation axis AA.sub.3 relative to the spine assembly 5250. The
distal frame segment 5286 is further configured to support the
articulation lock 5400 therein.
[0417] In the illustrated arrangement, a distal end 5314 of the
first articulation driver 5310 is formed with a loop 5316 that is
adapted to receive a first articulation pin 5618 therein that is
formed on the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel
5602. Similarly, a distal end 5324 of the second articulation
driver 5320 has a loop 5326 that is adapted to receive a second
articulation pin 5619 therein that is formed on the proximal end
portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. In one arrangement, for
example, the first articulation driver 5310 further comprises a
proximal rack of teeth 5315 that is in meshing engagement with an
idler gear 5330 rotatably supported in the spine assembly 5250.
Similarly the second articulation driver 5320 further comprises a
proximal rack of teeth 5325 that is in meshing engagement with the
idler gear 5330. Thus, in such arrangement, movement of the first
articulation driver 5310 in the distal direction DD will result in
movement of the second articulation driver 5320 in the proximal
direction PD. Movement of the first articulation driver 5310 in the
proximal direction PD will result in the movement of the second
articulation driver 5320 in the distal direction DD. Thus, such
movement of the first and second articulation drivers 5310, 5320
will provide simultaneously pushing and pulling motions to the
surgical end effector 5500 to articulate the surgical end effector
about the articulation axis AA.sub.3.
[0418] The anvil 5810 in the illustrated example includes an anvil
body 5812 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 5820. The anvil
mounting portion 5820 is movably supported on the elongate channel
5602 for selective pivotal and vertical travel relative thereto. In
the illustrated arrangement, an anvil trunnion 5822 extends
laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion
5820 to be received in a corresponding "open-ended" vertical cradle
5613 formed in upstanding walls 5612 of the proximal end portion
5610 of the elongate channel 5602. Movement of the anvil 5810
relative to the elongate channel 5602 is effectuated by axial
movement of the proximal closure assembly 5900 and the distal
closure assembly 6000. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal
closure assembly 5900 comprises the proximal closure tube 5910 that
has a proximal end 5912 and a distal end 5914. The proximal end
5912 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 5940 that is
slidably supported within the tool chassis 5210 such that it may be
axially moved relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle
5940 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 5942 that are
configured for attachment to the transverse attachment pin 516 that
is attached to the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle
assembly 500. The proximal end 5912 of the proximal closure tube
5910 is coupled to the closure shuttle 5940 for relative rotation
thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 5944 is inserted into an
annular slot 5916 in the proximal end 5912 and is retained within
vertical slots 5946 in the closure shuttle 5940. Such arrangement
serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 5900 to the closure
shuttle 5940 for axial travel therewith while enabling the proximal
closure tube 5910 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 5940
about the shaft axis SA.sub.3. As was discussed above in connection
with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure
spring (not shown) may extend over the proximal end 5912 of the
proximal closure tube 5910 to bias the closure shuttle 5940 in the
proximal direction PD which can serve to pivot the closure trigger
512 on the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 2) into the unactuated
position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 is
operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the above described
manner.
[0419] As can be seen in FIG. 21, the distal end 5914 of the
proximal closure tube 5910 is attached to the distal closure
assembly 6000. The distal end 5914 includes upper and lower tangs
5917, 7918 that are configured to be movably coupled to an end
effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 6030. The
distal closure tube segment 6030 includes an upper tang 6032 and a
lower tang 6034 that protrude proximally from a proximal end
thereof. An upper double pivot link 6060 pivotally couples the
upper tangs 5917 and 6032 and a lower double pivot link 6064
pivotally couples the lower tangs 5918 and 6034 together in the
above-described manner. The distal closure tube segment 6030
includes an internal cam surface 6036 that is configured to
cammingly engage an anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting
portion 5820. The distal advancement of the distal closure tube
segment 6030 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 will result in
closure or pivotal travel of the anvil 5810 towards the elongate
channel 5602. In the illustrated arrangement, upstanding anvil tabs
5827 are formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820 and are
configured to be contacted by two positive jaw opening tabs 6038
that extend inwardly within the distal closure tube segment 6030.
Each positive jaw opening tab 6038 is configured to engage a
corresponding one of the anvil tabs 5827 to pivot the anvil 5810 to
an open position when the distal closure tube segment 6030 is
axially moved in the proximal direction PD.
[0420] In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 5000 further includes a firing system generally
designated as 6100. In various instances, the firing system 6100
includes the firing member assembly 6110 that is supported for
axial travel within the spine assembly 5250. In the illustrated
embodiment, the firing member assembly 6110 includes an
intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 that is configured for
attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 6130. The
firing member assembly 6110 may also be referred to herein as a
"second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As can be seen in
FIG. 21, the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 may include a
longitudinal slot 6124 in a distal end 6122 thereof which can be
configured to receive a proximal end 6132 of the knife bar 6130.
The longitudinal slot 6124 and the proximal end 6132 of the knife
bar 6130 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement
therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 6134. The slip joint
6134 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the
firing member assembly 6110 to be moved to articulate the end
effector 5500 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the
knife bar 6130 as was discussed above. In the illustrated
arrangement, a proximal end 6127 of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 6120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 6128 formed thereon
that is configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not
shown) that is on the distal end of the longitudinally movable
drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the
handle assembly 500 as was discussed above. Such arrangement
facilitates the axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 6120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other
attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the
intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive
arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).
[0421] Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 5000
can include a shifter assembly 6200 which can be configured to
selectively and releasably couple the first articulation driver
5310 to the firing member assembly 6110 in the manner described
above. In one form, the shifter assembly 6200 includes a lock
collar, or lock sleeve 6210, positioned around the intermediate
firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110
wherein the lock sleeve 6210 can be rotated between an engaged
position in which the lock sleeve 6210 couples the first
articulation driver 5310 to the firing member assembly 6110 and a
disengaged position in which the first articulation driver 5310 is
not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 6110. As was
discussed above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the
firing member assembly 6110 is formed with a drive notch 6126. The
lock sleeve 6210 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least
substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal
aperture that is configured to receive the intermediate firing
shaft portion 6120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 6210 can comprise
diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 6214, 6216
that, when the lock sleeve 6210 is in one position, are engagingly
received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 6126 in
the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 and, when in another
position, are not received within the drive notch 6126 to thereby
permit relative axial motion between the lock sleeve 6210 and the
intermediate firing shaft 6120 as was discussed in further detail
above. The lock sleeve 6210 further includes a lock member 6218
that is sized to be movably received within a notch 5319 in a
proximal end of the first articulation driver 5310. When the lock
sleeve 6210 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 6214,
6216 are positioned within the drive notch 6126 in the intermediate
firing shaft portion 6120 such that a distal pushing force and/or a
proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member
assembly 6110 to the lock sleeve 6210. Such axial pushing or
pulling motion is then transmitted from the lock sleeve 6210 to the
first articulation driver 5310. Axial movement of the first
articulation driver 5310 results in the axial movement of the
second articulation driver 5320 in an opposite direction to thereby
articulate the surgical end effector 5500.
[0422] As was discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative
movement of the lock sleeve 6210 between its engaged and disengaged
positions may be controlled by the shifter assembly 6200 that
interfaces with the proximal closure tube 5910 of the proximal
closure assembly 5900. The shifter assembly 6200 further includes a
shifter key 6240 that is configured to be slidably received within
a key groove (similar to the key groove 2217 illustrated in FIG. 8)
formed in the outer perimeter of the lock sleeve 6210. Such
arrangement enables the shifter key 6240 to move axially with
respect to the lock sleeve 6210. Operation of the shifter assembly
6200 may be identical to the operation of the shifter assembly 2200
which was described in further detail above and which will not be
repeated again for brevity. Further details, alternative
arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are
disclosed in Other arrangements that may be employed are disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/019,196, the as well as other disclosures
that have been incorporated herein.
[0423] The interchangeable tool assembly 5000 can comprise a slip
ring assembly 5230 which can be configured to conduct electrical
power to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500 and/or
communicate signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500,
back to a microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 or robotic
system controller, for example as was discussed above. Further
details concerning the slip ring assembly 5230 and associated
connectors may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which
have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety as well as in [0424] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR
SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0425] The illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000
also employs a latch system 5220 for removably coupling the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 to the handle frame 506
of the handle assembly 500, for example. The latch system 5220 may
be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above.
The knife bar 6130 may comprise a laminated beam structure that
includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise,
for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for
example, welding or pinning together at their proximal ends and/or
at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments,
the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow
the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end
effector is articulated. Such arrangement permits the knife bar
6130 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the
end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As can
also be seen in FIG. 21, a firing shaft support assembly 6300 is
employed to provide lateral support to the knife bar 6130 as it
flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector
5500. Further details concerning the operation of the firing shaft
support assembly 6300 and alternative knife bar support
arrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE
REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND
AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END
[0426] EFFECTOR, which are each hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their respective entireties.
[0427] As can also be seen in FIGS. 21 and 50, a firing member or
knife member 6140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar
6130. The firing member 6140 is configured to operably interface
with a sled assembly 6150 that is operably supported within the
body 5702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700. The sled
assembly 6150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge body 5702 from a proximal starting
position adjacent a proximal end 5704 of the cartridge body 5702 to
an ending position adjacent a distal end 5706 of the cartridge body
5702. The cartridge body 5702 operably supports therein a plurality
of staple drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side
of a centrally disposed slot 5708. The centrally disposed slot 5708
enables the firing member 6140 to pass therethrough and cut the
tissue that is clamped between the anvil 5810 and the staple
cartridge 5700. The drivers are associated with corresponding
staple pockets that open through the upper deck surface of the
cartridge body 5702. Each of the staple drivers supports one or
more surgical staple/fastener or fastener (not shown) thereon. The
sled assembly includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams
6152 wherein each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners
or drivers located on a side of the slot 5708.
[0428] In one exemplary form, the firing member 6140 comprises a
body portion 6142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion
6144. See FIG. 50. The body portion 6142 protrudes through an
elongate slot 5604 in the elongate channel 5602 and terminates in a
foot member 6146 that extends laterally on each side of the body
portion 6142. As the firing member 6140 is driven distally through
the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700, the foot member 6146
rides within a passage 5622 in the elongate channel 5602 that is
located under the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700. The
tissue cutting portion 6144 is disposed between a distally
protruding top nose portion 6143. As can be further seen in FIGS.
21 and 50, the firing member 6140 may further include two laterally
extending top tabs, pins or anvil engagement features 6147. As the
firing member 6140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body
portion 6142 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 5814
and the anvil engagement features 6147 ride on corresponding ledges
5816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 5814. Further details
concerning the firing member 6140, sled assembly 6150, and their
various alternatives as well as examples of their operation will be
discussed in further detail below and may also be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 may be
operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner as
described above with respect to the interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 1000.
[0429] Returning again to FIG. 1, as was discussed above, the
surgical system 10 illustrated in that Figure includes four
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000
that may each be effectively employed with the same handle assembly
500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS.
22-24, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a
surgical end effector 7500 that comprises a first jaw 7600 and a
second jaw 7800. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an
elongate channel 7602 that is configured to operably support a
surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700 therein. The second jaw
7800 comprises an anvil 7810 that is movably supported relative to
the elongate channel 7602. The interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 7000 includes an articulation system 7300 that comprises
an articulation joint 7302 and an articulation lock 7400 which can
be configured to releasably hold the surgical end effector 7500 in
a desired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA.sub.4.
Details regarding the construction and operation of the
articulation lock 7400 as well as alternative lock configurations
and operational details may be found in in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details
concerning the articulation lock 7400 and/or alternative
articulation lock arrangements may also be found in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY
CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
[0430] As can be seen in FIG. 24, the interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 7000 includes a tool frame assembly 7200 that comprises a
tool chassis 7210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 7240
thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 7240 is comprised of
nozzle portions 7242, 7244 as well as an actuator wheel portion
7246 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle
portions 7242, 7244 by snaps, lugs, screws etc. The interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a proximal closure assembly
7900 which is operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 8000
that is utilized to close and/or open the anvil 7810 of the
surgical end effector 7500 as will be discussed in further detail
below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000
includes a spine assembly 7250 that operably supports the proximal
closure assembly 7900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector
3500. In the illustrated arrangement, the spine assembly 7250
includes a distal end portion 7280 that has an opening 7281 therein
for ease of assembly. A spine cap 7283 may be attached thereto to
cover the opening 7281 after the various components have been
assembled therein. In assembled form, a proximal end portion 7253
of the spine assembly 7250 is rotatably supported in the tool
chassis 7210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of
the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 is
attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be
supported within the tool chassis 7210. Such arrangement
facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 7250 to the
tool chassis 7210 such that the spine assembly 7250 may be
selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA.sub.4 relative to the
tool chassis 7210. In particular, in one arrangement, for example,
the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 includes
two diametrically opposed lug seats 7254 (only one can be seen in
FIG. 23) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle
lug (not shown) that extend inwardly from each of the nozzle
portions 7242, 7244. Such arrangement facilitates rotation of the
spine assembly 7250 about the shaft axis SA.sub.4 by rotating the
actuator wheel portion 7246 of the nozzle assembly 7240.
[0431] Referring now to FIG. 24, the distal end portion 7280 of the
spine assembly 7250 is attached to a distal frame segment 7286 that
operably supports the articulation lock 7400 therein. The spine
assembly 7250 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing
member assembly 8110 therein and, two, slidably support a proximal
closure tube 7910 which extends around the spine assembly 7250. The
spine assembly 7250 can also be configured to slidably support a
proximal articulation driver 7310. As can be seen in FIG. 24, the
distal frame segment 7286 is pivotally coupled to the elongate
channel 7602 by an end effector mounting assembly 7290. In one
arrangement, for example, the distal end of the distal frame
segment 7286 has a pivot pin 7288 formed thereon. The pivot pin
7288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 7292
formed in pivot base portion 7291 of the end effector mounting
assembly 7290. The end effector mounting assembly 7290 is attached
to a proximal end portion 7610 of the elongate channel 7602 by a
spring pin 7620 or other suitable member that is received within
mounting holes 7611 in the proximal end portion 7610. The pivot pin
7288 defines an articulation axis AA.sub.4 that is transverse to
the shaft axis SA.sub.4. See FIG. 24. Such arrangement facilitates
pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the surgical end effector
7500 about the articulation axis AA.sub.4 relative to the spine
assembly 7250. The distal frame segment 7286 is further configured
to support the articulation lock 7400 therein. Various articulation
lock arrangements may be employed. At least one form of
articulation lock 7400 is described in further detail in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Additional details concerning the articulation lock may also be
found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9,
2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH
SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT.
[0432] In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 7500
is electively articulatable about the articulation axis AA.sub.4 by
the articulation system 7300. In one form, the articulation system
7300 includes the proximal articulation driver 7310 that operably
interfaces with the articulation lock 7400. The articulation lock
7400 includes an articulation frame 7402 that is adapted to
operably engage a drive pin 7293 on the pivot base portion 7291 of
the end effector mounting assembly 7290. In addition, a cross link
7294 may be linked to the drive pin 7293 and articulation frame
7402 to assist articulation of the surgical end effector 7500. As
indicated above, further details regarding the operation of the
articulation lock 7400 and the articulation frame 7402 may be found
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding
the end effector mounting assembly and cross link 7294 may be found
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION
ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein. As further described therein, as well as in
other disclosures incorporated by reference herein, axial movement
of proximal articulation driver 7310 will result in the
engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 7400 to thereby
apply articulation motions to the elongate channel 7602 and thereby
cause the surgical end effector 7500 to articulate about the
articulation axis AA.sub.4 relative to the spine assembly 7250.
[0433] The anvil 7810 in the illustrated example includes an anvil
body 7812 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 7820. The anvil
mounting portion 7820 is movably supported on the elongate channel
7602 for selective pivotal and axial travel relative thereto. In
the illustrated arrangement, an anvil trunnion 7822 extends
laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion
7820 to be received in a corresponding "kidney-shaped" opening 7613
formed in upstanding walls 7612 of the proximal end portion 7610 of
the elongate channel 7602. Movement of the anvil 7810 relative to
the elongate channel 7602 is effectuated by axial movement of the
proximal closure assembly 7900 and the distal closure assembly
8000. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly
7900 comprises the proximal closure tube 7910 that has a proximal
end 7912 and a distal end 7914. The proximal end 7912 is rotatably
supported in a closure shuttle 7940 that is slidably supported
within the tool chassis 7210 such that it may be axially moved
relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 7940 includes a
pair of proximally-protruding hooks 7942 that are configured for
attachment to the transverse attachment pin 516 that is attached to
the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The
proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 is coupled to
the closure shuttle 7940 for relative rotation thereto. For
example, a U-shaped connector 7944 is inserted into an annular slot
7916 in the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 and
is retained within vertical slots 7946 in the closure shuttle 7940.
Such arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly
7900 to the closure shuttle 7940 for axial travel therewith while
enabling the proximal closure tube 7910 to rotate relative to the
closure shuttle 7940 about the shaft axis SA.sub.4. As was
discussed above in connection with the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend over
the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 to bias the
closure shuttle 7940 in the proximal direction PD which can serve
to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (FIG.
2) into the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 7000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500
in the above described manner.
[0434] As can be seen in FIG. 24, the distal end 7914 of the
proximal closure tube 3910 is attached to the distal closure
assembly 8000. The distal end 7914 includes upper and lower tangs
7917, 7918 that are configured to be movably coupled to an end
effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 8030. The
distal closure tube segment 8030 includes an upper tang 8032 and a
lower tang 8034 that protrude proximally from a proximal end
thereof. An upper double pivot link 8060 pivotally couples the
upper tangs 7917 and 8032 and a lower double pivot link 8064
pivotally couples the lower tangs 7918 and 8034 together in the
above-described manner. The distal advancement of the distal
closure tube segment 8030 on the anvil mounting portion 7820 will
result in closure or pivotal travel of the anvil 7810 towards the
elongate channel 7602. In the illustrated arrangement, an
upstanding anvil tab 7824 is formed on the anvil mounting portion
7820 and extends into a horseshoe-shaped opening 8038. Opening 8038
defines an opening tab 8039 configured to operably interface with
the anvil tab 7824 as the distal closure tube is retracted in the
distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and
the anvil tab 7824 applies an opening motion to the anvil 7810 to
thereby cause the anvil 7810 to move to an open position.
