Surgical stapling assembly comprising a lockout and an exterior access orifice to permit artificial unlocking of the lockout

A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly comprises a firing member, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, a lockout configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from an unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel, and an exterior access aperture defined in the cartridge channel, wherein the lockout is accessible through the exterior access aperture such that the lockout can be manually defeated to move the lockout into a into an unlocked configuration.

BACKGROUND

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Feb. 21, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,658, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298350;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,670, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298340;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,675, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298354;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,704, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298356;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,741, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298357;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,762, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298343;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,660, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298351;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,666, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298352;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,672, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298353;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,678, ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND CHANNEL ENGAGEMENT FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298355; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,682, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0298346.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional patent applications that were filed on Feb. 19, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,310, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,319, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,309, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional patent applications, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,302, entitled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,294, entitled DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,309, entitled SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,291, entitled USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,296, entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,333, entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,327, entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,315, entitled DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,313, entitled CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,307, entitled AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS; and

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional patent application, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/650,887, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent application, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, entitled METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Aug. 20, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,150, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE STABILITY FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,140, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,081, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,094, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,097, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,104, entitled POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,119, entitled ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,160, entitled SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications and U.S. patents that are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168642;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168646;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168645;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168644;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168651;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168629;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168630;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168635;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168632;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168636;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168638;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168639;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168640;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168641;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168634;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168597;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168599;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168602;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168603;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168605;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168608;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168615;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168626;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168612;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168617;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168627;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168622;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168624;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168611;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168604;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168643;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168648;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168647;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168650;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168589;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168590;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168592;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168593;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168596;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168621;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168576;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168577;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168578;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168580;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168581;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,996, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297228;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,013, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297233; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,016, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297235.

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:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367696;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367699;

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:

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:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281171;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281172;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281165;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281166;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281168;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281162;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281183;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281177;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281188;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281180;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281169; and

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:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189018;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189019; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189020.

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:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224333;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224342;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224330;

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, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224331;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224334;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224336;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224343.

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:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231626;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231627; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231628.

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:

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;

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;

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;

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

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:

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;

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;

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;

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. Pat. No. 9,895,148;

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. Pat. No. 10,052,044;

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. Pat. No. 10,045,776;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,342; and

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.

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:

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. Pat. No. 10,180,463;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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:

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. Pat. No. 9,844,374;

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;

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:

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;

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;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;

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;

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

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:

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;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,860;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,919.

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:

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:

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;

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;

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. Pat. No. 10,013,049;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,804,618;

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:

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. Pat. No. 9,757,128;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,836; and

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.

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:

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;

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. Pat. No. 9,801,626;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,887; and

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:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 1illustrates the surgical instrument1010that includes an interchangeable shaft assembly1200operably coupled to a housing1012.FIG. 2illustrates the interchangeable shaft assembly1200detached from the housing1012or handle1014. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the handle1014may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments1016and1018that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments1016,1018cooperate to form a pistol grip portion1019.FIGS. 1 and 3depict a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument1010that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument1010includes a previous housing1012that comprises a handle1014that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. The housing1012is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly1200that has a surgical end effector1300operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. In addition, various components may be “housed” or contained in the housing or various components may be “associated with” a housing. In such instances, the components may not be contained within the housing or supported directly by the housing. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, that is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The previous housing1012depicted inFIG. 1is shown in connection with an interchangeable shaft assembly1200(FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) that includes an end effector1300that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge4000therein. The housing1012may be configured for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies that include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. In addition, the housing1012may also be effectively employed with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies including those assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle1014operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the handle1014may further include a frame1020that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame1020can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as1030, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly1200that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system1030may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger1032that is pivotally supported by the frame1020. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the closure trigger1032is pivotally coupled to the handle1014by a pin1033. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger1032to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion1019of the handle1014, the closure trigger1032may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger1032may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system1030further includes a closure linkage assembly1034that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger1032. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the closure linkage assembly1034may include a first closure link1036and a second closure link1038that are pivotally coupled to the closure trigger1032by a pin1035. The second closure link1038may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member” and include a transverse attachment pin1037.

Still referring toFIG. 3, it can be observed that the first closure link1036may have a locking wall or end1039thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly1060that is pivotally coupled to the frame1020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly1060may comprise a release button assembly1062that has a distally protruding locking pawl1064formed thereon. The release button assembly1062may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger1032from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion1019of the handle1014, the first closure link1036pivots upward to a point wherein the locking pawl1064drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall1039on the first closure link1036thereby preventing the closure trigger1032from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly1060serves to lock the closure trigger1032in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger1032to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the release button assembly1062such that the locking pawl1064is moved out of engagement with the locking wall1039on the first closure link1036. When the locking pawl1064has been moved out of engagement with the first closure link1036, the closure trigger1032may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

An arm1061may extend from the release button assembly1062. A magnetic element1063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm1061. When the release button assembly1062is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element1063can move toward a circuit board1100. The circuit board1100can include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall Effect” sensor (not shown) can be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board1100. The Hall Effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall Effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element1063. The Hall Effect sensor can be in signal communication with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the release button assembly1062is in its first position, which is associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger1032and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger1032and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first position and the second position.

In at least one form, the handle1014and the frame1020may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system1080that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system1080may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system1080may employ an electric motor1082that is located in the pistol grip portion1019of the handle1014. In various forms, the motor1082may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor1082may be powered by a power source1090that in one form may comprise a removable power pack1092. As can be seen inFIG. 3, for example, the power pack1092may comprise a proximal housing portion1094that is configured for attachment to a distal housing portion1096. The proximal housing portion1094and the distal housing portion1096are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries1098therein. Batteries1098may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion1096is configured for removable operable attachment to the circuit board1100which is also operably coupled to the motor1082. A number of batteries1098may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical instrument1010. In addition, the power source1090may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor1082can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly1084that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth1122on a longitudinally-movable drive member1120. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the power source1090can operate the electric motor1082in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor1082in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor1082is rotated in one direction, the drive member1120will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor82is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member1120will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle1014can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor1082by the power source1090. As with the other forms described herein, the handle1014can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member1120and/or the direction in which the drive member1120is being moved.

Actuation of the motor1082can be controlled by a firing trigger1130that is pivotally supported on the handle1014. The firing trigger1130may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger1130may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring1132or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger1130, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring1132or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger1130can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger1032as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button1134may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger1032by the pin1035. The safety button1134may be positioned between the firing trigger1130and the closure trigger1032and have a pivot arm1136protruding therefrom. SeeFIG. 3. When the closure trigger1032is in the unactuated position, the safety button1134is contained in the handle1014where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger1130and a firing position wherein the firing trigger1130may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger1032, the safety button1134and the firing trigger1130pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member1120has a rack of teeth1122formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear1086of the gear reducer assembly1084. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly1140that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member1120should the motor1082become disabled. The bailout assembly1140may include a lever or bailout handle assembly1142that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth1124also provided in the drive member1120. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member1120by using the bailout handle assembly1142to ratchet the drive member1120in the proximal direction “PD”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 5, the interchangeable shaft assembly1200includes a surgical end effector1300that comprises an elongate channel1310that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge4000therein. The end effector1300may further include an anvil2000that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel1310. The interchangeable shaft assembly1200may further include an articulation joint3020and an articulation lock2140which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector1300in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA. Examples of various features of at least one form of the end effector1300, the articulation joint3020and articulation locks may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen inFIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly1200can further include a proximal housing or nozzle1201comprised of nozzle portions1202and1203.

The interchangeable shaft assembly1200can further include a closure system or closure member assembly3000which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil2000of the end effector1300. The shaft assembly1200can include a spine1210that is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member therein and, two, slidably support the closure member assembly3000which extends around the spine1210. As can be seen inFIG. 5, a distal end1212of spine1210terminates in an upper lug mount feature1270and in a lower lug mount feature1280. The upper lug mount feature1270is formed with a lug slot1272therein that is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link1274therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature1280is formed with a lug slot1282therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower mounting link1284therein. The upper mounting link1274includes a pivot socket1276therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin1292that is formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer1290that is attached to a proximal end portion1312of the elongate channel1310. The lower mounting link1284includes lower pivot pin1286that adapted to be received within a pivot hole1314formed in the proximal end portion1312of the elongate channel1310. SeeFIG. 5. The lower pivot pin1286is vertically aligned with the pivot socket1276to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector1300may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA. SeeFIG. 2.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector1300is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA by an articulation system2100. In one form, the articulation system2100includes proximal articulation driver2102that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link2120. As can be most particularly seen inFIG. 5, an offset attachment lug2114is formed on a distal end2110of the proximal articulation driver2102. A pivot hole2116is formed in the offset attachment lug2114and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin2124formed on the proximal end2122of the articulation link2120. A distal end2126of the articulation link2120includes a pivot hole2128that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel pin1317formed on the proximal end portion1312of the elongate channel1310. Thus, axial movement of proximal articulation driver2102will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate channel1310to thereby cause the surgical end effector1300to articulate about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine1210. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the articulation system2100may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein including U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver2102can be held in position by an articulation lock2140when the proximal articulation driver2102is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions. Additional details regarding an example of an articulation lock2140may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.

In various circumstances, the spine1210can comprise a proximal end1211which is rotatably supported in a chassis1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end1211of the spine1210has a thread1214formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing1216configured to be supported within the chassis1240. SeeFIG. 4. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine1210to the chassis1240such that the spine1210may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis1240.

Referring primarily toFIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly1200includes a closure shuttle1250that is slidably supported within the chassis1240such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. The closure shuttle1250includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks1252that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin1037(FIG. 3) that is attached to the second closure link1038as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly3000comprises a proximal closure member segment3010that has a proximal end3012that is coupled to the closure shuttle1250for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U shaped connector1263is inserted into an annular slot3014in the proximal end3012of the proximal closure member segment3010and is retained within vertical slots1253in the closure shuttle1250. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure member segment3010to the closure shuttle1250for axial travel therewith while enabling the proximal closure member segment3010to rotate relative to the closure shuttle1250about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring1268is journaled on the proximal closure member segment3010and serves to bias the proximal closure member segment3010in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger1032into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle1014.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly1200may further include an articulation joint3020. Other interchangeable shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen inFIG. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment3030is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member segment3010. The articulation joint3020includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly3022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly3022includes an end effector closure tube3050having upper and lower distally projecting tangs3052,3054. An upper double pivot link3056includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang3052and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper distally projecting tang3032on the distal closure tube segment3030. A lower double pivot link3058includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang3054and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang3034. SeeFIGS. 4 and 5. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure member assembly3000is translated distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil2000, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger1032. The anvil2000is opened by proximally translating the closure member assembly3000which causes the end effector closure tube3050to interact with the anvil2000and pivot it to an open position.

As was also indicated above, the interchangeable shaft assembly1200further includes a firing member1900that is supported for axial travel within the spine1210. The firing member1900includes an intermediate firing shaft portion1222that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar1910. The intermediate firing shaft portion1222may include a longitudinal slot1223in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab1912on the proximal end of the distal knife bar1910. The longitudinal slot1223and the proximal end tab1912can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint1914. The slip joint1914can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion1222of the firing member1900to be moved to articulate the end effector1300without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar1910. Once the end effector1300has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion1222can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot1223comes into contact with the tab1912in order to advance the knife bar1910and fire the staple cartridge4000positioned within the channel1310. The knife bar1910includes a knife portion1920that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge1922and includes an upper anvil engagement tab1924and lower channel engagement tabs1926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references incorporated herein by reference.

As can be seen inFIG. 4, the shaft assembly1200further includes a switch drum1500that is rotatably received on proximal closure member segment3010. The switch drum1500comprises a hollow shaft segment1502that has a shaft boss formed thereon for receive an outwardly protruding actuation pin therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin extends through a longitudinal slot provided in the lock sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve when it is engaged with the articulation driver. A rotary torsion spring1420is configured to engage the boss on the switch drum1500and a portion of the nozzle housing1203to apply a biasing force to the switch drum1500. The switch drum1500can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings1506defined therein which can be configured to receive circumferential mounts extending from the nozzle portions1202,1203and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum1500and the nozzle1201. The mounts also extend through openings3011in the proximal closure member segment3010to be seated in recesses1219in the spine1210. Rotation of the switch drum1500about the shaft axis SA will ultimately result in the rotation of the actuation pin and the lock sleeve between its engaged and disengaged positions. In one arrangement, the rotation of the switch drum1500may be linked to the axial advancement of the closure tube or closure member. Thus, in essence, actuation of the closure system may operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK and U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, when the closure member segment3010is in its proximal-most position corresponding to a “jaws open” position, the closure member segment3010will have positioned the switch drum1500so as to link the articulation system with the firing drive system. When, the closure tube has been moved to its distal position corresponding to a “jaws closed” position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum1500to a position wherein the articulation system is delinked from the firing drive system.

As also illustrated inFIG. 4, the shaft assembly1200can comprise a slip ring assembly1600which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector1300and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector1300, for example. The slip ring assembly1600can comprise a proximal connector flange1604that is mounted to a chassis flange1242that extends from the chassis1240and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housings. The proximal connector flange1604can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange can comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange1604about the shaft axis SA. The proximal connector flange1604can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined in the first face thereof. A connector can be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the proximal connector flange1604and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange1604can include an electrical connector1606which can place the conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board1610mounted to the shaft chassis1240, for example. In at least one instance, a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector1606and the shaft circuit board1610. The electrical connector1606may extend proximally through a connector opening1243defined in the chassis flange1242. SeeFIG. 4. Further details regarding slip ring assembly1600may 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, 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, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly1200can include a proximal portion which is fixably mounted to the handle1014and a distal portion which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly1600, as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly1600can be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Moreover, further to the above, the switch drum1500can also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum1500can be rotated synchronously with one another. In addition, the switch drum1500can be rotated between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switch drum1500is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector1300of the shaft assembly1200. When the switch drum1500is in its second position, the articulation drive system may be operably engaged with the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may articulate the end effector1300of the shaft assembly1200. When the switch drum1500is moved between its first position and its second position, the switch drum1500is moved relative to distal connector flange. In various instances, the shaft assembly1200can comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum1500.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the chassis1240includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions1244formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots1702formed within a distal attachment flange portion1700of the frame1020. SeeFIG. 3. Each dovetail slot1702may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped to seatingly receive the attachment portions1244therein. As can be further seen inFIG. 4, a shaft attachment lug1226is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft portion1222. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly1200is coupled to the handle1014, the shaft attachment lug1226is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle1126formed in a distal end1125of the longitudinal drive member1120. SeeFIG. 3.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system1710for removably coupling the shaft assembly1200to the housing1012and more specifically to the frame1020. As can be seen inFIG. 4, for example, in at least one form, the latch system1710includes a lock member or lock yoke1712that is movably coupled to the chassis1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke1712has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs1714. The legs1714each have a pivot lug1715formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes1245formed in the chassis1240. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke1712to the chassis1240. The lock yoke1712may include two proximally protruding lock lugs1716that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves1704in the distal attachment flange portion1700of the frame1020. SeeFIG. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke1712is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke1712may be accomplished by a latch button1722that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly1720that is mounted to the chassis1240. The latch button1722may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke1712may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button in the distal direction which also causes the lock yoke1712to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange portion1700of the frame1020. When the lock yoke1712is in “retaining engagement” with the distal attachment flange portion1700of the frame1020, the lock lugs1716are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves1704in the distal attachment flange portion1700.

When employing an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector of the type described herein that is adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use the clinician may actuate the closure trigger1032to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector1300in a desired orientation, the clinician may then fully actuate the closure trigger1032to close the anvil2000and clamp the target tissue in position for cutting and stapling. In that instance, the first drive system1030has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector1300, it may be desirable to prevent the inadvertent detachment of the shaft assembly1200from the housing1012. One form of the latch system1710is configured to prevent such inadvertent detachment.

As can be most particularly seen inFIG. 4, the lock yoke1712includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks1718that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions1256that are formed on the closure shuttle1250. When the closure shuttle1250is in an unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system1030is unactuated and the anvil2000is open), the lock yoke1712may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly1200from the housing1012. When in that position, the lock hooks1718do not contact the lock lug portions1256on the closure shuttle1250. However, when the closure shuttle1250is moved to an actuated position (i.e., the first drive system1030is actuated and the anvil2000is in the closed position), the lock yoke1712is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke1712to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke1712was inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks1718on the lock yoke1712will contact the lock lug portions1256on the closure shuttle1250and prevent movement of the lock yoke1712to an unlocked position.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly1200to the handle1014will now be described. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis1240of the interchangeable shaft assembly1200above or adjacent to the distal attachment flange portion1700of the frame1020such that the tapered attachment portions1244formed on the chassis1240are aligned with the dovetail slots1702in the frame1020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly1200along an installation axis that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions1244in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug1226on the intermediate firing shaft portion1222will also be seated in the cradle1126in the longitudinally movable drive member1120and the portions of the pin1037on the second closure link1038will be seated in the corresponding hooks1252in the closure shuttle1250. 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.

At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly1200can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle1014. A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly1200with the frame1020of the handle1014. Another system can comprise a closure drive system1030which can operably connect the closure trigger1032of the handle1014and the closure tube1260and the anvil2000of the shaft assembly1200. As outlined above, the closure shuttle1250of the shaft assembly1200can be engaged with the pin1037on the second closure link1038. Another system can comprise the firing drive system1080which can operably connect the firing trigger1130of the handle1014with the intermediate firing shaft portion1222of the shaft assembly1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug1226can be operably connected with the cradle1126of the longitudinal drive member1120. Another system can comprise an electrical system which can signal to a controller in the handle1014, such as microcontroller, for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly1200, for example, has been operably engaged with the handle1014and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly1200and the handle1014. For instance, the shaft assembly1200can include an electrical connector1810that is operably mounted to the shaft circuit board1610. The electrical connector1810is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector1800on the handle control board1100. Further details regaining the circuitry and control systems 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. 14/226,142, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, the entire disclosures of each which were previously incorporated by reference herein. The fifth system may consist of the latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly1200to the handle1014.

The anvil2000in the illustrated example includes an anvil body2002that terminates in an anvil mounting portion2010. The anvil mounting portion2010is movably or pivotably supported on the elongate channel1310for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion2012extends laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion2010to be received in a corresponding trunnion cradle1316formed in the upstanding walls1315of the proximal end portion1312of the elongate channel1310. The anvil trunnions2012are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion cradle1316by the channel cap or anvil retainer1290. The channel cap or anvil retainer1290includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or notches formed in the upstanding walls1315of the proximal end portion1312of the elongate channel1310. SeeFIG. 5.

Still referring toFIG. 5, in at least one arrangement, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube3050employs two axially offset, proximal and distal positive jaw opening features3060and3062. The positive jaw opening features3060,3062are configured to interact with corresponding relieved areas and stepped portions formed on the anvil mounting portion2010as described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure which has been herein incorporated by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.

FIGS. 6-8depict a previous surgical cutting and fastening instrument5010that is configured to generate rotary drive motions for operating a surgical end effector5012. The endoscopic surgical instrument5010comprises a handle5006, a shaft5008, and an articulating surgical end effector5012pivotally connected to the shaft5008at an articulation pivot5014. An articulation control5016may be provided adjacent to the handle5006to effect rotation of the end effector5012about the articulation pivot5014. It will be appreciated that various embodiments may include a non-pivoting end effector, and therefore may not have an articulation pivot5014or articulation control5016.

The handle5006of the instrument5010may include a closure trigger5018and a firing trigger5020for actuating the end effector5012. It will be appreciated that instruments having end effectors directed to different surgical tasks may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating the end effector5012. In one embodiment, a clinician or operator of the instrument5010may articulate the end effector5012relative to the shaft5008by utilizing the articulation control5016, as described in more detail in pending U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The end effector5012includes in this example, among other things, a staple channel5022and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil5024, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the end effector5012. The handle5006includes a pistol grip5026toward which the closure trigger5018is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of the anvil5024towards the staple channel5022of the end effector5012to thereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil5024and channel5022.

In the arrangement depicted inFIG. 7, the end effector5012includes, in addition to the previously-mentioned channel5022and anvil5024, a cutting instrument5032, a sled5033, a staple cartridge5034that is removably seated in the channel5022, and a helical screw shaft5036. The cutting instrument5032may be, for example, a knife. The anvil5024includes pivot pins5025that are movably supported in corresponding slots in the channel5022. In one arrangement, the anvil5024includes a tab5027at its proximate end that is inserted into a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil5024.

Still referring toFIG. 7, the shaft5008includes a proximal closure tube5040and a distal closure tube5042pivotably linked by a pivot link5044. The distal closure tube5042includes an opening5045into which the tab5027on the anvil5024is inserted in order to open and close the anvil5024, as further described below. Disposed inside the closure tubes5040,5042may be a proximate spine tube5046. Disposed inside the proximate spine tube5046may be a main rotational (or proximate) drive shaft5048that communicates with a secondary (or distal) drive shaft5050via a bevel gear assembly5052a-c. The secondary drive shaft5050is connected to a drive gear5054that engages a proximate drive gear5056of the helical screw shaft5036. The vertical bevel gear5052bmay sit and pivot in an opening5057in the distal end of the proximate spine tube5046. A distal spine tube5058may be used to enclose the secondary drive shaft5050and the drive gears5054,5056. Collectively, the main drive shaft5048, the secondary drive shaft5050, and the articulation assembly (e.g., the bevel gear assembly5052a-c) are sometimes referred to herein as the “main drive shaft assembly.”

A bearing5038, positioned at a distal end of the staple channel5022, receives the helical screw shaft5036, allowing the helical screw shaft5036to freely rotate with respect to the channel5022. The helical screw shaft5036may interface a threaded opening (not shown) of the knife5032such that rotation of the helical screw shaft5036causes the knife5032to translate distally or proximately (depending on the direction of the rotation) through the staple channel5022.

Turning next toFIG. 8, the handle5006includes exterior lower side pieces5059,5060and nozzle pieces5061,5062that fit together to form, in general, the exterior of the handle5006. A battery5064, such as a Li ion battery, may be provided in the pistol grip5026of the handle5006. The battery5064powers a motor5065disposed in an upper portion of the pistol grip portion5026of the handle5006. The motor5065may drive a 90° bevel gear assembly5066comprising a first bevel gear5068and a second bevel gear5070. The bevel gear assembly5066may drive a planetary gear assembly5072. The planetary gear assembly5072may include a pinion gear5074connected to a drive shaft5076. The pinion gear5074may drive a mating ring gear5078that drives a helical gear drum5080via a drive shaft. A ring5084may be threaded on the helical gear drum5080. Thus, when the motor5065rotates, the ring5084is caused to travel along the helical gear drum5080by means of the interposed bevel gear assembly5066, planetary gear assembly5072and ring gear5078.

The handle5006may include a middle handle piece5104adjacent to the upper portion of the firing trigger5020. The handle5006also may comprise a bias spring5112connected between posts on the middle handle piece5104and the firing trigger5020. The bias spring5112may bias the firing trigger5020to its fully open position. In that way, when the operator releases the firing trigger5020, the bias spring5112will pull the firing trigger5020to its open position. The distal end of the helical gear drum5080includes a distal drive shaft5120that drives a ring gear5122, which mates with a pinion gear5124. The pinion gear5124is connected to the main drive shaft5048of the main drive shaft assembly. In that way, rotation of the motor5065causes the main drive shaft assembly to rotate, which causes actuation of the end effector5012. The ring5084threaded on the helical gear drum5080may include a post5086that is disposed within a slot5088of a slotted arm5090. The slotted arm5090has an opening5092in its opposite end5094that receives a pivot pin5096that is connected between the handle exterior side pieces5059,5060. The pivot pin5096is also disposed through an opening5100in the firing trigger5020and an opening5102in the middle handle piece5104.

The middle handle piece5104includes a backside shoulder5106that engages the slotted arm5090. The middle handle piece5104also has a forward motion stop5107that engages the firing trigger5020. The movement of the slotted arm5090is controlled by rotation of the motor5065. When the slotted arm5090rotates counter clockwise as the ring5084travels from the proximate end of the helical gear drum5080to the distal end, the middle handle piece5104will be free to rotate counter clockwise. Thus, as the user draws in the firing trigger5020, the firing trigger5020will engage the forward motion stop5107of the middle handle piece5104, causing the middle handle piece5104to rotate counter clockwise. Due to the backside shoulder5106engaging the slotted arm5090, however, the middle handle piece5104will only be able to rotate counter clockwise as far as the slotted arm5090permits. In that way, if the motor5065should stop rotating for some reason, the slotted arm5090will stop rotating, and the user will not be able to further draw in the firing trigger5020because the middle handle piece5104will not be free to rotate counter clockwise due to the slotted arm5090.

Components of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) the anvil5024of the end effector5012by retracting the closure trigger5018are also shown inFIG. 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system includes a yoke5250connected to the closure trigger5018. A pivot pin5252is inserted through aligned openings in both the closure trigger5018and the yoke5250such that they both rotate about the same point. The distal end of the yoke5250is connected, via a pin5254, to a first closure bracket5256. The first closure bracket5256connects to a second closure bracket5258. Collectively, the closure brackets5256,5258define an opening in which the proximate end of the proximal closure tube5040(seeFIG. 7) is seated and held such that longitudinal movement of the closure brackets5256,5258causes longitudinal motion by the proximal closure tube5040. The instrument5010also includes a closure drive shaft5260disposed inside the proximal closure tube5040. The closure drive shaft5260may include a window5261into which a post5263on one of the handle exterior pieces, such as exterior lower side piece5059in the illustrated embodiment, is disposed to fixedly connect the closure drive shaft5260to the handle5006. In that way, the proximal closure tube5040is capable of moving longitudinally relative to the closure drive shaft5260. The closure drive shaft5260may also include a distal collar5267that fits into a cavity in proximate spine tube5046and is retained therein by a cap.

In operation, when the yoke5250rotates due to retraction of the closure trigger5018, the closure brackets5256,5258cause the proximal closure tube5040to move distally (i.e., away from the handle end of the instrument5010), which causes the distal closure tube5042to move distally, which causes the anvil5024to rotate about the pivot pins5025into the clamped or closed position. When the closure trigger5018is unlocked from the locked position, the proximal closure tube5040is caused to slide proximately, which causes the distal closure tube5042to slide proximately, which, by virtue of the tab5027being inserted in the opening5045of the distal closure tube5042, causes the anvil5024to pivot about the pivot pins5025into the open or unclamped position. In that way, by retracting and locking the closure trigger5018, an operator may clamp tissue between the anvil5024and channel5022, and may unclamp the tissue following the cutting/stapling operation by unlocking the closure trigger5018from the locked position. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the existing surgical instrument5010may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other rotary drive arrangements configured for use with various forms of robotic systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0287251, entitled STAPLING END EFFECTOR CONFIGURED TO COMPENSATE FOR AN UNEVEN GAP BETWEEN A FIRST JAW AND A SECOND JAW, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIGS. 9-16depict a surgical end effector20012that may be used for example in connection with the powered surgical instrument5010described above. The surgical end effector20012may also be effective employed with various other rotary powered or robotically powered surgical systems which are disclosed in the various references incorporated herein by reference. Those components shown inFIGS. 9-16that are identical to the components of the powered surgical instrument5010have been labeled with like component numbers. In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector20012comprises an elongate channel20020that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge20040therein. The elongate channel20020is similar to channel5022described above, except for the noted differences. Turning toFIG. 10, the elongate channel20020comprises a pair of spaced upstanding walls20022and a bottom20024. A helical screw shaft5036is supported in the channel20020by a bearing5038which enables the helical screw shaft5036to freely rotate with respect to the channel20020. The surgical end effector20012further comprises an anvil5024that has pivot pins or trunnions5025that are received in corresponding slots20026provided in the upstanding channel walls20022.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple cartridge20040includes an elongate cartridge body20042that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel20020. The cartridge body20042includes a cartridge slot20050that extends from a proximal end portion20046to a distal end portion20044of the cartridge body20042. The cartridge body20042further comprises a cartridge deck surface20043that confronts a staple-forming undersurface5029of the anvil5024when the cartridge20040is seated in the channel20020and the anvil5024is pivoted to a closed position. Also in the illustrated example, three lines of surgical staple pockets20052are formed on each side of the cartridge slot20050and open through the cartridge deck surface20043. Each staple pocket20052may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon.

