Patent Publication Number: US-10779903-B2

Title: Positive shaft rotation lock activated by jaw closure

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates is a partial perspective view of an interchangeable shaft assembly and a perspective view of a handle of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  in an unassembled configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an end effector of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a partial exploded view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the interchangeable shaft assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a partial transverse cross-sectional view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an interchangeable shaft assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the interchangeable shaft assembly of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. 
     The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute. 
     Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient&#39;s body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced. 
     Although various aspects of the present disclosure have been described herein in connection with linear staplers, these aspects can be similarly implemented in other surgical staplers such as, for example, circular staplers and/or curved staplers. Also although various aspects of the present disclosure are described in connection with a hand-held instrument, these aspects can be similarly implemented in robotic surgical systems. Various suitable robotic surgical systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2012/0298719, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, filed May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 1-3 , a surgical stapling instrument  10  comprises an interchangeable shaft assembly  46  including a shaft portion  11  and an end effector  12  extending from the shaft portion  11 . The end effector  12  comprises a first jaw  14  and a second jaw  15 . The first jaw  14  comprises a staple cartridge  16 . The staple cartridge  16  is insertable into and removable from a cartridge pan or channel  17  of the first jaw  14 ; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge  16  is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw  14 . The second jaw  15  comprises an anvil  18  configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge  16 . The second jaw  15  is pivotable relative to the first jaw  14  about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw  14  is pivotable relative to the second jaw  15 . 
     The pivoting of at least one of the first jaw  14  and the second jaw  15  relative to the other transitions the end effector  12  between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, a jaw aperture  9  is defined between the first jaw  14  and the second jaw  15 . The jaw aperture  9  is sized to receive tissue between the first jaw  14  and the second jaw  15 . In the closed configuration, the first jaw  14  and the second jaw  15  are approximated around the tissue. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in various examples, the surgical instrument  10  includes a housing  8  that comprises a handle assembly  29  that is configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by the clinician. The housing  8  is configured for operable attachment to the interchangeable shaft assembly  46 , which includes the end effector  12  and the shaft portion  11 . In accordance with the present disclosure, various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies may be effectively employed in connection with robotically controlled surgical systems as well hand-held instruments. The term “housing” may encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that could be used to actuate interchangeable shaft assemblies. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term “frame” also may 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. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535. 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, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 3 , the staple cartridge  16  comprises a cartridge body  21 . The cartridge body  21  includes a proximal end  22 , a distal end  23 , and a deck  24  extending between the proximal end  22  and the distal end  23 . In use, the staple cartridge  16  is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil  18  is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil  18  is moved toward the staple cartridge  16  to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck  24 . Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body  21  can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body  21  includes staple cavities  26  defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities  26 . The staple cavities  26  are generally arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of the staple cavities  26  are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot  27  and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot  27 . Other arrangements of the staple cavities  26  and staples may be possible. 
     As described in greater detail below, the surgical instrument  10  staples and cuts tissue by employing a firing mechanism carefully orchestrated to perform the tissue stapling ahead of the tissue cutting. To ensure avoidance of an instance where the tissue cutting occurs ahead of, or without, tissue stapling, the surgical instrument  10  is equipped with various safety features. 
     The staples of the staple cartridge  16  are generally supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body  21 . The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities  26 . The drivers are retained in the cartridge body  21  by a pan or retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body  21  and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body  21  and hold the retainer to the cartridge body  21 . 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  22  and a distal position adjacent the distal end  23 . 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  18 . 
     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 from a proximal position adjacent the proximal end  22  toward a distal position adjacent the distal end  23 . The longitudinal slot  27  defined in the cartridge body  21  is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil  18  also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw  14  and a second cam which engages the second jaw  15 . As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck  24  of the staple cartridge  16  and the anvil  18 . The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge  16  and the anvil  18 . 
     The shaft portion  11  encompasses and guides a firing motion from the housing  8  through a longitudinally-reciprocating laminated firing bar extending proximally from the firing member. In particular, the shaft portion  11  includes a longitudinal firing bar slot that receives the firing bar. 