[0435] In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 7000 further includes a firing system generally
designated as 8100. In various instances, the firing system 8100
includes the firing member assembly 8110 that is supported for
axial travel within the spine assembly 7250. In the illustrated
embodiment, the firing member assembly 8110 includes an
intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 that is configured for
attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 8130. The
firing member assembly 8110 may also be referred to herein as a
"second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As can be seen in
FIG. 24, the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 may include a
longitudinal slot 8124 in a distal end 8122 thereof which can be
configured to receive a proximal end 8132 of the knife bar 8130.
The longitudinal slot 8124 and the proximal end 8132 of the knife
bar 8130 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement
therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 8134. The slip joint
8134 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the
firing member assembly 8110 to be moved to articulate the end
effector 7500 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the
knife bar 8130 as was discussed above. In the illustrated
arrangement, a proximal end 8127 of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 8120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 8128 formed thereon
that is configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not
shown) that is on the distal end of the longitudinally movable
drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the
handle assembly 500 as was discussed above. Such arrangement
facilitates the axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft
portion 8120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other
attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the
intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive
arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).
[0436] Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 7000
can include a shifter assembly 8200 which can be configured to
selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver
7310 to the firing member assembly 8110 in the manner described
above. In one form, the shifter assembly 8200 includes a lock
collar, or lock sleeve 8210, positioned around the intermediate
firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110
wherein the lock sleeve 8210 can be rotated between an engaged
position in which the lock sleeve 8210 couples the proximal
articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110 and a
disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 7310
is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 8110. As was
discussed above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the
firing member assembly 8110 is formed with a drive notch 8126. The
lock sleeve 8210 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least
substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal
aperture that is configured to receive the intermediate firing
shaft portion 8120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 8210 can comprise
diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 8214, 8216
that, when the lock sleeve 8210 is in one position, are engagingly
received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 8126 in
the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 and, when in another
position, are not received within the drive notch 8126 to thereby
permit relative axial motion between the lock sleeve 8210 and the
intermediate firing shaft 8120 as was discussed in further detail
above. The lock sleeve 8210 further includes a lock member 8218
that is sized to be movably received within a notch 7319 in a
proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 7310. When the
lock sleeve 8210 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions
8214, 8216 are positioned within the drive notch 7126 in the
intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 such that a distal pushing
force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the
firing member assembly 8110 to the lock sleeve 8210. Such axial
pushing or pulling motion is then transmitted from the lock sleeve
8210 to the proximal articulation driver 7310 to thereby articulate
the surgical end effector 7500.
[0437] As was discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative
movement of the lock sleeve 8210 between its engaged and disengaged
positions may be controlled by the shifter assembly 8200 that
interfaces with the proximal closure tube 7910 of the proximal
closure assembly 7900. The shifter assembly 8200 further includes a
shifter key 8240 that is configured to be slidably received within
a key groove (similar to the key groove 2217 illustrated in FIG. 8)
formed in the outer perimeter of the lock sleeve 8210. Such
arrangement enables the shifter key 8240 to move axially with
respect to the lock sleeve 8210. Operation of the shifter assembly
8200 may be identical to the operation of the shifter assembly 2200
which was described in further detail above and which will not be
repeated again for brevity. Further details, alternative
arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are
disclosed in Other arrangements that may be employed are disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/019,196, the as well as other disclosures
that have been incorporated herein.
[0438] The interchangeable tool assembly 7000 can comprise a slip
ring assembly 7230 which can be configured to conduct electrical
power to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 and/or
communicate signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500,
back to a microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 or robotic
system controller, for example as was discussed above. Further
details concerning the slip ring assembly 7230 and associated
connectors may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which
have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety as well as in [0439] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR
SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0440] The illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000
also employs a latch system 7220 for removably coupling the
interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 to the handle frame 506
of the handle assembly 500, for example. The latch system 7220 may
be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above.
The knife bar 8130 may comprise a laminated beam structure that
includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise,
for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for
example, welding or pinning together at their proximal ends and/or
at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments,
the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow
the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end
effector is articulated. Such arrangement permits the knife bar
8130 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the
end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As can
also be seen in FIG. 24, a firing shaft support assembly 8300 is
employed to provide lateral support to the knife bar 8130 as it
flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector
7500. Further details concerning the operation of the firing shaft
support assembly 8300 and alternative knife bar support
arrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE
REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND
AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR, which are each hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their respective
entireties.
[0441] As can also be seen in FIG. 24, a firing member or knife
member 8140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 8130.
The firing member 8140 is configured to operably interface with a
sled assembly 8150 that is operably supported within the body 7702
of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700. See FIG. 51. The
sled assembly 8150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge body 7702 from a proximal starting
position adjacent a proximal end 7704 of the cartridge body 7702 to
an ending position adjacent a distal end 7706 of the cartridge body
7702. The cartridge body 7702 operably supports therein a plurality
of staple drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side
of a centrally disposed slot 7708. The centrally disposed slot 7708
enables the firing member 8140 to pass therethrough and cut the
tissue that is clamped between the anvil 7810 and the staple
cartridge 7700. The drivers are associated with corresponding
staple pockets that open through the upper deck surface of the
cartridge body 7702. Each of the staple drivers supports one or
more surgical staple/fastener or fastener (not shown) thereon. The
sled assembly includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams
wherein each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or
drivers located on a side of the slot 7708.
[0442] In one exemplary form, the firing member 8140 comprises a
body portion 8142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion
8144. See FIG. 51. The body portion 8142 protrudes through an
elongate slot 7604 in the elongate channel 7602 and terminates in a
foot member 8146 that extends laterally on each side of the body
portion 8142. As the firing member 8140 is driven distally through
the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700, the foot member 8146
rides within a passage 7622 in the elongate channel 7602 that is
below the staple cartridge 7700. The tissue cutting portion 8144 is
disposed between a distally protruding top nose portion 8143. As
can be further seen in FIG. 24, the firing member 8140 may further
include two laterally extending top tabs, pins or anvil engagement
features 8147. As the firing member 8140 is driven distally, a top
portion of the body portion 8142 extends through a centrally
disposed anvil slot 7814 and the anvil engagement features 8147
ride on corresponding ledges 7816 formed on each side of the anvil
slot 7814. Further details concerning the firing member 8140, sled
assembly 8150, and their various alternatives as well as examples
of their operation will be discussed in further detail below and
may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE
CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS. The interchangeable surgical tool
assembly 7000 may be operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 in
the manner as described above with respect to the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 1000.
[0443] As can be appreciated from the foregoing descriptions, the
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein may be
actuated by the same handle assembly, robotic system or other
automated actuation system. All of the above described
interchangeable surgical tool assemblies comprise surgical cutting
and fastening instruments that have somewhat similar closure and
firing components. However, the closure and firing systems and
components of each of these tool assemblies have differences that
may seem somewhat subtle at first blush, but, as will be further
discussed below, such differences can result in significant
improvements in the material composition, design, construction,
manufacture and use of such tools. As will become apparent as the
present Detailed Description proceeds, the interchangeable surgical
tool assembly 1000 contains subtle design differences when compared
to the other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 3000, 5000,
7000 described herein that can result in significant improvements
in the overall functionality, reliability, and cost of the tool
assembly. Moreover, we have discovered that, in some cases, a
synergistic effect exists between certain component arrangements
employed by the tool assembly 1000 which can further enhance the
overall efficiency and functionality of the tool assembly 1000. In
order to better understand these differences and improvements,
certain components and systems of each of the tool assemblies 1000,
3000, 5000, 7000 will now be further described and compared to each
other below.
[0444] For example, each of the interchangeable surgical tool
assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 must be able to apply a
sufficient amount of closure force to cause the jaws to
sufficiently clamp the target tissue so as to permit the firing
member to properly treat the clamped tissue upon actuation of the
firing drive system. For example, in the illustrated assemblies,
the respective closure system components must be able to clamp the
anvil and surgical staple/fastener cartridge onto the target tissue
to enable the firing member to properly sever the clamped tissue
and eject lines of staples or fasteners on each side of the tissue
cut line. Depending upon the thickness and composition of the
target tissue, significant closure forces and firing forces are
often required. Thus, the closure and firing drive systems in the
handle assembly housing, robotic housing, etc. must be able to
generate such forces of sufficient magnitude (through the use of a
motor or manually generated motion, for example) to sufficiently
close the jaws and fire the firing member through the clamped
tissue. Such procedures further require that the components within
the interchangeable shaft assemblies to be sufficiently robust to
accommodate the magnitudes of the forces being transmitted
therethrough. In the past, the magnitudes of such forces often
dictated that the closure system components, as well as the firing
system components, be fabricated from metal or other suitable
materials with relatively large cross-sectional thicknesses and of
substantial reinforced configurations.
[0445] The tissue loads encountered during the clamping process
typically create a large "moment" about the anvil pivot axis PA.
The closure system components must be designed to counteract such
moment. In various circumstances, for example, a moment about the
anvil pivot axis PA in the opposite direction is needed. To
maximize the efficiency of the system (e.g., minimize the magnitude
of the force applied), the largest practical moment arm is desired.
However, as will be further discussed below, there are trade-offs
with other design variables when seeking to establish a large
counter moment. For example, there is a balance between the
distance from the articulation joint to the first staple and the
length of the moment arm for a closure system where the firing and
closing systems are separate and distinct. The larger the moment
arm of the closure system, the more efficiently it handles clamp
loads and tissue compression. However, the distance between the
articulation joint and the first staple may have a large impact on
the access of the surgical end effector as it is positioned into
tight spaces within a laparoscopic environment.
[0446] FIGS. 25-32 illustrate exemplary moment arms for each of the
surgical end effectors 1500, 3500, 5500, 7500. Turning first to
FIG. 25, as was described above, the anvil trunnions 1822 extend
laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion
1820 to be received in a corresponding trunnion cradle 1614 formed
in the upstanding walls 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of
the elongate channel 1602. The anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally
retained in their corresponding trunnion cradle 1614 by the channel
cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel cap 1630 includes a pair of
attachment lugs 1636 that are configured to be retainingly received
within corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 formed in the
upstanding walls 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the
elongate channel 1602. Such arrangement constrains the anvil 1810
to only pivot about the pivot axis PA.sub.1 (see FIG. 3). Under
such arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 1820 does not move
axially or vertically. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 is
advanced in the distal direction DD under a horizontal closure
force F.sub.H1 (FIG. 26), the interaction between an internal cam
surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 and an anvil
cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 results in the
application of a closure force F.sub.C1 to the anvil cam surface
1821. The closure force F.sub.C1 comprises the resultant force of
the horizontal closure force F.sub.H1 and a vertical closure force
F.sub.v1 and is essentially "normal to" or perpendicular to the cam
surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820. See FIG. 26.
M.sub.A1 represents a closure moment arm from the anvil pivot axis
PA.sub.1 (coincident with the center of anvil trunnions 1822) to
the point of contact between the internal cam surface 2036 on the
distal closure tube segment 2030 and the anvil cam surface 1821 on
the anvil mounting portion 1820 when the anvil 1810 has been
pivoted to the fully closed position. In one example, the closure
moment arm M.sub.A1 may be approximately 0.415 inches, for example.
M.sub.A1.times.F.sub.C1=a closure moment C.sub.M1 that is applied
to the anvil mounting portion 1820.
[0447] To ensure that the each side of the tissue cut line is
fastened with staples or fasteners extending from the proximal end
to the distal end of the tissue cutline, a proximal end portion
1818 of the anvil body 1812 is formed with two tissue stop
formations or tissue locating features 1830 that extend downwardly
from each lateral side of the anvil body 1812 (only one tissue stop
formation 1830 may be seen in FIGS. 25 and 26). When the anvil 1810
is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the
anvil and the cartridge deck surface, the downwardly extending
tissue stop 1830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending
proximally past the proximal most staples/fasteners in the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 1700. If the tissue were to extend
proximally beyond the proximal most staples/fasteners, that portion
of tissue may be severed by the firing member during the firing
process and may not be fastened which may lead to catastrophic
results. The downwardly extending tissue stops 1830 may prevent
this from happening. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 26, for
example, the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 1720 are shown
in phantom lines relative to the tissue stops 1830. As can be seen
in that Figure, the tissue stop 1830 has a downwardly extending
portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The target tissue is
contacted by the portions 1832, 1834 to prevent the target tissue
from extending proximally beyond the proximal most
staples/fasteners that are supported in the proximal most
staple/fastener pockets 1720 in the staple/fastener cartridge body
1702.
[0448] Returning again to FIG. 25, as the anvil 1810 is pivoted
closed onto the target tissue (not shown) that is positioned
between the underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of the
anvil body 1812, the tissue applies tissue forces T.sub.F1 to the
underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812 which cause the anvil 1810 to
experience a tissue counter moment C.sub.T1 that must be overcome
by the closure moment C.sub.M1 established by the closure system
components. The example depicted in FIG. 25 illustrates equally
distributed tissue forces T.sub.F1 on the anvil 1810 and a tissue
moment arm M.sub.T1 established by the clamped tissue (the clamped
tissue is not shown in FIG. 25 for clarity purposes). As can be
seen in that Figure, in that example, the tissue moment arm
M.sub.T1 is considerably longer than the closure moment arm
M.sub.A1 (i.e., M.sub.T1>M.sub.A1).
[0449] Turning next to FIGS. 27 and 28, as was described above, the
anvil trunnions 3822 of the anvil 3810 of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 3000 extend laterally out of each lateral
side of the anvil mounting portion 3820 to be received in
corresponding trunnion holes 3613 formed in the upstanding walls
3612 of the proximal end portion 3610 of the elongate channel 3602.
Such arrangement constrains the anvil 3810 to only pivot about the
anvil pivot axis PA.sub.2 (see FIG. 18). Under such arrangement,
the anvil mounting portion 3820 does not move axially or
vertically. As the distal closure tube segment 4030 is advanced in
the distal direction DD under a horizontal closure force F.sub.H2
(FIG. 28), the interaction between an internal cam surface 4036 on
the distal closure tube segment 4030 and an anvil cam surface 3821
on the anvil mounting portion 3820 results in the application of a
closure force F.sub.C2 to the anvil cam surface 3821. The closure
force F.sub.c2 comprises the resultant force of the horizontal
closure force F.sub.H2 and a vertical closure force F.sub.V2 and is
essentially "normal to" or perpendicular to the anvil cam surface
3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820. See FIG. 28. M.sub.A2
represents the closure moment arm from the anvil pivot axis
PA.sub.2 (center of anvil trunnions 3822) to the point of contact
between the internal cam surface 4036 on the distal closure tube
4030 and the anvil cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion
3820 when the anvil 3810 has been pivoted to the fully closed
position. In one example, closure moment arm M.sub.A2 may be
approximately 0.539 inches, for example. M.sub.A2.times.F.sub.C2=a
closure moment C.sub.M2 that is applied to the anvil mounting
portion 3820.
[0450] In the example depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, the anvil body
3812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locating
features 3830 that extend downwardly from each lateral side of the
anvil body 3812 (only one tissue stop formation 3830 may be seen in
FIGS. 27 and 28). When the anvil 3810 is opened to receive the
target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge
deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop formations 3830
serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past
the proximal most staples/fasteners in the surgical
staple/fastener/fastener cartridge 3700. In the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 28, for example, the proximal-most staple pockets 3720 are
shown in phantom lines relative to the tissue stop formations 3830.
As can be seen in that Figure, the tissue stop formation 3830 has a
downwardly extending portion 3832 and a chamfered portion 3834. The
target tissue is contacted by the portions 3832, 3834 to prevent
the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal
most staples/fasteners that are supported in the proximal-most
staple/fastener pockets 3720 in the staple/fastener cartridge body
3702.
[0451] Returning again to FIG. 27, as the anvil 3810 is pivoted
closed onto the target tissue (not shown) that is positioned
between the underside or tissue contacting surface 3813 of the
anvil body 3812, the tissue applies tissue forces T.sub.F2 to the
underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812 which cause the anvil 3810 to
experience a tissue counter moment C.sub.T2 that must be overcome
by the closure moment C.sub.M2 established by the closure system
components. The example depicted FIG. 27 illustrates equally
distributed tissue forces T.sub.F2 on the anvil 3810 and a tissue
moment arm M.sub.T2 established by the clamped tissue (the clamped
tissue is not shown in FIG. 27 for clarity purposes). As can be
seen in that Figure, in that example, the tissue moment arm
M.sub.T2 is considerably longer than the closure moment arm
M.sub.A2 (i.e., M.sub.T2>M.sub.A2).
[0452] Turning next to FIGS. 29 and 30, as was described above, the
anvil trunnions 5822 of the anvil 5810 of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 5000 extend laterally out of each lateral
side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 to be received in the
corresponding "open-ended" vertical cradle 5613 formed in the
upstanding walls 5612 of the proximal end portion 5610 of the
elongate channel 5602. In this arrangement, the anvil trunnions
5822 are free to pivot within their respective cradles 5613 as the
distal closure tube segment 6030 cammingly contacts the anvil cam
surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. Under such
arrangement, the anvil 5810 does not move axially, but the anvil
trunnions 5822 are free to move vertically (arrow V) within their
respective cradles 5613. As the distal closure tube segment 6030 is
advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closure
force F.sub.H3 (FIG. 30), the interaction between an internal cam
surface 6036 on the distal closure tube segment 6030 and the anvil
cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 results in the
application of a closure force F.sub.C3 to the anvil cam surface
5821. The closure force F.sub.C3 comprises the resultant force of
the horizontal closure force F.sub.H3 and a vertical closure force
F.sub.V3 and is essentially "normal to" or perpendicular to the
anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. See FIG.