Still referring toFIG. 10, the staple cartridge20040further includes a camming assembly20060that comprises a camming assembly body20062that has a passage20064therethrough that is configured to straddle the helical screw shaft5036without affecting the rotation thereof. In other embodiments, the camming assembly20060may have a series of internal threads (not shown) that are configured to threadably engage the helical screw shaft5036to be driven thereby. In such arrangements, for example, the helical screw shaft5036may be provided with an unthreaded portion that corresponds to a starting position of the camming assembly20060. Such camming assembly arrangements are further described in various references that have been herein incorporated by reference. In the illustrated example, the camming assembly20060is driven distally through the cartridge body20042by a firing member20120.

As can further be seen inFIG. 10, the camming assembly body20062includes a series of cam members20066that are aligned with corresponding staple drivers supported in lines within the staple cartridge body20042. In the illustrated example, the camming assembly20060includes an onboard tissue cutting member or blade20068. The tissue cutting member20068extends above the deck surface20043so that as the camming assembly20060is driven distally, the tissue cutting member20068cuts the tissue that is clamped between the anvil5024and the staple cartridge20040. When the staple cartridge is “fresh” or new (i.e., the cartridge has never been fired and contains staples or fasteners therein ready to be fired), the camming assembly20060is in a starting position within the cartridge20040. When the camming assembly20060is in the starting position, the tissue cutting member20068is located within a garage portion20048formed on the proximal end portion20046of the cartridge body20042to prevent injury when handling the fresh cartridge20040. In one aspect, the cam members20066extend distally beyond the tissue cutting member20068such that the staples or fasteners are deployed through the tissue before the tissue cutting member20068cuts through the tissue. Thus, the clamped tissue is stapled and thereafter cut as the firing member20120and camming assembly20060are driven distally. Once the firing member20120and the camming assembly20060have been driven into their distal-most ending positions, the firing member20120may be retracted back to its starting position by rotating the helical screw shaft5036in a reverse rotary direction while the camming assembly20060remains in its ending position. In at least one arrangement, the tissue cutting member20068is movable from a deployed cutting position to a storage position wherein the tissue cutting member20068is stored below the cartridge deck surface20043to prevent injury when handling the fired or spent cartridge20040. For example, a retraction member (not shown) may be strategically located in the distal end20044of the cartridge body20042to contact and move the tissue cutting member20068from the deployed position to the storage position when a portion of the tissue cutting member20068is brought into contact with the retraction member.

FIG. 11depicts one form of a firing member20120. As can be seen inFIG. 11, the firing member20120comprises a body portion20122that includes two downwardly extending hollow mounting portions20124that are unthreaded and spaced from each other to receive a threaded drive nut20130therebetween. The threaded drive nut20130is configured to threadably engage the helical screw shaft5036. The drive nut20130includes a vertical tab portion20131that is sized to extend through an axial slot20025(FIG. 10) in the bottom20024of the elongate channel20020. Two laterally extending retention flanges20134are formed on the threaded drive nut20130and are configured to engage the bottom20024of the elongate channel20020. In addition, two laterally extending anvil engagement tabs20126are formed on the top of the firing member body20122and are configured to engage corresponding ledges20102formed in the anvil5024as the firing member20120is axially moved within the surgical end effector20012.

As can also be seen inFIG. 11, the firing member20120may also be equipped with an onboard firing member lockout assembly20140that comprises a lockout member20142that is pivotally coupled to the firing member body20122. The lockout member20142includes a sled latch20148that is configured to be engaged by the camming assembly20060when the camming assembly20060is in an unfired position. As can be seen inFIGS. 12 and 13, the camming assembly20060includes a firing member ledge20061configured to engage the sled latch20148on the lockout member20142. A lockout spring20150is mounted in the elongate channel20020and is configured to bias the lockout member20142downward such that if the camming assembly20060is not in its unfired starting position, the lockout member20142contacts lockout lugs20028that are formed on portions of the inside surface of each upstanding sidewall20022of the elongate channel20020. SeeFIG. 15. When in that position, should the user inadvertently attempt to distally advance the firing member20120, the lockout member20142contacts the lockout lugs20028on the channel20020to prevent the distal advancement of the firing member20120.

FIG. 12illustrates the initial insertion of a fresh unfired surgical staple cartridge20040into the channel20020. As can be seen inFIG. 12, the camming assembly20060is in a starting position and the proximal end portion20046of the surgical staple cartridge20040is inserted at an angle relative to the channel20020and then pushed in the proximal direction PD until the firing member ledge20061on the camming assembly20060unlockingly engages the sled latch portion20148of the lockout member20142.FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate the surgical staple cartridge20040in a properly installed position. As can be seen inFIG. 13, the firing member lockout assembly20140is in an unlocked position. Rotary actuation of the helical screw shaft5036in a first rotary direction will cause the firing member20120to move distally in the distal direction DD. As the firing member20120moves distally, the camming assembly20060is also driven distally thereby. The cam members20066cam the drivers stored in the cartridge20040upward in the cartridge body20042. As the drivers are cammed upwardly, the staples or fasteners supported thereon are driven through the tissue that has been clamped between the anvil5024and the cartridge20040and into forming contact with the staple-forming undersurface5029on the anvil5024. The stapled tissue is then cut by the tissue cutting member20068. Once the firing member20120has been driven to its distalmost position in the cartridge20040, the helical screw shaft5036may be rotated in a second opposite rotary direction to retract the firing member20120back to its beginning position. The camming assembly20060remains in the distal end portion20044of the cartridge body20042. The spent cartridge20040may then be removed from the channel20020.

FIG. 14illustrates the end effector20012after the spent cartridge has been removed from the channel20020. As can be seen inFIG. 14, the spring20150biases the lockout member20142of the firing member lockout assembly20140into locking engagement with the lockout lugs20028in the channel20020. Should the user attempt to fire the surgical end effector20012(distally advance the firing member20120), the lockout member20142will prevent the firing member20120from moving distally. Likewise, should the user attempt to reuse the spent cartridge, because the camming assembly20060is not in the starting position, the firing member lockout assembly20140will prevent the distal advancement of the firing member20120.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lockout member20142is pivotally coupled to the firing member body20122by pivot pins20143that are received in a hole20123extending through the firing member body20122. SeeFIGS. 14 and 16. In at least one arrangement, the pivot pins20143are sized relative to the holes20123in the firing member body20122to facilitate free pivotal travel of the lockout member20142and to account for tolerance differences of the components. As can be seen inFIG. 14, the firing member20120includes a proximally-facing, firing surface20145that is configured to abut a distal-facing bearing surface20125on the firing member body20122when the firing member lockout assembly20140is in the unlocked position. Thus, when the firing member20120is advanced distally, the resistive forces encountered by the camming assembly20060during its distal movement are directly applied to the distal-facing bearing surface20125on the firing member body20122. Such arrangement may prevent the transfer of these resistive forces back to the pivot pins20143, which might cause the pivot pins20143to fail under such load. Similarly, as can be seen inFIG. 16, the proximally-facing angled bearing surface20145of the firing member20120is configured to abut the distal-facing bearing surface20125on the firing member body20122when the firing member lockout assembly20140is in the locked position. Such arrangement may prevent the transfer of the resistive locking forces resulting from the locking engagement of the lockout member20142with the lock lugs20028back to the pivot pins20143, which might cause the pivot pins20143to fail under such load. The loose fit between the pins20143and the hole20123in the firing member body20122facilitate some translation of the lockout member20142when under load to facilitate transfer of the loads into the firing member body20122and not to the pins20143themselves.

In another arrangement, or in addition to the foregoing described lockout member20142arrangement, the amount of current being drawn by the motor used to apply the rotary motions to the helical screw shaft5036is monitored. Once the current increases beyond a predetermined threshold, a control circuit for the surgical instrument or robotic system, etc., may stop the motor to prevent any further rotation of the helical screw shaft5036and movement of the firing member20120to prevent damage to the above-described components.

Some previous firing member lockout arrangements that are configured to prevent advancement of a firing member of the end effector unless a fresh unfired staple cartridge has been properly installed in the surgical end effector, require the user to actively retract the firing member back to is proximal-most beginning position before the anvil is permitted to open. If the user attempts to open the anvil before the firing member is moved back to its proximal-most position, the may not understand why the anvil cannot come open. The above-described arrangement may prevent such confusion.

FIGS. 17-21depict a surgical end effector20300that may be used for example in connection with the powered surgical instrument1010described above. The surgical end effector20300may also be effective employed with various other robotically powered surgical systems which are disclosed in the various references incorporated herein by reference. Those components shown inFIGS. 17-21that are identical to the components of surgical instrument1010have been labeled with like component numbers. Those construction and function of those components of surgical instrument1010that are not necessary to understand the operation of the surgical end effector20300will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

Referring toFIGS. 17-21, the surgical end effector20300comprises an elongate channel20310that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge20600therein. In the illustrated example, the elongate channel20310comprises a channel bottom20312and a pair of upstanding sidewalls20314. The channel20310is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5). As can be seen inFIG. 19, in one arrangement for example, the channel mount feature20340comprises a body portion20342that consists of an upstanding support20344that has a slot20346extending therethrough to receive the firing member beam1900(FIG. 5) therethrough. The channel mount feature20340may be movably or pivotally mounted to a proximal end20316of the channel20310by a channel mount feature, or channel pin20320. In particular, the channel mount feature20320further includes a transverse pin opening20348that is configured to be coaxially aligned with holes20318in the sidewalls20314of the channel20310to receive the channel pin20320therethrough.

As described above, the shaft assembly1200includes a spine1210that terminates in an upper lug mount feature1270and in a lower lug mount feature1280. SeeFIG. 5. The upper lug mount feature1270is formed with a lug slot1272therein that is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link1274therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature1280is formed with a lug slot1282therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower mounting link1284therein. The upper mounting link1274includes a pivot socket1276therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin1292that is formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer1290that is attached to the proximal end portion20316of the elongate channel20310. As can be seen inFIG. 19, the channel mount feature20340further includes a shaft mount flange20350that extends proximally therefrom. In one arrangement for example, the shaft mount flange20350has a centrally disposed pivot hole20352therethrough that may pivotally receive the lower pivot pin1286on the lower mounting link1284of the lower lug mount feature1280(FIG. 5). The lower pivot pin1286is vertically aligned with the pivot socket1276to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector20300may articulate relative to the spine1210. In one arrangement, the proximal articulation driver2102(FIG. 5) may be directly coupled to an articulation lug20354formed on the shaft mount flange20350. In other arrangements, the proximal articulation driver2102may be attached to one or more articulation links that are attached to the shaft mount flange20350. In either case, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver2102in the above-described manner will cause the channel mount feature to pivot about the articulation axis relative to the spine1210(FIG. 5) to articulate the end effector20300about the articulation axis AA.

The surgical end effector20300further comprises an anvil20400that is very similar to anvil2000described above, except for the differences discussed below. The anvil20400includes an elongate anvil body portion20402that has a staple-forming undersurface20404and an anvil mounting portion20410that is configured to interact with the end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil20400is pivotally mounted on the elongate channel20310by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions20412that are received in corresponding elongate trunnion slots20322formed in the upstanding channel walls20314. Axial movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a distal direction will cause the anvil20400to pivot to a closed position about a pivot axis defined by the anvil trunnions20412and movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a proximal direction will cause the anvil to pivot to an open position relative to the elongate channel20310.

FIG. 22illustrates one form of a staple cartridge20600that may be used in connection with the surgical end effector20300. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge20600comprises an elongate cartridge body20602that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel20310. The cartridge body20602includes a cartridge slot20608that extends from a proximal end portion20604to a distal end portion20606(FIG. 17) of the cartridge body20602. The cartridge body20602further comprises a cartridge deck surface20610that confronts the staple-forming undersurface20404of the anvil20400when the cartridge20600is seated in the channel20310and the anvil20400is pivoted to a closed position. Also in the illustrated example, three lines of surgical staple pockets20612are formed on each side of the cartridge slot20608and open through the cartridge deck surface20610. Each staple pocket20612may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body20602is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets20612molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets20612also open through a bottom of the cartridge body20602to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets20612. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets20612, a cartridge pan20620is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body20602. In one form, the cartridge pan20620is fabricated from a metal material and includes a bottom20622that spans across the bottom of the cartridge body20602and two upstanding sidewalls20624that correspond to each side of the cartridge body20602. The cartridge pan20620may be removably affixed to the cartridge body20602by a series of hooks20626that are formed on the sidewalls20624and configured to hookingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body20602. SeeFIG. 22. When installed, the cartridge pan20620may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body20602during handling and installation of the cartridge20600into the elongate channel20310.

As was discussed above in connection with cartridge20040, cartridge20600operably supports a camming assembly therein. The camming assembly comprises a series of spaced cam members that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots20609formed on each side of the cartridge slot20608in the cartridge body20602. The cam slots20609are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body20602to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member as the camming assembly is driven through the staple cartridge20600from a beginning position within the proximal end portion20604of the cartridge body20602to an ending position within the distal end portion20606.

The example illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21also employs a firing member20500that is attached to a distal end of the firing member beam1900and is configured to operably interface with the camming assembly in the staple cartridge20600to driven the camming assembly from its starting position to its ending position within the cartridge20600. In at least one arrangement, the firing member20500is configured to interact with a camming assembly (not shown) in a staple cartridge20600that has been properly installed in the elongate channel20310. For example, the firing member20500includes a firing member body20502that has a tissue cutting surface or blade20504formed thereon or attached thereto. The firing member body20502is sized to axially move within an axial anvil slot (not shown) in the anvil20400as well as the cartridge slot20608in the cartridge body20602and a channel slot (not shown) in the elongate channel20310. A lower foot assembly20506that comprises a pair of laterally extending lower flanges20508extends from a bottom end of the firing member body20502to slidably engage corresponding channel ledges (not shown) that are formed on each side of the channel slot. An upper foot (not shown) that comprises two laterally extending anvil tabs may be formed on an upper end of the firing member body20502and is configured to slidably engage anvil ledges (not shown) that are formed on each side of the anvil slot. In at least one arrangement, the firing member20500further includes a pair of central tabs20510that extend laterally from each side of the firing member body20502.

Still referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, in one arrangement, the firing member body20502is configured with a proximally extending spring tail20512that may be configured to operably interface with a firing member lockout spring20520that is mounted in the elongate channel20310and is configured to bias the firing member20500downward (arrow DN) in the elongate channel20310into a locked position. When in the locked position, the firing member foot20506and/or the central tabs20510are misaligned with corresponding passages in the channel20310and as such, should the user attempt to distally advance the firing member20500when in that locked out state, the firing member20500would not move distally due to such misalignment. That is, the foot20506and/or central tabs20510contact portions of the elongate channel to thereby prevent the distal advancement of the firing member20500. In one arrangement, a sled latch20514is formed on the firing member body20502and is configured to be engaged by a corresponding portion formed on a camming assembly that is operably supported in the surgical staple cartridge20600. When a fresh unfired staple cartridge20600with the camming assembly thereof in its starting position has been operably installed in the elongate channel20310, a portion of the camming assembly engages the sled latch20514on the firing member body20502and moves the firing member20500upward (arrow UP inFIG. 20) into an unlocked position wherein the lower foot assembly20506and/or the central tabs20510are aligned with their respective passages in the channel20310to permit the firing member20500to axially advance therein. As the user distally advances the firing member20500into the cartridge20600, the firing member20500also drives the camming assembly therein which cams the drivers upward to drive the staples or fasteners supported thereon into forming contact with the underside of the anvil. The tissue cutting member20504on the firing member20500then cuts through the stapled tissue. Once the firing member20500has been driven to its distal-most position corresponding to the ending position of the camming assembly, the firing member20500is retracted back to its proximal-most position, leaving the camming assembly in the distal end20606of the cartridge20600. When the firing member20500returns to its proximal-most beginning position, the firing member lockout spring20520once again biases the firing member20500back into its locked position. Thus, should the user inadvertently try to reuse the spent cartridge20600, the camming assembly is not in its starting position which is required to unlock the firing member20500.

The surgical end effector20300may also employ a closure lockout system20700for preventing the anvil20400from being moved from an open position to a closed (clamped) position unless a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge20600has been operably installed in the elongate channel20310. In the illustrated example, the closure lockout system20700comprises an anvil lock20702that is configured to move between an anvil locked position and an anvil unlocked position in response to installation of a staple cartridge20600therein.FIG. 19illustrates one form of an anvil lock20702. The anvil lock20702may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a proximal biasing arm20704that may be configured to be seated in a transverse spring mounting slot20343provided in the body portion20342of the channel mount feature20340. The anvil lock20702further includes a distally extending body portion20706that has a downwardly extending mounting tab20708and an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab20710protruding therefrom. As can be seen inFIGS. 17, 18, and 20the mounting tab20708extends into a clearance window20319that is formed in the elongate channel20310.

FIG. 19illustrates the surgical end effector20300without a surgical staple cartridge installed therein. As can be seen inFIG. 19, the proximal biasing arm20704has biased the anvil lock20702in the distal “anvil locked” position. When in this position, the anvil lockout tab20710is aligned with a portion of an anvil lock lug20414that is formed on the anvil mounting portion20410of the anvil20400. Should the user attempt to close the anvil20400, the anvil lock lug20414will contact the anvil lockout tab20710to thereby prevent any further travel of the anvil20400in the closure direction.

Returning toFIG. 21, in at least one arrangement, the staple cartridge20600includes an anvil unlocking feature or tab20630that protrudes proximally from the cartridge body20602and is aligned to unlockingly engage an actuation tab20712that is formed on the distal end of the anvil lock20702when the cartridge20600has been operably installed in the elongate channel20310.FIG. 20depicts the surgical staple cartridge20600operably installed in the elongate channel20310. As can be seen inFIG. 21, the anvil unlocking tab20630on the staple cartridge body20602has contacted the actuation tab20712of the anvil lockout20702and biased the anvil lockout20702in the proximal direction PD to an unlocked position, wherein the anvil lockout tab20710is no longer aligned with the anvil lock lug20414on the anvil20400. When in that position, the user may pivot the anvil20400to a closed position. Should the user attempt to install an inappropriate cartridge that lacks the anvil unlocking tab20630or similar feature designed to unlocking engage the anvil lockout20702, the user will be unable to close the anvil20400to complete the surgical stapling procedure.

FIG. 23illustrates an alternative closure lockout system20700′ for preventing an anvil20400′ of a surgical end effector20300′ from being moved from an open position to a closed (clamped) position unless a corresponding proper surgical staple cartridge20600′ has been operably installed in the corresponding elongate channel (not shown). The surgical end effector20300′ is substantially identical to surgical end effector20300described above, except for the differences discussed below. The closure lockout system20700′ comprises an anvil lockout20702′ that is substantially identical to anvil lockout20702described above, except for the following differences. For example, the anvil lockout20702may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a distally extending body portion20706′ that has a spring portion20707′ formed therein. A proximal end of the anvil lockout20702′ has an anchor tab20703′ formed thereon that serves to couple the anvil lockout20702′ to the channel mount feature20340(FIG. 19). Additionally, the body portion20706′ includes a downwardly extending mounting tab20708′ and an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab20710′ that protrudes therefrom. An actuation tab20712′ is formed on the distal end of the body portion20706′.

The surgical staple cartridge20600′ is similar to the surgical staple cartridge20600described above and includes a cartridge body20602′ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel20310. The cartridge body20602′ includes a cartridge slot20608′ that extends from a proximal end portion20604′ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body20602′. The cartridge body20602′ further comprises a cartridge deck surface20610′ and three lines of surgical staple pockets20612′ located on each side of the cartridge slot20608′. As can be seen inFIG. 23, the staple pockets20612′, as well as the staples or fasteners therein (not shown) are aligned on pocket axes PA′ that are parallel to the cartridge slot20608′. Thus, the staples/fasteners are applied in lines that are approximately parallel to the cartridge slot20608′ and the tissue cutline. Like surgical staple cartridge20600, surgical staple cartridge20600′ includes a cartridge pan20624′ and an anvil unlocking feature or tab20630′ that protrudes proximally from the cartridge body20602′.

Still referring toFIG. 23, the anvil20400′ is similar to anvil20400, except for the differences discussed below. The anvil20400′ includes an elongate anvil body portion20402′ and an anvil mounting portion20410′ that is configured to interact with the end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil body portion20402′ includes a staple-forming undersurface20404′ that is bisected by an anvil slot20405′ that is configured to accommodate passage of the firing member20500therethrough. As can be seen inFIG. 23, the staple-forming undersurface20404′ comprises three lines of staple-forming pockets20407′ that are arranged on forming pocket axes FPA that are a parallel with the anvil slot20405′. When the anvil20400′ is moved to a closed position, the anvil slot20405′ is vertically aligned with the cartridge slot20608′ to permit passage of the firing member20500therethrough. The lines of staple-forming pockets20407′ are aligned with the staple pockets20612′ such that as the staples are driven from the cartridge20600′, they contact a corresponding pair of staple-forming pockets20407′ to be crimped. Thus, the array of staple-forming pockets in the anvil20400′ must correspond to the array of staple pockets20612′ in the cartridge20600′ to ensure that the staples are properly formed. As can be further seen inFIG. 23, in this arrangement, the anvil20400′ includes a downwardly extending anvil lock lug20414′ that is formed distal to the anvil mounting portion20410′ but is otherwise configured to contact the anvil lockout tab20710′ when the anvil lockout20702′ is in the locked position (e.g., no cartridge has been inserted into the channel20310or an improper cartridge has been seated in the channel20310). When the cartridge20600′ has been properly seated in the elongate channel20310, the anvil unlocking feature20630′ thereon contacts the actuation tab20712′ on the anvil lockout20702′ to bias the lockout20702′ proximally into the unlocked position wherein the anvil lockout tab20710′ is out of locking alignment with the anvil lock lug20414′ to permit the anvil20400′ to be pivoted to the closed position.

FIG. 24illustrates an alternative closure lockout system20700″ for preventing an anvil20400″ of another surgical end effector20300″ from being moved from an open position to a closed (clamped) position unless a compatible surgical staple cartridge20600″ has been operably installed in the elongate channel20310. The surgical end effector20300″ is substantially identical to surgical end effector20300described above, except for the differences discussed below. The closure lockout system20700″ comprises an anvil lockout20702″ that is substantially identical to anvil lockout20702described above, except for the following differences. For example, the anvil lockout20702″ may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a distally extending body portion20706″ that has a spring portion20707″ formed therein. A proximal end of the anvil lockout20702″ has an anchor tab20703″ formed thereon that serves to couple the anvil lockout20702″ to the channel mount feature20340(FIG. 19). Additionally, the body portion20706″ includes a downwardly extending mounting tab20708″ and an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab20710″ that protrudes therefrom. An actuation tab20712″ is formed on the distal end of the body portion20706″.

The surgical staple cartridge20600″ is similar to the surgical staple cartridge20600described above and includes a cartridge body20602″ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel20310. The cartridge body20602″ includes a cartridge slot20608″ that extends from a proximal end portion20604″ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body20602″. The cartridge body20602″ further comprises a cartridge deck surface20610″ and two lines of surgical staple pockets20612″ located on each side of the cartridge slot20608″. As can be seen inFIG. 24, the staple pockets20612″, as well as the staples or fasteners therein (not shown), are aligned on pocket axes PA″ that are transverse to the cartridge slot20608″. Thus, the staples/fasteners are applied in lines that are approximately transverse to the cartridge slot20608″ and the tissue cutline. Such arrangements of fasteners create “flexible” or “stretchable” staple lines. Further details regarding cartridges for developing flexible or stretchable lines of staples may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,121, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,627, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Like surgical staple cartridge20600, surgical staple cartridge20600″ includes a cartridge pan20624″ and an anvil unlocking feature or tab20630″ that protrudes proximally from the cartridge body20602′.

Still referring toFIG. 24, the anvil20400″ is similar to anvil20400, except for the differences discussed below. The anvil20400″ includes an elongate anvil body portion20402″ and an anvil mounting portion20410″ that is configured to interact with the end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil body portion20402″ includes a staple-forming undersurface20404″ that is bisected by an anvil slot20405″ that is configured to accommodate passage of the firing member20500therethrough. As can be seen inFIG. 24, the staple-forming undersurface20404″ comprises lines of staple-forming pockets20407″ that are arranged on forming pocket axes FPA that are transverse to the anvil slot20405″. When the anvil20400″ is moved to a closed position, the anvil slot20405″ is vertically aligned with the cartridge slot20608″ to permit passage of the firing member20500therethrough. The lines of staple-forming pockets20407″ are aligned with the staple pockets20612″ such that as the staples are driven from the surgical staple cartridge20600″, they contact a corresponding pair of forming pockets20407″ to be crimped. Thus, the array of staple-forming pockets20407″ in the anvil20400″ must correspond to the array of staple pockets20612″ in the cartridge20600″ to ensure that the staples are properly formed. As can be further seen inFIG. 24, in this arrangement, the anvil20400″ includes a downwardly extending anvil lock lug20414″ that is formed or attached to the anvil mounting portion20410″ and is configured to contact the anvil lockout tab20710″ when the anvil lockout20702″ is in the locked position (e.g., no cartridge has been inserted into the channel20310or an improper cartridge is inserted in the channel20310). When the cartridge20600″ has been properly seated in the elongate channel20310, the anvil unlocking feature20630″ thereon contacts the actuation tab20712″ on the anvil lockout20702″ to bias the anvil lockout20702″ proximally into the unlocked position wherein the anvil lockout tab20710″ is out of locking alignment with the anvil lock lug20414″ to permit the anvil20400″ to be pivoted close.

As was discussed above, various surgical staple cartridges may have different arrays of and/or orientations of staples/fasteners therein. The sizes of the staples or fasteners, as well as the number of fasteners may vary from cartridge type to cartridge type depending upon a particular surgical procedure or application. To ensure that the staples are properly crimped or formed, the surgical staple cartridges must be used in connection with corresponding anvils that have the proper array of staple-forming pockets therein. Should a “non-compatible” cartridge be loaded into an end effector that has an anvil that is mismatched to the cartridge, the staples may not be properly formed during the firing process which could lead to catastrophic results. For example, the surgical staple cartridge20600′ depicted inFIG. 23is matched to or “compatible with” the anvil20400′ shown inFIG. 23. The surgical staple cartridge20600″ shown inFIG. 24is matched to or compatible with the anvil20400″ shown inFIG. 24. However, the surgical staple cartridge20600″ ofFIG. 24is incompatible with the anvil20400′ shown inFIG. 23, for example.