     The housing  8  depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  is shown in connection with the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  that includes the end effector  12  that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support the staple cartridge  16  therein. The housing  8  may 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 housing  8  may 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, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. For instance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the surgical instrument  10  further comprises an articulation joint  20  configured to permit the end effector  12  to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft  11 . The end effector  12  is rotatable about a longitudinal articulation axis  19 , defined by the shaft portion  11 , between an unarticulated, or home, configuration and an articulated configuration. An articulation driver  34  is configured to drive the articulation of the end effector  12  relative to the shaft portion  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the handle assembly  29  may further include a frame that operably supports a plurality of drive systems such as, for example, a closure drive system, generally designated as  30 , which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system  30  may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger  32  that is pivotally supported by the handle assembly  29 . In various forms, the closure drive system  30  further includes a closure linkage assembly that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger  32 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the closure linkage assembly may include a closure link  38  that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger  32 . The closure link  38  may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member” and include a transverse attachment pin  37 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  includes a closure shuttle  250  that is slidably supported within a chassis  240  such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. The closure shuttle  250  includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks  252  that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin  37  that is attached to the closure link  38 . A proximal end  261  of a closure tube  260  is coupled to the closure shuttle  250  for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U shaped connector  263  is inserted into an annular slot  262  in the proximal end  261  of the closure tube  260  and is retained within vertical slots in the closure shuttle  250 . Such an arrangement serves to attach the closure tube  260  to the closure shuttle  250  for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure tube  260  to rotate relative to the closure shuttle  250  about a longitudinal axis  19 . A closure spring  268  is journaled on the closure tube  260  and serves to bias the closure tube  260  in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle assembly  29 . 
     In use, the closure tube  260  is translated distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil  18 , for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger  32 . The anvil  18  is closed by distally translating the closure tube  260  and thus a shaft closure sleeve assembly  272 , causing it to strike a proximal surface on the anvil  18  in the manner described in the aforementioned reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As was also described in detail in that reference, the anvil  18  is opened by proximally translating the closure tube  260  and the shaft closure sleeve assembly  272 , causing a tab  276  and a horseshoe aperture  275  to contact and push against the anvil tab to lift the anvil  18 . In the anvil-open position, the closure tube  260  is moved to its proximal position. Various other components and operational features of the closure drive system  30  are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, and filed Mar. 26, 2014, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Furthermore, the shaft portion  11  of the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  can further include a proximal housing or nozzle  201  comprised of nozzle portions  202  and  203 . The nozzle  201  is coupled to the closure tube  260  such that rotation of the nozzle  201  about the longitudinal axis  19  causes a corresponding rotation in the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  about the longitudinal axis  19 . U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, and filed Mar. 26, 2014, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, includes additional details about the nozzle  201  and the rotation of the interchangeable shaft assembly  46 . 
     Rotation of end effector  12  about the longitudinal axis  19  allows a clinician a great deal of flexibility in orienting the end effector  12  with respect to tissue. However, once the tissue is captured by the end effector  12 , an additional rotation of the end effector  12  may lead to undesirable tissue damage. The present disclosure presents several solutions that permit an axial rotation of the end effector  12  while the end effector  12  is in an open configuration, but prevent, or at least resist, the axial rotation of the end effector  12  while the end effector  12  is in a closed configuration. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 4-7 , the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  includes a rotation locking mechanism  50  configured to prevent the axial rotation of the end effector  12  and the shaft portion  11  relative to the housing  8  and the closure shuttle  250  while the end effector  12  is in the closed configuration. On the other hand, the rotation locking mechanism  50  is configured to permit the axial rotation of the end effector  12  and the shaft portion  11  relative to the housing  8  and the closure shuttle  250  while the end effector  12  is in the closed configuration. 
     The end effector  12  and the shaft portion  11  are axially rotatable together as a unit about the longitudinal axis  19 . The closure shuttle  250  and the housing  8  are not rotated with the end effector  12  and the shaft portion  11  about the longitudinal axis  19 . 
     Furthermore, the rotation locking mechanism  50  can be transitioned between unlocked configuration ( FIG. 5 ) and a locked configuration ( FIG. 6 ). In the unlocked configuration, the axial rotation of the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  relative to the housing  8  and the closure shuttle  250  is permitted. In the locked configuration, the axial rotation of the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  relative to the housing  8  and the closure shuttle  250  is prevented by the rotation locking mechanism  50 . 