30. M.sub.A3 represents the closure moment arm from the anvil pivot
axis PA.sub.3 (coincident with the center of anvil trunnions 5822)
to the point of contact between the internal cam surface 6036 on
the distal closure tube 6030 and the anvil cam surface 5821 on the
anvil mounting portion 5820 when the anvil 5810 has been pivoted to
the closed position. In one example, closure moment arm M.sub.A3
may be approximately 0.502 inches, for example.
M.sub.A3.times.F.sub.C3=a closure moment C.sub.M3 that is applied
to the anvil mounting portion 5820.
[0453] In the example depicted in FIGS. 29 and 30, the anvil body
5812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locator
features 5830 that extend downwardly from each lateral side of the
anvil body 5812 (only one tissue stop formation 5830 may be seen in
FIGS. 29 and 30). When the anvil 5810 is opened to receive the
target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge
deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop formations 5830
serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past
the proximal most staples/fasteners in the surgical staple/fastener
cartridge 5700. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 29, for example,
the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 5720 are shown in phantom
lines relative to the tissue stop formations 5830. As can be seen
in that Figure, the tissue stop formation 5830 has a downwardly
extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. The target
tissue is contacted by the portions 5832, 5834 to prevent the
target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal most
staples/fasteners that are supported in the proximal-most
staple/fastener pockets 5720 in the staple/fastener cartridge body
5702.
[0454] Returning again to FIG. 29, as the anvil 5810 is pivoted
closed onto the target tissue (not shown) that is positioned
between the underside 5813 of the anvil body 5812, the tissue
applies tissue forces T.sub.F3 to the underside or tissue
contacting surface 5813 of the anvil body 5812 which cause the
anvil 5810 to experience a tissue counter moment C.sub.T3 that must
be overcome by the closure moment C.sub.M3 established by the
closure system components. The example depicted in FIG. 29
illustrates equally distributed tissue forces T.sub.F3 on the anvil
5810 and a tissue moment arm M.sub.T3 established by the clamped
tissue (the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 29 for clarity
purposes). As can be seen in that Figure, in that example, the
tissue moment arm M.sub.T3 is considerably longer than the closure
moment arm M.sub.A3 (i.e., M.sub.T3>M.sub.A3).
[0455] Turning now to FIGS. 31 and 32, as was described above, the
anvil trunnions 7822 of the anvil 7810 of the interchangeable
surgical tool assembly 7000 extend laterally out of each lateral
side of the anvil mounting portion 7820 to be received in the
corresponding "kidney-shaped" opening 7613 formed in the upstanding
walls 7612 of the proximal end portion 7610 of the elongate channel
7602. When the anvil 7810 is in a "fully" open position, the anvil
trunnions 7822 may generally be located in the bottom portion 7613B
of the kidney slot 7613. The anvil 7810 can be moved to a closed
position by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 8030
in the distal direction DD so that the internal cam surface 8036 on
the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 rides
up an anvil cam surface 7821 that is formed on the anvil mounting
portion 7820 of the anvil 7810. As the internal cam surface 8036 on
the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 is
distally advanced along the anvil cam surface 7821 on the anvil
mounting portion 7820 under the horizontal closure force F.sub.H4
(FIG. 32), the distal closure tube segment 8030 causes the body
portion 7812 of the anvil 7810 to pivot and move axially relative
to the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700 as the anvil
trunnions 7822 move upwardly and distally in the kidney slots 7613.
When the distal closure tube segment 8030 reaches the end of its
closure stroke, the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube
segment 8030 abuts/contacts an abrupt anvil ledge 7823 and serves
to position the anvil 7810 so that the forming pockets (not shown)
in the underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the body
portion 7812 are properly aligned with the staples/fasteners in the
staple/fastener cartridge 7700. The anvil ledge 7823 is defined
between the anvil cam surface 7821 on the anvil mounting portion
7820 and the anvil body portion 7812. Stated another way, in this
arrangement, the anvil cam surface 7821 does not extend to an
outermost surface 7817 of the anvil body 7812. When in that
position, the anvil trunnions 7822 are located at top portions
7613T of the kidney slots 7613. M.sub.A4 represents the moment arm
from the anvil pivot axis PA.sub.4 (coincident with the center of
the anvil trunnions 7822) when the trunnions 7822 are located in
the top portions 7613T of the kidney slots 7613 as shown. In one
example, the moment arm M.sub.A4 may be approximately 0.184 inches,
for example. M.sub.A4.times.F.sub.H4=a closure moment C.sub.M4 that
is applied to the anvil mounting portion 7820.
[0456] In the example depicted in FIGS. 31 and 32, the anvil body
7812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locator
formations 7830 that extend downwardly from each lateral side of
the anvil body 7812 (only one tissue stop formation 7830 may be
seen in FIGS. 31 and 32). When the anvil 7810 is opened to receive
the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the
cartridge deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop
formations 7830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending
proximally past the proximal most staples/fasteners in the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 7700. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.
31, for example, the proximal most staple/fastener pockets 7720 are
shown in phantom lines relative to the tissue stop formations 7830.
As can be seen in that Figure, the tissue stop formation 7830 has a
downwardly extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The
target tissue is contacted by the portions 7832, 7834 to prevent
the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal
most staples/fasteners that are supported in the proximal most
staple/fastener pockets 7720 in the staple/fastener cartridge body
7702.
[0457] Returning again to FIG. 31, as the anvil 7810 is pivoted
closed onto the target tissue (not shown) that is positioned
between the underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the
anvil body portion 7812, the tissue applies tissue forces T.sub.F4
to the underside 7813 of the anvil body 7812 which cause the anvil
7810 to experience a tissue counter moment C.sub.T4 that must be
overcome by a closure moment C.sub.M4 established by the closure
system components. The example depicted FIG. 31 illustrates equally
distributed tissue forces T.sub.F4 on the anvil 7810 and a tissue
moment arm M.sub.T4 established by the clamped tissue (the clamped
tissue is not shown in FIG. 31 for clarity purposes). As can be
seen in that Figure, in that example, the tissue moment arm
M.sub.T4 is considerably longer than the closure moment arm
M.sub.A4 (i.e., M.sub.T4>M.sub.A4).
[0458] The illustrated exemplary interchangeable surgical tool
assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 comprise surgical stapling
devices that employ "separate and distinct" closure and firing
systems. That is, the closure system employed to close the jaws is
separately actuatable from the firing system used to drive the
firing member through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge to cut
and fasten tissue. These separate and distinct closure and firing
systems may be distinguishable from those surgical stapling
instruments wherein actuation of the firing system to advance the
firing member is required to move the jaws from an open position to
a closed position. As will be discussed in further detail below,
however, the firing members of some of the interchangeable surgical
tool assemblies disclosed herein may also apply additional closure
motions to the anvil as the firing member is fired (i.e., distally
advanced through the surgical end effector). As can be seen from
reference to FIGS. 25-32, in the illustrated examples,
M.sub.A2>M.sub.A3>M.sub.A1>M.sub.A4. FIGS. 25, 27, 29 and
31 also illustrate the resistive forces established by the tissue
during the closure process. T.sub.F represents the force generated
by the tissue when the tissue is clamped between the anvil and the
staple cartridge. These forces establish a "counter" moment C.sub.T
that is applied to the anvil about the point/area where the distal
closure tube segment is in camming contact with the anvil cam
surface on the anvil mounting portion. In these illustrated
examples, the tissue moment arm for each surgical instrument (tool
assembly) is generally larger than the closure moment arm for that
instrument. It may be appreciated from the difference between a
typical tissue moment arm encountered when clamping tissue between
the anvil and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge and the
closure moment arm of the instrument results in the need for
sufficient closure forces to be applied by the distal closure tube
segment to the anvil in order to sufficiently close the anvil onto
the tissue. Thus, the distal closure tube segment must be
sufficiently strong and robust to handle the considerable stresses
formed therein during the closure process. To establish a stress
state in the distal closure tube segment that more closely
resembles a "hoop stress" state instead of a "ring stress" state,
the sidewalls of the distal closure tube segment may be thickened
so as to contact the side walls and anvil mounting portions of the
corresponding elongate channel. Such arrangement may also add
strength to the overall hoop-like structure of the tube. Maximizing
the thickness on the anvil side of the distal closure tube segment
may also improve the strength of the tube segment (hoop) while
allowing room for a large bearing or cam surface to cam the anvil
downward towards the cartridge. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH
[0459] INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS
discloses several distal closure tube segment configurations which
may be employed in the various interchangeable surgical tool
assemblies disclosed herein.
[0460] The forgoing discussion and comparisons may illustrate that
closure system designs that have large closure moment arms may lead
to improved efficiencies of the closure system components and can
reduce the amount of closure forces that are required to achieve
full anvil closure onto the tissue. However, as noted above, there
may be tradeoffs with other design variables when attempting to
maximize the closure moment arm. For example, another desirable
attribute relates to "jaw aperture". "Jaw aperture" may refer to a
distance J.sub.A which is measured from the middle of a distalmost
staple or fastener center along a line that is perpendicular to the
corresponding distalmost staple forming pocket on the underside or
tissue contact surface of the anvil body portion. FIG. 33
illustrates the jaw aperture J.sub.A1 for the surgical end effector
1500. In the illustrated example, the distalmost staple/fastener
pockets 1730 contain the distalmost staples or fasteners (not
shown) therein. Each distalmost staple or fastener corresponds to a
distalmost staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 (shown in phantom in
FIG. 33) that is formed in the underside or tissue contacting
surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812. The distance J.sub.A1 between
the distalmost staple/fastener pocket 1730 and the corresponding
distalmost staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 is the "jaw
aperture" for the surgical end effector 1500. In at least one
embodiment, for example, J.sub.A1 is approximately 1.207 inches.
FIG. 34 illustrates the jaw aperture J.sub.A2 for the surgical end
effector 3500. In the illustrated example, the distalmost
staple/fastener pockets 3730 contain the distalmost staples or
fasteners (not shown) therein. Each distalmost staple or fastener
corresponds to a distalmost staple/fastener forming pocket 3815
that is formed in the underside or tissue contact surface 3813 of
the anvil body 3812. The distance J.sub.A2 between the distalmost
staple/fastener pocket 3730 and the corresponding distalmost
staple/fastener forming pocket 3815 is the "jaw aperture" for the
surgical end effector 3500. In at least one embodiment, for
example, J.sub.A2 is approximately 0.781 inches. FIG. 35
illustrates the jaw aperture J.sub.A3 for the surgical end effector
5500. In the illustrated example, the distalmost staple/fastener
pockets 5730 contain the distalmost staples/fasteners (not shown
therein). Each distalmost staple/fastener corresponds to a
distalmost staple/fastener forming pocket 5815 that is formed in
the underside or tissue contact surface 5813 of the anvil body
5812. The distance J.sub.A3 between the distalmost staple/fastener
pocket 5730 and the corresponding distalmost staple/fastener
forming pocket 5815 is the "jaw aperture" for the surgical end
effector 5500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J.sub.A3 is
approximately 0.793 inches. FIG. 36 illustrates the jaw aperture
J.sub.A4 for the surgical end effector 7500. In the illustrated
example, the distalmost staple/fastener pockets 7730 contain the
distalmost staples or fasteners (not shown) therein. Each
distalmost staple or fastener corresponds to a distalmost
staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 that is formed in the underside
or tissue contact surface 7813 of the anvil body 7812. The distance
J.sub.A4 between the distalmost staple/fastener pocket 7730 and the
corresponding distalmost staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 is the
"jaw aperture" for the surgical end effector 7500. In at least one
embodiment, for example, J.sub.A4 is approximately 0.717 inches.
Thus, for these examples,
J.sub.A1>J.sub.A3>J.sub.A2>J.sub.A4. As such,
comparatively, surgical end effector 1500 has the greatest jaw
aperture.
[0461] In those surgical end effector designs that employ separate
and distinct closure and firing systems that utilize an axially
movable closure ring or distal closure tube segment such as the
examples described above, the interrelationships between the anvil
or jaw pivot axis P.sub.A and the distal end of the distal closure
tube segment as well as the robustness of the anvil mounting
portion may determine the magnitude of the jaw aperture that is
attainable for each specific end effector design. These
interrelationships may be better appreciated from reference to FIG.
37, for example. FIG. 37 depicts a surgical end effector 1500R that
employs an anvil 1810R that has an anvil mounting portion 1820R
that is shown in solid lines. The anvil mounting portion 1820R
includes anvil trunnions 1822R that define a reference pivot axis
P.sub.AR about which the anvil mounting portion 1820R may pivot
relative to an elongate channel 1602R. The surgical end effector
1500R also employs a distal closure tube segment 2030R that has a
distal end 2035R that is configured to cammingly contact the anvil
mounting portion 1820R in the various manners discussed above. A
surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700R is supported in the
elongate channel 1602R and has a cartridge deck surface or tissue
contact surface 1710R. FIG. 37 depicts a distance D.sub.P between
the reference pivot axis P.sub.AR and the distal end 2035R of the
distal closure tube segment 2030R. FIG. 37 illustrates the anvil
1810R in solid lines. The anvil body 1812R is in its maximum open
position when the distal closure tube segment 2030R is in its
proximal most starting position relative to the anvil mounting
portion 1820R. The maximum aperture angle APA.sub.R for that
configuration is approximately ten degrees, for example. This
aperture angle APA.sub.R is typical for many end effector
arrangements. In another end effector arrangement, the aperture
angle is 12.25 degrees. In one arrangement, for example, D.sub.P
may be approximately 0.200 inches. To attain a larger aperture
angle APA.sub.R1 of, for example, twenty-two degrees, if the
relationship between the distal end 2035R of the distal closure
tube segment 2030R and the reference pivot axis P.sub.AR remains
unchanged, then a cross-sectional width M.sub.w of an anvil
mounting portion 1820R.sub.1 must undesirably be decreased. The
anvil 1810R.sub.1 is illustrated in phantom lines. As can be seen
in that Figure, an abrupt ledge must be formed between the anvil
body 1812R.sub.1 and the anvil mounting portion 1820R.sub.1 such
that the cross-sectional width thereof is reduced. The aperture
angle APA.sub.R1 is measured from the underside 1813R.sub.1 of the
anvil body 1812R.sub.1 and the deck surface 1710R of the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge 1700R. Such reduction in robustness of
the anvil mounting portion of the anvil may lead to reduced anvil
reliability and is less desirable than anvils that have anvil
mounting portions with larger cross-sectional profiles.
[0462] Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, increases in jaw aperture
(or aperture angle) may be more easily achieved as the pivot or
pivot axis PA moves closer to the distal end of the starting or
proximal position of the distal closure tube segment. FIG. 38
illustrates a surgical end effector 1500' that is substantially
similar to surgical end effector 1500, except for the location of
the pivot axis PA' relative to the distal end 2035 of the distal
closure tube segment 2030. As can be seen in that Figure, the
distance between the pivot axis PA' and the distal end 2035 of the
distal closure tube segment 2030 when the distal closure tube
segment 2030 is in its proximal-most starting position is
represented by DP' and the aperture angle is APA. Stated another
way, when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its starting
position that corresponds with the fully open position of the anvil
1810, the distal end 2035 thereof is on a reference plane RF that
is perpendicular to said shaft axis SA. The distance between the
pivot axis PA' and the reference plane RF' measured along a line
that is perpendicular to the reference plane RF' and extends
through the pivot axis PA' is DP'. In at least one arrangement, DP'
is approximately 0.200 inches and the aperture angle APA may be
approximately 10.degree..
[0463] FIG. 38 illustrates the aperture angle APA of a surgical end
effector 1500' with a distance DP' between the reference pivot axis
PA' and the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment
2030. Turning next to FIG. 39, as can be seen in that Figure, the
distance DP between the pivot axis PA and the reference plane RF
upon which the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment
2030 is located when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its
proximal most starting position is less than distance DP' and the
aperture angle APA.sub.1 is greater than APA. For example, in at
least one embodiment, the distance DP is approximately 0.090 inches
and the aperture angle APA.sub.1 is approximately twenty two
degrees. Thus, by moving the pivot axis PA closer to the distal end
of the distal closure tube segment when the distal closure tube
segment is in its proximal most starting position, the jaw aperture
may be significantly increased without the need to reduce the
cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting position. This may
represent a significant improvement over other surgical end
effector arrangements. In various circumstances, the center of the
anvil trunnions 1822 may ideally be located between 0.010-0.060
inches from the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment
2030 when the distal closure tube segment is in the starting
(proximal most) position. A maximum distance for large jaw aperture
applications may be, for example, 0.090 inches. As can also be seen
in FIG. 39, when the anvil 1810 is in its fully open position as
shown, the downwardly extending portion 1832 of the tissue stop
1830 generally stops at the staple cartridge deck surface 1710 to
prevent any proximal movement of the target tissue during
clamping.
[0464] FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate tissue stop or tissue locator
arrangements 1830 employed on one form of the surgical end effector
1500. As indicated above, the tissue stops 1830 comprise a
downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The
downwardly extending portion 1832 comprises a distal edge 1833 that
terminates in a distal corner portion 1835. FIG. 40 illustrates the
anvil 1810 in its fully open position. The underside 1813 of the
anvil body 1812 is positioned at an aperture angle APA.sub.1. In at
least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA.sub.1 is greater than
12.25 degrees (12.25.degree.) and may be as large as eighteen
degrees (18.degree.). When in that fully open position, the
surgical end effector 1500 may further have a proximal aperture
P.sub.APP1 that in at least one arrangement may be approximately
0.254 inches, for example. The proximal aperture defines how much
tissue can be positioned between the proximal portions of the jaws
(anvil and cartridge). A large proximal aperture may be most
advantageous, for example, when cutting and fastening lung tissue
which may be partially inflated when being introduced between the
anvil and cartridge. The proximal aperture may be measured from the
center of the proximal most fastener pocket or pocket pair directly
vertical to the underside or tissue contact surface on the anvil
body.