The closure lockout systems employed in the examples described above may avoid the activation of a mismatched cartridge that has otherwise been loaded into the end effector. For example, the anvil unlocking feature or tab20630′ on the staple cartridge20600′ is located on the left side of the cartridge slot20608′ and is positioned to contact the actuator tab20712′ on the anvil lockout spring20707′ when the cartridge20600′ is properly loaded in the channel20310of end effector20300′. Conversely, the anvil unlocking feature or tab20630″ on the cartridge20600″ is located on the right side of the cartridge slot20608″ and aligned to contact the actuator tab20712″ on the anvil lockout20702″ when the cartridge20600″ is properly loaded in the channel20310. Should the user load cartridge20600″ into the channel20310of the end effector20300′, anvil unlocking feature or tab20630″ on the staple cartridge20600″ will not contact the he actuator tab20712′ on the anvil lockout20702′ to move it into the unlocked position and the user will be unable to pivot the anvil20400′ closed. Likewise, should the user load cartridge20600′ into the channel of the end effector20300″, anvil unlocking feature or tab20630′ on the staple cartridge20600′ will not contact the he actuator tab20712″ on the anvil lockout20702″ to move it into the unlocked position and the user will be unable to pivot the anvil20400″ closed. If the user unwittingly loads another cartridge that lacks the proper anvil unlocking feature or tab that corresponds to the anvil lockout in the end effector, the user will be unable to close the anvil. The location, shape, length, etc. of the anvil unlocking feature(s) or tab(s) on a surgical staple cartridge may vary from cartridge type to cartridge type and be interrelated to the actuator member (size, location, shape, number, etc.) on the correspond anvil lockout located in a corresponding surgical end effector. For example, the anvil unlocking feature or tab may be integrally formed on the cartridge body, be machined or molded into the cartridge body, be attached to the cartridge body, be attached to or integrally formed on the camming assembly of the cartridge or comprise a portion of the cartridge pan, for example. All such variations are contemplated herein and are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

FIGS. 25-29illustrate a surgical end effector21300that is very similar to the surgical end effectors20300,20300′,20300″ described above, except for the differences discussed below. In this embodiment, for example, the end effector21300comprises an elongate channel21310that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge21600therein. In the illustrated example, the elongate channel21310comprises a channel bottom21312and a pair of upstanding sidewalls21314. Although not shown, the channel21310may be coupled to the elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340(described above) which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5). The surgical end effector21300further comprises an anvil21400that may be very similar to anvil20400described above, except for the differences discussed below. The anvil21400includes an elongate anvil body portion21402that has a staple-forming undersurface and an anvil mounting portion21410that is configured to interact with an end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil21400is pivotally mounted on the elongate channel21310by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions21412that are received in corresponding elongate trunnion slots21320that are formed in the upstanding channel walls21314. Axial movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a distal direction will cause the anvil21400to translate distally until the trunnions21412contact the distal ends of their respective trunnion slots21320and pivot to a closed position. Conversely, movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a proximal direction will cause the anvil21400to pivot to an open position relative to the elongate channel21310.

The end effector21300is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge21600that may be substantially the same as the surgical staple cartridge20600, except that the anvil unlocking feature or tab21630comprises a portion of the cartridge pan21620. The anvil unlocking feature21630is configured to operably interact with an axially movable anvil lock21702that is supported by the channel21310. Turning toFIG. 27, the anvil lock21702is supported for axial movement between a distal locked position and a proximal locked position by a guide block21720that is attached to a portion of the channel21310. In one example, anvil lock21702may be formed from metal and the guide block21720may be fabricated from 40% carbon filled Nylon 6/6 and be attached to the sidewall of21314of the channel21310by appropriate adhesive or other fastening means. The guide block21720may define a guide channel21722that is configured to support a locking tab portion21710of the anvil lock21702. The anvil lock21702additionally comprises a vertical body portion21706that has an actuation tab21712formed on a distal end thereof. The anvil lock21702is biased to a distal locked position by an extension spring21730that is attached to the anvil lock21702and the channel sidewall21314. When no cartridge is present, the extension spring21730biases the anvil lock21702into a distal locked position wherein the locking tab portion21710contacts a portion of the anvil21400to prevent the anvil21400from pivoting to a closed position. When a proper or compatible cartridge21600is loaded into the elongate channel21310, the unlocking feature or tab21630of the cartridge pan21620contacts the actuation tab21712on the anvil lock21702to move the anvil lock21702proximally into an unlocked position wherein the locking tab portion21710of the anvil lock21702no longer prevents pivotal motion of the anvil21400. As can be seen inFIG. 25, the anvil unlocking feature21630of the surgical staple cartridge21600is “asymmetric” in design. That is, the anvil unlocking feature21630is only located on one side of a proximal end of the cartridge21600.FIG. 25illustrates an old relief area21315that is present in previous channel arrangements and new relief areas21317,21319that are provided in the channel21310to accommodate cartridge21600therein.

FIG. 30illustrates portions of a surgical end effector21300′ that is identical to end effector21300, except that the end effector21300′ employs an anvil lock21702′ as depicted inFIGS. 31 and 32. In one example, the anvil lock21702′ may be fabricated from 40% carbon filled Nylon 6/6 and include a vertical body portion21706′ that has a locking portion21710′ formed on the upper end thereof. An actuation tab21712′ is formed on a distal end and a gusset21714′ is also employed to provide additional support to the actuation tab21712′. As discussed above, when a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge21600is loaded into the elongate channel21310, the unlocking feature or tab21630of the cartridge pan21620contacts the actuation tab21712′ on the anvil lock21702′ to move the anvil lock21702′ proximally into an unlocked position wherein the locking portion21710′ of the anvil lock21702′ no longer prevents pivotal motion of the anvil21400.

FIG. 33illustrates another surgical end effector22300that employs an anvil lockout system22700. The end effector22300is similar to the end effector20300described above, except for the noted differences. In this embodiment, the end effector22300comprises an elongate channel22310that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge22600therein. In the illustrated example, the elongate channel22310comprises a channel bottom22312and a pair of upstanding sidewalls22314. Although not shown, the channel22310may be coupled to the elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340(described above) which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5). The surgical end effector22300further comprises an anvil22400that is very similar to anvil20400described above, except for the differences discussed below. The anvil22400includes an elongate anvil body portion22402and an anvil mounting portion22410that is configured to interact with an end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil22400is pivotally mounted on the elongate channel22310by a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnions22412that are received in corresponding elongate trunnion slots22320formed in the upstanding channel sidewalls22314. Axial movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a distal direction will cause the anvil trunnions22412to translate distally up the trunnion slots22320to pivot the anvil22400to a closed position. Conversely, movement of the end effector closure tube3050in a proximal direction will cause the anvil22400to pivot to an open position relative to the elongate channel22310.

The end effector22300is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge22600that may be substantially the same as the surgical staple cartridge20600, except that the anvil unlocking feature or tab22630is formed on a right side of a proximal end proximal end portion22604of the cartridge body22602and has a contoured proximal end surface22632. In the illustrated example, the contoured proximal end surface22632has an arcuate shape. The anvil unlocking feature22630is configured to operably interact with an axially movable anvil lock22702of the anvil lockout system22700that is supported by the channel22310. In the illustrated example, the anvil lock22702is supported for axial movement between a distal locked position and a proximal unlocked position within a proximal end portion22316of the elongate channel22310. In the illustrated example, the anvil lock22702comprises an elongate body portion22706that has an anvil lock tab22710formed on a proximal end thereof and configured to lockingly interact with a lock lug22413formed on the anvil mounting portion22410of the anvil22400. SeeFIG. 33. An actuation tab22712is formed on a distal end of the body portion22706. The actuation tab22712has a contoured actuation surface22714formed therein that is configured to substantially match or mate with the contoured proximal end surface22632on the anvil unlocking feature22630. SeeFIG. 34.

In at least one arrangement, a spring or biasing member22730(leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) may be attached to or mounted within the channel22310and configured to bias the anvil lock22702in the distal direction DD to the locked position wherein the anvil lock tab22710thereon is in blocking alignment with the lock lug22413on the anvil mounting portion22410to prevent closing of the anvil22400. When a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge22600is operably loaded into the channel22310, the anvil unlocking feature or tab22630is brought into engagement with the contoured surface22714on the actuation tab22712of the anvil lock22702. The surgical staple cartridge22600is then moved proximally to seat the cartridge22600within the channel22310. As the surgical staple cartridge22600is moved proximally, the anvil unlocking feature22630contacts the actuation tab22712of the anvil lock22702and biases the anvil lock22702proximally into the unlocked position wherein the anvil lock tab22710thereon is moved out of blocking alignment with the lock lug22413on the anvil mounting portion22410to permit the anvil22400to pivot closed. When the surgical staple cartridge22600is removed from the channel22310, the spring22730biases the anvil lock22702distally back to the locked position.FIG. 35illustrates that the contoured proximal end22632of the anvil unlocking feature22630formed on a right side of the proximal end portion22604of the cartridge body22602and the matching contoured surface22714on the actuation tab22712of the anvil lock22702enable the cartridge22600to facilitate unlocking interaction between the unlocking feature22630and actuation tab22712even when the cartridge is installed at an installation angle IA relative to the central axis EA of the end effector22300. SeeFIG. 35.

FIG. 36illustrates the attempted use of an incompatible cartridge22600X that lacks an unlocking feature to move the anvil lock22702from the locked position to the unlocked position. As can be seen inFIG. 36, the lockout tab22710is in blocking alignment with the lock lug22413on the anvil22400to thereby prevent the anvil22400from being closed even after the cartridge22600X has been seated in the channel22310.

FIG. 37illustrates another surgical end effector22300′ that is substantially identical to surgical end effector22300described above, except for the noted differences. The end effector22300′ is configured to operably support a staple cartridge22600′ that is substantially the same as cartridge20600and includes an anvil unlocking feature or tab22630′ that has a contoured proximal end surface22632′. In the illustrated example, the anvil lock22702′ comprises an elongate body portion22706′ that has an anvil lock tab22710′ formed on a proximal end22711′ thereof and configured to lockingly interact with a lock lug22413′ formed on the anvil mounting portion22410of the anvil22400. A distal end22712′ of the anvil lock22702′ includes a contoured actuation surface22714′ formed therein that is configured to substantially match or mate with the contoured proximal end surface22632′ on the anvil unlocking feature22630′ in the manners described above. A spring or biasing member22730′ (leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) may be attached to or mounted within the channel22310′ and configured to bias the anvil lock22702′ in the distal direction DD to the locked position wherein the anvil lock tab22710′ thereon is in blocking alignment with the lock lug22413′ on the anvil mounting portion22410to prevent closing of the anvil22400.

When a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge22600′ is operably loaded into the channel22310′, the anvil unlocking feature or tab22630′ is brought into engagement with the contoured surface22714′ of the anvil lock22702′. The cartridge22600′ is then moved proximally in a proximal direction PD to seat the cartridge22600′ within the channel22310′. As the cartridge22600′ is moved proximally, the anvil unlocking feature22630′ contacts the distal end of the anvil lock22702′ and biases the anvil lock22702′ proximally into the unlocked position wherein the anvil lock tab22710′ thereon is moved out of blocking alignment with the lock lug22413′ on the anvil mounting portion22410to permit the anvil22400to pivot closed. When the cartridge22600′ is removed from the channel22310′, the spring22730′ biases the anvil lock22702′ distally back to the locked position. As can be seen inFIG. 37, when compared to anvil lock22702described above, the anvil lock22702′ has a more robust body portion22706′. In at least one example, a clearance notch22709′ is provided in the body portion22706′ to provide sufficient clearance for the lock lug22413′ when the anvil22400is pivoted to the closed position. In addition, a channel stop22313′ is formed on a bottom22312′ of the channel22310′ and is configured for contact with the proximal end22711′ of the anvil lock22702′ when the anvil lock22702′ is in the unlocked position to prevent the anvil lock22702′ from moving any further proximally to ensure that the lock lug22413′ remains aligned with the clearance notch22709′ in the anvil lock22702′ during closing of the anvil22400.

FIG. 38illustrates another surgical end effector22300″ that is substantially identical to surgical end effector22300described above, except for the noted differences. The end effector22300″ comprises an elongate channel22310″ that includes an anvil22400″ that is pivotally supported thereon. The channel22310″ is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge22600that is compatible with the staple-forming undersurface of the anvil22400″ and employs an anvil locking system22700″ that is configured to prevent closure of the anvil22400″ unless a surgical staple cartridge22600has been operably installed in the end effector22300″. In the illustrated example, the anvil locking system22700″ includes an anvil lock22702″ that comprises a body portion22706″ that has a distal end portion22712″ that is higher than a proximal portion of the body22706″. When the anvil lock22702″ is in its distal-most locked position, a portion of the anvil22400″ contacts the higher distal end portion22712″ to prevent the anvil22400″ from being closed. The distal end portion22712″ of the anvil lock22702″ includes a contoured actuation surface22714″ that is configured to substantially match or mate with the contoured proximal end surface22632on the anvil unlocking feature22630formed on the cartridge22600in the manners described above. A spring or biasing member22730″ (leaf spring, coil spring, etc.) may be attached to or mounted within the channel22310″ and be configured to bias the anvil lock22702″ in the distal direction DD to the locked position wherein the distal end portion22712″ is in blocking alignment with corresponding portion of the anvil22400″ to prevent closing of the anvil22400″.

When a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge22600is operably loaded into the channel22310″, the anvil unlocking feature22630on the cartridge22600is brought into engagement with the contoured surface22714″ on the distal end22712″ of the anvil lock22702″. The cartridge22600is then moved proximally to seat the cartridge22600within the channel22310″. As the cartridge22600is moved proximally, the anvil unlocking feature22630contacts the distal end22712″ of the anvil lock22702″ and biases the anvil lock22702″ proximally into the unlocked position wherein the distal end portion22712″ is moved out of blocking alignment with the corresponding portion of the anvil22400″ to permit the anvil22400″ to pivot to a closed position. When the cartridge22600is removed from the channel22310″, the spring22730″ biases the anvil lock22702″ distally back to the locked position. As can also be seen inFIG. 38, a channel stop22313″ is formed on a bottom22312″ of the channel22310″ and is configured for contact with a proximal end22711″ of the anvil lock22702″ to prevent the cartridge22600from being inserted too far proximally into the end effector22300″.

FIGS. 39 and 40illustrate another surgical end effector23300that is similar to the other surgical end effectors described herein with the exception of the various differences noted below. The end effector23300comprises an elongate channel23310that includes an anvil23400that is pivotally supported thereon. The channel23310is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge22600that is compatible to the staple-forming undersurface of the anvil23400and employs an anvil locking system23700that is configured to prevent closure of the anvil23400unless a cartridge22600has been operably installed in the end effector23300. In the illustrated example, anvil locking system23700comprises an anvil lock23702comprising a body portion23706that has a distal end portion23712. The distal end portion23712of the anvil lock23702includes a contoured actuation surface23714that is configured to substantially match or mate with the contoured proximal end surface22632on the anvil unlocking feature22630that is formed on the cartridge22600in the manners described above. A spring or biasing member23730is mounted within the channel23310and is configured to bias the anvil lock23702in the distal direction DD to a “locked” position.

In the illustrated example, the anvil23400includes an elongate anvil body23402that an anvil mounting portion23410that is configured to interact with the end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in the manner described above. The anvil23400is pivotally mounted on the elongate channel22310by a pair of laterally extending trunnion formations23412that are received in corresponding trunnion slots23320formed in upstanding sidewalls of the channel23310. At least one trunnion formation23412comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe23414that defines an actuator ledge23416. A trunnion pin23418protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe23414and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot23320.

As can be seen inFIG. 39, at least one trunnion slot23320comprises an arcuate actuation portion23322and a locking offset portion23324that is formed at a proximal end23321of the trunnion slot23320.FIG. 39illustrates insertion of a cartridge22600into the elongate channel23310. To install a cartridge22600into the elongate channel23310, the anvil23400is first moved to an open position. This may be accomplished by actuating the closure system to move the end effector closure tube3050(FIG. 5) in a proximal direction PD. As the closure tube3050is moved proximally, it interacts with an opening tab23411formed on the anvil mounting portion23410. As the closure tube3050interacts with the anvil mounting portion23410, the anvil23400translates proximally and starts to pivot open which results in the trunnion formation23412translating down the arcuate actuation portion23322of the corresponding trunnion slot23320and into the proximal end23321of the trunnion slots23320when the anvil23400reaches its fully open position.

During installation of a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge22600into the channel23310, the anvil unlocking feature or tab22630is brought into engagement with the contoured surface23714on the distal end23712of the anvil lock23702. The cartridge22600is then moved proximally to seat the cartridge22600within the channel22310. As the cartridge22600is moved proximally, the anvil unlocking feature22630contacts the distal end23712of the anvil lock23702and biases the anvil lock23702proximally an unlocking distance UD to bring a proximal end23710of the anvil lock body23706into engagement with actuator lobe23414on at least one trunnion formation23412to move the trunnion formation23412into a position wherein the trunnion formation23412can translate up the arcuate actuation portion23322of the corresponding trunnion slot23320when a closing motion is applied to the anvil mounting portion23410. Stated another way, the proximal end23710of the anvil lock23702prevents the trunnion formation23412from entering the locking offset portion23324formed at the proximal end23321of the trunnion slot23320to enable the trunnion formation23412to progress into the arcuate actuation portion23322of the trunnion slot23320.

FIG. 40illustrates an attempted insertion of an incompatible cartridge22600X that lacks the requisite unlocking feature or tab22630to move the anvil lock23702out of the distal locked position. If the user nonetheless seats the incompatible cartridge22600X in the channel23310and then attempts to close the anvil23400, the anvil locking system23700will prevent closure of the anvil23400. For example, to close the anvil23400, the closure system is activated to move the closure tube (or other closure member) distally into operably contact with the anvil mounting portion23410of the anvil23400to apply closure motions thereto. The initial application of closure motions to the anvil mounting portion23410causes the anvil mounting portion23410to move downwardly (arrow DL inFIG. 40) which results in the anvil trunnion formations23412entering the locking offset portions23324formed in the trunnion slots23320. Thus, the anvil trunnion formations23412cannot translate into the arcuate actuation portion23322of the corresponding trunnion slot23320during the application of the closure motion to the anvil23400and the anvil23400is then prevented from closing.

FIG. 41illustrates a portion of an alternative anvil23400′ that comprises an anvil mounting portion23410′ that has trunnion formations23412′ formed thereon. Each trunnion formation23412′ comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe23414′ that defines an actuator ledge23416′ that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system23700in the manner described above. As can be seen inFIG. 41, the actuator ledge23416′ is vertically offset (distance OD) from a bottom surface23415′ of the anvil mounting portion23410′. A trunnion pin23418′ protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe23414′ and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot23320. In this example, the trunnion pin23418′ has a trunnion pin diameter TRD that is approximately equal to the width LW of the actuator lobe23414′.

FIG. 42illustrates a portion of an alternative anvil23400″ that comprises an anvil mounting portion23410″ that has trunnion formations23412″ formed thereon. Each trunnion formation23412″ comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe23414″ that defines an actuator ledge23416″ that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system23700in the manner described above. As can be seen inFIG. 42, the actuator ledge23416″ is coextensive with (e.g., not offset from) a bottom edge23415″ of the anvil mounting portion23410″. A trunnion pin23418″ protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe23414″ and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot23320. In this example, the trunnion pin23418″ has a trunnion pin diameter TRD′ that is approximately equal to the width LW′ of the actuator lobe23414′.

FIG. 43is a partial cross-sectional end elevational view of a surgical end effector24100that comprises an anvil24400that is pivotally supported on an elongate channel24310. The anvil24400comprises an anvil mounting portion24410that has trunnion formations24412formed thereon. Each trunnion formation24412comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe24414that defines a bottom lobe surface24416that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system24700in the manner described above. As can be seen inFIG. 44, the bottom lobe surface24416is vertically offset (distance OD1) from a bottom surface24415of the anvil mounting portion24410. A trunnion pin24418protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe24414and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot24320formed in the elongate channel24310. In this example, the trunnion pin24418has a trunnion pin diameter TRD1that is approximately equal to the width LW1of the actuator lobe24414.

Channel20310comprises a channel bottom24312and a pair of upstanding sidewalls24314. The channel24310may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5).FIG. 45illustrates a portion of a proximal end24316of the channel24310. In one example, each channel wall24314has a trunnion slot24320formed therein. In the illustrated arrangement, a lobe ledge24340is formed in each channel wall24314such that a top surface24342of the lobe ledge24340is coextensive with a bottom surface24321of the corresponding trunnion slot24320. Each trunnion24418is received within a corresponding trunnion slot24320and is free to rotate and translate therein.

Still referring toFIG. 45, a portion of an anvil lock24702of the anvil locking system24700is shown. The anvil lock24702operates in the same manner as the anvil lock20702described above and includes a lockout body24706that has an actuator tab (not shown) that is formed on a distal end thereof that is configured to be contacted by an unlocking feature that protrudes proximally from a compatible cartridge. The anvil lock24702may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a proximal biasing arm24704that may be configured to be seated in a transverse spring mounting slot (not shown) that is provided in the body portion of a channel mount feature (not shown). The anvil lock24702further includes an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab24710that protrudes therefrom that is configured to extend above the corresponding lobe ledge24340and contact a corresponding lobe24414as will be described below.

FIGS. 45 and 46illustrate the anvil lock24702in the locked position wherein the anvil24400is pivoted to an open position. This may occur when no cartridge has been inserted into the channel24310or a non-compatible cartridge (e.g. a cartridge that lacks, among other things, the proper anvil unlocking feature that is necessary to bias the anvil lock spring proximally) has been inserted into the channel24310. Should the user unwittingly attempt to close the anvil24400when the anvil lock24702is in the distal locked position shown inFIGS. 45 and 46, the corresponding lobe24414will contact the anvil lockout tab24710and prevent the anvil24400from pivoting to the closed position.FIGS. 47 and 48illustrate the position of the anvil lock24702in the proximal unlocked position wherein the anvil lockout tab24710is positioned proximal to the lobe24414to permit the lobe24414to pivot to the closed position.

FIG. 49is a partial cross-sectional end elevational view of a surgical end effector24100′ that comprises an anvil24400′ that is pivotally supported on an elongate channel24310′. The anvil24400′ comprises an anvil mounting portion24410′ that has trunnion formations24412′ formed thereon. Each trunnion formation24412′ comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe24414′ that defines a bottom lobe surface24416′ that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system24700′ in the manner described above. As can be seen inFIG. 50, the bottom lobe surface24416′ is coextensive with a bottom surface24415′ of the anvil mounting portion24410′. A trunnion pin24418′ protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe24414′ and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot24320′ formed in the elongate channel24310′. In this example, the trunnion pin24418′ has a trunnion pin diameter TRD2that is smaller than the width LW2of the actuator lobe24414′.

Channel20310′ comprises a channel bottom24312′ and a pair of upstanding sidewalls24314′. The channel24310′ may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5).FIG. 51illustrates a portion of a proximal end24316′ of the channel24310′. In one example, each channel wall24314′ has a trunnion slot24320′ formed therein. In the illustrated arrangement, a lobe ledge24340′ is formed in each channel wall24314′ such that a top surface24342′ of the lobe ledge24340′ is offset vertically from a bottom surface24321′ of the corresponding trunnion slot24320′ an offset distance OSD. Offset distance OSD may be approximately equal to a distance TSD between the trunnion pin24418′ and the bottom lobe surface24416′. SeeFIG. 50. Each trunnion pin24418′ is received within a corresponding trunnion slot24320′ and is free to rotate and translate therein.

Still referring toFIG. 51, a portion of an anvil lock24702′ of the anvil locking system24700′ is shown. The anvil lock24702′ operates in the same manner as the anvil lock20702described above and includes a lockout body24706′ that has an actuator tab (not shown) formed on a distal end thereof that is configured to be contacted by an unlocking feature that protrudes proximally from a compatible cartridge. The anvil lock24702′ may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a proximal biasing arm24704′ that may be configured to be seated in a transverse spring mounting slot (not shown) provided in the body portion of a channel mount feature (not shown). The anvil lock24702′ further includes an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab24710′ that protrudes therefrom that is configured to extend above the corresponding lobe ledge24340′ and contact a corresponding lobe24414′ as was described above.

FIG. 51illustrates the anvil lock24702′ in the locked position wherein the anvil24400is pivoted to an open position. This may occur when no cartridge has been inserted into the channel or a non-compatible cartridge (e.g. a cartridge that lacks, among other things, the proper anvil unlocking feature that is required to bias the anvil lock spring proximally) has been inserted into the channel24310′. Should the user unwittingly attempt to close the anvil24400′ when the anvil lock24702′ is in the distal locked position shown inFIG. 45, the corresponding lobe24414′ will contact the anvil lockout tab24710′ and prevent the anvil24400′ from pivoting to the closed position. Once a compatible surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector24100′, the anvil lock24702′ will be biased to the unlocked position (see e.g.,FIG. 47) and the anvil24400′ will be free to pivot to the closed position.

FIG. 52depicts a portion of a surgical end effector24100″ that comprises an anvil24400″ that is pivotally supported on an elongate channel24310″. The anvil24400″ comprises an anvil mounting portion24410″ that has trunnion formations24412″ formed thereon. As can be seen inFIGS. 53 and 54, each trunnion formation24412″ comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe24414″ that defines a bottom lobe surface24416″ that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system24700″ in the manner described above. As can be seen inFIG. 53, the actuator lobe24414″, as well as the bottom lobe surface24416″ of the actuator lobe24414″, are located at an angle relative to an end effector axis EA as well as a bottom edge24419″ of the anvil mounting portion24410″ and/or the bottom24312″ of the channel24310″. As further illustrated inFIG. 53, the bottom lobe surface24416″ is parallel to a lobe axis LBA that is located at a lobe angle LA relative to the end effector axis EA. A trunnion pin24418″ protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe24414″ and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot24320″ that is formed in the elongate channel24310″. SeeFIG. 55. In this example, the trunnion pin24418″ has a trunnion pin diameter TRD3that is equal to the width LW3of the actuator lobe24414″.

Referring toFIG. 55, the channel24310″ comprises a channel bottom24312″ and a pair of upstanding sidewalls24314″. The channel24310″ may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5) in the various manners described herein.FIG. 55illustrates a portion of a proximal end24316″ of the channel24310″. In one example, each channel wall24314″ has a trunnion slot24320″ formed therein. In the illustrated arrangement, a lobe ledge24340″ is formed in each channel wall24314″ such that a proximal surface portion24344″ of a top surface24342″ of the lobe ledge24340″ is coextensive with a bottom surface24321″ of the corresponding trunnion slot24320″. In the illustrated arrangement, the bottom surface24321″ of the trunnion slot24320″ is approximately parallel to the end effector axis EA and/or the bottom24312″ of the channel24310″. As can be seen inFIG. 56, a ramped portion24346″ of the top surface24342″ extends distally from the proximal surface portion24344″ at an angle TSA and terminates in a horizontal distal surface portion24348″. In one arrangement, for example, the distal surface portion24348″ is approximately parallel with the end effector axis EA and/or the bottom24312″ of the channel24310″ and the angle TSA=angle LA. However, angle TSA may be different from angle LA in other embodiments. Each trunnion24418″ is received within a corresponding trunnion slot24320″ and is free to rotate and translate therein.

Referring toFIGS. 55 and 56, a portion of an anvil lock24702″ of the anvil locking system24700″ is shown. The anvil lock24702″ operates in the same manner as the anvil lock20702described above and includes a lockout body24706″ that has an actuator tab (not shown) formed on a distal end thereof that is configured to be contacted by an unlocking feature that protrudes proximally from a compatible surgical staple cartridge. The anvil lock24702″ may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a proximal biasing arm24704″ that may be configured to be seated in a transverse spring mounting slot (not shown) that is provided in the body portion of a channel mount feature (not shown). The anvil lock24702″ further includes an upwardly extending anvil lockout tab24710″ that protrudes therefrom and is configured to extend above the distal surface portion24348″ of the corresponding lobe ledge24340″ and be even or level with the proximal surface portion24344″ of the lobe ledge24340″.

FIG. 55illustrates the anvil lock24702′ in the distal, locked position with the anvil24400″ pivoted to an open position. This may occur when no surgical staple cartridge has been inserted into the channel24310″ or a non-compatible surgical staple cartridge (e.g., a surgical staple cartridge that lacks, among other things, a proper anvil unlocking feature required to bias the anvil lock24702″ proximally) has been inserted into the channel24310″. When the anvil lock24702″ is in that position, the anvil trunnions24418″ are located in the proximal end of their respective trunnion slot24320″ and the bottom lobe surface24416″ of at least one lobe24414″ is resting on the proximal surface portion24344″ of the corresponding lobe ledge24340″ as well as on the anvil lockout tab24710″. Should the user unwittingly attempt to close the anvil24400″ when the anvil lock24702″ is in the distal, locked position shown inFIGS. 52 and 55, the anvil lockout tab24710″ will prevent the lobe24414″ from pivoting downward onto the ramp surface portion24346″ of the lobe ledge24340″ which prevents the anvil24400″ from pivoting to the closed position. SeeFIG. 52. Once a compatible surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector24100″, the anvil lockout feature thereon will bias the anvil lock24702″ proximally into to the unlocked position. SeeFIGS. 56 and 57. When the anvil lock24702″ is in the proximal unlocked position, the anvil lock out tab24710″ is locked proximal to the ramp surface24346″ on the lobe ledge24340″ to thereby permit the lobe24414″ to pivot downwardly thereon which results in the closure of the anvil24400″.

