Articulation drive arrangements for surgical systems

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft comprising a distal end including a concave surface, an end effector assembly comprising a proximal end including a convex surface, wherein the convex surface is received by the concave surface of the elongate shaft, and wherein the convex surface comprises a first slot and a second slot defined therein, and an articulation assembly. The articulation assembly comprises a first articulation driver comprising a distal end including a first ball, wherein the first ball is received by the first slot and a second articulation driver comprising a distal end including a second ball, wherein the second ball is received by the second slot, and wherein the end effector assembly is rotated in a plane with respect to the elongate shaft when at least one of the first articulation driver and the second articulation driver are driven longitudinally.

Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems

A staple cartridge insertable into a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a threaded rod and a firing member configured to move from a proximal unfired position toward a distal position as the threaded rod is rotated in a first direction. The firing member comprises a first portion comprising a first camming member, wherein an anvil of the surgical stapling instrument receives the first portion when the firing member in the proximal unfired position and a second portion comprising a second camming member, wherein a staple cartridge jaw of the surgical stapling instrument receives the second portion when the firing member is in the proximal unfired position, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to maintain a distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke.

Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems

An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector assembly comprises a first jaw defining a channel therein, a second jaw, and a threaded rod extending within the channel. The end effector assembly further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a sled, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the channel, and a firing member operably engaged with the threaded rod, wherein the sled and the firing member are configured to move from a proximal position toward a distal position when the threaded rod is rotated in a first direction.

Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems

An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector assembly comprises a staple cartridge jaw, a threaded rod, and a replaceable staple cartridge configured to be seated in the staple cartridge jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal slot extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a driver configured to support a staple, wherein the driver comprises a surface facing the threaded rod, wherein the surface comprises a clearance, and wherein at least a portion of the threaded rod is configured to be received in the clearance when the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw.

End effector arrangements comprising indicators

A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.

Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument

A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.

MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT

A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.

Staple cartridge comprising a staple driver arrangement

A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument

A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.

Reload cover for surgical stapling system

Surgical stapler systems can include a jaw assembly with one jaw defining a reload support capable of receiving and firing multiple disposable reload cartridges in a single surgical procedure. The reload cartridge can be protected by a reload cover engageable therewith. The reload cover can include snap features configured to prevent manual removal of the reload cover from the reload cartridge before proper positioning and installation in the reload support. The reload cover can desirably maintain a plurality of staples within staple pockets in the reload cartridge and can maintain a staple deployment mechanism in an unfired position.