[0465] When the anvil 1810 is in the fully opened position as shown
in FIG. 40, the distal corner 1835 does not extend above the
cartridge deck surface 1710 so as to prevent tissue from moving
proximal to the proximal most staples in the proximal most staple
pockets 1720. In at least one embodiment, an upstanding channel
stop portion 1619 may extend upwardly from the side walls of the
elongate channel 1602 so as to coincide with each corresponding
tissue stop 1830 to further prevent any proximal infiltration of
tissue between the tissue stop 1830 and the channel stop portion
1619. FIG. 41 illustrates the anvil 1810 in a fully closed
position. When in that position, the distal edges 1833 of the
tissue stops 1830 are approximately aligned or coincident with the
locations of the proximal most staples/fasteners in the
staple/fastener cartridge 1700. The distance from the articulation
axis AA' to the proximal most staples/fasteners is identified as
T.sub.SD1. In one arrangement, T.sub.SD1 is approximately 1.044
inches, for example. When the anvil 1810 is fully closed, the
tissue stops 1830 may be sized and shaped relative to the proximal
end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602 so as to facilitate
easy insertion through a correspondingly sized standard trocar. In
at least one example, the tissue stops 1830 of the anvil 1810 are
sized and shaped relative to the elongate channel 1602 so as to
permit the surgical end effector 1500 to be inserted through a
conventional 12 mm trocar.
[0466] FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate tissue stop arrangements 3830
employed on one form of the surgical end effector 3500. As
indicated above, the tissue stops 3830 comprise a downwardly
extending portion 3832 and a chamfered portion 3834. The downwardly
extending portion 3832 comprises a distal edge 3833 that terminates
in a distal corner portion 3835. FIG. 42 illustrates the anvil 3810
in its fully open position. The underside 3813 of the anvil body
3812 is positioned at an aperture angle APA.sub.2. In at least one
arrangement, the aperture angle APA.sub.2 is approximately thirteen
and one half degrees (13.5.degree.). When in that fully open
position, the surgical end effector 3500 may further have a
proximal aperture P.sub.APP2 that in at least one arrangement may
be approximately 0.242 inches, for example. When the anvil 3810 is
in the fully opened position as shown in FIG. 42, the distal corner
3835 does not extend above the cartridge deck surface 3710 so as to
prevent tissue from moving proximal to the proximal most
staples/fasteners in the proximal most staple/fastener pockets
3720. FIG. 43 illustrates the anvil 3810 in a fully closed
position. When in that position, the distal edges 3833 of the
tissue stops 3830 are approximately aligned or coincident with the
locations of the proximal most staples/fasteners in the
staple/fastener cartridge 3700. The distance from the articulation
axis AA.sub.2 to the proximal most staples/fasteners is identified
as T.sub.SD2. In one arrangement, T.sub.SD2 is approximately 1.318
inches, for example.
[0467] FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate tissue stop arrangements 5830
employed on one form of the surgical end effector 5500. As
indicated above, the tissue stops 5830 comprise a downwardly
extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. The downwardly
extending portion 5832 comprises a distal edge 5833 that terminates
in a distal corner portion 5835. FIG. 44 illustrates the anvil 5810
in its fully open position. The underside 5813 of the anvil body
5812 is positioned at an aperture angle APA.sub.3. In at least one
arrangement, the aperture angle APA.sub.3 is approximately eight
degrees (8.degree.). When in that fully open position, the surgical
end effector 5500 may further have a proximal aperture P.sub.APP3
that in at least one arrangement may be approximately 0.226 inches,
for example. When the anvil 5810 is in the fully opened position as
shown in FIG. 44, the distal corner 3835 extends slightly above the
cartridge deck surface 5710. FIG. 45 illustrates the anvil 5810 in
a fully closed position. When in that position, the distal edges
5833 of the tissue stops 5830 are approximately aligned or
coincident with the locations of the proximal most
staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 5700. The
distance from the articulation axis AA.sub.3 to the proximal most
staples/fasteners is identified as T.sub.SD3. In one arrangement,
T.sub.SD3 is approximately 1.664 inches, for example.
[0468] FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate tissue stop arrangements 7830
employed on one form of the surgical end effector 7500. As
indicated above, the tissue stops 7830 comprise a downwardly
extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The downwardly
extending portion 7832 comprises a distal edge 7833 that terminates
in a distal corner portion 7835. FIG. 46 illustrates the anvil 7810
in its fully open position. The underside 7813 of the anvil body
portion 7812 is positioned at an aperture angle APA.sub.4. In at
least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA.sub.4 is
approximately ten degrees (10.degree.). When in that fully open
position, the surgical end effector 7500 may further have a
proximal aperture P.sub.APP4 that in at least one arrangement may
be approximately 0.188 inches, for example. When the anvil 7810 is
in the fully opened position as shown in FIG. 46, the distal corner
portion 7835 extends slightly below the cartridge deck surface 7710
so as to prevent tissue from getting proximal to the proximal most
staples/fasteners in the proximal most staple pockets 7720. FIG. 47
illustrates the anvil 7810 in a fully closed position. When in that
position, the distal edges 7833 of the tissue stops 7830 is
approximately aligned or coincident with the locations of the
proximal most staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge
7700. The distance from the articulation axis AA.sub.4 to the
proximal most staples/fasteners is identified as T.sub.SD4. In one
arrangement, T.sub.SD4 is approximately 1.686 inches, for
example.
[0469] In various circumstances, the relationships of the firing
member to the articulation axis AA as well as to the jaw pivot axis
PA about which the anvil pivots may bear upon the length of the
articulation joint arrangement. Of course, longer articulation
joint arrangements may detrimentally affect the end effector's
maneuverability within tight spaces and also limit the magnitude of
the jaw aperture that may ultimately be obtained by the end
effector. FIG. 48 illustrates the surgical end effector 1500 in a
fully open position. That is, the anvil 1810 has been pivoted to
its fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its home
or starting position. The distance between the distal end of each
of the anvil engagement features 2147 and the articulation axis
AA.sub.1 is represented by AJD.sub.1. In at least one example,
AJD.sub.1 is approximately 0.517 inches. By way of comparison and
turning to FIG. 49, the distance AJD.sub.2 from the distal end of
each of the anvil engagement features 4147 and the articulation
axis AA.sub.2 is, in at least one example, is approximately 0.744
inches. Referring to FIG. 50, the distance AJD.sub.3 from the
distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 6147 and the
articulation axis AA.sub.3 is, in at least one example, is
approximately 1.045 inches. Turning to FIG. 51, the distance
AJD.sub.4 from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement
features 8147 and the articulation axis AA.sub.4 is, in at least
one example, is approximately 1.096 inches. Thus, as can be seen
from this comparison, the articulation joint arrangement (as
measured by distances AJD.sub.1, AJD.sub.2, AJD.sub.3, AJD.sub.4)
of the surgical end effector 1500 is more compact and thus may be
more maneuverable than the surgical end effectors 3500, 5500 and
7500 in at least some surgical applications.
[0470] Another factor that may affect the length of the joint
arrangement relates to the location of the firing member relative
to the anvil pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivots. For
example, FIG. 52 illustrates the anvil 1810 of surgical end
effector 1500 in its fully open position. When in that position,
the firing member 2140 is in its parked or "starting position". As
can be seen in that Figure, one useful metric for comparing the
"compactness" of the articulation joint arrangement is the proximal
tab distance TD.sub.1 between the proximal end 2149 of each of the
top anvil engagement features 2147 and the anvil pivot axis
PA.sub.1. In at least one preferred arrangement, the proximal tab
distance TD.sub.1 is approximately greater than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the overall length TL.sub.1 of each of the anvil
engagement features 2147 when the anvil 1810 is in a fully open
position and the firing member 2140 is in its proximal most or
starting position. Stated another way, when the anvil 1810 and the
firing member 2140 are in the above described positions, at least
35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extends
proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA.sub.1. FIG. 53 illustrates
the end effector 1500 with the anvil 1810 in the closed position
and the firing member 2140 in its proximal most or starting
position. As can be seen in that Figure, at least 35% of each of
the anvil engagement features 2147 extends proximally past the
anvil pivot axis PA.sub.1.
[0471] FIG. 54 illustrates the position of the firing member 4140
of the surgical end effector 3500 when the anvil 3810 is in its
fully open position and the firing member 4140 is in its proximal
most or starting position. As can be seen in that Figure, each of
the anvil engagement features 4147 are completely distal to the
anvil pivot axis PA.sub.2 thereby resulting in a longer
articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD.sub.2, is the
distal distance between the proximal ends 4149 of the anvil
engagement features 4147 and the anvil pivot axis PA.sub.2. FIG. 55
illustrates the position of the firing member 6140 of the surgical
end effector 5500 when the anvil 5810 is in its fully open position
and the firing member 6140 is in its proximal most or starting
position. As can be seen in that Figure, each of the anvil
engagement features 6147 are completely distal to the anvil pivot
axis PA.sub.3 thereby resulting in a longer articulation joint
arrangement. Thus, the distance TD.sub.3, is the distal distance
between the proximal ends 6149 of the anvil engagement features
6147 and the anvil pivot axis PA.sub.3. FIG. 56 illustrates the
position of the firing member 8140 of the surgical end effector
7500 when the anvil 7810 is in its fully open position and the
firing member 8140 is in its proximal-most or starting position. As
can be seen in that Figure, each of the anvil engagement features
8147 are completely distal to the anvil pivot axis PA.sub.4 thereby
resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the
distance TD.sub.4, is the distal distance between the proximal ends
8149 of the anvil engagement features 8147 and the anvil pivot axis
PA.sub.4. For comparison purposes, the surgical end effector 1500
is the only surgical end effector wherein a portion of the anvil
engagement features on the firing member extend proximally past the
anvil pivot axis when the firing member is in its proximal most or
starting position. The anvil engagement features of each of the
firing members of the surgical end effectors 3500, 5500 and 7500
are completely distal to their respective anvil pivot axes when the
firing members are in their proximal most or starting position.
Taking this comparison further, for example, the surgical end
effector 1500 is the only surgical end effector wherein at least
thirty-five percent (35%) of the anvil engagement features reside
between the anvil pivot axis and the articulation axis when the
firing member is in its starting position and the anvil is fully
opened. Similar comparisons may be drawn from comparing the same
distances between the location of the lower channel engagement
features on the firing member to the jaw pivot axis when the firing
member is in its proximal most starting position.
[0472] Another metric that may be used to assess the compactness of
the articulation joint arrangement may comprise comparing the ratio
between the distance from the articulation axis to the distal end
of the anvil engagement features on the firing member (distances
AJD.sub.1, AJD.sub.2, AJD.sub.3, AJD.sub.4--FIGS. 48-51) relative
to the distance from the articulation axis to the distal edge of
the tissue stops or the proximal most staple/fastener (distances
TSD.sub.1, TSD.sub.2, TSD.sub.3, TSD.sub.4-FIGS. 41, 43, 45, 47)
for each end effector. For example, in a preferred arrangement,
AJD/TSD<0.500. The ratio of AJD/TSD may be referred to herein as
the "compactness ratio" of that particular surgical end effector.
In one arrangement, for example, for end effector 1500,
AJD.sub.1/TSD.sub.1=0.517 inches/1.044 inches=0.495. In one
illustrated example for end effector 3500,
AJD.sub.2/TSD.sub.2=0.744 inches/1.318 inches=0.564. In one
illustrated example for end effector 5500,
AJD.sub.3/TSD.sub.3=1.045 inches/1.664 inches=0.628. In one
illustrated arrangement, AJD.sub.4/TSD.sub.4=1.096 inches/1.686
inches=0.650. Thus, in at least one preferred arrangement wherein
the articulation joint arrangement is the most compact, has the
largest jaw aperture and is the most maneuverable, the ratio
between the distance from the articulation axis to the proximal end
of the anvil engagement features on the firing member and the
distance from the articulation axis to the distal edge of the
tissue stops or the proximal most staple/fastener is approximately
less than 0.500.
[0473] FIGS. 57-61 illustrate a progressive closure arrangement for
moving the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 from a
fully open position to a closed position and then to an over closed
position. FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate the anvil 1810 in a closed
position. In both of those Figures, the distal closure tube segment
2030 has been advanced in the distal direction DD to its fully
closed position. As was discussed above, the interaction between an
internal cam surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030
and an anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820
causes the anvil 1810 to pivot to the closed position. As can be
seen in FIG. 58, the staple forming underside or tissue contacting
surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812 may be relatively parallel and
spaced relative to the cartridge deck surface 1710 of the surgical
staple/fastener cartridge. When in that initial closed position,
the firing member 2140 is in its starting position as can be seen
in FIG. 57. When in that position, the anvil engagement features
2147 of the firing member 2140 have not engaged the anvil 1810 but
are in substantial horizontal alignment with the ledges 1816 formed
in the anvil 1810. In at least one arrangement, a ramp segment 1829
is formed proximal to each of the horizontal anvil ledges 1816.
FIG. 59 illustrates the position of the firing member 2140 after it
has been distally advanced to a point wherein the anvil engagement
features 2147 have initially engaged the horizontal anvil ledges
1816 on the anvil 1810 and FIG. 61 illustrates the position of the
firing member 2140 and the anvil 1810 such that the anvil
engagement features are in full engagement with the anvil ledges
1816 to apply an "overclosure" force to the anvil 1810 as the
firing member 2140 continues to be distally advanced. In at least
one arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 61, for example, when the
anvil 1810 is in the over closed position (with no tissue being
clamped between the anvil and the cartridge), the distal portion of
the anvil 1810 will contact with the cartridge deck surface 1710.
As a result of such configuration, the force required to distally
advance the firing member from its starting position to its ending
position within the end effector may generally be less than other
surgical end effector arrangements that do not employ such
progressive closure arrangements.
[0474] FIG. 62 illustrates the anvil 1810 of the surgical end
effector 1500 in a fully opened position. As was discussed above,
each of the anvil trunnions 1822 are received in a corresponding
trunnion cradle 1614 that is formed in the upstanding walls 1612 of
the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The
anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding
trunnion cradle 1614 by the channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The
channel cap 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 that are
configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug
grooves or notches 1616 formed in the upstanding walls 1612 of the
proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. During a
portion of the closure stroke for the anvil 1810 on thick tissue,
counterforces established during the tissue clamping process seek
to push the anvil trunnions 1822 out of their respective trunnion
cradles 1614. The channel cap 1630 includes a pair of slot cap
portions 1632 that correspond to each trunnion cradle 1614. When
the channel cap 1630 is installed onto the proximal end portion
1610 of the elongate channel 1602, each slot cap portion 1632
serves to retain the anvil trunnions 1822 within their respective
trunnion cradles 1614 during the closure process. As can be seen in
FIGS. 62 and 63, each slot cap portion 1632 may have an arcuate
bottom portion 1638 that is configured to pivotally receive the
corresponding anvil trunnion 1822. Each slot cap 1632 may have a
wedge shape to completely block the open end of the trunnion
cradles 1614. Such channel cap arrangement 1630 may facilitate ease
of assembly of the anvil 1810 to the elongate channel 1602. Once
the anvil trunnions 1822 have been placed into their respective
trunnion cradles 1614, the channel cap 1630 may then be installed
as shown. In at least one arrangement, the distal closure tube
segment 2030 serves to retain the channel cap 1630 in position
which serves to prevent the anvil trunnions 1822 from moving
vertically in their respective trunnion cradles 1614 during closure
as shown in FIG. 63. In another arrangement, the attachment lugs
1636 may be frictionally retained within their respective notches
1616 or otherwise be retained therein by adhesive or other
fastening means.
[0475] The four interchangeable tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000
and 7000 employ different jaw opening configurations to facilitate
moving the anvil from a closed position to a fully open position.
For example, the distal closure tube segment 4030 of the
interchangeable tool assembly 3000 includes positive jaw or anvil
opening features 4040 that correspond to each of the sidewalls of
the distal closure tube segment 4030 and protrude inwardly
therefrom. The positive anvil opening features 4040 extend inwardly
through corresponding openings in the transitional sidewalls and
may be welded to the distal closure tube segment 4030. In this
arrangement, the positive anvil opening features are axially
aligned with each other and are configured to operably interface
with corresponding opening ramps formed on the undersides of the
anvil mounting portion 3820. When the anvil 3810 and the distal
closure tube segment 4030 are in their fully closed positions, each
of the positive anvil opening features 4040 is located in a cavity
that is established between the anvil opening ramps and the bottom
portion of the elongate channel 3602. When in that position, the
positive anvil opening features 4040 do not contact the anvil
mounting portion 3820 or at least may not apply any significant
opening motions or forces thereto. When the distal closure tube
segment 4030 is moved in the proximal direction, the anvil opening
features 4040 are brought into contact with the anvil opening ramps
to cause the anvil 3810 to pivot to an open position. Further
details regarding the positive anvil opening features 4040 may be
found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND
FIRING SYSTEMS.
[0476] With regard to the surgical end effector 5500 of tool
assembly 5000, the distal closure tube segment 6030 includes two
inwardly extending positive anvil opening tabs 6038 that may be
punched into the wall of the distal closure tube segment 6030. See
FIG. 21. In the illustrated arrangement, the tabs 6038 are axially
aligned with each other and are configured to contact corresponding
upstanding anvil tails 5827 formed on the anvil mounting portion
5820. When the distal closure tube segment 6030 is moved in the
proximal direction, the anvil opening features 6038 are brought
into contact with the anvil tails 5827 to cause the anvil 5810 to
pivot to an open position.
[0477] With regard to the surgical end effector 7500 of the tool
assembly 7000, a positive anvil opening motion is applied to the
anvil 7810 by the distal closure tube segment 8030 when the distal
closure tube segment 8030 is moved proximally. As was discussed
above, an upstanding anvil tab 7824 is formed on the anvil mounting
portion 7820 and extends into the horseshoe-shaped opening 8038 in
the distal closure tube segment 8030. See FIG. 24. Opening 8038
defines an opening tab 8039 that is configured to operably
interface with the anvil tab 7824 as the distal closure tube
segment 8030 is retracted in the distal direction. Such interaction
between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 applies an
opening motion to the anvil 7810 to thereby cause the anvil 7810 to
move to an open position.