FIG. 58depicts a proximal portion of another anvil24400′″ that is configured to be pivotally supported in an elongate channel24310′″ that is similar to channel24310″ except for the differences discussed below. The anvil24400′″ comprises an anvil mounting portion24410′″ that has trunnion formations24412′″ formed thereon. Each trunnion formation24412′″ comprises a laterally protruding actuator lobe24414′″ that defines a bottom lobe surface24416′″ that is configured to interact with an anvil locking system24700″ in the manner described above. The actuator lobe24414′″ as well as the bottom lobe surface24416′″ of the actuator lobe24414′″ are located at an angle that is the same as the angle LA described above with respect to actuator lobe24414″. A trunnion pin24418′″ protrudes outwardly from the actuator lobe24414′″ and is sized to translate and pivot within a corresponding trunnion slot24320′″ that is formed in the elongate channel24310′″. SeeFIG. 59. In this example, the trunnion pin24418′″ has a trunnion pin diameter TRD4that is equal to the width LW4of the actuator lobe24414′″.

As can be seen inFIG. 59, the channel24310′″ comprises a channel bottom24312′″ and a pair of upstanding sidewalls24314′″. The channel24310′″ may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5).FIG. 59illustrates a portion of a proximal end24316′″ of the channel24310′″. In one example, each channel wall24314′″ has a trunnion slot24320′″ formed therein. In the illustrated arrangement, a lobe ledge24340′″ is formed in each channel wall24314′″ such that a top surface24342′ of the lobe ledge24340′″ is offset vertically from a bottom surface24321′″ of the corresponding trunnion slot24320′″ an offset distance OSD1. Offset distance OSD1may be approximately equal to a distance between the trunnion24418′″ and the bottom lobe surface24416′″. In the illustrated arrangement, the top surface24342′ of the lobe ledge24340′″ is identical to the top surface24342″ of the lobe ledge24340″ and includes a proximal portion24344′ that is parallel to the bottom surface24321′″ of the trunnion slot24320′″ as well as a ramped surface24346′ and a distal surface24348′.

The anvil locking system24700″ works in the same manner to prevent the anvil24400′″ from closing. When no cartridge is present in the channel24310′″ or a non-compatible cartridge (e.g. a cartridge that lacks the proper anvil unlocking feature to bias the anvil lock spring proximally) has been inserted into the channel24310′″ the anvil lock tab24710″ is in its distal-most locked position preventing the corresponding actuator lobe24414′″ from pivoting down onto the ramp surface24346′ thereby retaining the anvil24400′″ in the open position. Once a compatible surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector24100′″, the anvil lockout feature thereon will bias the anvil lock24702″ proximally into to the unlocked position. When the anvil lock24702″ is in the proximal, unlocked position, the anvil lock out tab24710″ is locked proximal to the ramp surface24346′ on the lobe ledge24340′″ to thereby permit the lobe24414′″ to pivot downwardly thereon which results in the closure of the anvil24400′″.

FIGS. 60 and 61illustrate another anvil24400A that is identical in construction and operation to anvil24400described above, except that the trunnion formation24412A is offset vertically from a bottom edge24415A of an anvil mounting portion24410A of the anvil24400AFIG. 62illustrates another anvil24400B that is identical in construction and operation to anvil24400′ described above, except that the trunnion formation24412E is offset vertically from a bottom edge24415E of an anvil mounting portion24410E of the anvil24400B.

The examples depicted inFIGS. 41-62employ trunnion formations that comprise various shapes and configurations of lobe structures that serve to interact with an anvil lock feature such that the interaction between the anvil lock feature and the corresponding lobe structure serves to facilitate positioning of the anvil trunnions within their respective trunnion slots. This positioning of the lob structures permits the anvil to close upon application of closure motions thereto when a compatible surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector. In instances wherein an incompatible surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector, the anvil lock feature will retain the corresponding trunnion formation in a position wherein the anvil will be unable to close even upon application of a closure motion thereto. Thus, the initial positions of the trunnion formations prevent closure, but loading of a proper or compatible surgical staple cartridge into the channel changes positions of the trunnion formations to allow closure to occur. The various lobe features described herein are also generally more robust that previous trunnion arrangements which may lead to improved anvil reliability.

FIGS. 63-69depict a surgical end effector25300that may be used for example in connection with the powered surgical instrument1010described above. The surgical end effector25300comprises an anvil25400that is pivotally supported on an elongate channel25310that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge25600. The anvil25400is movable between an open position and a closed position through interaction with an axially movable closure member in the various manners disclosed herein. In the illustrated example, the anvil25400comprises an anvil body25402and an anvil mounting portion25410. The anvil mounting portion25410comprises a pair of laterally extending trunnions25412that are operably received within corresponding trunnion slots provided in upstanding sidewalls25314of the channel25310in the various manners disclosed herein. As was discussed above with respect to end effector1300, anvil25400may be pivoted between an open and a closed position by interaction with an end effector closure tube3050in the various manners described herein. For example, the end effector closure tube3050may be axially moved by actuation of a closure trigger1032of the surgical instrument1010. In other arrangements, the end effector25300and shaft assembly to which it is attached may operably interface with a robotic system as is described in detail in many of the references which have been incorporated herein by reference. In such applications, the end effector closure tube3050may be axially advanced and retracted through actuation of a closure control system of the robotic system.

In the illustrated arrangement, distal movement of the end effector closure tube3050causes a distal end3051of the end effector closure tube3050to operably interact with a camming surface25411that is formed on the anvil mounting portion25410to cam the anvil25400to a closed position. When the end effector closure tube3050is axially retracted in the proximal direction, the end effector closure tube3050may be configured to interact with various formations, ledges or tabs to apply an opening motion to the anvil25400. Further details may be found in various other references which have been herein incorporated by reference.

The elongate channel25310may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5) in the various manners described herein. The illustrated example also includes a firing member20500(FIG. 20) that is attached to a distal end of a firing member beam1900(FIG. 5) and is configured to operably interface with a camming assembly in a surgical staple cartridge25600that has been loaded into the channel25310. To ensure that a compatible surgical staple cartridge25600has been loaded into the end effector25300prior to closure of the anvil25400, the end effector employs a closure lockout system25700. In the illustrated example, the closure lockout system25700is configured to prevent a distal movement of the end effector closure tube3050unless a compatible cartridge25600has been properly seated within the channel25310. In one example, the closure lockout system25700comprises a closure lock25702that is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to installation of a compatible surgical staple cartridge25600therein.FIGS. 65-69illustrate one form of a closure lock25702that may be fabricated from spring steel or other suitable metal and include a body portion25706that is pivotally pinned to the body portion20342of the channel mount feature20340by a pivot pin25709that extends through a pivot hole25707in the body portion25706. The closure lock25702further includes a proximal biasing arm25704that may be configured to be seated in a slot (not shown) that is provided in the body portion20342of the channel mount feature20340. Such arrangement serves to bias the closure lock25702downward within the channel25310.

As can be most particularly seen inFIGS. 65 and 66, in the illustrated example, the closure lock25702further includes a blocking feature25710that protrudes from a bottom of the body portion25706and extends laterally outward. As illustrated inFIG. 65, when the closure lock25702is in the locked position, the blocking feature25710is positioned to block the distal advancement of the end effector closure tube3050. When the closure lock25702is in the unlocked position as shown inFIG. 66, the blocking feature25710is moved away from the blocking position to permit the distal advancement of the end effector closure tube3050.

Turning toFIG. 67, the closure lock25702further includes an actuator portion25712that extends proximally to be engaged by a closure unlocking feature25630formed on a proximal end25604of a compatible surgical staple cartridge25600. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge25600comprises an elongate cartridge body25602that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel25310. The cartridge body25602includes a cartridge slot25608that extends from the proximal end portion25604to a distal end portion25606(FIG. 64) of the cartridge body25602. The cartridge body25602further comprises a cartridge deck surface25610that confronts a staple-forming undersurface25404of the anvil25400when the cartridge25600is seated in the channel25310and the anvil25400is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 67, the surgical staple cartridge25600may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot25608that open through the cartridge deck surface25610. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body25602is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body25602to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan25620is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body25602. When installed, the cartridge pan25620may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body25602during handling and installation of the cartridge25600into the elongate channel25310. As was discussed above in connection with cartridge20040, cartridge25600operably supports a camming assembly therein. The camming assembly comprises a series of spaced cam members that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots25609formed on each side of the cartridge slot25608in the cartridge body25602. The cam slots25609are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body25602to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member as the camming assembly is driven through the staple cartridge25600from a beginning position within the proximal end portion25604of the cartridge body25602to an ending position within the distal end portion25606.

FIGS. 63 and 68illustrate the surgical end effector25300without a surgical staple cartridge installed therein. As can be seen inFIG. 68, the proximal biasing arm25704has biased the closure lock25702downward in the channel25310which results in the blocking feature25710moving into blocking alignment with the distal end3051of the end effector closure tube3050(locked position). Should the user activate the closure system to move the end effector closure tube3050distally, the blocking feature25710will block the distal advancement of the end effector closure tube3050thereby preventing an application of closure motions to the anvil25400. Returning toFIG. 67, in at least one arrangement, the staple cartridge25600includes an anvil unlocking feature or tab25630that protrudes proximally from the cartridge body25602and is aligned to unlockingly engage the actuation tab25712that is formed on the distal end of the closure lock25702when the cartridge25600has been operably installed in the elongate channel25310. In one example, the unlocking feature25630has a somewhat ramped surface25632that is configured to operably interact with an angled surface25713on the actuation tab25712so that the when the ramped surface25632and the angled surface25713are brought into engagement, the closure lock25702is pivoted in an upward direction. When the closure lock25702is pivoted upward into the unlocked position, the blocking feature25710is no longer in blocking alignment with the end effector closure tube3050. SeeFIG. 66.

FIGS. 64 and 69depict the surgical end effector25300with a compatible surgical staple cartridge25600operably installed in the elongate channel25310. As can be seen inFIG. 69, the ramped surface25632on the unlocking feature25630on the staple cartridge body25602has contacted the angled surface25713(shown inFIG. 68) on the actuation tab25712on the closure lock25702to bias the closure lock25702into the unlocked position. When in that position, the user may distally advance the end effector closure tube3050distally to apply closing motions to the anvil25400. Should the user attempt to install an inappropriate cartridge that lacks the unlocking feature25630in an appropriate position or similar feature designed to unlocking engage the closure lock25702, the user will be unable to distally advance the end effector closure tube3050to close the anvil25400.

FIGS. 70 and 71illustrate a surgical end effector25300′ that comprises an anvil25400′ that is pivotally supported on a channel25310′ and is substantially identical to end effector25300described above except that the closure locking system25700′ employs a different closure lock25702′ that is configured to interact with an unlocking feature provided on a camming assembly25650′ within a surgical staple cartridge25600′. As can be seen inFIGS. 70 and 71, the closure lock25702′ comprises an elongate body25706′ that has a tapered actuator tab portion25712′ on its distal end. The body25706′ is pivotally attached to the channel mount feature20340and a proximal biasing arm25704′ biases the closure lock25702′ within the channel25310′.

FIG. 72illustrates a surgical staple cartridge25600′ that comprises an elongate cartridge body25602′ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel25310′. The cartridge body25602′ includes a cartridge slot25608′ that extends from a proximal end portion25604′ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body25602′. The cartridge body25602′ further comprises a cartridge deck surface25610′ that confronts a staple-forming undersurface25404′ of the anvil25400′ when the cartridge25600′ is seated in the channel25310′ and the anvil25400′ is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 72, the surgical staple cartridge25600′ may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot25608′ that open through the cartridge deck surface25610′. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body25602′ is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body25602′ to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan25620′ is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body25602′. When installed, the cartridge pan25620′ may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body25602′ during handling and installation of the cartridge25600′ into the elongate channel25310′. A camming assembly25650′ is operably supported in the cartridge body25602′. In at least one arrangement, the camming assembly25650′ comprises a series of spaced cam members25652′ that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots25609′ that are formed on each side of the cartridge slot25608′ in the cartridge body25602′. The cam slots25609′ are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body25602′ to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member25652′ as the camming assembly25650′ is driven through the staple cartridge25600′ from a beginning position within the proximal end portion25604′ of the cartridge body25602′ to an ending position within the distal end portion. In at least one example, the camming assembly25650′ includes a closure unlocking feature or tab25660′ that protrudes proximally from the camming assembly25650′ and is aligned to unlockingly engage the actuation tab25712′ that is formed on the distal end of the closure lock25702′ when the cartridge25600′ has been operably installed in the elongate channel25310′ and the camming assembly25650′ is in its unfired beginning position within the cartridge25600′.

Returning toFIG. 71, in one example, the unlocking feature25660′ has a tapered nose portion25662′ that is configured to operably interact with the actuation tab25712′ so that the when the tapered nose portion25662′ is brought into engagement with the actuation tab25712′, the closure lock25702′ is pivoted upward. When the closure lock25702′ is pivoted upward into the unlocked position, a blocking feature25710′ on the closure lock25702′ is no longer in blocking alignment with the end effector closure tube3050.

As can be seen inFIG. 72, the cartridge body25602′ may further include a locking safety25670′ that protrudes proximally from a proximal end of the cartridge body25602′ and adjacent to the tapered nose portion25662′. An upper surface25672′ of the locking safety25670′ is angled to match the tapered nose portion25662′ but when the camming assembly25650′ is in its proximal-most beginning position, the tapered nose portion25662′ protrudes proximally beyond the end of the locking safety25670′.

FIG. 70illustrates an initial insertion of an unfired compatible surgical staple cartridge25600′ into the channel25310′. As can be seen inFIG. 70the tapered nose portion25662′ has made initial contact with the actuator tab portion25712′ on the closure lock25702′. The closure lock25702′ remains biased downward to a locked position wherein the blocking feature25710′ of the closure lock25702′ is in blocking alignment with the distal end3051of the end effector closure tube3050. As the cartridge25600′ is further advanced proximally into a seated position within the channel25310′, the tapered nose portion25662′ on the camming assembly25650′ lifts the actuation tab25712′ upward above the angled upper surface25672′ of the locking safety25670′ to enable the closure lock25702′ to pivot into the unlocked position wherein the blocking feature25710′ is no longer in blocking alignment with the distal end3051of the end effector closure tube3050. When in that position, the user may advance the end effector closure tube3050distally to apply closing motions to the anvil25400′. Thus, in this embodiment, the closure locking system25700′ is actuated by the camming assembly25650′, but only when the camming assembly25650′ is in an unfired beginning position.

FIG. 73illustrates insertion of a staple cartridge25600X wherein the camming assembly thereof is not in a proximal-most unfired position. This may occur when the user attempts to use the staple cartridge25600X that has been previously used, for example. Because the camming assembly is not in its unfired beginning position, the tapered nose portion is absent to begin to bias the closure lock25702′ into an upward position above the closure safety25670′. When the cartridge25600X is fully seated in the channel25310′, the action tab25712′ of the closure lock25702′ is positioned under a lower lock surface25674′. The closure lock25702′ remains in the locked position wherein the blocking feature25710′ thereof is in blocking alignment with the distal end3051of the end effector closure tube3050. Should the user unwittingly attempt to distally advance the end effector closure tube3050to close the anvil25400′, the distal end3051will contact the blocking feature25710′ and the closure safety25670′ will further prevent the closure lock25702′ from pivoting upwardly to an unlocked position under the closure load.

FIGS. 74 and 75illustrate a surgical end effector25300″ that comprises an anvil25400″ that is pivotally supported on a channel25310″ and is substantially identical to end effector25300′ described above. End effector25300″ employs a closure locking system25700″ that comprises a closure lock25702″. As can be seen inFIG. 76, the closure lock25702″ comprises an elongate body25706″ that has an actuator tab portion25712″ on its distal end. The body25706″ includes a lower spring arm25720″ that is mounted within the channel25310″. The lower spring arm25720″ is mounted so as to apply a downwardly biasing force to the closure lock25702″ which will be discussed below. As will also be discussed in further detail below, the closure lock25702″ further includes a vertically extending anvil locking tab25710″ that is configured to lockingly interact with a lock lug25414″ that is formed on an anvil mounting portion25410″ of the anvil25400″. In addition, the closure lock25702″ comprises a proximal biasing spring25704″ which serves to bias the closure lock25702″ in the distal direction DD (FIG. 76). As can be seen inFIG. 74, the elongate channel25310″ may be coupled to an elongate shaft assembly1200(FIG. 5) by a channel mount feature20340which may facilitate articulation thereof about articulation joint3020(FIG. 5) in the various manners described herein. As can be seen inFIG. 76, the proximal biasing spring25704″ is configured to be seated within the transverse slot20343in the body portion20342of the channel mount feature20340.

Similar to the closure of anvil25400′ discussed above, distal movement of an end effector closure tube causes a distal end of the end effector closure tube to operably interact with a camming surface25411″ formed on an anvil mounting portion25410″ of the anvil25400″ to cam the anvil25400″ to a closed position. When the end effector closure tube is axially retracted in the proximal direction, the end effector closure tube may be configured to interact with various formations, ledges or tabs to apply an opening motion to the anvil25400″. Further details may be found in various other references which have been herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 77illustrates a surgical staple cartridge25600″ that comprises an elongate cartridge body25602″ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel25310″. The cartridge body25602″ includes a cartridge slot25608″ that extends from a proximal end portion25604″ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body25602″. The cartridge body25602″ further comprises a cartridge deck surface25610′ that confronts a staple-forming undersurface25404″ of the anvil25400″ when the cartridge25600″ is seated in the channel25310″ and the anvil25400″ is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 77, the surgical staple cartridge25600″ may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot25608″ that open through the cartridge deck surface25610″. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body25602′ is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body25602″ to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. A camming assembly25650″ is operably supported in the cartridge body25602″. In at least one arrangement, the camming assembly25650″ comprises a series of spaced cam members25652″ that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots25609″ that are formed on each side of the cartridge slot25608″ in the cartridge body25602″. The cam slots25609″ are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body25602″ to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member25652″ as the camming assembly25650″ is driven through the staple cartridge25600″ from a beginning position within the proximal end portion25604″ of the cartridge body25602″ to an ending position within the distal end portion. In at least one example, the camming assembly25650′ includes a closure unlocking feature or tab25660″ that protrudes proximally from the camming assembly25650″ and is aligned to unlockingly engage the actuation tab25712″ that is formed on the distal end of the closure lock25702″ when the surgical staple cartridge25600″ has been operably installed in the elongate channel25310″ and the camming assembly25650″ is in its unfired beginning position within the cartridge25600″.

Returning toFIG. 77, in one example, the unlocking feature25660″ has a tapered nose portion25662″ that is configured to operably interact with the actuation tab25712″ so that the when the tapered nose portion25662″ is brought into engagement with the actuation tab25712″, the closure lock25702″ is moved upward against a downward biasing force established by the lower spring25720″. When the closure lock25702″ is pivoted upward into the unlocked position, the anvil locking tab25710″ on the closure lock25702″ is no longer in blocking alignment with the lock lug25414″ on the anvil mounting portion24410″.

FIG. 74illustrates an initial insertion of an unfired compatible surgical staple cartridge25600″ into the channel25310″. As can be seen inFIG. 74, the tapered nose portion25662″ of the camming assembly25650″ has not yet interacted with the actuator tab portion25712″ on the closure lock25702″. The closure lock25702″ remains biased downward to a locked position wherein the anvil locking tab25710″ of the closure lock25702″ is in blocking alignment with the lock lug25414″ on the anvil mounting portion25410″ of the anvil25400″. As the surgical staple cartridge25600″ is further advanced proximally into a seated position within the channel25310″, the tapered nose portion25662″ on the camming assembly25650″ contacts the actuation tab25712″ and biases the closure lock25702″ upward to an unlocked position wherein the anvil locking tab25710″ is no longer aligned with the anvil lock lug25414″. When in that position, the user may close the anvil25400″ by distally advancing the end effector closure tube to apply closing motions to the anvil25400″. Thus, in this embodiment, the closure locking system25700″ is actuated by the camming assembly25650″, but only when the camming assembly25650″ is in an unfired beginning position. Once the surgical staple cartridge25600″ has been removed from the channel25310″, the lower spring25720″ on the closure lock25702″ will bias the closure lock25702″ downwardly back into its locked position wherein the anvil locking tab25710″ is in blocking alignment with the lock lug25414″ on the anvil25400″.

FIG. 78illustrates insertion of a staple cartridge25600X″ that has a camming assembly therein that is not in a proximal-most unfired position. Because the camming assembly is not in its unfired, beginning position, the tapered nose portion is absent to bias the closure lock25702″ upward into the unlocked position. The closure lock25702′ remains in the locked position wherein the anvil locking tab25710″ thereof is in blocking alignment with the anvil lock lug25414″ on the anvil25400″. Should the user unwittingly attempt to close the anvil25400″, the anvil lock lug25414″ will contact the anvil locking tab25710″ on the closure lock25702″ and prevent the anvil25400″ from pivoting to the closed position.

FIGS. 79-83illustrate an alternative cartridge nose assembly25800that may be employed with any of the cartridges and channel arrangements disclosed herein to provide another mechanism for ensuring that a surgical staple cartridge that is inserted into the end effector channel is compatible with the end effector and to provide the user with another visual indicator that the cartridge has been fired. For example, the cartridge nose assembly25800may be employed with the cartridge25600and the channel25310of the end effector25300(FIG. 64). In the illustrated arrangement, cartridge nose assembly25800comprises a nose assembly body25802that is movably coupled to a distal end25606of the cartridge body25602. As can be seen inFIGS. 81 and 82, the distal end portion25606of the cartridge body25602comprises a distally extending tapered portion25605that is adapted to be received within complementary shaped nose notch25804in the nose assembly body25802. In addition, the nose assembly body25802is configured with axial alignment features (not shown) that may be slidably supported in axial grooves25607provided in the distal end portion25606of the cartridge body25602.

As can be seen inFIGS. 83 and 84, a nose retainer latch arm25810extends proximally from an upper portion of the nose assembly body25802into a latch cavity25680formed in the cartridge body25602. The nose assembly body25802is axially movable from a locked position shown inFIGS. 81 and 83to an unlocked position shown inFIGS. 82 and 84. When the nose assembly body25802is in the unlocked position, a retention latch25812that is formed on a proximal end of the retainer latch arm25810engages a retention lug25682that is formed on the distal end portion25606of the cartridge body25602to retain the cartridge nose assembly25800on the distal end25606of the cartridge body25602.

Referring now toFIGS. 81 and 82, the nose assembly body25802further comprises proximally extending nose tab portions25820that are sized to frictionally engage corresponding distal extending channel ledges25317formed on a distal end25315of the channel25310to retain the nose assembly25800in the proximally forward “locked position”. As can be seen inFIGS. 83 and 84, the nose assembly body25802may further include an integral spring arm25830that is configured to interact with a spring lug25684that is formed on the distally extending tapered portion25605of the cartridge body25602. The spring arm25830applies a distal biasing force BF to the cartridge nose assembly25800to increase the frictional force between the nose tab portions25820and the channel ledges25317to retain the cartridge nose assembly25800in the locked position.

In operation, the cartridge nose assembly25800is in the locked position when the cartridge25600is in its unfired state and is ready to be installed in the channel25310. To install the unfired cartridge25600into the end effector25300, the cartridge body25602is placed in the channel25310and then advanced proximally therein to engage the channel ledges25317with the nose tab portions25820as shown inFIGS. 81 and 82. As discussed above, when the cartridge25600is unfired, the camming assembly25650is in its proximal-most beginning position. During the firing process, the camming assembly25650is driven in the cartridge body25602to its distal-most position therein. When the camming assembly25650reaches its distal-most position, a central body portion25651of the camming assembly25650contacts the cartridge nose assembly25800with a sufficient amount of force to overcome the frictional forces FF retaining the cartridge nose assembly25800in the locked position and moves the cartridge nose assembly25800axially into the unlocked position. In the alternative, the user may disengage the cartridge nose assembly25800by pulling it distally to the unlocked position. Once the cartridge nose assembly25800is moved to the unlocked position, the cartridge25600may be removed from the elongate channel25310. In addition, the distally extending cartridge nose assembly25800may provide the user with a visual indication that the cartridge has been fired (spent).

FIGS. 85 and 86illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector26300that employs a firing member26120that may be configured to be distally advanced by a rotary powered firing system or an axial powered (non-rotary powered) firing system. In particular, the firing member26120may be employed in connection with any of the various end effector arrangements and firing drive system configurations disclosed herein, as well as in connection with those end effector and firing drive system configurations described in the various references incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen inFIGS. 85 and 86, the firing member26120comprises a firing member body26122that includes a firing member lockout system26140that comprises a firing member lockout26142that is pivotally attached to the firing member body26122. The firing member lockout26142comprises a lockout body26144that comprises a pair of legs26146that straddle the firing member body26122and are pivotally attached thereto. The lockout body26144further includes a sled latch26148that is configured for contact with a camming sled or camming assembly26650that is operably supported in a staple cartridge (not shown).FIG. 85illustrates the firing member26120in a proximal-most starting position. As can be seen inFIGS. 85 and 86, a firing lockout hole26315is provided through a bottom portion26312of an elongate channel26310of the end effector26300. A lockout spring26150is mounted in the elongate channel26310and is configured to bias the firing member lockout26142downward such that, if a fresh unfired staple cartridge has not been properly loaded into the elongate channel26310, a distal edge26149of the lockout body26144engages an angled distal edge26317of the firing lockout hole26315. When in that position, should the user inadvertently attempt to distally advance the firing member26120, the firing member lockout26142prevents the distal advancement of the firing member26120as shown inFIG. 86.

A fresh, unfired surgical staple cartridge contains a camming assembly26650that is located in a starting or unfired position that is proximal to the lines of staple drivers that are supported in the cartridge body. As used herein, the terms “fresh, unfired” means that the staple cartridge has all of its intended staples or fasteners in their respective unfired positions and the camming assembly is in a proximal unfired starting position. When a fresh, unfired surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongate channel26310, a proximally extending unlocking portion26653on the camming assembly26650engages the sled latch26148on the firing member lockout26142to pivot the firing member lockout26142into an unlocked position wherein the firing member lockout26142does not extend into the firing lockout hole26315in the elongate channel26310.FIG. 85illustrates a camming assembly26650in the starting position and the firing member26120is free to be advanced distally by actuating the firing drive system.

At the completion of the firing process, the camming assembly26650may remain at the distal end of the staple cartridge (i.e., in a “fired” position”) while the firing member26120is retracted back to its starting position wherein the anvil may be opened and the spent cartridge removed from the channel26310. Thus, once a surgical staple cartridge has been spent (e.g., completely fired) the camming assembly26650is not returned to its starting position. As such, if the spent cartridge were to be inadvertently re-installed in the end effector26300, the camming assembly26650is not in a starting position wherein the camming assembly26650can unlock the firing member lockout26142. Thus, the firing member lockout system26140may also be referred to herein as a “spent cartridge lockout system”.

FIGS. 87-90illustrate an anvil26400that is configured to be pivotally supported on the channel26310or a similar channel of the various types disclosed herein. InFIGS. 87-89, the channel has been omitted for clarity. In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil26400includes a cartridge verification system26440that may be configured to prevent firing of an incompatible cartridge that has been otherwise seated in the cartridge. The anvil26400and cartridge verification system26440may be used in connection with a surgical end effector26300that employs a firing member26120that is equipped with an onboard firing member lockout system26140that is configured to prevent the distal advancement of the firing member26120unless the firing member lockout26142has been moved to an unlocked position through interaction with a corresponding camming assembly located in the surgical staple cartridge. The cartridge verification system26440may also be used in connection with surgical end effectors that employ an axially advanced (non-rotary) firing member that is otherwise equipped with a firing member lockout system that is similar to the firing member lockout system26140.

FIG. 90illustrates a portion of a surgical staple cartridge26600that is compatible with the surgical end effector26300. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge26600comprises an elongate cartridge body26602that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel of the end effector26300. The cartridge body26602includes a cartridge slot26608that extends from a proximal end portion26604to a distal end portion of the cartridge body26602. The cartridge body26602further comprises a cartridge deck surface26610that confronts a staple-forming undersurface26404of the anvil26400when the cartridge26600is seated in the channel and the anvil26400is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 90, the surgical staple cartridge26600may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot26608that open through the cartridge deck surface26610. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body26602is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body26602to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan26620is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body26602. When installed, the cartridge pan26620may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body26602during handling and installation of the cartridge26600into the elongate channel26310.

In the illustrated arrangement, the cartridge26600operably supports a camming assembly26650therein. The camming assembly26650comprises a central body portion26652and a series of spaced cam members26654that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots26609formed on each side of the cartridge slot26608in the cartridge body26602. The cam slots26609are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body26602to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member26654as the camming assembly26650is driven through the staple cartridge26600from a beginning position within the proximal end portion26604of the cartridge body26602to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body26602. The central body portion26652includes the proximally extending unlocking portion26653that is configured to engage the sled latch26148on the firing member lock26142when the cartridge26600has been properly loaded into the channel26310. As can be seen inFIG. 90, when the camming assembly26650is in its proximal-most starting position wherein the unlocking portion26653can move the firing member lockout26142to the unlocked position, each of the cam members26654may protrude proximally out of their respective cam slots26609.

Referring now toFIGS. 87 and 91, in the illustrated arrangement, the cartridge verification system26440comprises a cartridge verification member or shuttle member26442that is attached to an underside of an anvil mounting portion26410of the anvil26400. The cartridge verification member26442may be of one-piece construction and include a pair of downwardly extending shuttle legs26444that are bifurcated by a firing member slot26447(FIG. 91) to facilitate passage of the firing member26120therebetween. In other arrangements, the cartridge verification member26442may be of two-piece construction which consists of two separate downwardly extending shuttle legs26444that are separated from each other by a space26448that is configured to accommodate passage of the firing member body26122therethrough. In either case, the shuttle member26442may be fabricated from a compliant polymer or rubber material and be attached to the underside of the anvil mounting portion26410by appropriate adhesive of fastener arrangements.

In the illustrated example, each shuttle leg26444includes a distally protruding sled actuator arm26446. Returning toFIG. 90, the cartridge body26602includes two proximally protruding verification features or cartridge key portions26630that are configured to unlockingly engage the sled actuator arm26446on a corresponding shuttle leg26444when the cartridge26600is operably seated in the channel26310. As will be discussed further below, if the verification features26630are not present to contact the corresponding sled actuator arm26446, the sled actuator arms26446would otherwise contact the protruding cam members26654and push or urge the camming assembly26650distally into a position wherein the unlocking portion26653on the camming assembly26650is no longer in unlocking engagement with the sled latch26148on the firing member lock26142.

Interaction between the cartridge verification system26440and cartridge26600may be understood from reference toFIGS. 87-92.FIG. 87illustrates initial installation of a compatible surgical staple cartridge26600into the end effector26300. Although the channel has been omitted from the drawings, the anvil26400is shown in a fully open position. In the illustrated example, the anvil26400is movably journaled on the channel such that upon application of an initial closure motion thereto from a closure member arrangement of many of the various closure systems described herein, the anvil26400pivots to a partially closed position or intermediate position shown inFIG. 88. When in that position, each sled actuator arm26446is confrontingly aligned with the corresponding verification feature26630on the cartridge body26602. Further application of the closure motion to the anvil26400may also cause the anvil26400to translate distally into a closed position. When the anvil26400moves distally, the verification features26630block the distal movement of the corresponding compliant sled actuator arms26446to prevent the sled actuator arm26446from contacting the proximally protruding cam members26654. Thus, the camming assembly26650remains in its starting position wherein the unlocking portion26653on the camming assembly26650remains in unlocking engagement with the sled latch26148on the firing member lock26142. Thus, the firing member26120is free to move distally through the cartridge26600upon actuation of the firing drive system.

FIG. 92illustrates a cartridge26600X that may be very similar to cartridge26600but is “incompatible” with the surgical end effector26300. For example, the cartridge26600X lacks the verification features or key portions26630of the cartridge26600. In addition, to lacking the verification features or keys26630, the cartridge26600X may also differ from the cartridge26600in the numbers, sizes, locations, etc. of the fasteners contained therein, notwithstanding the fact that the cartridge26600X may have a camming assembly26650that is identical in construction and use as the camming assembly26650employed in cartridges26600.

FIGS. 93-95illustrate insertion of an incompatible cartridge26600X into the surgical end effector26300.FIG. 93illustrates initial installation of an incompatible surgical staple cartridge26600X into the end effector26300. Although the channel has been omitted from the drawings, the anvil26400is shown in a fully open position.FIG. 94illustrates the anvil26400in an intermediate position upon application of an initial closure motion thereto. When in that position, each sled actuator arm26446is confrontingly aligned with corresponding cam members26654that protrude proximally out of their respective cam slots26609. Further application of the closure motion to the anvil26400may cause the anvil26400to translate distally into a final closed position. When the anvil26400moves distally, the sled actuator arms26446contact the proximally protruding cam members26654and move the camming assembly26650distally to a point wherein the unlocking portion26653thereon is no longer in engagement with the sled latch26148on the firing member lock26142. Thus, the firing member lockout26142remains in locking engagement with the elongate channel26310of the end effector26300to prevent the distal advancement of the firing member26120upon actuation of the firing drive system.

FIGS. 96-98illustrate another cartridge verification system26440′ that may be employed with an end effector26300′ that employs a firing member20500that is axially advanced by a firing member beam1900in the various manners discussed herein. As was discussed above, the firing member20500comprises a firing member body20502that is configured to axially pass through vertically aligned slots in the anvil (not shown), a staple cartridge26600′, and the elongate channel26310′. A lower foot assembly20506that comprises a pair of laterally extending lower flanges extends from a bottom end of the firing member body20502to slidably engage corresponding channel ledges that are formed on each side of the channel slot. An upper foot that comprises two laterally extending anvil tabs20507may be formed on an upper end of the firing member body20502and is configured to slidably engage anvil ledges (not shown) that are formed on each side of the anvil slot. In at least one arrangement, the firing member20500further includes a pair of central tabs (not shown) that extend laterally from each side of the firing member body20502.

The firing member body20502is also configured with a proximally extending spring tail20512that may be configured to operably interface with a firing member lockout spring (not shown) that is mounted in the elongate channel26310′ and is configured to bias the firing member20500downward in the elongate channel26310′ into a locked position. When in the locked position, the firing member foot20506and/or the central tabs are misaligned with corresponding passages in the channel20310′ and as such, should the user attempt to distally advance the firing member20500when in that locked out state, the firing member20500would not move distally due to such misalignment. That is, the foot20506and/or central tabs contact portions of the elongate channel20310′ to thereby prevent the distal advancement of the firing member20500. In one arrangement, a sled latch20514is formed on the firing member body20502and is configured to be engaged by a proximally extending unlocking portion26653′ on a camming assembly26650′ that is operably supported in a proximal-most unfired or starting position within a compatible cartridge26600′ that has been operably seated in the channel26310′. When a fresh, unfired staple cartridge26600′ with the camming assembly26650′ thereof in its unfired position has been operably installed in the elongate channel26310′, the unlocking portion26653′ on the camming assembly26650′ engages the sled latch20514on the firing member body20502and moves the firing member20500upward into an unlocked position wherein the lower foot assembly20506and/or the central tabs are aligned with their respective passages in the channel26310′ to permit the firing member20500to axially advance therein. As the user distally advances the firing member20500into the cartridge26600′, the firing member20500also drives the camming assembly20650′ therein which cams the drivers upward to drive the staples or fasteners supported thereon into forming contact with the underside of the anvil. The tissue cutting member20504on the firing member20500then cuts through the stapled tissue. Once the firing member20500has been driven to its distal-most position corresponding to the ending position of the camming assembly26650′, the firing member20500is retracted back to its proximal-most position, leaving the camming assembly26650′ in the distal end of the cartridge26600′. When the firing member20500returns to its proximal-most beginning position, the lock spring once again biases the firing member20500back into its locked position. Thus, should the user inadvertently try to reuse the spent cartridge, the camming assembly26650′ is not in its starting position which is required to unlock the firing member20500. Thus, this firing member lockout arrangement may also be referred to herein as a “spent cartridge lockout arrangement”.

In the arrangement depicted inFIGS. 96 and 97, the cartridge verification system26440′ comprises an axially movable, cartridge verification member or seating shuttle26442′ that is supported within the channel26310′ for axial movement from a distal-most cartridge engagement position to a proximal verification location within the channel26310′. A shuttle spring26449′ is mounted within the channel26310′ and serves to bias the cartridge verification member or seating shuttle26442′ into the distal-most cartridge engagement position. As can be seen inFIGS. 96 and 97, the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442′ further includes a pair of distally protruding sled actuator arms26446′. The sled actuator arms26446′ are positioned to contact corresponding cam members on a camming assembly of a non-compliant cartridge as will be discussed below.

FIG. 98illustrates a proximal end portion26604′ of the surgical staple cartridge26600′ that is compatible with the surgical end effector26300′. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge26600′ comprises an elongate cartridge body26602′ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel26310′. The cartridge body26602′ includes a cartridge slot26608′ that extends from the proximal end portion26604′ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body26602′. The cartridge body26602′ further comprises a cartridge deck surface26610′ that confronts a staple-forming undersurface of the anvil when the cartridge26600′ is seated in the channel26310′ and the anvil is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 98, the surgical staple cartridge26600′ may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot26608′ that open through the cartridge deck surface26610′. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body26602′ is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body26602′ to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan26620′ is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body26602′. When installed, the cartridge pan26620′ may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body26602′ during handling and installation of the cartridge26600′ into the elongate channel26310′.

In the illustrated arrangement, cartridge26600′ operably supports a camming assembly26650′ therein. The camming assembly26650′ comprises a central body portion26652′ and a series of spaced cam members26654′ that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots26609′ formed on each side of the cartridge slot26608′ in the cartridge body26602′. The cam slots26609′ are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body26602′ to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member26654′ as the camming assembly26650′ is driven through the staple cartridge26600′ from a beginning position within the proximal end portion26604′ of the cartridge body26602′ to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body26602′. The central body portion26652′ includes the proximally extending unlocking portion26653′ that is configured to engage the sled latch20514on the firing member20500when the cartridge26600′ has been properly loaded into the channel26310′.

The compatible cartridge26600′ further includes proximally protruding verification features or key formations26630′ that are configured to engage the sled actuator arms26446′ when the cartridge26600′ is operably seated in the channel26310′. In the illustrated arrangement, the cartridge body26602′ additional has two side verification features or cartridge key formations26632′ that are also configured to engage the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442′. As will be discussed further below, if the verification formations26630′,26632′ are not present to contact the corresponding sled actuator arm26446′ and the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442′, the sled actuator arms26446′ would otherwise contact the protruding cam members26654′ and push or urge the camming assembly26650′ distally into a position wherein the unlocking portion26653′ on the camming assembly26650′ is no longer in unlocking engagement with the sled latch20514on the firing member20500.

Turning now toFIGS. 99-101, in the illustrated arrangement, the verification features or key formations26630′,26632′ each have an angled lower alignment surface26634′ thereon that facilitate initial insertion of the cartridge26600′ into the channel26310′ at a first position angle FPA wherein the angled lower alignment surfaces26634′ avoid abutting contact with the sled actuator arms26446′. The surfaces26634′ may be referred to herein as secondary surfaces. Once the user has positioned the surgical staple cartridge26600′ in the first installation position, the cartridge26600′ is then pivoted downward into the channel26310′ into position2wherein vertical abutment surfaces26636′ (secondary surfaces) on the verification features or cartridge key formations26630′,26632′ abut the corresponding vertical abutment surfaces26641′ and26647′ (primary surfaces) on the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442′. The user may then advance the cartridge26600′ proximally into position3within the elongate channel26310′.

FIG. 102illustrates insertion of an incompatible cartridge26600X′ into the surgical end effector26300′. In this example, the incompatible cartridge26600X′ lacks the verification features or cartridge key formations26630′,26632′ that were provided on the compatible cartridge26600′ to engage the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442′. Thus, as the cartridge26600X′ is seated in the channel26310′, the sled actuator arms26446′ contact the protruding cam members26654′ and push or urge the camming assembly26650′ distally into a position wherein the unlocking portion26653′ on the camming assembly26650′ is not in unlocking engagement with the sled latch20514on the firing member20500. Thus, the firing member20500remains locked in position and the user would be unable to distally advance the firing member20500into the incompatible cartridge26600X′.

FIGS. 103 and 104illustrate insertion of the incompatible cartridge26600X′ into the end effector26300′ wherein the incompatible cartridge26600X′ has been initially inserted too far proximally into the channel26310′ such that the distal end of the firing member20500has contacted and pushed the camming assembly26650′ or “sled” too far distally within the cartridge26600X′ so as to be in the appropriate position to unlockingly engage the sled latch20514portion of the firing member20500after the cartridge26600X′ has ultimately been seated in the channel26310′ in a proper position. Likewise, when the incompatible cartridge26600X′ is initially inserted in a diagonal position1as was described above an then moved to positions2and3, the firing member20500may bump the camming assembly26650′ or sled distally out of the firing member unlocking position such that once properly seated, the camming assembly26650′ would fail to unlock the firing member20500. SeeFIGS. 105 and 106.

FIGS. 107-109illustrate another cartridge verification system26440″ that may be employed with an end effector26300″ that employs a firing member20500that is axially advanced by a firing member beam1900in the various manners discussed herein. As was discussed above, the firing member20500comprises a firing member body20502that is configured to axially pass through vertically aligned slots in the anvil (not shown), a staple cartridge, and the elongate channel26310″. A lower foot assembly (not shown) that comprises a pair of laterally extending lower flanges extends from a bottom end of the firing member body20502to slidably engage corresponding channel ledges that are formed on each side of the channel slot. An upper foot20507that comprises two laterally extending anvil tabs20509may be formed on an upper end of the firing member body20502and is configured to slidably engage anvil ledges (not shown) that are formed on each side of the anvil slot. In at least one arrangement, the firing member20500further includes a pair of central tabs20510that extend laterally from each side of the firing member body20502.

The firing member body20502is also configured with a proximally extending spring tail (not shown) that may be configured to operably interface with a firing member lockout spring (not shown) that is mounted in the elongate channel26310″ and is configured to bias the firing member20500downward in the elongate channel26310′ into a locked position. When in the locked position, the firing member foot and/or the central tabs20510are misaligned with corresponding passages in the channel20310″ and as such, should the user attempt to distally advance the firing member20500when in this locked out state, the firing member20500would not move distally due to such misalignment. That is, the foot and/or central tabs20510contact portions of the elongate channel26310″ to thereby prevent the distal advancement of the firing member20500. In one arrangement, a sled latch20514is formed on the firing member body20502and is configured to be engaged by a proximally extending unlocking portion on a camming assembly that is operably supported in a proximal-most starting position within a compatible cartridge that has been operably seated in the channel26310″.

When a fresh, unfired compatible staple cartridge with the camming assembly thereof in its starting (unfired) position has been operably installed in the elongate channel26310″, an unlocking portion on the camming assembly engages the sled latch20514on the firing member body20502and moves the firing member20500upward into an unlocked position wherein the lower foot assembly and/or the central tabs20510are aligned with their respective passages in the channel26310″ to permit the firing member20500to axially advance therein. As the user distally advances the firing member20500into the cartridge, the firing member20500also drives the camming assembly therein which cams the drivers upward to drive the staples or fasteners supported thereon into forming contact with the underside of the anvil. A tissue cutting member20504on the firing member20500then cuts through the stapled tissue. Once the firing member20500has been driven to its distal-most position corresponding to the ending position of the camming assembly, the firing member20500is retracted back to its proximal-most position, leaving the camming assembly in the distal end (fired position) of the cartridge. When the firing member20500returns to its proximal-most beginning position, the lock spring once again biases the firing member20500back into its locked position. Thus, should the user inadvertently try to reuse the spent cartridge, the camming assembly is not in its starting position which is required to unlock the firing member20500. Such firing member locking system may also be referred to herein as a “spent cartridge lockout system”.

In the arrangement depicted inFIGS. 107-109, the cartridge verification system26440″ comprises an axially movable, cartridge verification shuttle26442″ that is supported within the channel26310″ for axial movement from a distal-most cartridge engagement position to a proximal verification location within the channel26310″. A shuttle spring26449″ is mounted within the channel26310″ and serves to bias the cartridge verification shuttle26442″ into the distal-most cartridge engagement position. As can be seen inFIGS. 107 and 108, the cartridge verification shuttle26442″ further includes distally extending shuttle base members26644″ and pair of laterally movable shuttle drive arms26450″. Each shuttle drive arm26450″ has a drive latch feature26452″ thereon that has an angled proximal drive surface26454″ and an angled distal drive surface26456″ that converge together to form a point26548″. The shuttle drive arms26450″ are biased laterally inward into a driving position by the shuttle spring26449″. When the shuttle drive arms26450″ are in the driving position, the angled proximal drive surfaces26454″ are in driving engagement with the central tabs20510on the firing member20500as shown inFIGS. 107 and 108. When the shuttle drive arms26450″ are in that position, distal advancement of the firing member20500will cause the seating shuttle26442″ to move distally therewith.

FIG. 109illustrates a proximal end portion26604″ of a surgical staple cartridge26600″ that is compatible with the surgical end effector26300″ and seated within the channel26310″. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge26600″ comprises an elongate cartridge body26602″ that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel26310″. The cartridge body26602″ includes a cartridge slot26608″ that extends from the proximal end portion26604″ to a distal end portion of the cartridge body26602″. The cartridge26600″ operably supports a camming assembly26650″ therein. The camming assembly26650″ comprises a central body portion26652″ and a series of spaced cam members26654″ that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots26609″ formed on each side of the cartridge slot26608″ in the cartridge body26602″. The cam slots26609″ are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body26602″ to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member26654″ as the camming assembly26650″ is driven through the staple cartridge26600″ from a beginning position within the proximal end portion26604″ of the cartridge body26602″ to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body26602″. The central body portion26652″ includes the proximally extending unlocking portion26653″ that is configured to engage the sled latch20514on the firing member20500when the cartridge26600″ has been properly loaded into the channel26310″.

The compatible cartridge26600″ further includes proximally protruding unlocking features or cartridge key formations26630″ that are configured to engage the shuttle drive arms26450″ when the cartridge26600″ is operably seated in the channel26310″. As can be seen inFIG. 109, during the distal advancement of the firing member20500, the verification shuttle26442″ is driven distally until each shuttle drive arm26450″ contacts a corresponding cartridge key formation26630″ which causes the shuttle drive arms26450″ to bias laterally outward. As the firing member20500continues to move distally, the drive latch features26452″ on the shuttle drive arms26450″ disengage from the corresponding central tabs20510on the firing member body20502to permit the firing member20500to move distally without driving the verification shuttle26442″ distally. Thus, in such case, the verification shuttle26442″ has not moved sufficiently distally so as to move the camming assembly26650″ out of unlocking engagement with the sled latch20514on the firing member20500. Therefore, the firing member20500may be driven distally through the compatible cartridge26600″ to drive the fasteners therefrom and to cut the tissue that has been clamped in the end effector26300″. When the firing member20500is retracted back into its starting position, a tapered surface20511on each central tab20510contacts the angled distal drive surface26456″ on the corresponding drive latch feature26452″ to bias the shuttle arms26450″ laterally to permit the central tabs20510to reengage the angled proximal drive surfaces26454″ so that the verification shuttle26442″ can once again be driven distally with the firing member20500.

FIGS. 107 and 108illustrate an incompatible cartridge26600X″ loaded into the surgical end effector26300″. As can be seen in those Figures, the incompatible cartridge26600X″ lacks the proximally protruding unlocking features or cartridge key formations26630″ that are provided on the compatible cartridge26600″. Thus, when the firing member20500is distally advanced, the cartridge verification shuttle26442″ also moves distally with the firing member20500. As the cartridge verification shuttle26442″ moves distally, the distal ends26645″ of the distally extending shuttle base members26644″ contact the camming assembly26650″ and move the camming assembly26650″ out of unlocking engagement with the sled latch20514on the firing member20500. When the unlocking portion26653″ of the camming assembly26650″ disengages the sled latch20514, the firing member body20502will drop into locking engagement with the elongate channel26310″ thereby preventing further distal advancement of the firing member20500.

As can be further seen inFIGS. 108 and 109, in the illustrated arrangement, a lateral stiffener member26470″ protrudes laterally outward from each shuttle arm26450″. When the firing member20500and the verification shuttle26442″ are located in their respective proximal-most starting positions, each lateral stiffener member26470″ is laterally aligned with a corresponding channel notch26472″ provided in each channel sidewall26314″ to provide clearance for the shuttle arms26450″ to move laterally when a compatible cartridge26600″ has been properly loaded into the end effector26300″. However, when an incompatible cartridge26600X″ has been loaded into the end effector26300″ and the user begins to advance the firing member20500as well as the verification shuttle26442″ distally, the lateral stiffener members26470″ are no longer aligned with the channel notches26472″ in the channel sidewalls26314″ as can be seen inFIG. 108. In such instance, the lateral stiffener members26470″ prevent the shuttle arms26450″ from biasing laterally outward out of engagement with the central tabs20510that extend laterally from each side of the firing member body20502.

The cartridge verification systems described herein may address various problems that may, from time-to-time, be encountered when using an end effector that is capable of initially accepting a variety of cartridges wherein some of the cartridges are not otherwise particularly compatible with the end effector. For example, a cartridge may operably fit into the channel of the end effector, but the cartridge may lack proper fastener configurations that are compatible with the forming pockets on the end effector anvil. The incompatible cartridge may not have the proper numbers and forms of staples, etc. The cartridge may not have a camming assembly that is compatible with the firing member lockout arrangement employed by the end effector. Some cartridges may have an appropriate camming assembly, but the camming assembly may at some point have moved to a marginal unlocking position wherein the camming assembly may or may not unlockingly engage the firing member lockout arrangement. At least some of the cartridge verification systems may address that issue. The cartridge verification systems disclosed herein may also provide the ability to differentiate between an old obsolete cartridge and a newer more appropriate cartridge that has, for example, features that are better paired to the end effector components. The cartridge verification systems may also ensure that a cartridge is properly seated in the end effector channel and minimize any misalignment of the cartridge in the channel wherein the proximal end of the cartridge is positioned relative to the firing member in an undesirable position wherein the central tabs on the firing member may get under the cartridge pan rather than on top of it as desired. Such misalignment may result in the damage and bending of the cartridge pan which could lead to premature locking of the firing member.

FIGS. 110-115illustrate another cartridge verification system27440that may be employed with an end effector27300that employs a firing member20500(described above) that is axially advanced by a firing member beam1900in the various manners discussed herein. In the illustrated arrangement, the cartridge verification system27440comprises an axially movable cartridge verification member or shuttle27442that is supported within a channel27310of the end effector27300for axial movement from a distal-most cartridge engagement position to a proximal verification location within the channel27310. The cartridge verification member or shuttle27442may be fabricated from spring steel and include an elongate body27444that has a blocking hook27446that is formed on a distal end27445of the elongate body27444. SeeFIG. 111. The cartridge verification member or shuttle27442further includes an actuator portion27448that is formed on a proximal end27447of the elongate body27444.

Still referring toFIG. 111, the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442is configured to axially move within a shuttle track27360that is formed in a channel bottom27312of the channel27310. As can be seen inFIG. 111, the shuttle track27360comprises a curved transverse portion27362that extends transversely relative to a channel slot27313that is centrally disposed in the channel bottom27312to accommodate axial passage of the firing member20500therethrough. The transverse curved portion27362of the shuttle track27360terminates in a ramped track portion27364that is located on another side of the channel slot27313. As can be seen inFIG. 111, the ramped track portion27364has an angled bottom surface27366. A proximal end27370of the shuttle track27360abuts an axial spring cavity27380that is configured to support a shuttle spring27382that is journaled on a spring retainer pin27449that protrudes proximally from the actuator portion27448of the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442. The shuttle spring27382serves to bias the verification shuttle27442into a distal-most, locked position wherein the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442blocks distal advancement of a camming assembly27650and the firing member20500.

FIG. 110illustrates a proximal end portion27604of a surgical staple cartridge27600that is compatible with the surgical end effector27300. In at least one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge27600comprises an elongate cartridge body27602that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel27310. The cartridge body27602includes a cartridge slot27608that extends from the proximal end portion27604to a distal end portion of the cartridge body27602. The cartridge body27602further comprises a cartridge deck surface27610that confronts a staple-forming undersurface of the anvil when the cartridge27600is seated in the channel27310and the anvil is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 110, the surgical staple cartridge27600may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot27608that open through the cartridge deck surface27610. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body27602is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body27602to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan27620is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body27602. When installed, the cartridge pan27620may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body27602during handling and installation of the cartridge27600into the elongate channel27310.

In the illustrated arrangement, cartridge27600operably supports a camming assembly27650therein. The camming assembly27650comprises a central body portion27652and a series of spaced cam members27654that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots27609formed on each side of the cartridge slot27608in the cartridge body27602. The cam slots27609are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body27602to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member27654as the camming assembly27650is driven through the staple cartridge27600from a beginning position within the proximal end portion27604of the cartridge body27602to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body27602. The central body portion27652includes a proximally extending unlocking portion27653that is configured to engage the sled latch20514on the firing member20500when the cartridge27600has been properly loaded into the channel27310.

The compatible cartridge27600further includes a proximally protruding verification feature or cartridge key formation27630that is configured to engage the sled actuator27448when the cartridge27600is operably seated in the channel27310. The verification feature27630biases the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442into the proximal-most, unlocked position wherein the camming assembly27650and the firing member20500may be distally displaced through the cartridge27600. When the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442is in the unlocked position, the blocking hook27446that is formed on the distal end27445of the elongate body27444of the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442is retracted into the curved transverse portion27362of the shuttle track27360and does not extend across the channel slot27313in the channel bottom27312. When the blocking hook27446is not extending across the channel slot27313, the firing member20500and the camming assembly27650can be advanced into the cartridge27310″.

FIGS. 114 and 115illustrate the surgical end effector27300with an incompatible cartridge27600X installed therein. In this example, the incompatible cartridge27600X lacks the verification feature or cartridge key formation27630that was provided on the compatible cartridge27600to engage the actuator portion27448of the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442. Thus, the shuttle spring27382has biased the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442distally into its locked position wherein the blocking hook27446that is formed on the distal end27445of the elongate body27444of the cartridge verification member or shuttle27442extends transversely across the channel slot27313and into the ramped track portion27364. As the blocking hook27446enters the ramped track portion27364, the angled bottom surface27366causes the blocking hook27446to move upward into a position wherein the blocking hook27446blocks the distal advancement of the camming assembly27650and the firing member20500. Thus, when in that position, should the user unwittingly attempt to distally advance the firing member20500, the blocking hook27446will block the distal advancement of the camming assembly27650and the firing member20500.

In at least one arrangement as shown inFIG. 115, the portion of the blocking hook27446that transversely spans the channel slot27313may be reinforced with an additional reinforcement block portion27450that is attached thereto. That is the portion of the blocking hook27446that is reinforced has a cross-sectional thickness that is greater than a cross-sectional thickness of the remaining body portions of the cartridge verification member or shuttle26442. Alternative arrangements are contemplated for use with those end effectors disclosed herein that employ an axially movable closure member for moving the anvil to a closed position such as, for example, an end effector closure tube. In such end effector arrangements, for example, the end effector closure tube may be configured to bias the verification shuttle to the locked, blocking position when the closure member is actuated to close the anvil. The cartridge verification system27440may also be effectively employed with surgical end effectors that have rotary powered firing member arrangements with firing member lockout systems of the types disclosed herein.