[0478] With regard to surgical end effector 1500 of the
interchangeable tool assembly 1000, in the illustrated example, the
distal closure tube segment 2030 employs two axially offset,
proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 2040 and 2050 as
illustrated in FIGS. 64-77. As can be seen in FIGS. 64 and 65, the
proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is axially proximal to
the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 by an axial offset
distance AOF. In FIG. 65, the proximal positive jaw opening feature
2040 is located on the right side (as viewed by a user of the tool
assembly) of the shaft axis SA.sub.1. FIGS. 66, 72 and 73
illustrate the position of the proximal positive jaw opening
feature 2040 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can
be most particularly seen in FIG. 66, when in that position, the
proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is in a right side or
first relieved area 1825 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820.
FIGS. 69, 72 and 73 illustrate the position of the distal positive
jaw opening feature 2050 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed
position. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 69, when in that
position, the distal positive jaw opening feature is in contact
with a stepped portion 1823 of the anvil cam surface 1821.
[0479] To commence the opening process, the jaw closure system is
actuated to move the distal closure tube segment 2030 in the
proximal direction PD. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 is
moved in the proximal direction PD, the proximal positive jaw
opening feature 2040 contacts a first or right side jaw opening cam
surface 1826 and begins to apply a jaw opening motion to the anvil
1810. See FIGS. 67, 74 and 75. As can be seen in FIGS. 70, 74 and
75, during this proximal movement of the distal closure tube
segment 2030, the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 is
axially movable within a second or left relief area 1840 formed in
the anvil mounting portion 1820. Thus, while the proximal positive
jaw opening feature 2040 is applying a first or initial opening
motion to the anvil mounting portion 1820, the distal positive jaw
opening feature 2050 is not applying any significant opening motion
to the anvil 1810. Further proximal motion of the distal closure
tube segment 2030 will result in the distal positive jaw opening
feature 2050 contacting a left anvil open tab 1842 and the proximal
positive jaw opening feature 2040 disengaging the jaw opening cam
surface 1826. Thus, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040
has disengaged the anvil mounting portion 1820 and is not applying
any further opening motion thereto while the distal positive jaw
opening feature 2050 is applying a second jaw opening motion to the
anvil mounting portion 1820 to pivot the anvil 1810 to a fully open
position illustrated in FIGS. 68, 71, 76 and 77.
[0480] FIG. 78 depicts the anvil or jaw opening process employed by
the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 in graphical form. As can be
seen in that Figure, the left or vertical axis of the graph
represents the amount of jaw aperture from about 0.degree. to about
22.degree. ("anvil aperture angle") and the bottom or horizontal
axis represents the approximate proximal axial travel of the distal
closure tube segment 2030 from a position wherein the anvil is
fully closed to a position wherein the anvil is fully open. As
indicated above, the "anvil aperture angle" or "jaw aperture angle"
may represent the angle between the cartridge deck surface or
tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge or
"first jaw" and the fastener forming surface or tissue contacting
surface on the anvil or "second jaw". When the anvil is fully
closed, the anvil aperture angle may be approximately 0.degree.,
for example. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure
tube segment 2030 can move proximally from a first position (1850
on the graph) that corresponds to the fully closed position a
proximal distance of, for example, about 0.040 inches to a first
intermediate position (1852 on the graph) before the proximal
positive jaw opening feature 2040 begins to apply a first jaw
opening motion to the anvil 1810. As the distal closure tube
segment 2030 continues to move proximally from the first
intermediate position 1852 to a second intermediate position (1854
on the graph) a further proximal distance of, for example, about
0.040 inches to about 0.120 inches, the proximal positive jaw
opening feature 2040 moves the anvil 1810 through an anvil aperture
angle from 0.degree. to about 10.degree.. While the distal closure
tube segment 2030 continues to travel proximally from the second
intermediate position 1854 to a third intermediate position (1856
on the graph) a further proximal distance (from about 0.120 inches
to about 0.140 inches), the anvil remains at about a 10.degree.
anvil aperture angle. Further proximal movement of the distal
closure tube segment 2030 from the third intermediate position 1856
to a fourth intermediate position (1858 on the graph) a proximal
distance (from about 0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches), the
distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 begins to apply a second
jaw opening motion to the anvil 1810. As the distal closure tube
segment 2030 continues to move proximally from the third
intermediate position 1856 to a fourth intermediate position (1858
on the graph) a further proximal distance (from, for example, about
0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches), the distal positive jaw
opening feature 2050 moves the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate
channel 1602 such that the anvil aperture angle increases from
about 10.degree. to about 22.degree., for example. While the distal
closure tube segment 2030 continues to travel proximally from the
fourth intermediate position 1858 to a final proximal position
(1860 on the graph) a further proximal distance (from about 0.240
inches to about 0.260 inches, for example), the anvil 1810 remains
at a fully open position with an anvil aperture angle of
approximately 22.degree..
[0481] The closure process of the illustrated example of the
interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may be understood from reference
to FIGS. 67-69 and 70-72, as well as FIG. 78. FIGS. 68 and 71
illustrate the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. As can be
seen in those Figures, the proximal positive jaw opening feature
2040 is out of contact with the anvil mounting portion 1820 and the
distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 is in contact with the
left anvil open tab 1842. When the anvil closure process is
commenced, the closure drive system is actuated to move the distal
closure tube segment 2030 in the distal direction DD. As the distal
closure tube segment moves from the final proximal position 1860 to
the fourth intermediate position 1858 (FIG. 78), the anvil 1810
remains in its fully open position. Thus, once the closure process
is commenced, in at least one example, the distal closure tube
segment 2030 may move distally a first or initial predetermined
axial closure distance before the anvil 1810 begins to move. Stated
another way, the distal closure tube segment may move the first
predetermined axial closure distance before any closure motion is
applied to the anvil 1810. In at least one example, the first or
initial predetermined closure distance may be approximately 0.020
inches. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to move
distally through an intermediate axial closure distance, the distal
end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 begins to contact
the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820
(FIGS. 67 and 70) until the internal cam surface 2036 on the distal
closure tube segment 2030 begins to cammingly contact the anvil cam
surface 1821. As the internal cam surface 2036 travels up the anvil
cam surface 1821, the anvil 1810 is pivoted to the fully closed
position. The anvil cam surface 1821 and the internal cam surface
2036 may be configured to permit further distal travel of the
distal closure tube segment 2030 from, for example, first
intermediate point or position 1852 to the first position 1850
(FIG. 78). Thus, in at least one example, the distal closure tube
segment 2030 may move distally a final predetermined axial closure
distance during the closing process after the anvil 1810 has
attained its fully closed position. In at least one example, the
final predetermined axial closure distance may be approximately
0.040 inches.
[0482] In those surgical stapling devices that employ a firing
member assembly that comprises a firing member that has a tissue
cutting surface, it may be desirable for the firing system and
portions of the end effector to be configured in such a way so as
to prevent the inadvertent advancement of the firing member unless
an unspent staple cartridge is properly supported in the end
effector. If, for example, no staple cartridge is present at all
and the firing member is distally advanced through the end
effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly,
if a spent staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge wherein at
least some of the staples have already been fired therefrom) is
present in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the
tissue would be severed, but may not be completely stapled, if at
all. It will be appreciated that such occurrences could lead to
undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT
HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352 entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR
PREVENTION OF FIRING, U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR
PREVENTION OF FIRING, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016-0367247-A1, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH
LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A
CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS
FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE
CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT each disclose various firing member lockout
arrangements. Each of those references is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety herein.
[0483] Referring to FIGS. 60A-60I, there is shown a surgical end
effector 9010 that comprises a portion of a surgical tool assembly
9000 that comprises a first jaw 9020 and a second jaw 9120. In the
illustrated arrangement, for example, the first jaw 9020 comprises
an elongate channel 9022 that is configured to removably and
operably support a surgical staple cartridge 9600 therein. The
elongate channel 9022 is attached to an elongate shaft assembly
9300 of the surgical tool assembly. In the arrangement depicted in
FIGS. 60C and 60D, for example, the elongate channel 9022 is
pivotally coupled to a spine assembly 9310 of the elongate shaft
assembly 9300 for selective articulation relative thereto. See
FIGS. 60D, 60E, 60H and 60I. The elongate shaft assembly 9300 may
define a shaft axis SA. The second jaw 9120 comprises an anvil 9122
that is movably supported on the elongate channel 9022 and which is
movable between open and closed positions by the closure system
9400. The anvil 9122 includes an anvil body 9124 and an anvil
mounting portion 9126 that is pivotally supported for pivotal
travel relative to the proximal end 9024 of the elongate channel
9022. The closure system 9400 may include, for example, an axially
movable distal closure tube segment 9410 that is configured to
cammingly engage a cam surface 9128 on the anvil mounting portion
9126 when the distal closure tube segment 9410 is axially advanced
in the distal direction DD. The distal closure tube segment 9410
may also be configured to apply opening motions to the anvil
mounting portion 9126 when the distal closure tube segment 9410 is
moved in the proximal direction PD. See FIGS. 60C and 60D.
[0484] The surgical tool assembly 9000 further includes a firing
system 9500 that, in the illustrated arrangement, comprises a
firing member assembly 9510 that is configured to receive firing
motions from a firing control system supported in a housing of a
handheld control system or a robotic control system, for example.
In the illustrated embodiment, one form of firing member assembly
9510 comprises a first firing member element 9520 that consists of
a firing member body 9522 that supports a tissue cutting surface or
blade 9524 thereon. The firing member body 9522 is coupled to a
firing bar or knife bar 9530 that operably interfaces with
corresponding portions of the firing system 9500 to receive the
firing motions from the firing control system. The firing member
body 9522 may include second jaw or anvil engagement features 9526
that may comprise laterally extending tab features configured to be
received within corresponding second jaw passages or slots 9125 in
the anvil body 9124. In addition, the firing member body 9522 may
further include first jaw or channel engagement features or a foot
9528 that is configured to be received in corresponding first jaw
passages or slots or openings 9023 in the elongate channel
9022.
[0485] The staple cartridge 9600 comprises a cartridge body 9602.
See FIGS. 60H and 60I. The cartridge body 9602 includes a proximal
end 9604, a distal end (not shown), and a deck 9606 extending
between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple
cartridge 9600 is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be
stapled and the anvil 9122 is positioned on a second side of the
tissue. The anvil 9122 is moved toward the staple cartridge 9600 to
compress and clamp the tissue against the deck 9606. Thereafter,
staples or fasteners removably stored in the cartridge body 9602
can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body 9602 includes
staple or fastener cavities (not shown) defined therein wherein
staples or fasteners (not shown) are removably stored in the staple
cavities. The staple cavities may be arranged in longitudinal rows.
In one arrangement, for example, three rows of staple cavities are
positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of
staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal
slot. The longitudinal slot is configured to axially receive the
first firing member element 9520 therethrough. Other arrangements
of staple/fastener cavities and staples or fasteners may be
possible.
[0486] The staples or fasteners are supported by staple drivers
(not shown) that are movably supported in the cartridge body 9602.
The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a
second, or fired, position to eject the staples or fasteners from
the cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body 9602
by a retainer (not shown) which extends around the bottom of the
cartridge body 9602 and includes resilient members configured to
grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge
body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and
their fired positions by a sled 9610. The sled 9610 is movable
between a proximal, or "unfired" position adjacent the proximal end
9604 and a distal or "fired" position adjacent the distal end
(after firing). As can be seen in FIG. 60G, the sled 9610 comprises
a plurality of ramped or cam surfaces 9620 that are configured to
slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples or
fasteners supported thereon, toward the anvil. An "unfired",
"unspent", "fresh" or "new" staple cartridge 9600 means herein that
the staple cartridge 9600 has all of its staples or fasteners in
their "ready-to-be-fired positions". When in that position, the
sled assembly 9610 is located in its starting or "unfired"
position. The new staple cartridge 9600 is seated within the
elongate channel 9022 and may be retained therein by snap features
on the cartridge body 9602 that are configured to retainingly
engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel 9022. FIGS.
60G and 60H illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector 9010
with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 9600 seated
therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 60G and 60H, the sled 9610 is in
the unfired position. To prevent the firing system 9500 from being
activated and, more precisely, to prevent the first firing member
element 9520 from being distally driven through the surgical end
effector 9010 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge
9600 has been properly seated within the elongate channel 9022, the
illustrated surgical tool assembly 9000 employs a firing member
lockout system generally designated as 9700.
[0487] Referring now to FIGS. 60E and 60F, in one form, the firing
member lockout system 9700 comprises a second firing member element
or tippable element 9710 that comprises a sled engaging portion
9720. In the illustrated arrangement, the second firing member
element 9710 is pivotally coupled to the firing member body 9522 by
an attachment joint 9713 in the form of, for example, a pivot
member or members 9714 that are pivotally received in corresponding
pivot holes 9523 provided in the firing member body 9522 for
pivotal travel relative thereto about a pivot axis PA that is
transverse to the shaft axis SA. Such arrangement facilitates
pivotal travel of the second firing member element 9710 relative to
the firing member body 9522 between a locked position (FIG. 60E)
and an unlocked position (FIG. 60F). In the illustrated example,
the firing member body 9522 comprises a distal surface 9525 that is
approximately perpendicular to the channel engagement features 9528
and a lockout surface 9527 that is angled relative to the distal
surface 9525. In addition, one or more support ramps 9529 are
formed on the firing member body 9522 that serve to define
corresponding landing surfaces 9531 for receiving the second firing
member element 9710 when in the locked configuration. See FIG.
60E.
[0488] As can be seen in FIG. 60F, when the second firing member
element 9710 is in the unlocked position, a space, generally
indicated as 9724, is provided between a proximal surface 9722 of
the second firing member element 9710 and the distal surface 9525
of the firing member body 9522. Thus, when in the unlocked
position, the proximal surface 9722 of the second firing member
element 9710 is not in contact with the distal surface 9525 of the
firing member body 9522. Referring now to FIGS. 60A-60D, the second
firing member element 9710 further comprises at least one
lockout-engaging portion 9730 that includes an angled lock end 9732
that is configured to engage a corresponding lock-out notch 9026
that is formed in the elongate channel 9022 when the second firing
member element 9710 is in the locked position. In one embodiment,
for example, the second firing member element 9710 includes two
lockout-engaging portions 9730. As can also be seen in FIGS.
60A-60D, a lockout spring or biasing member 9740 is mounted in the
proximal end 9024 of the elongate channel 9022 and includes two
spring arms 9742 that each correspond to a lockout-engaging portion
9730. The spring arms 9742 serve to bias the second firing member
element 9710 into the locked position as shown in FIGS.
60B-60D.
[0489] Turning now to FIGS. 60G-60I, the sled 9610 comprises an
unlocking portion 9630 that is configured to engage the sled
engaging portion 9720 on the second firing member element 9710 when
the sled 9610 is in the unfired position. Such arrangement serves
to pivot the second firing member element 9710 into the unlocked
position. When in the unlocked position, the angled lock end 9732
of each lockout-engaging portion 9730 is pivoted out of the
corresponding lock-out notch 9026 in the elongate channel 9022 so
that the firing member assembly 9510 may be fired or distally
advanced through the staple cartridge. If the staple cartridge that
has been loaded into the elongate channel 9022 was previously fired
or even partially fired, the sled 9610 will not be in the unfired
position so as to pivot the second firing member element 9710 into
the unlocked position. In such instance therefor, the clinician
will be unable to distally advance or fire the firing member
assembly 9510. When in the unlocked position, actuation of the
firing system 9500 will result in the distal travel of the firing
member assembly 9510. As indicated above, when the firing member
assembly 9510 is driven distally, the second firing member element
9710 is in contact with the firing member body 9522 through the
pivot members 9714. However, when the second firing member element
9710 is pivoted into the locked position (FIG. 60E), a portion of
the proximal surface 9722 is in abutting contact with the angled
lockout surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522. In addition,
as can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 60E and 60F, the pivot
hole 9523 in the firing member body 9522 is sized relative to the
corresponding pivot member 9714 to provide clearance C therebetween
so that the load is transferred through the second firing member
element directly to the firing member body 9522 and not through the
pivot members 9714. As can be seen in FIG. 60E, the angled lockout
surface 9527 facilitates pivotal travel of the sled engaging
portion 9720 into the locked position. When the second firing
member element 9720 is in the locked position, should the clinician
inadvertently apply a firing motion FM to the firing member
assembly 9510 in the distal direction DD, the engagement between
the second firing member element 9720 and the lock-out notch 9026
in the elongate channel 9022 will prevent the distal advancement of
the firing member assembly 9510 and cause a resultant unlocking
load force UL to be applied to the second firing member element
9720. This unlocking load force UL will be applied to the angled
lockout surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522 and will not be
applied to the pivot members 9714. Such arrangement avoids loading
or stressing the pivot members 9714 should the clinician
inadvertently attempt to advance the firing member assembly 9510
when in the locked position. Thus, this configuration may prevent
the pivot members 9714 from shearing off during such attempted
advancement of the firing member assembly 9510.
[0490] Thus, the foregoing firing member assembly 9510 and firing
member lockout assembly 9700 may provide several advantages. For
example, as was discussed above, the distal surface 9525 on the
firing member body 9522 carries the load during firing and avoids
transferring such load to the pivot members that attach the second
firing member element 9710 to the first firing member element 9520.
When in the lockout state or locked position, the load is carried
by the angled lock ends 9732 on the lockout engaging portions 9730.
Such arrangement also avoids the need for the firing member
assembly 9510 or more precisely the first firing member element
9520 from moving vertically which may inadvertently lead to
misalignment with the anvil and elongate channel when moved into an
unlocked state for firing. Moreover, because the first firing
member element 9520 does not move vertically, the anvil engagement
features as well as the channel engagement features may be
advantageously shaped and designed to obtain desirable engagement
with the anvil and channel during firing. The design and shape of
the firing member body may also afford a large surface area for
attachment to the knife bar by, for example, welding. For example,
the distal end of the knife bar may be attached to the firing
member body by a butt weld and a laser weld from both sides to
interconnect the laminates forming the knife bar at the distal end.
Such weld configuration may be more longitudinally compact than
prior weld configurations and can lead to superior joint length.
Other advantages may also be enjoyed from the foregoing firing
member and lockout system arrangements.
[0491] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are
motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument
systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner.