FIGS. 116-119illustrate an alternative surgical staple cartridge28600that may be employed in connection with various end effector arrangements disclosed herein. In the illustrated arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge28600comprises an elongate cartridge body28602that is sized to be removably seated in the elongate channel of the end effector. As can be seen inFIG. 117, the cartridge body28602includes a cartridge slot28608that extends from a proximal end portion28604of the cartridge body28602to a distal end portion of the cartridge body28602. The cartridge body28602further comprises a cartridge deck surface28610that confronts a staple-forming undersurface of the anvil when the cartridge28600is seated in the channel and the anvil is pivoted to a closed position. Although not shown inFIG. 117, the surgical staple cartridge28600may have a plurality of (usually three) lines of surgical staple pockets on each side of the cartridge slot28608that open through the cartridge deck surface28610. Each staple pocket may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body28602is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets also open through a bottom of the cartridge body28602to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective pockets. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets, a cartridge pan28620is attached to the bottom of the cartridge body28602. When installed, the cartridge pan28620may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body28602during handling and installation of the cartridge28600into the elongate channel.

In the illustrated arrangement, cartridge28600operably supports a camming assembly28650therein. The camming assembly28650comprises a central body portion28652and a series of spaced cam members28654,28654′ that are configured to move axially within corresponding cam slots28609formed on each side of the cartridge slot28608in the cartridge body28602. The cam slots28609are aligned with corresponding lines of drivers in the cartridge body28602to facilitate camming contact with a corresponding cam member28654,28654′ as the camming assembly28650is driven through the staple cartridge28600from a beginning position within the proximal end portion28604of the cartridge body28602to an ending position within the distal end portion of the cartridge body28602.

Still referring toFIG. 117, the cartridge28600is equipped with a camming assembly locking system28440that is configured to retain the camming assembly28650in its starting position unless the cartridge28600has been loaded into a compatible end effector. In the illustrated arrangement for example, the camming assembly locking system28440comprises a laterally displaceable lock feature28442that comprises an actuator portion28444and a locking tab28446. As can be seen inFIG. 117, the locking tab28446is configured to be received within a lock cavity28655provided in a corresponding cam member28654′ when the camming assembly28650is in a locked position. SeeFIGS. 116 and 117. The actuator portion28444is configured to be contacted by an actuator lug or other portion of the end effector anvil when the anvil is moved to a closed position. For example, an actuator lug28411may be formed on an anvil mounting portion of any of the various anvils disclosed herein and be configured to laterally bias the actuator portion28444laterally into an unlocked position when the anvil is moved to a closed position. When the actuator portion28444is in an unlocked position, the locking tab28446is moved laterally out of the lock cavity28655in the cam member28654′ and the cam assembly28650may then be distally advanced through the cartridge28600when the firing drive system is activated as described herein. SeeFIGS. 118 and 119.

In various instances, a surgical stapling instrument comprises a cartridge jaw configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge. The stapling instrument further comprises a staple firing system configured to eject, or fire, staples from the staple cartridge and an anvil comprising forming surfaces, or pockets, configured to deform the staples. The staple firing system comprises a tissue cutting knife which is moved from a proximal end of the staple cartridge toward a distal end during a staple firing stroke. During the staple firing stroke, the tissue cutting knife abuts and pushes a sled in the staple cartridge which drives the staples toward and against the anvil. As the staples are deformed against the anvil, the staples are implanted in the tissue in longitudinal rows and the tissue cutting knife incises the tissue between two of the longitudinal staple rows. After the staple firing stroke has been completed, and/or after a sufficient length of the staple firing stroke has been completed, the tissue cutting knife is retracted proximally. However, the cartridge sled is not retracted proximally with the tissue cutting knife. Instead, the cartridge sled is left behind at the distal-most position in which it was pushed by the tissue cutting knife. After a staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the cartridge jaw and then replaced with another replaceable staple cartridge, if desired. At such point, the stapling instrument can be re-used to continue stapling and incising the patient tissue. In some instances, however, a previously-fired staple cartridge can be accidentally loaded into the cartridge jaw. If the tissue cutting knife were to be advanced distally within such a previously-fired staple cartridge, the stapling instrument would cut the patient tissue without stapling it. The stapling instrument would similarly cut the patient tissue without stapling it if the tissue cutting knife were advanced distally through a staple firing stroke without a staple cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw at all. To this end, the stapling instrument comprises one or more lockouts which prevents this from happening, as discussed in greater detail below.

The disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232200, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232199, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232197, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232195, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, filed on May 20, 3003, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0085123, entitled ARTICULATING SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A TWO-PIECE E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on Aug. 17, 2017 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Referring toFIG. 120, a surgical stapling instrument30000comprises a cartridge jaw, or channel,30010and a staple cartridge30020seated in the cartridge jaw30010. The staple cartridge30020comprises a cartridge body30022, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body30022, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge30020further comprises a sled30030and staple drivers which are driven by the sled30030to eject the staples from the staple cavities as the sled30030is advanced distally during a staple firing stroke. The stapling instrument30000further comprises a firing member30040which is configured to engage the sled30030and push the sled30030distally, as discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the firing member30040comprises a cutting portion30042including a tissue knife30044. The cutting portion30042further comprises a distal nose30043which is configured to sit on a shoulder30033defined on the sled30030when the sled30030is in its unfired position in the staple cartridge30020and the firing member30040is moved distally from its unfired position illustrated inFIG. 120. Once the distal nose30043is on the sled shoulder30033, the firing member30040can be advanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke. Notably, the cutting portion30042further comprises a first camming member30046configured to engage a cam surface of the channel30010and a second camming member30048configured to engage a cam surface on the anvil of the stapling instrument30000which co-operate to position the anvil and the staple cartridge30020relative to one another. That said, embodiments are envisioned without one or both of the camming members30046and30048.

Referring toFIG. 121, the firing member30040is biased toward the channel30010by a spring and, if the sled30030is not in its unfired position when the firing member30040is advanced distally to start the staple firing stroke, the distal nose30043of the cutting portion30042will miss, or not land on, the shoulder30033and the cutting portion30042will dive downwardly toward the channel30010instead. The cutting portion30042comprises lockout pins30045extending laterally therefrom which enter a lockout window, or recess,30012defined in the channel30010when the distal nose30043does not land on the shoulder30033of the sled30030. In such instances, the firing member30040is permitted to travel distally within the lockout window30012; however, the distal end of the lockout window30012comprises a lockout shoulder30015which is contacted by the lockout pins30045to stop the distal advancement of the firing member30040. In such instances, as a result, the firing member30040is locked out and prevented from performing its staple firing stroke. Had the sled30030been its unfired position, however, the interaction between the distal nose30043of the cutting portion30042and the shoulder30033of the sled30030would have prevented the firing member30040from diving into the lockout window30012and the staple firing stroke could have been performed.

Further to the above, the firing member30040would dive into the lockout window30012if the firing member30040were advanced distally without a staple cartridge positioned in and/or a staple cartridge properly seated in the cartridge channel30010. In view of the above, the surgical instrument30000comprises a lockout which prevents the staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge in the surgical instrument30000is missing, improperly seated, and/or has been at least partially spent. That said, various instances can arise where a staple cartridge has not been fired, i.e., all of its staples are still positioned in their staple cavities, and, yet, the distal nose30043of the cutting portion30042can miss the shoulder30033of the sled30030owing to various manufacturing tolerances, for instance. Such instances would cause the firing member30040to be locked out unnecessarily and require a clinician to replace the staple cartridge with another staple cartridge. Such instances may not happen that often, but if they do they are inconvenient to the clinician.

A surgical instrument30100is illustrated inFIG. 122and includes an improvement which can reduce the possibility of the distal nose30043of the cutting portion30042missing the shoulder30033of the sled30030. The surgical instrument30100is similar to the surgical instrument30000in many respects but includes a staple cartridge30120instead of the staple cartridge30020. The staple cartridge30120comprises a cartridge body30122, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body30122, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. Referring toFIG. 123, the staple cartridge30120further comprises a sled30030which, similar to the above, is movable distally from an unfired position during a staple firing stroke if the distal nose30043of the cutting portion30042catches the shoulder30033of the sled30030. If not, referring toFIG. 124, the cutting portion30042is pushed into the lockout window30012defined in the cartridge channel30010when the firing member30040is advanced distally.

Referring toFIGS. 125 and 126, the cartridge body30122comprises proximal ramps30126configured to lift the firing member30040upwardly when the firing member30040is advanced distally. More specifically, the lockout pins30045extending laterally from the firing member30040contact ramp surfaces30127defined on the proximal ramps30126which guide the cutting portion30042away from the lockout window30012when the firing member30040is advanced distally. They do so, further to the above, against the biasing force of the spring pushing the firing member30040toward the cartridge channel30010. The lifting of the firing member30040in this manner increases the probability that the nose30043of the firing member30040will land on the shoulder30033of the sled30030—even if the sled30030has been accidentally pushed slightly distally from its unfired position. Thus, the possibility of an unfired staple cartridge becoming unintentionally locked out is reduced. If the staple cartridge30120has been at least partially fired, however, the nose30043will miss the shoulder30033and the lockout pins30045will fall through a window30125defined between the proximal ramps30126and into the lockout window30012. Thus, as above, the surgical instrument30100will be locked out if an at least partially spent staple cartridge30120is seated in the cartridge channel30010. Moreover, as above, the surgical instrument30100will be locked out if a staple cartridge is missing from the cartridge channel30010and the staple firing stroke is initiated as the firing member30040will immediately enter the lockout window30012owing to the absence of the proximal ramps30126.

Notably, further to the above, the ramps30126are positioned proximally with respect to the shoulder30033of the sled30030. As such, the firing member30040must consecutively pass the missing cartridge/improper cartridge lockout provided by the ramps30126and the spent cartridge lockout provided by the sled30030as the firing member30040is moved distally to perform the staple firing stroke. Moreover, the ramps30126lift the firing member30040to a proper height to be supported by the sled30030. Ultimately, the ramps30126of the cartridge body30122and the shoulder30033of the sled30030work together to defeat the lockouts of the stapling instrument30100.

A staple cartridge30220is illustrated inFIG. 127in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment. The staple cartridge30220comprises a cartridge body30222which is similar to the cartridge body30122in many respects. That said, the cartridge body30222comprises proximal ramps30226which extend further proximally than the proximal ramps30126. As such, the firing member30040will be lifted earlier in its staple firing stroke when a staple cartridge30220is used. In various instances, the staple cartridge30220can include a larger drop window30225than the drop window30125. Moreover, the proximal ramps30226comprise ramp surfaces30227which are shorter than the ramp surfaces30127. In such instances, the firing member30040will not be lifted as high when a staple cartridge30220is used as compared to when a staple cartridge30120is used. In any event, such parameters can be used to hone an appropriate lifting motion for the firing member30040.

As discussed above, the lockout pins30045of the firing member30040are configured to contact the ramps30226which lift the firing member30040such that the firing member30040can land on the shoulder30033of the sled30030if the sled30030is properly positioned in the staple cartridge30220. That said, alternative embodiments are envisioned in which ramps can lift any suitable portion of a staple firing member onto the shoulder30033of the sled30030. For instance, the firing member30040can comprise laminate bars attached to the cutting portion30042which contact the ramps30226and cause the firing member30040to be lifted upwardly when the staple firing stroke is initiated.

Referring again toFIG. 127, the staple cartridge30220comprises a pan30024at least partially extending under the cartridge body30222. The pan30024is configured to prevent the staple drivers and/or staples within the cartridge body30222from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body30222. The pan30024comprises latches30021engaged with slots defined in the cartridge body30222. The pan30024further comprises windows30029defined therein which, in co-operation with projections extending from the cartridge body30222, align the pan30024with the cartridge body30222. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the lifts ramps30226, for example, can extend from the pan30024.

A surgical stapling instrument30300is illustrated inFIG. 128. The stapling instrument30300is similar to the stapling instrument30200in many respects. That said, the stapling instrument30300comprises a staple cartridge30320instead of the staple cartridge30220. The staple cartridge30320comprises a cartridge body30322, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body30322, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The cartridge body30322further comprises a longitudinal slot30023defined therein which is configured to receive the firing member30040and, in addition, a proximal ramp30327extending in front of the longitudinal slot30023which lofts the firing member30040onto the sled30030if the sled30030is in, or at least nearly in, its unfired position, as illustrated inFIG. 129. If the sled30030has been at least partially advanced through its staple firing stroke, the shoulder30033will not catch the nose30043of the firing member30040and the cutting portion30042will fall through a window defined between ramp supports30326and into the lockout window30012. [0401] Referring toFIGS. 130 and 132, the ramp30327also comprises a gate configured to pivot out of the way of the firing member30040when a sufficient pushing force is applied to the firing member30040. The ramp30327comprises a first end rotatably mounted to one of the ramp supports30326and a second end releasably attached to the other ramp support30326. Referring toFIGS. 131 and 133, the second end of the ramp30327is configured to release from its ramp support30326after the firing member30040has been lofted upwardly such that, once the ramp30327gives way, the nose30043of the firing member30040falls on the shoulder30033of the sled30030—if the sled30030is in its unfired position, or at least close to its unfired position. At such point, the ramp30327no longer impedes the distal movement of the firing member30040and the firing member30040can be advanced distally through the longitudinal slot30023. The ramp30327remains displaced to the side throughout the staple firing stroke and after the firing member30040has been retracted back into its unfired position. As such, the displaced ramp30327cannot lift the firing member30040if the firing member30040were to be advanced distally once again. In such instances, the lockout pins30045of the cutting portion30042would be pushed into the lockout window30012by the spring acting against the firing member30040if the firing member30040were advanced distally before the spent staple cartridge30320is replaced. Thus, the ramp30327acts as a spent cartridge lockout. In at least one alternative embodiment, the ramp30327is configured to break away from the cartridge body30322to release the firing member30040.

Moreover, further to the above, the lockout arrangement of the stapling instrument30300also acts as an improper/incompatible cartridge lockout. If an improper, or incompatible, staple cartridge not having the ramp30327, or another suitably configured ramp, were to be seated in the cartridge channel30010, the firing member30040would not be lofted onto a sled of the improper staple cartridge and, instead, the lockout pins30045would be forced into the lockout window30012thereby locking out the staple firing system. In such instances, the firing member30040can be retracted back into its unfired position and the improper/incompatible staple cartridge can be replaced with a proper/compatible staple cartridge. The accidental swapping of an improper staple cartridge for a proper staple cartridge can happen in an operating room where certain staple cartridges are meant to be only used with certain stapling instruments, among other instances.

As discussed above, the ramp30327extends behind the sled30030. As a result, the ramp30327can protect the sled30030from being bumped distally accidentally. In various instances, the staple cartridge30320is loaded into the stapling instrument30300by inserting the proximal end of the staple cartridge30320into the cartridge channel30010first and then seating the staple cartridge30320in the cartridge channel30010. As such, the possibility exits that the sled30030will contact the cartridge channel30010, for example, and be pushed distally within the staple cartridge30320from its proximal unfired position. In such instances, the sled30030may no longer be positioned to defeat the staple firing lockout of the stapling instrument30300when the staple firing stroke is initiated and, thus, the stapling firing lockout will treat this staple cartridge30320as being spent and it must be replaced to use the stapling instrument30300. The ramp30327can prevent this as it extends proximally behind the sled30030and can prevent the sled30030from being bumped distally within the staple cartridge30320when the staple cartridge30320is being installed.

As discussed above, the sled30030, when properly positioned in the staple cartridge, defeats the staple firing lockout of the stapling instrument such that the staple firing stroke can be completed. In use, the firing member30040is advanced distally, at least partially, to assess whether or not the sled30030is properly positioned and that the staple firing lockout has been defeated. More specifically, the firing member30040is advanced distally until the firing member30040is supported by the sled30030to perform the staple firing stroke—if the sled30030is properly positioned in the staple cartridge30320—or contact the lockout shoulder30015if the sled30030is not properly positioned in the staple cartridge30320or the staple cartridge30320is missing from the cartridge channel30010. If the firing member30040contacts the lockout shoulder30015, the firing member30040may need to be retracted to be able to insert an unspent staple cartridge30320into the cartridge channel30010and/or retracted to start another staple firing stroke. With this in mind, the surgical instrument30400ofFIGS. 134 and 135is configured to limit the travel of a firing member such that the firing member can be stopped before it reaches the lockout shoulder30015if the staple cartridge is missing from the cartridge channel, as discussed in greater detail below.

The firing member30440of the surgical instrument30400, further to the above, is similar to the firing member30040in many respects but comprises a cutting member30442including secondary lockout pins30449extending laterally therefrom. If the staple cartridge30320is not positioned in the cartridge channel30410of the stapling instrument30400, the cutting member30442will immediately enter the lockout window30012when the firing member30440is advanced distally and the secondary lockout pins30449will quickly contact a secondary lockout shoulder30419in the lockout window30012. Thus, if a staple cartridge30320is not present in the cartridge channel30410, the firing member30440will not have to travel distally until it contacts the lockout shoulder30015. In such instances, the distance in which the firing member30440needs to be retracted is at least reduced. In certain instances, the secondary lockout shoulder30419is positioned such that the cutting member30442does not need to be retracted at all. In such instances, as a result, an unspent staple cartridge30320can be inserted into the channel30410and the staple firing stroke can be completed without having to retract the firing member30440.

Further to the above, the interaction between the lockout pins30449and the lockout shoulder30419provides a missing cartridge lockout. If the staple cartridge30320is seated in the cartridge channel30410, the cutting member30442engages the ramp30327of the staple cartridge30320which lifts the lockout pins30449over the lockout shoulder30419. Stated another way, the presence of the staple cartridge30320in the cartridge channel30010defeats the secondary staple firing lockout. That said, the sled30030of the staple cartridge30320must be properly positioned in the staple cartridge30320in order for the staple firing stroke to be completed as the nose30043of the cutting member30442must still land on the shoulder30033of the sled30030in order for the lockout pins30045to be lifted over the lockout shoulder30015, as described above. Stated another way, the presence of the sled30030in the staple cartridge30320in its unfired position defeats the primary firing lockout and the presence of the staple cartridge30320in the cartridge channel30410defeats the secondary firing lockout. Thus, the stapling instrument30400comprises a primary missing cartridge lockout and a secondary missing cartridge lockout, where the primary missing cartridge lockout also serves as a spent cartridge lockout.

A surgical stapling instrument30500is illustrated inFIG. 136. The stapling instrument30500is similar to the stapling instrument30000in many respects. Among other things, the stapling instrument30500comprises a cartridge channel30510, a staple cartridge30520removably positionable in the cartridge channel30510, a firing member30040, and a staple firing lockout30514. The staple firing lockout30514comprises a resilient metal spring, for example, mounted in the cartridge channel30510. That said, the staple firing lockout30514can be comprised of any suitable material. The staple firing lockout30514comprises a base mounted in the cartridge channel30510and flexible lock arms30516extending from the base. Each flexible lock arm30516moves independently of the other and comprises a lock window30515defined therein which is configured to receive and releasably capture a lockout pin30045extending from the firing member30040. The flexible lock arms30516are configured such that they extend inwardly toward and/or against the side of the firing member30040and are, thus, biased to capture the lockout pins30045. When one or both of the lockout pins30045are captured in a lock window30515, the staple firing member30040is prevented from being advanced distally through a staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, the staple cartridge30520comprises a cartridge body30522, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body30522, and staples removable stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge30520further comprises a pan30024attached to the cartridge body30522and a sled configured to travel distally within the staple cartridge30520to eject the staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the firing member30040is configured to push the sled distally to perform the staple firing stroke once the firing member30040has been unlocked. To this end, referring toFIGS. 136 and 139, the cartridge body30522comprises projections, or keys,30526extending proximally therefrom which are configured to engage the lock arms30516when the staple cartridge30520is seated in the cartridge channel30510. Notably, the ends of the lock arms30516flare outwardly such that, when the projections30526contact the lock arms30516, the lock arms30516aren't trapped between the projections30526and the firing member30040. As a result, the projections30526flex the lock arms30516laterally outwardly such that the lockout pins30045extending from the firing member30040are no longer positioned in the lockout windows30515of the firing lockout30514when the staple cartridge30520is seated in the cartridge channel30510. Thus, the act of seating the staple cartridge30520in the cartridge channel30510unlocks the stapling instrument30500.

If a staple cartridge30520is not seated in the cartridge channel30510, as discussed above, the firing member30040remains locked by the firing lockout30514and the stapling instrument30500cannot be used to staple the patient's tissue. If a staple cartridge is seated in the cartridge channel30510that does not have the projections, or keys,30526, such as the staple cartridge30020, for example, it will not unlock the firing lockout30514, as illustrated inFIGS. 137 and 138, and, as a result, the stapling instrument30500cannot be used to staple the patient's tissue. As depicted inFIGS. 137 and 138, the proximal end of the cartridge body30022does not engage, and/or sufficiently displace, the lock arms30516. Thus, in this instance, the staple cartridge30020would be an improper staple cartridge as it does not unlock the staple firing drive of the stapling instrument30500and, correspondingly, the staple cartridge30520would be a proper staple cartridge as it can unlock the staple firing drive of the stapling instrument30500. As such, the firing lockout30514is both a missing cartridge lockout and an improper cartridge lockout. The stapling instrument30500can further comprise a spent cartridge lockout. In the event that an improper staple cartridge is seated in the stapling instrument30500and the stapling instrument30500cannot be fired, the improper staple cartridge can be removed and a proper staple cartridge, i.e., a staple cartridge30520, can be seated in the stapling instrument30500to unlock the staple firing drive.

As discussed above in connection with the stapling instrument30000, referring again toFIG. 121, the lockout pins30045of the firing member30040engage the lock shoulder30015if the sled30030is not in its proper position in the staple cartridge30020. As also discussed above, the firing member30040of the stapling instrument30000is advanced distally before engaging the lock shoulder30015and, thus, has time to accelerate before contacting the lock shoulder30015. As such, the firing member30040of the stapling instrument30000can impact the lock shoulder30015with significant speed and energy. As such, the lock shoulder30015is robustly designed to absorb this impact; however, there exists a possibility that the firing member30040can plow or blow through the lock shoulder30015thereby unintentionally defeating the staple firing lockout of the stapling instrument30000. The lockout30514ofFIGS. 136 and 137can reduce, if not eliminate, these potential problems. For instance, the lock windows30515of the firing lockout30514are sized and configured to prevent little, if any, proximal and distal translation of the staple firing member30040while the lock arms30516are engaged with the lockout pins30045and, thus, the staple firing member30040has little, if any, time to accelerate before being stopped by the distal ends of the lock windows30515. Moreover, once the lockout pins30045engage the distal ends of the lock windows30515, the lock arms30516are placed in tension and, as a result, are capable of handling significant loads before failing, if they fail at all.

As discussed above, both lock arms30516are disengaged from the firing member30040by the cartridge body30522when the staple cartridge30520is seated in the stapling instrument30500. That said, alternative embodiments are envisioned in which a first component of a staple cartridge unlocks a first lock arm30516and a second component of the staple cartridge unlocks a second lock arm30516when the staple cartridge is seated in the stapling instrument30500. For instance, a cartridge body of the staple cartridge can unlock the first lock arm30516and a sled of the staple cartridge can unlock the second lock arm30516.

A surgical stapling instrument30600is illustrated inFIG. 140and a surgical stapling instrument30700is illustrated inFIG. 141. The stapling instruments30600and30700are similar to the stapling instrument30500in many respects. Referring toFIG. 140, the stapling instrument30600comprises a cartridge channel30610, a staple cartridge30620removably positionable in the cartridge channel30610, and a staple firing lockout30614mounted to the cartridge channel30610which prevents the firing member30040from being advanced through a staple firing stroke unless the staple cartridge30620is seated in the cartridge channel30610. Similarly, referring toFIG. 141, the stapling instrument30700comprises a cartridge channel30710, a staple cartridge30720removably positionable in the cartridge channel30710, and a staple firing lockout30714mounted to the cartridge channel30710which prevents the firing member30040from being advanced through a staple firing stroke unless the staple cartridge30720is seated in the cartridge channel30710. Notably, however, seating the staple cartridge30720in the stapling instrument30600does not unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument30600and, likewise, seating the staple cartridge30620in the stapling instrument30700does not unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument30700. Thus, the stapling instruments30600and30700can be used in the same operating room at the same time without the possibility of being used with the wrong staple cartridge, despite the fact that the staple cartridges30620and30720may be confusingly similar.

Referring toFIG. 142, further to the above, the staple cartridge30620further comprises a cartridge body30622including a proximal end30626that is angled such that the center of the cartridge body30622, i.e., the portion closest to the longitudinal slot30023, extends further proximally than the lateral sides of the cartridge body30622. The staple cartridge30620further comprises a sled30630, which is similar to the sled30030in many respects, that comprises a proximal end30636having a profile that matches, or at least substantially matches, the profile of the proximal end30626of the cartridge body30622. Referring again toFIG. 140, the firing lockout30614is similar to the firing lockout30514. Among other things, the firing lockout30614comprises lock arms30616which releasingly hold the firing member30040in its unfired position until the lock arms30616are displaced laterally by the proximal end of the cartridge body30622and/or the proximal end of the sled30630to release the lockout pins30045from lock windows defined in the lock arms30616. If the staple cartridge30620is removed from the cartridge channel30610, the lock arms30616resiliently return to their locked position.

Referring toFIG. 143, further to the above, the staple cartridge30700further comprises a cartridge body30722including a proximal end30726that is angled such that the laterals sides of the cartridge body30722, i.e., the portions furthest away from the longitudinal slot30023, extend further proximally than the center of the cartridge body30722. The staple cartridge30720further comprises a sled30730, which is similar to the sled30030in many respects, that comprises a proximal end30736having a profile that matches, or at least substantially matches, the profile of the proximal end30726of the cartridge body30722. Referring again toFIG. 141, the firing lockout30714is similar to the firing lockout30514. Among other things, the firing lockout30714comprises lock arms30716which releasingly hold the firing member30040in its unfired position until the lock arms30716are displaced laterally by the proximal end of the cartridge body30722and/or the proximal end of the sled30730to release the lockout pins30045from lock windows defined in the lock arms30716. If the staple cartridge30720is removed from the cartridge channel30710, the lock arms30716resiliently return to their locked position.

Notably, further to the above, the proximal end of the staple cartridge30620would not displace, or at least sufficiently displace, the lock arms30716of the firing lockout30714to disengage the firing lockout30714from the firing member30040if the staple cartridge30620were to be seated in the stapling instrument30700. Moreover, the proximal end of the staple cartridge30720would not displace, or at least sufficiently displace, the lock arms30616of the firing lockout30614to disengage the firing lockout30614from the firing member30040if the staple cartridge30720were to be seated in the stapling instrument30600. Thus, the staple cartridges30620and30720each comprise unique keying features which unlock their respective, or proper, stapling instruments.

In various instances, further to the above, the cartridge body and/or sled of a staple cartridge, or staple cartridge type, can comprise one or more unique keying features which can only unlock its respective stapling instrument. In certain instances, the pan extending under the cartridge body can comprise a proximal feature, or key, configured to unlock the staple firing drive of its stapling instrument. Referring toFIG. 144, a cartridge pan30824, which is similar to the pan30024in many respects, comprises a proximal projection, or key,30826configured to unlock the staple firing drive of a stapling instrument. The projection30826is comprised of folded sheet metal to form a tubular structure, for example. The tubular structure is strengthened by a nested interconnection including a tab30827and a slot30828.

A surgical stapling instrument30900is illustrated inFIGS. 145 and 147and a surgical stapling instrument31000is illustrated inFIG. 148. The stapling instruments30900and31000are similar to the stapling instrument30500in many respects. Referring toFIG. 145, the stapling instrument30900comprises a cartridge channel30910, a staple cartridge30920removably positionable in the cartridge channel30910, and a staple firing lockout30914mounted to the cartridge channel30910which prevents the firing member30040from being advanced through a staple firing stroke unless the staple cartridge30920is seated in the cartridge channel30910. Similarly, referring toFIG. 148, the stapling instrument31000comprises a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge31020removably positionable in the cartridge channel, and a staple firing lockout31014mounted to the cartridge channel which prevents the firing member30040from being advanced through a staple firing stroke unless the staple cartridge31020is seated in the cartridge channel.

Notably, the staple firing lockout30914comprises only one lock arm30916which extends alongside the right side of the firing member30040. That said, the one lock arm30916comprises a lock window defined therein which is configured to capture and suitably hold a lockout pin30045of the firing member30040to hold the firing member30040in its unfired position, as illustrated inFIG. 147, until the staple cartridge30920is seated in the cartridge channel30910, as illustrated inFIG. 145. More specifically, the cartridge body30922of the staple cartridge30920comprises a proximal projection, or key,30926extending from the right side of the cartridge body30922that engages the lock arm30916and flexes the lock arm30916laterally outwardly when the staple cartridge30920is seated in the cartridge channel30910. Notably, the cartridge body30922does not comprise a projection, or key,30926extending from the left side of the cartridge body30922.

Also, notably, the staple firing lockout31014comprises only one lock arm31016which extends alongside the left side of the firing member30040. That said, the one lock arm31016comprises a lock window defined therein which is configured to capture and suitably hold a lockout pin30045of the firing member30040to hold the firing member30040in its unfired position, as illustrated inFIG. 148, until the staple cartridge31020is seated in the cartridge channel of the stapling instrument31000. More specifically, the cartridge body31022of the staple cartridge31020comprises a proximal projection, or key,31026extending from the left side of the cartridge body31022that engages the lock arm31016and flexes the lock arm31016laterally outwardly when the staple cartridge31020is seated in the stapling instrument31000. Notably, the cartridge body31022does not comprise a projection, or key,31026extending from the right side of the cartridge body31022.

Owing to the asymmetry of the cartridge bodies30922and31022and the corresponding asymmetry of the staple firing lockouts30914and31014, seating the staple cartridge31020in the stapling instrument30900does not unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument30900and, likewise, seating the staple cartridge30920in the stapling instrument31000does not unlock the staple firing system of the stapling instrument31000. Thus, the stapling instruments30900and31000can be used in the same operating room at the same time without the possibility of being used with the wrong staple cartridge despite the fact that the staple cartridges30920and31020may be confusingly similar. In some instances, the staple pattern produced by the staple cartridge30920is different than the staple pattern produced by the staple cartridge30120and, as a result, the anvil of the stapling instrument30900will have a different forming pocket arrangement than the anvil of the stapling instrument31000. In such instances, the asymmetrical key/firing lockout arrangements disclosed herein can prevent a mismatch between the arrangement of the staple cavities and the arrangement of the staple forming pockets.

Referring toFIGS. 149 and 150, a staple cartridge31120comprises a cartridge body31122including parallel longitudinal rows of staple cavities while a staple cartridge31220comprises a cartridge body31222including rows of staple cavities oriented in transverse directions. Similar to the above, referring toFIG. 149, the proximal end of the cartridge body31122comprises keys31126extending from the left side of the cartridge body31122—but not the right, or opposite, side of the cartridge body31122—and the proximal end of the cartridge body31222, referring toFIG. 150, comprises keys31226extending from the right side of the cartridge body31222—but not the left side of the cartridge body31222. The staple cartridge31120(FIG. 149) is used with a first stapling instrument having parallel longitudinal rows of anvil staple forming pockets and a left-side staple firing lockout, such as the firing lockout31014(FIG. 148), for example. The staple cartridge31220(FIG. 150) is used with a second stapling instrument having longitudinal rows of transverse staple forming pockets and a right-side staple firing lockout, such as the firing lockout30914(FIG. 147), for example. The staple cartridge31220does not unlock the first stapling instrument and, similarly, the staple cartridge31120does not unlock the second stapling instrument. As such, the keys31126of the staple cartridge31120cannot unlock a stapling instrument having staple forming pockets which extend in transverse directions and, correspondingly, the keys31226of the staple cartridge31220cannot unlock a stapling instrument having staple forming pockets which extend in parallel longitudinal rows.

Notably, the staple cartridge31120and the staple cartridge31220are substantially the same length and have substantially the same shape. Moreover, the staple cartridges31120and31220are both configured to produce staple lines in the patient tissue which are approximately 60 mm in length. However, the staple cartridges31120and31220could both be configured to produce staple lines which are approximately 30 mm in length or 45 mm in length, for example. Moreover, it is entirely possible that the cartridge body31122and the cartridge body31222have the same color. In various instances, a commercial supplier may color-code the cartridge bodies of the staple cartridges that they sell to indicate the size of the staples stored therein. For instance, the cartridge bodies containing unformed staples having an approximately 4 mm unformed height are green, for example. The cartridge bodies containing unformed staples having an approximately 2.5 mm unformed height could be white, for example. Thus, it is entirely possible that the staple cartridges31120and31220have the same color. As such, it is possible that a clinician could grab one staple cartridge when they intended to grab the other and install the staple cartridge in the wrong stapling instrument. The improvements disclosed herein account for such possibilities and lockout the stapling instrument in such instances.

A surgical instrument30800is illustrated inFIGS. 151-155. Referring primarily toFIGS. 153 and 154, the surgical instrument30800comprises a cartridge channel30810, a staple cartridge30820removably positioned in the cartridge channel30810, a firing member30040, and a lockout30814mounted to the cartridge channel30810. The lockout30814comprises a leaf spring30816including a proximal end anchored in an aperture defined in the cartridge channel30810and a distal end which is movable relative to the fixed proximal end. Referring primarily toFIGS. 153 and 155, the lockout30814further comprises a lockout box30815configured to capture one of the lockout pins30045extending from the cutting portion30042of the firing member30040and hold the firing member30040in an unfired position when the staple cartridge30820is not seated in the cartridge channel30810. The lockout box30815comprises a distal wall configured to prevent the firing member30040from being advanced distally, a proximal wall configured to prevent the firing member30040from being retracted proximally, and a bottom wall connecting the proximal wall and the distal wall of the lockout box30815. The top of the lockout box30815, however, is open but could be closed.

The staple cartridge30820comprises a cartridge body30822, a sled, and a pan30824attached to and extending under the cartridge body30822. Further to the above, the pan30824comprises a proximal projection30826configured to engage the leaf spring30816of the lockout30814when the staple cartridge30820is seated in the cartridge channel30810, as illustrated inFIGS. 152 and 154. When the projection30826contacts the leaf spring30816, the leaf spring30816flexes laterally such that the lockout pin30045is no longer captured in the lockout box30815of the lockout30814. At such point, the firing member30040has been unlocked and the firing member30040can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. Referring primarily toFIG. 154, the distal, or free, end of the leaf spring30816extends into a window30819defined in the cartridge channel30810. The window30819provides clearance for the leaf spring30816when the leaf spring30816is flexed by the staple cartridge30820. Also, a bottom sidewall of the window30819supports the distal end of the leaf spring30816such that the distal end is at least simply supported. In any event, the lockout30814provides a missing cartridge lockout and an improper cartridge lockout for staple cartridges, such as the staple cartridge30020, that do not have an appropriate key for unlocking the stapling instrument30800.

As discussed above, the lockout30814is moved from a locked position (FIGS. 152 and 153) to an unlocked position (FIG. 154) when the staple cartridge30820is seated in the cartridge channel30810of the stapling instrument30800. This deflection is seen inFIG. 155which illustrates the lockout30814in its locked position in solid and its unlocked position in phantom. In instances where an improper or incompatible staple cartridge, i.e., a staple cartridge not having a suitable key, is seated in the cartridge channel30810, the leaf spring30816will not be deflected, or at least suitably deflected, to unlock the firing member30040. Notably, the lockout30814further comprises a tab30817extending from the leaf spring30816such that the tab30817moves laterally with the leaf spring30816when the lockout30814is deflected. When the lockout30814is in its locked position, as illustrated inFIG. 153, the tab30817prevents the anvil of the surgical instrument30800, i.e., the anvil30050, from being moved into a closed, or fully-clamped, position, as described in greater detail below.

The anvil30050is rotatably coupled to the cartridge channel30810about pivot pins30051mounted in apertures defined in the cartridge channel30810. When the anvil30050is rotated toward the cartridge channel30810by a closure system of the surgical instrument30800, and the staple cartridge30820is not seated in the cartridge channel30810, a bottom surface30057of the anvil30050contacts the tab30817and the anvil30050is blocked from being moved into its closed or fully-clamped position. When the staple cartridge30820is seated in the cartridge channel30810, however, the tab30817is displaced laterally such that, when the anvil30050is closed, the anvil30050does not contact the tab30817and the anvil30050can be moved into its closed or fully-clamped position. Thus, the lockout30814also comprises an anvil closure lockout as the lockout30814prevents the anvil30050from being closed when the staple cartridge30820is not seated in the cartridge channel30810. In such instances, the clinician will become quickly aware that an improper staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge channel30810and/or that a staple cartridge is missing altogether as they won't be able to close the anvil30050. Because the anvil30050can't be closed onto the tissue, the staple firing stroke of the stapling instrument30800would also be prevented in such instances. In alternative embodiments where the staple cartridge jaw is rotatable instead of the anvil, such a lockout could be used to prevent the staple cartridge jaw from being rotated into a closed or fully-clamped position if an improper staple cartridge is positioned in the staple cartridge jaw or a staple cartridge is missing from the cartridge jaw altogether.

As discussed above, the lockout30814is configured to resist the closure of the anvil30050. To this end, further to the above, the proximal end of the lockout30814is fixedly supported in the cartridge channel30810and the distal end of the lockout30814is simply supported by the sidewalls of the window30819. This is the case when the lockout30814is in both of its locked (FIG. 153) and unlocked (FIG. 154) configurations. As such, the lockout30814can act as a beam supported at both ends and is well-suited to withstand the clamping load applied by the anvil30050. Similarly, the tab30817extending from the lockout30814is also supported by the cartridge channel30810. More specifically, the tab30817is slidably supported in a slot30818defined in the cartridge channel30810when the lockout30814is in both of its locked (FIG. 153) and unlocked (FIG. 154) configurations. As such, the lockout30814can act as a beam supported at both ends and an intermediate position and is well-suited to withstand the clamping load applied by the anvil30050. That said, any suitable support arrangement could be used.

As discussed above, the lockout30814is configured to prevent the anvil30050of the stapling instrument30800from being moved into a closed, or fully-clamped, position when the staple cartridge30820is not seated in the cartridge channel30810. That said, the lockout30814is configured to prevent the anvil30050from being substantially closed at all when the staple cartridge30820is not seated in the cartridge channel30810. In such instances, the anvil30050can be moved slightly toward the cartridge channel30810; however, the anvil30050is noticeably open when the anvil30050contacts the tab30817of the lockout30814. In various alternative embodiments, the anvil30050is prevented from moving at all until the staple cartridge30820is seated in the cartridge channel30810. In either event, the stapling instrument30800is not insertable into a patient through a trocar when the anvil30050is locked out. More specifically, a trocar comprises an inner passageway, or cannula, that is sized and configured to closely receive a surgical instrument therein and, when the anvil30050is locked out as described above, the distance between the anvil30050and the cartridge channel30810is too large for the stapling instrument30800to fit through the inner passageway. As a result, in such instances, the clinician using the stapling instrument30800will become aware that an improper staple cartridge is positioned in the stapling instrument30800before the stapling instrument30800is inserted into the patient.

A staple cartridge31520is illustrated inFIG. 155A. The staple cartridge31520comprises a cartridge body31522and a pan31524attached to the cartridge body31522. The pan31524comprises lock arms31521engaged with lateral channels defined in the cartridge body31522which hold the pan31524to the cartridge body31522. The pan31524is comprised of stamped metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The pan31524comprises two lateral sides—one on each side of the longitudinal slot30023. Each lateral side of the pan31524extends along a lateral side of the cartridge body31522and under a portion of the cartridge body31522. Each lateral side of the pan31524further comprises a proximal end31527that wraps around the proximal end of the cartridge body31522. The proximal ends31527extend orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the lateral sides of the pan31524. Each proximal end31527comprises a tab which is folded to form a proximally-extending key31526. Similar to the above, the keys31526are configured to unlock a staple firing system of a stapling instrument when the staple cartridge31520is seated in the stapling instrument.

Further to the above, each key31526comprises a rounded proximal end created by folding over the tabs outwardly such that the ends of the tab are brought back into contact with the proximal end31527. As a result, the keys31526are sturdy and deflection of the keys31526is prevented, or at least substantially reduced. As such, the keys31526will reliably deflect the firing system locks to unlock the firing system when the staple cartridge31520is seated in the stapling instrument. Each proximal end31527further comprises one or more retention teeth31529which extend into slots31528defined in the proximal end31527. The slots31528facilitate the folding of the proximal ends31527and also prevent, or at least limit, movement and/or deflection within the keys31526. The teeth31529bite into the proximal end31527and hold the key31526in its folded configuration.

A staple cartridge31620is illustrated inFIG. 155B. The staple cartridge31620comprises a cartridge body31522and a pan31624attached to the cartridge body31522. The pan31624comprises lock arms31621engaged with lateral channels defined in the cartridge body31522which hold the pan31624to the cartridge body31522. The pan31624is comprised of stamped metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The pan31624comprises two lateral sides—one on each side of the longitudinal slot30023. Each lateral side of the pan31624extends along a lateral side of the cartridge body31522and under a portion of the cartridge body31522. Each lateral side of the pan31624further comprises a proximal end that wraps downwardly around the proximal end of the cartridge body31522. The proximal ends extend orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the lateral sides of the pan31624. Each proximal end comprises a tab which is folded to form a proximally-extending key31626. Similar to the above, the keys31626are configured to unlock a staple firing system of a stapling instrument when the staple cartridge31620is seated in the stapling instrument.

Further to the above, each key31626comprises a laterally-facing U-shaped channel. More specifically, each key31626comprises an inner base31627, a laterally-extending top side31628extending from the inner base31627, and a laterally-extending bottom side31629extending from the opposite side of the inner base31627. The U-shaped configuration of the keys31626prevents the keys31626from buckling under a longitudinal load and/or deflecting under a laterally-directed torque. Notably, the keys31626are folded from tabs extending from the pan31624in such a manner so as to create clearance gaps31625under the keys31626. The clearance gaps31625are sized and configured to permit the locking pins of a firing member to pass under the keys31626during a staple firing stroke of the firing member.

A staple cartridge31720is illustrated inFIG. 155C. The staple cartridge31720comprises a cartridge body31522and a pan31724attached to the cartridge body31522. The pan31724comprises lock arms31721and31721′ engaged with lateral channels defined in the cartridge body31522which hold the pan31724to the cartridge body31522. The pan31724is comprised of stamped metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The pan31724comprises two lateral sides—one on each side of the longitudinal slot30023. Each lateral side of the pan31724extends along a lateral side of the cartridge body31522and under a portion of the cartridge body31522. One lateral side of the pan31724further comprises a proximal end31727that wraps downwardly around the proximal end of the cartridge body31522. The proximal end31727extends orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the lateral side of the pan31724. The proximal end31727comprises a tab which is folded to form a proximally-extending key31726. Similar to the above, the key31726is configured to unlock a staple firing system of a stapling instrument when the staple cartridge31720is seated in the stapling instrument.

Further to the above, the lateral side of the pan31724comprises an arcuate or circular cut-out and the proximal end31727comprises an arcuate or circular projection31723that is bent around the side of the cartridge body31522into the circular cut-out. The projection31723is closely received in the cut-out such that the proximal end31727of the pan31724is greatly stiffened or strengthened by this arrangement. The key31726comprises an L-shaped tab bent proximally from the pan31724. The key31726comprises a shoulder31728bent upwardly from the proximal end31727to create this L-shaped configuration. The shoulder31728comprises at least one notch, or strain relief,31729configured to facilitate the bending of the key31726. The L-shaped configuration of the key31726prevents the key31726from buckling under a longitudinal load and/or deflecting under a laterally-directed torque. Notably, the key31726is folded from a tab extending from the pan31724in such a manner so as to create a clearance gap31725under the key31726. The clearance gap31725is sized and configured to permit the locking pin of a firing member to pass under the key31726during a staple firing stroke of the firing member.

A staple cartridge31920is illustrated inFIG. 155E. The staple cartridge31920comprises a cartridge body31522and a pan31924attached to the cartridge body31522. The pan31924comprises lock arms31921engaged with lateral channels defined in the cartridge body31522which hold the pan31924to the cartridge body31522. The pan31924is comprised of stamped metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The pan31924comprises two lateral sides—one on each side of the longitudinal slot30023. Each lateral side of the pan31924extends along a lateral side of the cartridge body31522and under a portion of the cartridge body31522. One lateral side of the pan31924further comprises a proximal end31927that wraps around the proximal end of the cartridge body31522. The proximal end31927extends orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the lateral side of the pan31924. The proximal end31927comprises a tab which is folded to form a proximally-extending key31926. Similar to the above, the key31926is configured to unlock a staple firing system of a stapling instrument when the staple cartridge31920is seated in the stapling instrument.

Further to the above, the key31926comprises an L-shaped tab bent proximally from the pan31924. The key31926comprises a shoulder31928bent upwardly from the proximal end31927to create this L-shaped configuration. The L-shaped configuration of the key31926prevents the key31926from buckling under a longitudinal load and/or deflecting under a laterally-directed torque. Moreover, a free edge of the shoulder31928is welded, soldered, and/or brazed to the proximal end31927in order to strengthen the key31926. That said, any suitable number of welds31929can be used to secure or strengthen the key31926. Notably, the key31926is folded from a tab extending from the pan31924in such a manner so as to create a clearance gap31925under the key31926. The clearance gap31925is sized and configured to permit the locking pin of a firing member to pass under the key31926during a staple firing stroke of the firing member.

A staple cartridge31820is illustrated inFIG. 155D. The staple cartridge31820comprises a cartridge body31522and a pan31824attached to the cartridge body31522. The pan31824comprises lock arms31821engaged with lateral channels defined in the cartridge body31522which hold the pan31824to the cartridge body31522. The pan31824is comprised of stamped metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The pan31824comprises two lateral sides—one on each side of the longitudinal slot30023. Each lateral side of the pan31824extends along a lateral side of the cartridge body31522and under a portion of the cartridge body31522. One lateral side of the pan31824further comprises a proximal end31827that wraps around the proximal end of the cartridge body31522. The proximal end31827extends orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the lateral side of the pan31824. The proximal end31827comprises a tab which is folded to form a proximally-extending key31826. Similar to the above, the key31826is configured to unlock a staple firing system of a stapling instrument when the staple cartridge31820is seated in the stapling instrument.

Further to the above, the key31826comprises a rounded proximal end created by folding over the tab outwardly such that the end of the tab is brought back into contact with the proximal end31827. As a result, the key31826is sturdy and deflection of the key31826is prevented, or at least substantially reduced. As such, the key31826will reliably deflect the firing system locks to unlock the firing system when the staple cartridge31820is seated in the stapling instrument. The proximal end31827further comprises one or more retention teeth31829which extend into slots31828defined in the proximal end31827. The slots31828facilitate the folding of the proximal end31827and also prevent, or at least limit, movement and/or deflection within the key31826. The teeth31829bite into the proximal end31827and hold the key31826in its folded configuration. Notably, the key31826is folded from a tab extending from the pan31824in such a manner so as to create a clearance gap31825under the key31826. The clearance gap31825is sized and configured to permit the locking pin of a firing member to pass under the key31826during a staple firing stroke of the firing member.

Many of the lockouts disclosed herein are defeated when a compatible or proper staple cartridge is seated in the stapling instrument. When seated, a staple cartridge is locked into position within the stapling instrument. In such instances, there is little, if any, relative movement possible between the staple cartridge and the stapling instrument until the staple cartridge is uninstalled from the stapling instrument.

In various instances, a surgical stapling assembly comprises a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft including a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw. The surgical stapling assembly may comprise a lockout member configured to prevent the inadvertent firing of the surgical stapling assembly and/or the clamping of the surgical stapling assembly until a lockout key unlocks the lockout member. The lockout key may be a part of a staple cartridge configured to be installed in one of the first jaw and the second jaw, for example. Particularly, the lockout key may be a part of a sled of the staple cartridge such that the staple cartridge can unlock the lockout member when the sled is in its unfired position indicating that the staple cartridge is unspent when the staple cartridge is installed within the surgical stapling assembly. In at least one instance, further action may be required to unlock the lockout with the lockout key. For example, an end effector may be required to attain a fully clamped configuration before the lockout key can unlock the lockout member. One example of a lockout can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249921 entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS WITH CONDUCTOR STRAIN RELIEF, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,749, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In at least one instance, surgical stapling assemblies, such as the one described above, may be used with a surgical robot. The surgical stapling assemblies can be configured to be attached to robotic systems and operated by way of robotic arms of the robotic systems. These robotic systems allow for surgeons to be outside of a sterile field within which the patient is present. In at least one instance, a technician and/or another surgeon, for example, may be located within the bounds of the sterile field to monitor the interface between the tools and the patient. This technician and/or surgeon may attach and detach instruments to the robotic arms during a surgical procedure. In some instances, it may be advantageous to be able to actively bypass the lockout member of a surgical stapling assembly. Providing this ability can enable a surgeon or technician to manually defeat a lockout means of a staple cartridge when the lockout means, for whatever reason, cannot be automatically defeated. Providing this ability may also enable a surgeon to test the operability of the lockout member to ensure that the lockout member is functional prior to using the surgical stapling assembly. In an instance where a surgeon wants to manually override the lockout member to fire a staple cartridge, a surgeon or clinician may know that the installed staple cartridge is a proper unfired staple cartridge and may want to fire the staple cartridge regardless of the fact that the lockout member was not actually defeated. In at least one instance, the clinician may want remove that lockout member from the firing sequence and prevent it from being a part of the firing stroke. Moreover, providing direct access to the lockout member within the end effector itself for manual unlocking can provide an advantage with or without a system that automatically defeats the lockout member. Direct access to the lockout member within the end effector can eliminate additional components that otherwise may be present in a system utilizing an unlocking mechanism to unlock the lockout member that is further upstream of the lockout member. Using an unlocking mechanism further upstream to the lockout member within the shaft of the surgical instrument, for example, can introduce additional components that might jam or fail during the application of an unlocking actuation.

FIGS. 156-160depict a surgical stapling assembly41000configured to clamp, staple, and cut the tissue of a patient. The surgical stapling assembly41000is configured to be attached to, detached from, and operated by a surgical robot and/or a surgical instrument handle. The surgical stapling assembly41000comprises a shaft41100, a first jaw41200pivotably supported within the shaft41100, and a second jaw41300attached to the shaft41100. The first jaw41200is movable between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration to clamp and unclamp tissue positioned between the first jaw41200and the second jaw41300. The surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a staple cartridge41230comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge41230is configured to be installed into the first jaw41200and replaced with other staple cartridges. The surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a firing member41400extending through the shaft41100that is configured to move the first jaw41200relative to the second jaw41300between the unclamped configuration and the clamped configuration, deploy staples from the staple cartridge41230, and cut tissue during a firing stroke with a knife, or blade,41422. The firing member41400is configured to be actuated by a drive system of a surgical robot and/or a surgical instrument handle. Embodiments are envisioned where the firing member41400is driven with a rotary drive shaft. Embodiments are also envisioned where the jaw configured to receive the staple cartridge is fixed to the shaft and the jaw containing the anvil is movable between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration.

The surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a lockout41500(FIG. 160) configured to prevent the firing member41400from moving distally past a specific position unless a proper unspent staple cartridge is installed within the first jaw41200and the first jaw41200is in a fully clamped configuration. In at least one instance, the firing member41400is permitted to move a first distance between a home position and the specific position regardless of the condition of the lockout41500to permit clamping and unclamping of tissue, as discussed in greater detail below. The lockout41500is biased toward a locked configuration where the firing member41400is prevented from moving distally beyond the specific position. The lockout41500is movable into an unlocked configuration where the firing member41400is permitted to move distally beyond the specific position to deploy staples from the staple cartridge41230. Discussed in greater detail below, the surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a direct access orifice defined therein configured to allow a clinician to manually, or artificially, unlock the lockout41500, i.e., move the lockout41500into the unlocked configuration.

The first jaw41200comprises a channel41210configured to receive the staple cartridge41230therein. The staple cartridge41230is configured to be installed within the channel41210and readily replaced with another staple cartridge. The staple cartridge41230further comprises a sled41235movable between an unfired position and a fired position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge41230as the sled41235is pushed distally through a cartridge body41232of the staple cartridge41230by the firing member41400. The second jaw41300comprises an anvil41320comprising a staple-forming surface41310configured to form the staples ejected from the staple cartridge41230.

The first jaw41200is movable relative to the second jaw41300between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration by the firing member41400. Embodiments are envisioned where the second jaw41300is movable relative to the first jaw41200. To clamp tissue, the firing member41400is moved distally a first distance from a home position to cam the first jaw41200into a clamped configuration. Referring toFIG. 159, the firing member41400comprises anvil-camming portions41423configured to engage a ramp41332of an anvil channel41330defined within the second jaw41300and channel-camming portions41424configured to engage a ramp41222of a bottom surface41220of the first jaw41200. The anvil-camming portions41423and the channel-camming portions41424extend laterally from a distal portion41420of the firing member41400and are configured to control the distance between the first jaw41200and the second jaw41300as the distal portion41420of the firing member moves through its firing stroke. During the first distance discussed above, the anvil-camming portions41423and the channel-camming portions41424engage the first and second jaws41200,41300and cam the first jaw41200into a clamped configuration. Further distal movement of the distal portion41420of the firing member41400holds the first and second jaws41200,41300relative to each other during the firing stroke and pushes the sled41235distally to eject staples stored within the staple cartridge41230.

The surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a lockout41500configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced distally beyond the first distance unless a proper unspent staple cartridge is installed within the first jaw41200and the first jaw41200is fully clamped. The lockout41500comprises a lockout member41510pivotably supported within the shaft41100and movable between an unlocked configuration (FIG. 157) where the firing member41400is permitted to move beyond the first distance to complete the firing stroke and a locked configuration (FIG. 158) where the firing member41400is prevented from moving beyond the first distance. The lockout member41510is biased into the locked configuration by a spring41520. A proper unspent staple cartridge installed within the channel41210can overcome the bias provided by the spring41520when the first jaw41200is moved into the clamped configuration.

To unlock the lockout41500, the first jaw41200must be moved into its clamped configuration to present the sled41235to engage and unlock the lockout member41510. The sled41235cannot defeat the lockout41500when the first jaw41200is not in its clamped configuration. Embodiments are envisioned where the cartridge jaw is not pivotable but, rather, the anvil jaw is pivotable. In such embodiments, mere insertion of the staple cartridge presents the sled41235to defeat the lockout41500. In such embodiments, the lockout41500can be defeated prior to the application of any clamping motions to the anvil jaw.

To unlock the lockout41500, as discussed above, a proper unspent staple cartridge must be installed in the first jaw41200of the surgical stapling assembly41000. The staple cartridge41230comprises a sled41235comprising a lockout key41237extending proximally therefrom. The lockout key41237is configured to move the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration when the sled41235is in an unfired position and the first jaw41200is moved into the clamped configuration. To unlock the lockout, the lockout key41237pivots the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration by moving a lockout ledge, or leg,41511of the lockout member41510away from a lockout notch41412defined in a firing shaft, or bar,41410of the firing member41400which would otherwise prevent distal movement of the firing member41400beyond an initial distance used for clamping when the first jaw41200is moved into the clamped configuration. The lockout member41510comprises a pair of arms41512extending distally from the lockout ledge41511which are configured to straddle the firing member41400as the firing member41400moves through its firing stroke.

FIG. 157illustrates the lockout key41237engaged with distal ends41516of the arms41512on a distal end41515of the lockout member41510. As illustrated inFIG. 157, the lockout member41510has pivoted relative to the shaft41100about nubs41513(FIG. 160) of the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration. When the lockout member41510is in the unlocked configuration, the lockout notch41412of the firing shaft41410will clear the lockout ledge41511of the lockout member41510thereby permitting the firing member41400to move distally through the staple cartridge41230. Referring toFIG. 158, if the lockout key41237is not present upon clamping the first jaw41200into the clamped configuration, the lockout member41510remains biased in the locked configuration by way of the spring41520(FIG. 159) pushing against the tabs41514(FIG. 160) of the lockout member41510where the lockout ledge41511engages the notch41412of the firing shaft41410to block distal movement of the firing member41400beyond the initial distance used for clamping.