In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described
herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for
example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may
comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system.
Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed
herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several
examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater
detail.
[0492] The surgical instrument systems described herein have been
described in connection with the deployment and deformation of
staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so
limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners
other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover,
various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means
for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance
with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat
and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in
accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to
seal the tissue.
EXAMPLES
[0493] Example 1--A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector
is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective
articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis that is
transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector comprises a
first end effector jaw that is coupled to an articulation joint
that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. A second end
effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective
pivotal travel relative thereto about a jaw pivot axis that is
transverse to the shaft axis. One of the first and second end
effector jaws is configured to operably support therein a surgical
fastener cartridge that comprises a proximal most fastener
location. One of the first and second end effector jaws is movable
between an open position and a fully closed position by an axially
movable closure member that comprises a closure member cam surface
that is configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on
one of the first and second effector jaws. A first distance between
the articulation axis and an area of camming contact between the
closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by a
second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal most
fastener location is less than 0.5.
[0494] Example 2--The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the
first distance between the jaw pivot axis and the area of camming
contact between the closure cam member surface and the jaw cam
surface divided by the second distance from the articulation axis
to the proximal fastener location is greater than 0.2 and less than
0.5.
[0495] Example 3--The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 2,
wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is supported in the first
end effector jaw and wherein the second end effector jaw comprises
an anvil comprising the jaw cam surface.
[0496] Example 4--The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2 or 3,
wherein the jaw pivot axis is fixed.
[0497] Example 5--The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the
anvil comprises at least one tissue stop member comprising a distal
tissue contact surface that corresponds to the proximal most
fastener location when the anvil is in the fully closed
position.
[0498] Example 6--The surgical instrument of Examples 3 or 5,
wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting
portion that comprises the jaw cam surface and a pair of laterally
extending anvil trunnions that are configured to be pivotally
supported in corresponding openings in the first end effector
jaw.
[0499] Example 7--The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
or 6, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable
distal closure tube segment comprising the closure member cam
surface.
[0500] Example 8--The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the
elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is operably
coupled to the first end effector jaw and a proximal closure tube
assembly that is movably supported for axial travel relative to the
spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially movable
distal closure tube segment.
[0501] Example 9--The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the
proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure
system that is configured to selectively apply axial closure and
opening motions to the proximal closure tube assembly.
[0502] Example 10--The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein
the closure system is supported by a handheld housing.
[0503] Example 11--The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein
the closure system is supported by a housing that operably
interfaces with a robotic controlled actuator.
[0504] Example 12--A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and further comprises a
surgical end effector that is operably coupled to the elongate
shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto about an
articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The
surgical end effector comprises an elongate channel that is coupled
to an articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate shaft
assembly. The elongate channel is configured to operably support a
surgical fastener cartridge. The surgical fastener cartridge
comprises a proximal most fastener location. The surgical end
effector further comprises an anvil that is pivotally coupled to
the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto
about a fixed anvil pivot axis that is transverse to the shaft
axis. The anvil is movable between an open position and a fully
closed position by an axially movable closure member that comprises
a closure member cam surface that is configured for camming contact
with an anvil cam surface on the anvil. A first distance between
the articulation axis and an area of camming contact between the
closure member cam surface and the cam surface divided by a second
distance from the articulation axis to the proximal most fastener
location is less than 0.5.
[0505] Example 13--The surgical instrument of Example 12, wherein
the first distance between the anvil pivot axis and the area of
camming contact between the closure member cam surface and the
anvil cam surface divided by the second distance from the
articulation axis to the proximal most fastener location is greater
than 0.2 and less than 0.5.
[0506] Example 14--The surgical instrument of Examples 12 or 13,
wherein the anvil comprises at least one tissue stop member that
comprises a distal tissue contact surface that corresponds to the
proximal most fastener location when the anvil is in the fully
closed position.
[0507] Example 15--The surgical instrument of Examples 12, 13 or
14, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting
portion that comprises the anvil cam surface and a pair of
laterally extending anvil trunnions that are configured to be
pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate
channel.
[0508] Example 16--The surgical instrument of Examples 12, 13, 14
or 15, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable
distal closure tube segment that comprises the closure member cam
surface.
[0509] Example 17--The surgical instrument of Example 16, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the elongate channel. A proximal closure tube
assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the
spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially movable
distal closure tube segment.
[0510] Example 18--The surgical instrument of Example 17, wherein
the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a
closure system that is configured to selectively apply axial
closure and opening motions to the proximal closure tube
assembly.
[0511] Example 19--The surgical instrument of Example 18, further
comprising a firing member that is operably supported for axial
travel through the surgical fastener cartridge upon application of
axial firing motions thereto.
[0512] Example 20--A surgical system that comprises a housing that
operably supports a closure system therein. The surgical system
further comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that
comprises an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably
couplable to the housing such that a proximal closure portion
thereof is configured to receive axial closure motions from the
closure system. The elongate shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. A
surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongate shaft
assembly for selective articulation relative thereto about an
articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The
surgical end effector comprises a first end effector jaw that is
coupled to an articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate
shaft assembly. A second end effector jaw is coupled to the first
end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative thereto
about a jaw pivot axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. One of
the first and second end effector jaws is configured to operably
support a surgical fastener cartridge that includes a proximal most
fastener location. One of the first and second end effector jaws is
movable between an open position and a fully closed position by an
axially movable distal closure member that is operably coupled to
the proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly. The
distal closure member comprises a closure member cam surface that
is configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on one of
the first and second end effector jaws. A first distance between
the articulation axis and an area of camming contact between the
closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by a
second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal most
fastener location is less than 0.5.
[0513] Example 21--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector
is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective
articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis that is
transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector also
comprises a first end effector jaw that is coupled to an
articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly.
A second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw
for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a jaw pivot
axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument
further comprises an axially movable firing member that comprises
at least one jaw engagement feature that is configured to apply a
closure motion to the second end effector jaw as the axially
movable firing member is moved from a starting position to an end
position within the first end effector jaw. At least one jaw
engagement feature is configured such that a portion thereof is
positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis
when the axially movable firing member is in the starting
position.
[0514] Example 22--The surgical instrument of Example 21, wherein
the portion of at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned
between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the
axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the
second end effector jaw is in a fully opened position.
[0515] Example 23--The surgical instrument of Examples 21 or 22,
wherein at least thirty five percent of each jaw engagement feature
is located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis
when the axially movable firing member is in the starting
position.
[0516] Example 24--The surgical instrument of Example 22, wherein
at least thirty-five percent of each jaw engagement feature is
between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the
axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the
end effector second jaw is in a fully opened position.
[0517] Example 25--The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, 23
or 24, further comprising an axially movable closure member that is
independently movable relative to the axially movable firing member
and is configured to selectively apply additional closure motions
to the second end effector jaw.
[0518] Example 26--The surgical instrument of Example 25, wherein
the axially movable closure member comprises a closure member cam
surface that is configured for camming contact with a jaw cam
surface on the second end effector jaw.
[0519] Example 27--The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, 23,
24, 25 or 26, wherein the axially movable firing member comprises a
tissue cutting surface.
[0520] Example 28--The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein the first end effector jaw comprises an
elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical
fastener cartridge therein and wherein the second end effector jaw
comprises an anvil.
[0521] Example 29--The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, wherein the jaw pivot axis is fixed.
[0522] Example 30--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector
is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective
articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis that is
transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector comprises
an elongate channel that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly
and is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge
therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective
pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed jaw pivot axis that
is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further
comprises an axially movable firing member that comprises at least
one anvil engagement feature that is configured to apply a closure
motion to the anvil as the axially movable firing member is moved
from a starting position to an end position within the elongate
channel. At least one anvil engagement feature is configured such
that a portion thereof is positioned between the fixed jaw pivot
axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing
member is in the starting position.
[0523] Example 31--The surgical instrument of Example 30, wherein
the portion of the at least one anvil engagement feature is
positioned between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation
axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting
position and the anvil is in a fully opened position.
[0524] Example 32--The surgical instrument of Examples 30 or 31,
wherein at least thirty-five percent of each anvil engagement
feature is located between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the
articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the
starting position.
[0525] Example 33--The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31 or
32, wherein at least thirty-five percent of each anvil engagement
feature is located between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the
articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the
starting position.
[0526] Example 34--The surgical instrument of Example 30, wherein
at least thirty-five percent of each anvil engagement feature is
located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when
the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and
the anvil is in a fully opened position.
[0527] Example 35--The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32,
33 or 34, further comprising an axially movable closure member that
is independently movable relative to the axially movable firing
member and is configured to selectively apply additional closure
motions to the anvil.
[0528] Example 36--The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein
the axially movable closure member comprises a closure member cam
surface that is configured for camming contact with an anvil cam
surface on the anvil.
[0529] Example 37--The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32,
33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the firing member comprises a tissue
cutting surface.
[0530] Example 38--The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32,
33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the firing member comprises a firing
member body comprising a tissue cutting surface thereon and wherein
at least one anvil engagement feature comprises a first anvil
engagement tab that protrudes from a first lateral side of a top
portion of the firing member body and a second anvil engagement tab
that protrudes from a second lateral side of the top portion of the
firing member body.
[0531] Example 39--The surgical instrument of Example 38, wherein
the firing member body extends through a slot in an anvil mounting
portion of the anvil when the firing member is in the starting
position.
[0532] Example 40--A surgical system comprising a housing that
operably supports a closure system and a firing system. The closure
system and the firing system are independently actuatable relative
to each other. The surgical system further comprises an
interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises an elongate
shaft assembly that is operably and removably couplable to the
housing such that a proximal closure portion thereof is configured
to receive axial closure motions from the closure system and a
proximal firing member thereof is configured to receive firing
motions from the firing system. The elongate shaft assembly defines
a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the
elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto
about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis.
The surgical end effector comprises an elongate channel that is
coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and is configured to
operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is
coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel
relative thereto about a jaw pivot axis that is transverse to the
shaft axis. An axially movable firing member is operably coupled to
the proximal firing member and comprises at least one anvil
engagement feature that is configured to apply a closure motion to
the anvil as the axially movable firing member is moved from a
starting position to an end position within the elongate channel.
At least one anvil engagement feature is configured such that a
portion thereof is positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the
articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the
starting position.
[0533] Example 41--The surgical system of Example 40, wherein the
housing comprises a portion of a robotic system.
[0534] Example 42--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A first end effector jaw
is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and a second end effector
jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal
travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully
closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis that is transverse to
the shaft axis and extends therethrough. The elongate shaft
assembly comprises a closure member that is axially movable between
a starting position that corresponds to the fully open position of
the second end effector jaw and an ending position that corresponds
to a fully closed position of the second end effector jaw relative
to the first end effector jaw. When the closure member is in the
starting position, a distal end thereof is located on a plane that
is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis a distance that is
measured along the shaft axis that is no more than 0.090
inches.
[0535] Example 43--The surgical instrument of Example 42, wherein
when the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end
of the closure member is located on the plane and the plane
intersects the jaw pivot axis.
[0536] Example 44--The surgical instrument of Examples 42 or 43,
wherein the distance is within 0.010-0.060 inches.
[0537] Example 45--The surgical instrument of Examples 42, 43 or
44, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal
closure tube segment that comprises a closure cam surface that is
configured to cammingly engage a jaw cam surface on the second end
effector jaw as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is
moved from the starting position to the ending position.
[0538] Example 46--The surgical instrument of Examples 42, 43, 44
or 45, wherein the first end effector jaw comprises an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein and wherein the second end effector jaw comprises
an anvil.
[0539] Example 47--The surgical instrument of Example 46, wherein
the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion
that comprises an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally
extending anvil trunnions that are configured to be pivotally
supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.
[0540] Example 48--The surgical instrument of Examples 46 or 47,
wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal
closure tube segment that comprises a closure cam surface that is
configured to cammingly engage the anvil cam surface on the anvil
as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from
the starting position to the ending position.
[0541] Example 49--The surgical instrument of Example 48, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure
tube assembly that is movably supported for axial travel relative
to the spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially
movable distal closure tube segment.
[0542] Example 50--The surgical instrument of Example 49, wherein
proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure
system that is configured to selectively apply axial closure and
opening motions to the proximal closure tube assembly.
[0543] Example 51--The surgical instrument of Example 50, wherein
closure system is supported by a handheld housing.
[0544] Example 52--The surgical instrument of Example 50, wherein
the closure system is supported by a housing that operably
interfaces with a robotic controlled actuator.
[0545] Example 53--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. An elongate channel is
configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge
therein and is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for
selective articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis
that is transverse to the shaft axis. An anvil is pivotally coupled
to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative
thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position
about a fixed jaw pivot axis that transversely intersects the shaft
axis. The elongate shaft assembly comprises a closure member that
is axially movable between a starting position that corresponds to
the fully open position of the anvil and an ending position that
corresponds to a fully closed position of the anvil. When the
closure member is in the starting position, a distal end thereof is
located on a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis
a distance that is measured along the shaft axis that is no more
than 0.090 inches.
[0546] Example 54--The surgical instrument of Example 53, wherein
when the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end
of the closure member is located on the plane and the plane
intersects the jaw pivot axis.
[0547] Example 55--The surgical instrument of Examples 53 or 54,
wherein the distance is within 0.010-0.060 inches.
[0548] Example 56--The surgical instrument of Examples 53, 54 or
55, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting
portion that comprises an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally
extending anvil trunnions that are configured to be pivotally
supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.
[0549] Example 57--The surgical instrument of Examples 53, 54, 55
or 56, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable
distal closure tube segment that comprises a closure cam surface
that is configured to cammingly engage the anvil cam surface on the
anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved
from the starting position and to the ending position.
[0550] Example 58--The surgical instrument of Example 57, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure
tube assembly that is movably supported for axial travel relative
to the spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially
movable distal closure tube segment.
[0551] Example 59--The surgical instrument of Example 58, wherein
the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a
closure system that is supported by a handheld housing and is
configured to selectively apply axial closure and opening motions
to the proximal closure tube assembly.
[0552] Example 60--The surgical instrument of Example 58, wherein
the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a
closure system that is supported by a housing that is configured to
interface with a robotic system. The closure system is configured
to selectively apply axial closure and opening motions to the
proximal closure tube assembly.
[0553] Example 61--A surgical system that comprises a housing that
operably supports a closure system. The surgical system further
comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises
an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably couplable
to the housing such that a proximal closure portion thereof is
configured to receive axial closure motions from the closure
system. The elongate shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. A
surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongate shaft
assembly for selective articulation relative thereto about an
articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The
surgical end effector comprises an elongate channel that is coupled
to the elongate shaft assembly and is configured to operably
support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled
to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative
thereto about a jaw pivot axis that transversely intersects the
shaft axis. The elongate shaft assembly comprises a closure member
that is axially movable between a starting position that
corresponds to a fully open position of the anvil and an ending
position that corresponds to a fully closed position of the anvil.
When the closure member is in the starting position, a distal end
thereof is located on a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw
pivot axis a distance that is measured along the shaft axis that is
no more than 0.090 inches.
[0554] Example 62--A surgical stapling device that comprises an
elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end
effector is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by an
articulation joint that is configured to facilitate selective
articulation of the surgical end effector about an articulation
axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end
effector comprises a surgical staple cartridge that operably
supports a plurality of surgical staples therein. An anvil is
supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the surgical
staple cartridge between a fully open position and a closed
position. The anvil comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets
that correspond to the surgical staples in the surgical staple
cartridge. The surgical stapling device further comprises an
axially movable firing member that comprises at least one anvil
engagement feature thereon that is configured to engage the anvil
when the anvil is in the closed position as the axially movable
firing member is moved from a proximal most position to a
distalmost position. The surgical stapling device also comprises
means for increasing a jaw aperture distance between a distalmost
staple in the surgical staple cartridge and a corresponding one of
the staple forming pockets in the anvil while minimizing a joint
distance between the articulation axis and a distal end of the
anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member when
the axially movable firing member is in the proximal most
position.
[0555] Example 63--The surgical stapling device of Example 62,
wherein the means for increasing comprises a closure member that is
configured to apply closure motions to the anvil, wherein the
closure member is axially movable between a starting position
corresponding to the fully open position of the second end effector
jaw and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position
of the anvil. When the closure member is in the starting position
and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal most
position, the distal end of the closure member is distally spaced
from the distal end of the anvil engagement feature a horizontal
distance that is within a range of 0.4-0.9 inches.
[0556] Example 64--The surgical stapling device of Example 63,
wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line
that is parallel to or coincident with the shaft axis.
[0557] Example 65--The surgical stapling device of Examples 62, 63
or 64, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable
distal closure tube segment that comprises a closure cam surface
that is configured to cammingly engage a cam surface on the anvil
as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from
the starting position to the ending position.
[0558] Example 66--The surgical stapling device of Examples 62, 63,
64 or 65, wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is removably
supported in an elongate channel that is operably coupled to the
elongate shaft assembly by the articulation joint.
[0559] Example 67--The surgical stapling device of Example 66,
wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting
portion that comprises an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally
extending anvil trunnions that are configured to be pivotally
supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.
[0560] Example 68--The surgical stapling device of Examples 63, 64,
65, 66 or 67, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises an
axially movable proximal closure tube assembly and wherein the
closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube
segment that is operably coupled to the axially movable proximal
closure tube assembly.
[0561] Example 69--The surgical stapling device of Example 68,
wherein the axially movable distal closure tube segment comprises a
closure cam surface that is configured to cammingly engage the
anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal
closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the
ending position.
[0562] Example 70--The surgical stapling device of Examples 68 or
69, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly
that is operably coupled to the elongate channel and movably
supports at least a portion of the proximal closure tube assembly
thereon and wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably
interfaces with a closure system that is configured to selectively
apply axial closure and opening motions to the proximal closure
tube assembly.
[0563] Example 71--The surgical stapling device of Example 70,
wherein the closure system is supported by a handheld housing.
[0564] Example 72--The surgical stapling device of Example 70,
wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operably
interfaces with a robotic controlled actuator.
[0565] Example 73--A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate
shaft assembly that has an elongate channel coupled thereto that is
configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge
therein. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for
selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open
position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis.
A closure member is configured to apply closure motions to the
anvil to move the anvil between the fully open position and the
fully closed position as the closure member is moved from a
starting position to an ending position. The surgical instrument
further comprises an axially movably firing member that has at
least one anvil engagement feature thereon that is configured to
apply additional closure motions to the anvil as the axially
movable firing member is moved from a proximal most position to a
distalmost position within the elongate channel. When the closure
member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing
member is in the proximal most position, a distal end of the
closure member is distal to a distal end of the anvil engagement
feature.
[0566] Example 74--The surgical instrument of Example 73, wherein
when the closure member is in the starting position and the axially
movable firing member is in the proximal most position, the distal
end of the closure member is distally spaced from the distal end of
the anvil engagement feature a horizontal distance within a range
of 0.4-0.9 inches.
[0567] Example 75--The surgical instrument of Example 74, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly defines a shaft axis and wherein the
horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line that is
parallel to or coincident with the shaft axis.
[0568] Example 76--The surgical instrument of Examples 73, 74 or
75, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal
closure tube segment that comprises a closure cam surface that is
configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as
the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the
starting position to the ending position.
[0569] Example 77--The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the elongate channel. A proximal closure tube
assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the
spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially movable
distal closure tube segment.
[0570] Example 78--The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein
the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a
closure system that is configured to selectively apply axial
closure and opening motions to the proximal closure tube
assembly.
[0571] Example 79--The surgical instrument of Example 78, wherein
the closure system is supported by a handheld housing.
[0572] Example 80--The surgical instrument of Example 78, wherein
the closure system is supported by a housing that operably
interfaces with a robotic controlled actuator.
[0573] Example 81--A surgical system comprising a housing that
operably supports a closure system. The surgical system further
comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises
an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably couplable
to the housing such that a proximal closure portion thereof is
configured to receive axial closure motions from the closure
system. The elongate shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. The
surgical tool assembly further comprises a surgical end effector
that is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for
selective articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis
that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector
comprises an elongate channel that is coupled to the elongate shaft
assembly and is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for
selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open
position and a fully closed position about a jaw pivot axis that is
transverse to the shaft axis. The elongate shaft assembly comprises
a distal closure member that is operably coupled to the proximal
closure portion and is configured to apply closure motions to the
anvil to move the anvil between the fully open position and the
fully closed position as the distal closure member is moved from a
starting position to an ending position. An axially movable firing
member comprises at least one anvil engagement feature that is
configured to apply additional closure motions to the anvil as the
axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal most
position to a distalmost position within the elongate channel. When
the distal closure member is in the starting position and the
axially movable firing member is in the proximal most position, a
distal end of the distal closure member is distal to a distal end
of the anvil engagement feature.
[0574] Example 82--A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end
effector that comprises a first jaw that defines a first tissue
contacting surface and a second jaw that is pivotally coupled to
the first jaw. The second jaw is selectively movable between a
fully open position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw
pivot axis. The second jaw comprises a second tissue contacting
surface that faces the first tissue contacting surface. At least
one tissue locating feature is on the second jaw and extends
downward beyond the second tissue contacting surface and is
configured to prevent tissue received between the first and second
tissue contacting surfaces from extending proximally beyond a
distal end portion of the at least one tissue locating feature when
the second jaw is in the fully closed position. When the second jaw
is in the fully open position, the distal end portion of each
tissue locating feature is positioned relative to a corresponding
portion of the first tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap
therebetween. A jaw aperture angle between the first and second
tissue contacting surfaces when the second jaw is in the fully open
position is greater than 12.25 degrees.
[0575] Example 83--The surgical instrument of Example 82, wherein
the distal end portion of each tissue locating feature is located a
distance that is less than 0.750 inches from the fixed jaw pivot
axis when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.
[0576] Example 84--The surgical instrument of Examples 82 or 83,
wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is
configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge
therein and wherein the first tissue contacting surface comprises a
deck surface of the surgical fastener cartridge.
[0577] Example 85--The surgical instrument of Examples 82, 83 or
84, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil and wherein the
second tissue contacting surface comprises a fastener forming
undersurface of a portion of the anvil.
[0578] Example 86--The surgical instrument of Example 85, wherein
the anvil comprises an anvil body portion and wherein the at least
one tissue locating feature is formed on a proximal portion of the
anvil body portion.
[0579] Example 87--The surgical instrument of Examples 82, 83, 84,
85 or 86, wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass
through a trocar cannula when the second jaw is in the fully closed
position.
[0580] Example 88--The surgical instrument of Examples 82, 83, 84,
85, 86 or 87, further comprising means for applying closing and
opening motions to the second jaw.
[0581] Example 89--The surgical instrument of Example 88, wherein
the means for applying closing and opening motions comprises an
axially movable closure tube. The closure tube comprises a closure
cam surface on a distal end thereof that is configured to cammingly
engage a jaw cam surface on the second jaw to apply closure motions
thereto and at least one jaw opening feature that is configured to
apply jaw opening motions to the second jaw when the axially
movable closure tube is moved in a proximal direction.
[0582] Example 90--A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end
effector that comprises a surgical fastener cartridge that
comprises a cartridge body that operably supports a plurality of
surgical fasteners therein. The cartridge body defines a tissue
contacting surface through which the surgical fasteners are
ejected. An anvil is pivotally supported relative to the surgical
fastener cartridge for selective pivotal travel relative thereto
between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a
fixed jaw pivot axis. The anvil comprises an anvil body that
defines a fastener forming surface that comprises a plurality of
fastener forming formations, wherein each fastener forming
formation corresponds to one of the surgical fasteners in the
surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming surface faces the
tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge. At
least one tissue stop protrudes from the anvil body and extends
downward beyond the fastener forming surface and is configured to
prevent tissue received between the tissue contacting surface and
the fastener forming surface from extending proximally beyond a
distal end portion of the tissue stop when the anvil is in the
fully closed position. When the anvil is in the fully closed
position, the distal end portion of each tissue stop is spaced from
the fixed jaw pivot axis an axial distance that is less than 0.750
inches and wherein a vertical distance between a distalmost one of
the fasteners in the surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of
the fastener forming formations on the fastener forming surface
when the anvil is in the fully open position is at least 0.900
inches.
[0583] Example 91--The surgical instrument of Example 90, wherein
when the anvil is in the fully open position, a jaw aperture angle
between the fastener forming surface and the tissue contacting
surface is greater than 12.25 degrees.
[0584] Example 92--The surgical instrument of Examples 90 or 91,
wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through a trocar
cannula when the anvil is in the fully closed position.
[0585] Example 93--The surgical instrument of Examples 90, 91 or
92, further comprising means for applying closing and opening
motions to the anvil.
[0586] Example 94--The surgical instrument of Example 93, wherein
the means for applying closing and opening motions comprises an
axially movable closure tube. The axially movable closure tube
comprises a closure cam surface on a distal end thereof that is
configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil to
apply closure motions thereto. At least one jaw opening feature is
configured to apply jaw opening motions to the anvil when the
axially movable closure tube is moved in a proximal direction.
[0587] Example 95--The surgical instrument of Examples 90, 91, 92,
93 or 94, wherein the surgical end effector is operably coupled to
an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis.
[0588] Example 96--The surgical instrument of Example 95, wherein
the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body is parallel to
the shaft axis and wherein the vertical distance is measured along
a line extending from a distal most fastener and the corresponding
fastener forming formation and perpendicular to the shaft axis.
[0589] Example 97--The surgical instrument of Example 90, 91, 92,
93, 94, 95 or 96, wherein the when the anvil is in the fully open
position, the distal end portion of each tissue stop is positioned
relative to a corresponding portion of the tissue contacting
surface to prevent a gap therebetween.
[0590] Example 98--The surgical instrument of Example 97, wherein
when the anvil is in the fully open position, a portion of each
tissue stop is even with or extends below the tissue contacting
surface to prevent tissue on the tissue contacting surface from
extending proximally past the tissue stops.
[0591] Example 99--The surgical instrument of Examples 90, 91, 92,
93, 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98, wherein when the anvil is in the fully
open position, a portion of each tissue stop is even with or
extends below the tissue contacting surface to prevent tissue on
the tissue contacting surface from extending proximally past the
tissue stops.
[0592] Example 100--A surgical system comprising a housing that
operably supports a closure system. An interchangeable surgical
tool assembly comprises an elongate shaft assembly that is operably
and removably couplable to the housing such that a proximal closure
portion thereof is configured to receive axial closure motions from
the closure system and defines a shaft axis. A surgical end
effector is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for
selective articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis
that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector
comprises a surgical fastener cartridge that comprises a cartridge
body that operably supports a plurality of surgical fasteners
therein and defines a tissue contacting surface through which the
surgical fasteners are ejected. An anvil is pivotally supported
relative to the surgical fastener cartridge for selective pivotal
travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully
closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis. The anvil comprises
an anvil body that defines a fastener forming surface that
comprises a plurality of fastener forming formations, wherein each
fastener forming formation corresponds to one of the surgical
fasteners in the surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming
surface faces the tissue contacting surface on the surgical
fastener cartridge. At least one tissue stop protrudes from the
anvil body and extends downward beyond the fastener forming surface
and is configured to prevent tissue that is received between the
tissue contacting surface and the fastener forming surface from
extending proximally beyond a distal end portion of at least one
tissue stop when the anvil is in the fully closed position. When
the anvil is in the fully closed position, the distal end portion
of each tissue stop is spaced from the fixed jaw pivot axis an
axial distance that is less than 0.750 inches and wherein a
vertical distance between a distalmost one of the fasteners in the
surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of the fastener forming
formations on the fastener forming surface when the anvil is in the
fully open position is at least 0.900 inches.
[0593] Example 101--The surgical instrument of Example 100,
wherein, when the anvil is in the fully open position, a jaw
aperture angle between the fastener forming surface the tissue
contacting surface is greater than 12.25 degrees.
[0594] Example 102--The surgical instrument of Examples 100 or 101,
wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through a trocar
cannula when the anvil is in the fully closed position.
[0595] Example 103--A surgical instrument that comprises a first
jaw that includes a pair of laterally aligned vertical slots that
are formed in a proximal end portion of the first jaw. Each
vertical slot has an open upper end. A second jaw is movably
supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw
between a fully open and a fully closed position. The second jaw
comprises a second jaw body and a pair of pivot members that
protrude laterally from a proximal end of the second jaw body. Each
pivot member is pivotally received in a corresponding one of the
vertical slots in the first jaw such that the pivot members may
pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the second jaw
relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument further
comprises a retainer member that is configured to operably engage
the proximal end portion of the first jaw and retain the pivot
members in the corresponding vertical slots as the second jaw moves
between the fully open and the fully closed positions. An axially
movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening
motions to the second jaw and retain the retainer member in
retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the first
jaw.
[0596] Example 104--The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein
each pivot member has a circular cross-sectional shape and wherein
the retainer member comprises a slot cap that corresponds to each
vertical slot and is sized to extend therein through the open end.
Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion that is configured to
pivotally receive the corresponding pivot pin therein.
[0597] Example 105--The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein
each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding upstanding vertical
wall portion of the first jaw and wherein the retainer member
comprises a retainer body that is sized to span between the
vertical wall portions. The retainer member further comprises a
slot cap that corresponds to each vertical slot and is sized to
extend therein through the open end. A mounting formation is on the
retainer body and corresponds to each upstanding vertical wall
portion and is configured to be seated in a correspondingly shaped
mounting opening therein.
[0598] Example 106--The surgical instrument of Example 105, wherein
the mounting formations are located proximal to the slot caps.
[0599] Example 107--The surgical instrument of Examples 103, 104,
105 or 106, wherein the axially movable closure member comprises an
axially movable distal closure tube segment that is sized to
slidably move over the retainer member to provide opening and
closing motions to the second jaw and retain the retainer member in
retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the first
jaw.
[0600] Example 108--The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein
the first jaw is operably coupled to an elongate shaft
assembly.
[0601] Example 109--The surgical instrument of Example 108, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the first jaw. A proximal closure tube assembly
is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine
assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal
closure tube segment.
[0602] Example 110--The surgical instrument of Example 109, wherein
the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a
closure system that is configured to selectively apply axial
closure and opening motions to the proximal closure tube
assembly.
[0603] Example 111--The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein
the closure system is supported by a handheld housing.
[0604] Example 112--The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein
the closure system is supported by a housing that operably
interfaces with a robotic controlled actuator.
[0605] Example 113--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein. The elongate channel includes a pair of
laterally aligned vertical slots that are formed in a proximal end
portion of the elongate channel wherein each vertical slot includes
an open upper end. An anvil is movably supported for selective
pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel between a fully
open and a fully closed position. The anvil comprises an anvil body
and a pair of anvil trunnions that protrude laterally from an anvil
mounting portion of the anvil body. Each anvil trunnion is
pivotally received in a corresponding vertical slot in the elongate
channel such that the anvil trunnions may pivot therein to
facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate
channel. The surgical instrument further comprises a retainer
member that is configured to be supported on the proximal end
portion of the elongate channel and pivotally retain each anvil
trunnion in the corresponding vertical slots as the anvil moves
between the fully open and fully closed positions. An axially
movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening
motions to the anvil and retain the retainer member in retaining
engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate
channel.
[0606] Example 114--The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein
each anvil trunnion comprises a circular cross-sectional shape and
wherein the retainer member comprises a slot cap that corresponds
to each vertical slot and is sized to extend therein through the
open end. Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion that is
configured to pivotally receive the corresponding anvil trunnion
therein.
[0607] Example 115--The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein
each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding upstanding vertical
wall portion of the elongate channel and wherein the retainer
member comprises a retainer body that is sized to span between the
vertical wall portions. The retainer member further comprises a
slot cap that corresponds to each vertical slot and is sized to
extend therein through the open end. The retainer member also
comprises mounting formations on the retainer body that correspond
to each upstanding vertical wall portion and are configured to be
seated in a correspondingly shaped mounting opening therein.
[0608] Example 116--The surgical instrument of Example 115, wherein
the slot cap has a wedge shape that is configured to be inserted
into the open end of the corresponding vertical slot.
[0609] Example 117--The surgical instrument of Examples 113, 114,
115 or 116, wherein the retainer member is affixed to the elongate
channel by at least one of frictional engagement with the elongate
channel, adhesive and welding.
[0610] Example 118--The surgical instrument of Examples 113, 114,
115, 116 or 117, wherein the axially movable closure member
comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment that is
sized to slidably move over the retainer member to provide opening
and closing motions to the anvil and retain the retainer member in
retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate
channel.
[0611] Example 119--The surgical instrument of Examples 113, 114,
115, 116, 117 or 118, wherein the elongate channel is operably
coupled to an elongate shaft assembly.
[0612] Example 120--The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein
the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly that is
operably coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure
tube assembly that is movably supported for axial travel relative
to the spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially
movable closure member.
[0613] Example 121--A surgical system comprising a housing that
operably supports a closure system. The surgical system further
comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that includes
an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably couplable
to the housing such that a proximal closure portion thereof is
configured to receive axial closure motions from the closure
system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly further
comprises a surgical end effector that comprises an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein and includes a pair of laterally aligned vertical
slots that are formed in a proximal end portion of the elongate
channel. Each vertical slot includes an open upper end. An anvil is
movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the
elongate channel between a fully open and a fully closed position.
The anvil comprises an anvil body and a pair of anvil trunnions
that protrude laterally from an anvil mounting portion of the anvil
body. Each anvil trunnion is pivotally received in a corresponding
vertical slot in the elongate channel such that the anvil trunnions
may pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil
relative to elongate channel. The surgical system further comprises
a retainer member that is configured to be supported on the
proximal end portion of the elongate channel and pivotally retain
each anvil trunnion in the corresponding vertical slots as the
anvil moves between the fully open and the fully closed positions.
An axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing
and opening motions to the anvil and retain the retainer member in
retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate
channel.
[0614] Example 122--The surgical system of Example 121, wherein the
axially movable closure member comprises an axially movable distal
closure tube segment that is sized to slidably move over the
retainer member to provide opening and closing motions to the anvil
and retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the
proximal end portion of the elongate channel. The elongate shaft
assembly further comprises a spine assembly that is operably
coupled to the elongate channel; and a proximal closure tube
assembly that is movably supported for axial travel relative to the
spine assembly and is pivotally coupled to the axially movable
distal closure tube segment.
[0615] Example 123--A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw
and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective
pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a
fully closed position. An axially movable closure member is
selectively axially movable in a closure direction to move the
second jaw from the fully open position to the fully closed
position and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw
from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The
axially movable closure member comprises a first jaw opening
feature that is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to
the second jaw. A second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from
the first jaw opening feature such that, when the closure member is
moved in the axial opening direction, the first jaw opening feature
applies the first jaw opening motion to the second jaw and when the
closure member has axially moved a predetermined axial distance in
the axial opening direction, the first jaw opening feature
discontinues application of the first jaw opening motion and the
second jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to
the second jaw to move the second jaw to the fully open
position.
[0616] Example 124--The surgical instrument of Example 123, wherein
the first jaw opening feature is axially proximal to the second jaw
opening feature.
[0617] Example 125--The surgical instrument of Examples 123 or 124,
wherein the first jaw defines a central jaw axis wherein the first
jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the central jaw axis on
a first lateral side thereof on the closure member and wherein the
second jaw opening feature is spaced from the central jaw axis on a
second lateral side thereof that is opposite to the first lateral
side on the closure member.
[0618] Example 126--The surgical instrument of Examples 123, 124 or
125, wherein the second jaw comprises a second jaw mounting portion
that is pivotally supported on the first jaw. The second jaw
mounting portion comprises a second jaw cam surface on the second
jaw mounting portion and is configured to be axially cammingly
contacted by the first jaw opening feature as the closure member is
axially moved in the axial opening direction through the
predetermined axial distance. The second jaw cam surface is
configured to disengage the first jaw opening feature as the
closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction
beyond the predetermined axial distance. The second jaw mounting
portion further comprises a second jaw cam surface that is
configured to be axially camming contacted by the second jaw
opening feature as the closure member continues to move in the
axial opening direction beyond the predetermined axial
distance.