As discussed above, the surgical stapling assembly41000further comprises a direct access orifice41425defined therein configured to allow a clinician to artificially move the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration. The orifice41425can be positioned in any suitable component such that a tool41590can access the lockout member41510through the orifice41425to move the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration. The orifice41425is defined in the channel-camming portions41424of the distal portion41420of the firing member41400. The orifice41425may comprise access slits defined in the channel-camming portions41424, for example. In at least one instance, the orifice41425is defined in the shaft41100and/or a component thereof. Nonetheless, the lockout member41510is directly accessible through the orifice41425. The tool41590comprises a hook portion41591configured to be inserted through the orifice41425and an opening41517defined between the arms41512of the lockout member41510to hook, or latch, onto an upper side of the ledge41511to pull the ledge41511and thus pivot the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration overcoming the spring bias which encourages the lockout member41510into the locked configuration. The orifice41425can be configured such that commonly-avoidable tools, such as a screwdriver, for example, do not fit within the orifice, or exterior access aperture,41425. Portions of the lockout member41510are illustrated in phantom in the unlocked configuration where tool41590has positioned the lockout member41510into the unlocked configuration. Arms41512′ and ledge41511′ are phantom versions of the arms41512and ledge41511of the lockout member41510illustrated in the unlocked configuration.

Once the lockout member41510is manually, or artificially, defeated to move the lockout41500into the unlocked configuration, the firing member41400is permitted to move distally past an unfired location and into the staple cartridge41230. The unfired location is defined as the position after clamping but before firing. Once the firing member41400is advanced distally past its unfired position, the tool41590can be disengaged from the lockout member41510and removed from the orifice41425to allow the lockout41500to resume normal operation. For instance, the lockout member41510will pivot into the locked configuration when the firing member41400returns to the unfired location after having at least partially fired a staple cartridge. During the firing stroke, the lockout member41510is accessible with the tool41590through a secondary access aperture41160defined between a proximal end of the channel41210and a distal end of the shaft41100. That said, the lockout member41510will remain defeated during the staple firing stroke. In at least one instance, the direct access orifice is positioned within the shaft41100, for example, and can provide access to the lockout member41510during the firing stroke of the firing member41400. In at least one instance, the secondary access aperture41160comprises the primary lockout access aperture.

The lockout41500can be positioned in any suitable location. In at least one instance, the lockout41500may be positioned proximal to the distal portion41420of the firing member41400when the firing member41400is in its proximal most position (such as the position illustrated inFIG. 159). In such an instance, the access aperture may be defined in a shaft housing, or frame, of the surgical stapling assembly41000. In at least one instance, the access aperture is defined in the channel41210.

In at least one instance, the tool41590can be inserted through the direct access aperture41425to unlock the lockout41500prior to the insertion of the staple cartridge41230into the channel41210. Moving the lockout41500to its unlocked configuration prior to the insertion of a staple cartridge can aid the staple cartridge installation by preventing the lockout41500from engaging the staple cartridge during installation. Some lockouts disable improper staple cartridges by bumping a sled of the staple cartridge from its unfired, firable position to an unfired, unfirable position which can cause the staple cartridge to become instantly spent. Moreover, such lockouts may bump a sled of a proper staple cartridge during installation of the proper staple cartridge. Unlocking the lockout41500prior to installation of the staple cartridge can ensure that the proper staple cartridge is not disabled accidentally during installation.

FIGS. 161 and 162depict a surgical stapling assembly42000for use in clamping, stapling, and cutting the tissue of a patient. The surgical stapling assembly42000is similar to other stapling assemblies described herein in many respects. The surgical stapling assembly42000comprises a firing assembly42100and a cartridge channel42200configured to receive a staple cartridge therein. The firing assembly42100is configured to push a sled of a proper unspent staple cartridge installed within the cartridge channel42200to deploy the staples of the staple cartridge and cut the stapled tissue. The surgical stapling assembly42000further comprises a lockout42300configured to prevent the firing assembly42100from being advanced through an improper staple cartridge. The lockout42300comprises a spring42310which biases the lockout42300toward a locked configuration. The lockout42300is configured to be pushed proximally by a proper unspent staple cartridge to unlock the firing assembly42100. Notably, the lockout42300is configured such that lockout42300does not accidentally push the sled of the proper staple cartridge into a position which would induce a lockout condition for the firing assembly42100. The lockout42300can employ any suitable lockout method. The firing assembly42100is similar to other firing assemblies described herein.

The surgical stapling assembly42000further comprises a direct access cutout, or aperture,42210defined in the bottom of the cartridge channel42200at a proximal end of a longitudinal slot42230defined in the cartridge channel42200. The firing assembly42100is movable through the slot42230of the cartridge channel42200during a staple firing stroke. The direct access cutout42210allows for a tool to be inserted within the surgical stapling assembly42000to access the lockout42300directly. The tool can be inserted through the direct access cutout42210to move the lockout42300into an unlocked configuration (FIG. 162). Unlocking the lockout42300in this manner can be referred to as artificially unlocking the lockout42300because an unspent staple cartridge has not automatically unlocked the lockout42300for whatever reason. The direct access cutout42210comprises a proximal end42211and a distal end42213comprising a wider cutout portion than the proximal end42211. The wider cutout portion of the distal end42213can aid in the proper insertion of the tool into the channel42200. For example, the tool can comprise a lock-engaging portion that fits in the distal end42213but not the proximal end42211thereby eliminating the possibility of mis-inserting the tool in the proximal end42211. Moreover, the lockout42300, and its position relative to other components of the surgical stapling assembly42000, is also directly visible through the direct access cutout42210. Nonetheless, a tool can be inserted through the cutout42210to pull and/or push the lockout42300proximally to overcome the spring bias and move the lockout42300into the unlocked configuration. The tool can also be removed and disengaged from the lockout42300such that the lockout42300can resume normal operation. Moreover, providing the ability to manually move the lockout42300may allow a clinician to move the lockout42300away from its locked position before installing a staple cartridge into the cartridge channel42200to prevent the lockout42300from moving a sled of the staple cartridge that is being installed into the cartridge channel42200prematurely.

FIGS. 163 and 164depict a surgical stapling assembly43000comprising a firing assembly43100, a frame43400that supports the firing assembly43100therein, a cartridge channel43300pivotably attached to the frame43400, and a lockout key mechanism43500configured to defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling assembly43000. The surgical stapling assembly43000can comprise any suitable lockout; however, a diving knife lockout where the firing assembly43100falls into a locking recess in the absence of a proper unspent staple cartridge being positioned in the cartridge channel43300is described below.

The firing assembly43100comprises a firing shaft43110and a firing member43120attached to the distal end of the firing shaft43110. Although a linear firing shaft is illustrated, the firing assembly43100may be configured with a rotary drive shaft. The firing shaft43110is configured to be actuated by a firing driver of a surgical instrument handle and/or a surgical robot, for example. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used. The firing member43120comprises anvil-camming pins43122and channel camming pins43123extending laterally therefrom. The pins43122,43123are configured to control the clamping pressure on the tissue captured within the surgical stapling assembly43000during a firing stroke. The firing member43120further comprises a cutting edge43121configured to cut the clamped tissue. The firing member43120further comprises a ledge, or distal nose,43124configured to engage and/or rest on top of a sled of an unfired proper staple cartridge such that the firing member43120does not fall into the lockout recess.

The firing assembly43100further comprises an extension43111configured to be biased downwardly toward the channel43300by a spring member mounted within the frame43400. Discussed in greater detail below, the downward bias of the extension43111encourages the firing assembly43100toward its locked out condition. The downward bias is overcome when an unspent proper staple cartridge is installed within the cartridge channel43300.

The lockout key mechanism43500comprises a spring43530, a wedge43520slidably supported within the frame43400, and a lifter spring43510comprising a proximal end43511mounted to the frame43400. The wedge43520comprises a ramp43521on which a distal end43512of the lifter spring43510rests. When a staple cartridge is inserted into the cartridge channel43300, the staple cartridge43200pushes the wedge43520proximally. Proximal movement of the wedge43520causes the lifter spring43510to lift the firing member43120to defeat a first stage of the lockout. The lifter spring43510comprises a notch43513defined on the distal end43512configured to engage lifter pins43125extending laterally from the firing member43120when the lifter spring43510is lifted by the wedge43520of the staple cartridge43200.

Once the first stage of the lockout has been overcome, the firing assembly43100is advanced distally to assess the second stage of the lockout. This second stage of the lockout is defeated when the sled of the staple cartridge43200is in its proximal unfired position. Similar to the above, the firing shaft43110can be lifted onto the sled by the staple cartridge43200as the firing shaft43110is advanced distally.

To cause the nose43124of the firing member43120to land on an unfired sled of the staple cartridge43200to defeat the second stage of the lockout and prevent the firing member43120from falling into the lockout recess, a cartridge body key43211is provided on a proximal end43201of the cartridge body43210. Referring now toFIG. 164, as the staple cartridge43200is installed in the cartridge channel43300, the cartridge body key43211pushes the wedge43520proximally and overcomes the spring bias provided by the spring43530. As the wedge43520is pushed proximally, the wedge43520lifts the lifter spring43510. At this point, the notch43513can grab the lifter pins43125and lift the firing assembly43100. Lifting the firing assembly43100in this manner can be referred to as defeating the first stage of the lockout. Notably, a staple cartridge without the proper cartridge lockout key may be able to be installed in the cartridge channel43300but will not be able to lift the firing assembly43100. Once the staple cartridge43200is installed in the cartridge channel43300and the firing assembly43100is lifted, the firing assembly43100can be advanced distally such that the notch43513can hold the firing assembly43100at the proper height and for the proper distance so that the nose43124can land on the unfired sled in the staple cartridge43200thereby avoiding the lockout recess. Landing the nose43124on the unfired sled can be referred to as defeating the second stage of the lockout. If the sled in the staple cartridge43200is not in its unfired position, the firing assembly43100will fall into the lockout recess and not be able to be advanced distally beyond its locked configuration. In at least one instance, the cartridge body key43211extends proximally from a cartridge body pan43220of the staple cartridge43200.

FIG. 165depicts a first staple cartridge43610comprising a proximal end43611and a lockout key43613extending from the proximal end43611. The lockout key43613comprises a first profile.FIG. 165depicts a second staple cartridge43620comprising a proximal end43621and a lockout key43623extending from the proximal end43621. The lockout key43623comprises a second profile that is different than the first profile of the lockout key43613. The first staple cartridge43610is configured to unlock only the stapling instruments it is compatible with and the second staple cartridge43620is configured to unlock only the stapling instruments it is compatible with.

Referring back to the lockout key mechanism43500inFIGS. 163 and 164, cartridges using different key profiles can be used to ensure that the firing member is lifted at the appropriate location and with the appropriate height. Lifting the firing member at different locations, referring toFIG. 165, causes different lift timings of the firing member. This can be used to ensure that an improper staple cartridge can not unlock a non-compatible instrument.FIGS. 166 and 167contain graphs illustrating the different lift timings43610′,43620′ and displacements43610″,43620″ provided by the cartridges43610,43620. The staple cartridge43610is configured to lift the firing member earlier than the staple cartridge43620. In a compatible surgical instrument, the first staple cartridge43610will cause a wedge, for example, such as the wedge described herein, to lift the firing member at the appropriate time and location such that the firing member will land on an unfired sled of the first staple cartridge43610so as to defeat the lockout and enable the firing member to be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. In an incompatible surgical instrument, the first staple cartridge43610will cause a wedge, for example, to lift the firing member at the incorrect time and location causing the firing member to fall before reaching the sled or causing the firing member to bump the sled distally before being lifted onto the sled. Both situations involving installing an incompatible cartridge and instrument will cause the firing member to enter a locked out condition upon an attempt to move the firing member through a firing stroke. The second staple cartridge43620works in a similar manner. That said, the second staple cartridge43620cannot unlock an instrument compatible with the first staple cartridge43610, and vice versa.

FIGS. 168 and 169depict a system44000comprising a first cartridge44100(FIG. 168) and a second cartridge44200(FIG. 169). The first staple cartridge44100comprises a cartridge body44110comprising a proximal end44111, a distal end44112, and a plurality of staple cavities44114arranged in rows extending between the proximal end44111and the distal end44112. The first staple cartridge44100further comprises a cartridge pan44130configured to hold staples in the cartridge body44110, and a sled44120configured to deploy the staples from the cartridge body44110. The cartridge body44110further comprises a longitudinal slot44113defined therein configured to receive a firing member of a surgical stapling assembly. The longitudinal slot44113defines a first lateral side and a second lateral side labeled “A” and “B” respectively. The cartridge body44110further comprises a lockout key44116extending from a proximal face44115of the first lateral side “A” of the cartridge body44110.

The second staple cartridge44200comprises a cartridge body44210comprising a proximal end44211, a distal end44212, and a plurality of staple cavities44214arranged in rows extending between the proximal end44211and the distal end44212. The second staple cartridge44200further comprises a cartridge pan44230configured to hold staples in the cartridge body44210, and a sled44220configured to deploy the staples from the cartridge body44210. The cartridge body44210further comprises a longitudinal slot44213defined therein configured to receive a firing member of a surgical stapling assembly. The longitudinal slot44213defines a first lateral side and a second lateral side labeled “A” and “B” respectively. The cartridge body44210further comprises a lockout key44216extending from a proximal face44215of the second lateral side “B” of the cartridge body44210.

The staple cavities44114comprise three rows on each side of the longitudinal slot44113. Each row defines a row axis with which each staple cavity in that row is aligned. In other words, the proximal end and the distal end of each cavity in a single row is aligned with the row axis of that row. The staple cavities44214comprise three rows on each side of the longitudinal slot44213. Each row defines a row axis with which each staple cavity in that row is transversely aligned. Each side of the staple cartridge44200comprises an outer row of staple cavities44214, an inner row of staple cavities44214, and a middle row of staple cavities44214positioned between the outer row of staple cavities44214and the inner row of staple cavities44214. The staple cavities44214of the middle row define cavity axes that are transverse to cavity axes defined by the staple cavities44214in the inner row and the staple cavities44214in the outer row.

The system44000provides a way to prevent an improper staple cartridge from being used with a surgical stapling assembly by providing the lockout keys of each cartridge on different sides of the staple cartridge. Providing the lockout keys on different sides of the staple cartridge prevents the use of a stapling assembly comprising corresponding staple-forming pockets for the first staple cartridge44100with the second staple cartridge44200and the use of a stapling assembly comprising corresponding staple-forming pockets for the second staple cartridge44200with the first staple cartridge44100. Thus, the first staple cartridge44100will not be able to unlock a firing lockout of a surgical stapling assembly meant for the second staple cartridge44200and the second staple cartridge44200will not be able to unlock a firing lockout of a surgical stapling assembly meant for the first staple cartridge44100. This prevents improper cartridge installation which may result in deploying staples against an anvil with non-corresponding staple-forming pockets.

FIGS. 170-179depict a surgical stapling assembly45000configured to clamp, staple, and cut the tissue of a patient. The surgical stapling assembly45000can be used with a surgical robot and/or a surgical instrument handle. The surgical stapling assembly45000comprises a first jaw45200, a second jaw45400movable relative to the first jaw45200between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration, and a firing assembly45500. The surgical stapling assembly45000further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge45300comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein which are configured to be deployed by the firing assembly45500. The first jaw45200comprises a channel45210configured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge45300. The second jaw45400comprises an anvil45410comprising a staple-forming surface45415configured to form the staples deployed from the staple cartridge45300. The first jaw45200further comprises pin apertures45212(FIG. 171) in which pivot pins45413of the second jaw45400are received to permit the second jaw45400to pivot relative to the first jaw45200. Embodiments are envisioned where the fixed jaw comprises the anvil and the movable jaw comprises the channel and the staple cartridge.

To clamp tissue with the surgical stapling assembly45000, the second jaw45400comprises a camming surface45412formed on a proximal end45411thereof which is configured to be engaged by a closure member. The closure member comprises a closure tube, for example, but can comprise any other suitable configuration. The closure member is configured to cam the second jaw45400from the unclamped configuration to the clamped configuration toward the channel45210by engaging and sliding along the camming surface45412. To unclamp the surgical stapling assembly45000, the closure member is retracted proximally. A spring may be provided to bias the second jaw45400into the unclamped configuration as the closure member disengages the camming surface45412.

To staple and cut tissue with the surgical stapling assembly45000, a proper unspent staple cartridge must be installed within the surgical stapling assembly45000. When a proper unspent staple cartridge is installed within the channel45210, the firing assembly45500can be actuated through the staple cartridge45300to push a sled45340of the staple cartridge45300distally from an unfired position to a fired position to deploy the staples stored within the staple cartridge45300during a staple firing stroke. As the firing assembly45500is moved through the staple firing stroke, a cutting edge45523of the firing assembly cuts the tissue clamped between the first jaw45200and the second jaw45400. In at least one instance, the cutting edge45523trails behind the staple deployment to prevent tissue from being cut before the tissue is stapled.

Referring primarily toFIGS. 172-175, the firing assembly45500comprises a firing member45520comprising the cutting edge45523, anvil-camming portions45521and channel-camming portions45522configured to control the distance between the first jaw45200and the second jaw45400during the staple firing stroke, and laterally-extending portions45525positioned between the anvil-camming portions45521and the channel-camming portions45522configured to fall into a lockout as discussed in greater detail below. The firing member45520further comprises a tail45526extending proximally therefrom which is configured to interface with a spring45240mounted in the shaft as discussed in greater detail below.

To prevent the firing assembly45500from being advanced through an improper and/or spent staple cartridge, the surgical stapling assembly45000further comprises a lockout system. The surgical stapling assembly45000comprises a diving-knife lockout such as those disclosed herein where the firing assembly45500falls into a lockout pocket if a proper unspent staple cartridge is not installed within the surgical stapling assembly45000. A proper unspent staple cartridge, such as the staple cartridge45300, is configured to prevent the firing assembly45500from falling into the lockout pocket by lifting the firing assembly45500when the staple cartridge45300is unspent. In such instances, a distal end of the firing assembly will land on an unfired sled of the staple cartridge45300. The firing assembly45500may then be advanced through the staple cartridge45300.

The staple cartridge45300includes a lockout key45330to lift the firing assembly45500to the proper height and proper distance to get the firing assembly45500to land on an unfired sled and defeat the lockout of the surgical stapling assembly45000. The staple cartridge45300further comprises a cartridge body45310comprising a proximal end45301comprising a proximal face45313and a longitudinal slot45311configured to receive the firing assembly45500during the staple firing stroke. The lockout key45330extends proximally from the proximal face45313of the cartridge body45310and comprises a pair of protrusions defining a proximal longitudinal slot portion45333of the longitudinal slot45311. The proximal longitudinal slot portion45333is configured to straddle the firing member45520when the staple cartridge45300is installed in the channel45210. Each protrusion of the lockout key45330comprises a ramped surface, or portion,45331and a non-ramped portion, or surface,45332. The staple cartridge45300further comprises a pan45320configured to hold the staples within the cartridge body45310. The pan45320is configured to clip onto a deck45312of the cartridge body45310. The pan45320may be removably affixed to the cartridge body45310by a series of hooks45321that are formed on the sidewalls of the cartridge pan45320and configured to hookingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body45310. In at least one instance, the pan can comprise the lockout key.

The firing assembly45500comprises a firing shaft45510configured to transfer firing motions to the firing member45520. The firing member45520is attached to a distal end45513of the firing shaft45510. The firing member45520is biased downwardly by the spring45420mounted in the shaft. More specifically, the spring45420pushes the tail45526of the firing member45520downwardly to bias the firing member45520unless the firing member45520is lifted upwardly away from the firing lockout. To lift the firing assembly45500, the surgical stapling assembly45000comprises a floating pin45600positioned behind the firing member45520of the firing assembly45500. The floating pin45600is supported within a slot, or channel,45213defined in the sides of the staple cartridge channel45210. The floating pin45600is configured to move vertically within the slot45213by the ramped surfaces45331. More specifically, the floating pin45600is pushed upwardly by the lockout key45330into the staple cartridge channel45210which, in turn, contacts the bottom edge of the firing member45520and pushes the firing member45520upwardly. Thus, the floating pin45600keeps the firing member45520from diving into the firing lockout when the staple cartridge45300is seated in the staple cartridge channel45210. As such, the lockout key45330overcomes the downward spring bias applied to the firing member45520by the spring45240.

Once the staple cartridge45300is fully installed and the firing assembly45500is lifted to the position illustrated inFIG. 174, the firing assembly45500can then be advanced distally toward the sled45340of the staple cartridge45300. Thus, with the proper lockout key, the first stage of the lockout is defeated. If the sled45340is in its unfired position, a distal nose, or shelf,45524of the firing member45520will land on a corresponding platform45341of the sled45340and avoid the lockout discussed above. Landing the distal nose45524of the firing member45520on the platform45341of the sled45340when the sled45340is in its unfired position defeats a second stage of the lockout. As the firing assembly45500is advanced distally, the bottom surface45511rides over the floating pin45600and the height of the firing assembly45500is governed by the engagement between the floating pin45600, the bottom surface45511of the firing shaft45510, and the lockout key45600.

Because the height of the firing assembly45500is governed by the engagement between the floating pin45600, the bottom surface45511of the firing shaft45510, and the lockout key45600, the firing shaft45510is configured such that the firing assembly45500may still fall into the lockout when the sled45340of the staple cartridge45300is not in its unfired position. Referring toFIGS. 176 and 177, the bottom surface45511comprises a notch45515defined proximal to the distal end45513of the firing shaft45510. The notch45515is configured such that the firing shaft45510will fall into the lockout if the sled45340is not present in its unfired position.FIG. 176illustrates the staple cartridge45300installed within the channel45210; however, the sled45340is not present in its unfired position. Thus, turning toFIG. 177, the firing shaft45510is not sufficiently lifted upwardly by the floating pin45600to lift the firing shaft45510out of the lockout. Instead, the firing shaft45510is pulled down by the spring45240as the firing assembly45500is advanced distally owing to the floating pin45600fitting in the notch45515. To perform a staple firing stroke, the improper cartridge must be removed and replaced with a proper unfired staple cartridge.

If a staple cartridge is installed in the surgical stapling assembly that does not have a proper lockout key, the floating pin45600will remain in its lower most position illustrated inFIG. 172. If an attempt is made to advance the firing assembly45500distally, the firing assembly45500will be unable to overcome the first stage of the lockout.

FIG. 180depicts the staple cartridge45300discussed above.FIG. 181depicts a second staple cartridge45900comprising a cartridge body45910and a pan45920configured to hold a plurality of staples in the staple cartridge45900. The cartridge body45910further comprises a lockout key45930extending proximally from a proximal face45913of the cartridge body45910. As can be seen fromFIGS. 180 and 181, the staple cartridge45300and the second staple cartridge45900comprise similar features; however, they comprise lockout keys having different configurations. The lockout key45330of the staple cartridge45300comprises a first length45338and a first height45339while the lockout key45930of the second staple cartridge45900comprises a second length45938and a second height45939which are different than the first length45338and the first height45339, respectively. The staple cartridges45300,45900are part of a system in which the staple cartridge45300can only unlock a first instrument but not a second instrument while the second staple cartridge45900can only unlock the second instrument and not the first instrument. The lockout key45930comprises a ramped surface45931and a flat surface45932which have different dimensions than the surfaces45331,45332of the lockout key45330. The lockout key45330of the staple cartridge45300is shown in phantom lines inFIG. 181for comparison purposes.

Differing lockout key configurations between similar looking cartridges, for example, can prevent a clinician from inserting and using an incompatible cartridge in a second instrument. In this instance, the lockout keys45330,45930will cause a firing assembly of an instrument to lift to different heights and at different times during the firing stroke of the firing assembly. Referring back to the floating pin45600, if the second staple cartridge45900is installed in the surgical stapling assembly45000, the firing assembly45500will be lifted by the floating pin45600at a height which is less than a height at which the firing assembly45500will be lifted by the floating pin45600if the staple cartridge45300is installed. This will cause the firing assembly45500to not be able to land on the sled platform of the second staple cartridge and, instead, will become locked out. This will prevent the use of an improper staple cartridge within a stapling instrument.

The instrument with which the second staple cartridge45900may be used can comprise a similar floating pin system as discussed above; however, this floating pin may be located in a different position relative to the second staple cartridge45900such that the lockout key45930can lift the firing member of this instrument to the appropriate height and at the appropriate time to land on the sled of the second staple cartridge45900to bypass the lockout of the instrument. In at least one instance, the lockout keys described herein comprise cartridge body fins, for example.

A surgical stapling assembly comprising a firing member, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge, a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, and a lockout movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from an unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises an exterior access aperture defined in the cartridge channel. The lockout is accessible through the exterior access aperture such that the lockout can be manually defeated to move the lockout into the unlocked configuration.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 1, further comprising a key comprising a hook portion configured to be inserted in the exterior access aperture to unlock the lockout.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member pivotably supported within the surgical stapling assembly, and wherein the lockout member is pivotable between an unlocked configuration where the firing member is permitted to advance distally beyond the unfired location and a locked configuration where the firing member is prevented from moving distally beyond the unfired location.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 3, wherein the firing member comprises a firing bar comprising a notch defined therein, and wherein the lockout member comprises a proximal leg configured to engage the notch.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 4, wherein the firing member comprises a distal end comprising a knife, and wherein the notch is proximal to the knife.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member spring-biased toward the locked configuration.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 6, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a sled configured to deploy the staples, wherein the sled is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and wherein the sled is configured to hold the lockout member in the unlocked configuration when the sled is in the unfired position.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the lockout member is configured to pivot into the locked configuration when the firing member returns to the unfired location.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 6, 7, or 8, further comprising a manual lockout key, wherein the manual lockout key is configured to be inserted through the exterior access aperture to artificially unlock the lockout, wherein the lockout member can be engaged by the manual lockout key through the exterior access aperture when the firing member is not in the unfired location.

A surgical stapling assembly comprising a firing member movable between an unfired location and a fired location, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge, a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, and an internal lockout movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The internal lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from the unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises an exterior access orifice defined in the cartridge channel. The internal lockout is accessible through the exterior access orifice. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a lockout key member insertable through the exterior access orifice. The lockout key member is configured to artificially defeat the internal lockout to move the internal lockout into the unlocked configuration.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 10, wherein the lockout key member comprises a hook portion configured to be inserted in the exterior access orifice to latch onto the internal lockout.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the internal lockout comprises a lockout member pivotably supported within the surgical stapling assembly, and wherein the lockout member is pivotable between an unlocked configuration where the firing member is permitted to advance distally beyond the unfired location and a locked configuration where the firing member is prevented from moving distally beyond the unfired location.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 12, wherein the firing member comprises a firing bar comprising a notch defined therein, and wherein the lockout member comprises a proximal leg configured to engage the notch.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 13, wherein the firing member comprises a distal end comprising a knife, and wherein the notch is proximal to the knife.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the internal lockout comprises a lockout member spring-biased toward the locked configuration.

The surgical stapling assembly of Example 15, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a sled configured to deploy the staples, wherein the sled is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and wherein the sled is configured to hold the lockout member in the unlocked configuration when the sled is in the unfired position.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 15 or 16, wherein the lockout member is configured to pivot into the locked configuration when the firing member returns to the unfired location after a firing stroke is completed.

The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 15, 16, or 17, wherein the lockout member can be engaged by the lockout key member through the exterior access orifice when the firing member is not in the unfired location.

A method of manually moving an internal lockout of a stapling assembly into an unlocked configuration. The stapling assembly comprises a firing member, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge, a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, and an internal lockout configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from an unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel. The stapling assembly further comprises an exterior access orifice defined in the cartridge channel. The internal lockout is accessible through the exterior access orifice. The stapling assembly further comprises a lockout key member insertable through the exterior access orifice. The lockout key member is configured to artificially defeat the internal lockout to move the internal lockout into an unlocked configuration. The method comprises inserting the lockout key member through the exterior access orifice, latching the lockout key member onto the internal lockout, and pulling the internal lockout into an artificially-unlocked configuration with the lockout key member.

The method of Example 19, further comprising disengaging the lockout key member from the internal lockout to resume normal operation of the internal lockout.

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.

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.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

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.

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.

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.