[0619] Example 127--The surgical instrument of Example 126, wherein
the closure member is axially movable in the axial opening
direction from a first position corresponding to the fully closed
position of the second jaw to a first intermediate axial position
without applying the first jaw opening motion thereto.
[0620] Example 128--The surgical instrument of Example 127, wherein
when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening
direction from the first intermediate axial position to a second
intermediate axial position, the first jaw opening feature applies
the first jaw opening motion to the second jaw to cause the second
jaw to move relative to the first jaw through a second jaw aperture
angle.
[0621] Example 129--The surgical instrument of Example 128, wherein
the second jaw aperture angle is 10.degree..
[0622] Example 130--The surgical instrument of Examples 128 or 129,
wherein when the closure member is axially moved in the axial
opening direction between the second intermediate axial position
and a third intermediate axial position, the first jaw opening
feature does not move the second jaw relative to the first jaw
beyond the second jaw aperture angle.
[0623] Example 131--The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein
axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction
from the third intermediate axial position to a fourth intermediate
axial position, causes the second jaw opening feature to apply the
second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.
[0624] Example 132--The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein
axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction
between the third intermediate axial position and the fourth
intermediate axial position causes the second jaw to move relative
to the first jaw to a second jaw aperture angle.
[0625] Example 133--The surgical instrument of Example 132, wherein
the second jaw aperture angle is 22.degree..
[0626] Example 134--The surgical instrument of Examples 131, 132 or
133, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial
opening direction from the third intermediate axial position to the
fourth intermediate axial position causes the first jaw opening
feature to discontinue application of the first jaw opening motion
to the second jaw.
[0627] Example 135--The surgical instrument of Example 134, wherein
axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction
from the fourth intermediate axial position to a final axial
position causes the second jaw opening feature to discontinue
application of the second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.
[0628] Example 136--The surgical instrument of Examples 123, 124,
125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134 or 135, wherein
the first jaw comprises a surgical fastener cartridge and wherein
the second jaw comprises an anvil.
[0629] Example 137--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate
channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a
fully open position and a fully closed position. An axially movable
closure member is selectively axially movable in a closure
direction to move the anvil from the fully open position to the
fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the
anvil from the fully closed to the fully open position. The axially
movable closure member comprises a proximal jaw opening feature
that is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the
anvil. A distal jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the
proximal jaw opening feature such that, when the closure member is
moved in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening
feature applies the first jaw opening motion to the anvil and when
the closure member has axially moved a predetermined axial distance
in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature
discontinues application of the first jaw opening motion and the
distal jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to
the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open position.
[0630] Example 138--The surgical instrument of Example 137, wherein
when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening
direction from a first intermediate axial position to a second
intermediate axial position, the first jaw opening feature causes
the anvil to move through a first jaw aperture angle that is
measured between a deck surface of the surgical fastener cartridge
that is supported in the elongate channel and a fastener forming
underside of the anvil.
[0631] Example 139--The surgical instrument of Example 138, wherein
the first jaw aperture angle is 10.degree..
[0632] Example 140--The surgical instrument of Examples 138 or 139,
wherein when the closure member is axially moved in the axial
opening direction between the second intermediate axial position
and a third intermediate axial position, the first jaw opening
feature does not move the anvil relative to the elongate channel
beyond the first jaw aperture angle.
[0633] Example 141--The surgical instrument of Example 140, wherein
axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction
from the third intermediate axial position to a fourth intermediate
axial position, causes the second jaw opening feature to move the
anvil through a second jaw aperture angle that is greater than the
first jaw aperture angle.
[0634] Example 142--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical fastener
cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate
channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a
fully open position and a fully closed position. An axially movable
distal closure tube segment is selectively axially movable in a
closure direction to move the anvil from the fully open position to
the fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move
the anvil from the fully closed position to the fully open
position. The axially movable distal closure tube segment comprises
a proximal jaw opening feature that is formed on the distal closure
tube segment and is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion
to the anvil. A distal jaw opening feature is formed on the distal
closure tube segment and is axially spaced from the proximal jaw
opening feature such that, when the distal closure tube segment is
moved in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening
feature applies the first jaw opening motion to the anvil and when
the distal closure tube segment has axially moved a predetermined
axial distance in the opening direction, the proximal jaw opening
feature discontinues application of the first jaw opening motion
and the distal jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening
motion to the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open
position.
[0635] Example 143--A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw
and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective
pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a
fully closed position. A closure member is configured to apply
closure motions to the second jaw as the closure member is axially
movable in a distal direction from a starting position
corresponding to the fully open position of the second jaw to an
ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the
second jaw. The closure member is further configured to move
distally from the starting position an initial predetermined axial
closure distance before applying the closure motion to the second
jaw.
[0636] Example 144--The surgical instrument of Example 143, wherein
the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020
inches.
[0637] Example 145--The surgical instrument of Examples 143 or 144,
wherein closure member is configured to distally move through a
final predetermined axial closure distance after the second jaw has
been moved to the fully closed position.
[0638] Example 146--The surgical instrument of Example 145, wherein
the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.
[0639] Example 147--The surgical instrument of Examples 143, 144,
145 or 146, wherein the closure member comprises a closure camming
surface that is configured to cammingly engage a jaw camming
surface on the second jaw to apply the closure motions thereto.
[0640] Example 148--The surgical instrument of Examples 143, 144,
145, 146 or 147, wherein the closure member further comprises means
for applying opening motions to the second jaw when the closure
member axially moves in a proximal direction from the ending
position to the starting position.
[0641] Example 149--The surgical instrument of Example 148, wherein
the means for applying opening motions comprises a first jaw
opening feature on the closure member that is configured to apply a
first amount of jaw opening motion to the second jaw as the closure
member is axially moved from the ending position to an intermediate
axial position between the ending and starting position. The means
further comprises a second jaw opening feature on the closure
member that is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature
and is configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening motion to
the second jaw as the closure member is axially moved from the
intermediate position to the starting position.
[0642] Example 150--A surgical instrument comprising an elongate
channel that is configured to operably support a surgical
staple/fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported
on the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative
thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position.
A closure member is configured to apply closure motions to the
anvil as the closure member is axially movable in a distal
direction from a starting position corresponding to the fully open
position of the anvil to an ending position corresponding to the
fully closed position of the anvil. The closure member is
configured to move distally from the starting position an initial
predetermined axial closure distance before applying the closure
motion to the anvil.
[0643] Example 151--The surgical instrument of Example 150, wherein
the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020
inches.
[0644] Example 152--The surgical instrument of Examples 150 or 151,
wherein the closure member is configured to distally move through a
final predetermined axial closure distance after the anvil has been
moved to the fully closed position.
[0645] Example 153--The surgical instrument of Example 152, wherein
the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.
[0646] Example 154--The surgical instrument of Examples 152 or 153,
wherein the closure member is configured to apply the closure
motion to the anvil as the closure member moves distally through an
intermediate predetermined axial closure distance after the closure
member traveled the initial predetermined axial closure distance
and prior to traveling the final predetermined axial closure
distance.
[0647] Example 155--The surgical instrument of Example 154, wherein
the intermediate predetermined axial closure distance is 0.200
inches.
[0648] Example 156--The surgical instrument of Examples 150, 151,
152, 153, 154 or 155, wherein the closure member comprises a
closure camming surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil
camming surface on an anvil mounting portion of the anvil to apply
the closure motion thereto.
[0649] Example 157--The surgical instrument of Examples 150, 151,
152, 153, 154, 155, 156 or 157, wherein the closure member further
comprises means for applying opening motions to the anvil when the
closure member axially moves in a proximal direction from the
ending position to the starting position.
[0650] Example 158--The surgical instrument of Example 157, wherein
the means for applying opening motions comprises a first jaw
opening feature on the closure member that is configured to apply a
first amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil as the closure
member is axially moved from the ending position to an intermediate
axial position between the ending position and starting position.
The means further comprises a second jaw opening feature on the
closure member that is axially spaced from the first jaw opening
feature and is configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening
motion to the anvil as the closure member is axially moved from the
intermediate axial position to the starting position.
[0651] Example 159--A surgical system comprising a housing that
operably supports a closure system. The surgical system further
comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises
an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably couplable
to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate
shaft assembly is configured to receive axial closure motions from
the closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly
further comprises a surgical end effector that is operably coupled
to the elongate shaft assembly. The surgical end effector comprises
an elongate channel that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly
and is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge
therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective
pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a
fully closed position. The elongate shaft assembly comprises an
axially movable proximal closure member that is configured to
receive the axial closure motions. A distal closure member is
operably coupled to the proximal closure member and is configured
to apply the axial closure motions to the anvil as the distal
closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a
starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the
anvil to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed
position of the anvil. The distal closure member is configured to
move distally from the starting position an initial predetermined
axial closure distance before applying the closure motions to the
anvil.
[0652] Example 160--The surgical instrument of Example 159, wherein
the distal closure member is configured to distally move through a
final predetermined axial closure distance after the anvil has been
moved to the fully closed position.
[0653] Example 161--A surgical tool assembly that comprises a first
jaw and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw. The
surgical tool assembly further comprises a firing system that
comprises a firing member assembly that is configured to move
distally from a starting position upon application of a firing
motion thereto. The firing member assembly comprises a first firing
member element and a second firing member element that is pivotally
coupled to the first firing member element at an attachment joint.
The second firing member element is configured to move between a
locked position wherein the second firing member element is in
locking engagement with a lockout portion of the first jaw to
prevent the firing member assembly from moving distally from the
starting position upon application of the firing motion thereto and
an unlocked position wherein the firing member assembly is distally
advanceable from the starting position upon the application of the
firing motion to the firing member assembly. The surgical tool
assembly further comprises means for preventing an unlocking load
from being applied to the attachment joint when the second firing
member is in the locked position and the firing motion is applied
to the first firing member element.
[0654] Example 162--The surgical tool assembly of Example 161,
wherein the lockout portion comprises at least one lockout notch in
the first jaw that is configured to retainingly engage the second
firing member element when the second firing member element is in
the locked position.
[0655] Example 163--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161 or
162, further comprising a biasing member in the first jaw that is
configured to bias the second firing member element into the locked
position.
[0656] Example 164--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161, 162
or 163, wherein the first firing member element comprises at least
one first jaw engaging feature that is configured to be movably
received within a corresponding first jaw passage and at least one
second jaw engaging feature that is configured to be movably
received within a corresponding second jaw passage.
[0657] Example 165--The surgical tool assembly of Example 164,
wherein when the firing member assembly is in the starting
position, each first jaw engaging feature is in axial alignment
with the corresponding first jaw passage and each second jaw
engaging feature is in axial alignment with the corresponding
second jaw passage regardless of a position of the second firing
member element.
[0658] Example 166--The surgical tool assembly of Example 165,
wherein when the firing member assembly is in the starting position
and the second firing member element is in the locked position,
each first jaw engaging feature is in axial alignment with the
corresponding first jaw passage and each said second jaw engaging
feature is in axial alignment with the corresponding second jaw
passage.
[0659] Example 167--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161,
162, 163, 164, 165 or 166, wherein the first jaw is configured to
operably support a removable surgical component therein that
operably supports a movable component element therein. The movable
component element is movable between an unfired and fired
positions. The second firing member element is configured to be
moved from the locked position by the movable component element
when the removable surgical component is supported in the first jaw
and the movable component element is in the unfired position.
[0660] Example 168--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161,
162, 163, 164, 165, 166 or 167, wherein the first jaw is operably
coupled to an elongate shaft that defines a shaft axis and wherein
the second firing member element is pivotable relative to the first
firing member element about a pivot axis that is transverse to the
shaft axis.
[0661] Example 169--The surgical tool assembly of Claim Examples
161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167 or 168, wherein the first firing
member element comprises a tissue cutting surface.
[0662] Example 170--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161,
162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 168 or 169, wherein the first jaw is
configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge that
operably supports a sled therein. The sled is movable between an
unfired position and fired positions. The second firing member
element is configured to be moved from the locked position by the
sled when the surgical staple cartridge is supported in the first
jaw and the sled is in the unfired position.
[0663] Example 171--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161,
162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169 or 170, wherein the means
for preventing comprises a distal surface and a lockout surface on
the first firing member element. The distal surface is configured
relative to a proximal surface on the second firing member element
such that a space is provided therebetween when the second firing
member is in the unlocked position. The proximal surface abuts the
lockout surface when the second firing member element is in the
locked position.
[0664] Example 172--The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161,
162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170 or 171, wherein the
attachment joint comprises at least one pivot member on the second
firing member element and pivotally received within a corresponding
pivot hole in the first firing member element.
[0665] Example 173--The surgical tool assembly of Example 172,
further comprising a clearance between each pivot member and its
corresponding pivot hole such that the unlocking load is not
transferred to the at least one pivot member when the second firing
member is in the locked position and the firing motion is applied
to the first firing member element.
[0666] Example 174--A stapling assembly comprising an anvil jaw and
a staple cartridge jaw comprising a lockout surface. A firing
member includes a distal end that comprises anvil-camming portions
and channel-camming portions. The firing member further comprises a
distal edge that comprises a cutting member and a lockout
force-receiving surface. A lockout member is pivotally coupled to
the distal end of the firing member by at least one pivot member.
The lockout member is configured to engage the lockout surface of
the staple cartridge jaw to block the advancement of the firing
member when a staple cartridge is not installed within the staple
cartridge jaw or when a partially-spent staple cartridge is
installed within the staple cartridge jaw and a firing motion is
applied to the firing member. The firing member and the lockout
member are configured to prevent an unlocking load from being
applied to the pivot members when the lockout member is in
engagement with the lockout surface and the firing motion is
applied to the firing member.
[0667] Example 175--The stapling assembly of Example 174, wherein
the staple cartridge jaw comprises a staple cartridge that includes
a sled that is movable between an unfired position and a fired
position. The sled is configured to engage the lockout member to
prevent the lockout member from moving relative to the firing
member to engage the lockout surface when the sled is in the
unfired position.
[0668] Example 176--The stapling assembly of Examples 174 or 175,
further comprising a spring that is configured to bias the lockout
member relative to the firing member into a locked configuration
when a partially-spent staple cartridge is present and when a
staple cartridge is not present.
[0669] Example 177--The stapling assembly of Examples 174, 175 or
176, wherein the firing member is configured to not move
substantially vertically.
[0670] Example 178--A surgical fastening instrument that comprises
a first jaw that is configured to operably support an unfired
surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported
relative to the first jaw. The surgical fastening instrument
further includes a firing system that comprises a firing member
assembly that is configured to axially move between a starting
position and an ending position. The firing member assembly
comprises a firing member that comprises a cutting surface and a
tippable element that is pivotally coupled to the firing member by
an attachment joint. The tippable element is configured to move
relative to the firing member between a locked position wherein the
tippable element is in locking engagement with a lockout portion of
the first jaw to prevent the firing member assembly from moving
distally from the starting position upon application of a firing
motion thereto and an unlocked position wherein the firing member
assembly is distally advanceable from the starting position upon
the application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly.
The firing member and tippable element are configured to prevent an
unlocking load from being applied to the attachment joint when the
tippable element is the locked position and the firing motion is
applied to the firing member assembly. The surgical fastening
instrument further comprises means for biasing the tippable element
into the locking engagement unless an unfired surgical fastener
cartridge is operably supported in the first jaw.
[0671] Example 179--The surgical fastening instrument of Example
178, wherein the attachment joint comprises at least one pivot
member that is on the tippable element and is pivotally received
within a corresponding pivot hole in the firing member.
[0672] Example 180--The surgical fastening instrument of Example
179, further comprising a clearance between each pivot member and
its corresponding pivot hole such that the unlocking load is not
transferred to each pivot member when the tippable element is in
the locked position and the firing motion is applied to the firing
member assembly.
[0673] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are
motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument
systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner.
In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described
herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for
example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may
comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled
system.
[0674] Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies
disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument
system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT
ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses
several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater
detail.
[0675] The surgical instrument systems described herein have been
described in connection with the deployment and deformation of
staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so
limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners
other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover,
various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means
for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance
with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat
and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in
accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to
seal the tissue.
[0676] The entire disclosures of: [0677] U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312,
entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4,
1995; [0678] U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS,
which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; [0679] U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139,
entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT
WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;
[0680] U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT
COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008; [0681] U.S. Pat. No.
7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END
EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010; [0682] U.S. Pat. No.
7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on
Jul. 13, 2010; [0683] U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY
ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12,
2013; [0684] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,845,537; [0685] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573,
entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF
ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008; [0686] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING
AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,980,443; [0687] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782,
entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,210,411; [0688] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117,
entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH
MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;
[0689] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled
MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,220,688; [0690] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461,
entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,733,613; [0691] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870; [0692] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE
STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535; [0693]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15,
2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358; [0694] U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS
SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;
[0695] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552; [0696]
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled
SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER
LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and [0697] U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr.
22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0698] Although various devices have been described herein in
connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations
to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in
connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part,
with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more
other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are
disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.
Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component
may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may
be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or
functions. The foregoing description and following claims are
intended to cover all such modification and variations.
[0699] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed
of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple
times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for
reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any
combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the
disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of
particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the
device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical
team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing
particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for
subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for
disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such
techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within
the scope of the present application.
[0700] The devices disclosed herein may be processed before
surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when
necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one
sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and
sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and
instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can
penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or
high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the
instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then
be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep
the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A
device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in
the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma
radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.
[0701] While this invention has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present invention may be further modified within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
invention using its general principles.
[0702] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in
whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the
incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions,
statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this
disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as
explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material
incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof,
that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which
conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other
disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to
the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated
material and the existing disclosure material.
* * * * *