     The rotation locking mechanism  50  is synchronized to the closure drive system  30  such that the rotation locking mechanism  50  is in an unlocked configuration while the end effector  12  is in an open configuration, and the rotation locking mechanism  50  is in a locked configuration while the end effector  12  is in a closed configuration. In some examples, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , this is accomplished by the closure shuttle  250  and the nozzle  201 . The nozzle  201  is prevented from the axial rotation by the closure shuttle  250  in the closed configuration. 
     As described above, the closure shuttle  250  is translated distally in a closure motion of the closure drive system  30  that transitions the end effector  12  to the closed configuration. In its distal position, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the closure shuttle  250  lockingly engages the nozzle  201  preventing its axial rotation. To transition the end effector back to its open configuration, the closure shuttle  250  is translated proximally in an opening motion of the closure drive system  30 . In its proximal position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the closure shuttle  250  is disengaged from the nozzle  201  permitting the nozzle  201 , the shaft portion, and the end effector  12  to axially rotate freely relative to the housing  8  and the closure shuttle  250 . 
     The closure shuttle  250  comprises an engagement portion  251  configured for locking engagement with an engagement portion  204  of the nozzle  201  while the closure shuttle  250  is in its distal position and the end effector  12  in the closed configuration. The engagement portions  204 ,  251  include a plurality of projections  205 ,  253  which are configured for locking engagement in the locked configuration. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the projections  205 ,  253  are in the form of teeth that are meshingly engaged in the locked configuration and are disengaged in the unlocked configuration. Attempting to axially rotate the nozzle  201  while the end effector  12  is in the closed configuration would require the projections  253  of the engagement portion  251  of the closure shuttle  250  to be rotated. However, since the closure shuttle  250  is unable to rotate axially relative to the housing  8 , the nozzle  201  and, consequently, the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  are also unable to rotate axially relative to the housing  8  in the closed configuration. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in the open configuration, the closure shuttle  250  is in its proximal position. Consequently, the projections  253  are out of meshing engagement with the projections  205  allowing the nozzle  201  and, consequently, the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  to be freely rotated relative to the housing  8 . To reestablish a meshing engagement between the projections  205  and the projections  253 , the projections  253  need to be advanced distally. This is achieved by advancing the closure shuttle  250  distally, which causes the end effector  12  to be transitioned to the closed configuration. 
     In various examples, the rotation locking mechanism  50  can be implemented in other suitable portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly  46 . The engagement portion  251  of the closure shuttle  250  can be implemented in other portions of the closure drive system  30  that, like the closure shuttle  250 , are translatable axially to close the end effector  12  but are not rotated with the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12  relative to the longitudinal axis  19 . Likewise, the engagement portion  204  of the nozzle  201  can be implemented in other portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly  46  that are axially rotated with the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12 . 
     Further to the above, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the engagement portion  204  defines an annular body  207  in an inner surface  206  of the nozzle  201 . The projections  253  protrude from the annular body toward the longitudinal axis  19 . In the example of  FIG. 7 , the projections  253  are arranged circumferentially about the inner surface  206  of the nozzle  201 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the engagement portion  251  defined a curved body comprising a radius of curvature that matches, or at least substantially, matches the radius of curvature of the annular body  207  of the engagement portion  251 . This arrangement permits the projections  253  to meshingly engage the projections  205  as the closure shuttle  250  reaches its distal position. To prevent the closure shuttle  250  from retreating from its distal position prematurely, a closure locking mechanism can be employed. Suitable closure locking mechanisms are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, and filed Mar. 26, 2014, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In various instances, a clinician may desire to make subtle additional changes to an orientation of an end effector after the rotation is locked in the closed configuration.  FIG. 8  illustrates an example an interchangeable shaft assembly  146  that permits such changes. The interchangeable shaft assembly  146  is similar in many respects to the to the interchangeable shaft assembly  46 . For example, the interchangeable shaft assembly  146  includes the end effector  12 , the shaft portion  11 , and the nozzle  201 . 
     The interchangeable shaft assembly  146 , however, includes a rotation locking mechanism  150  that is slightly different than the rotation locking mechanism  50 . In one aspect, the engagement portion  251  is spaced apart from the closure shuttle  250 . A biasing member  255  extends between, and connects, the engagement portion  251  and the closure shuttle  250 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     The biasing member  255  includes a first end  257  attached to the closure shuttle  250  and a second end  258  attached to the engagement portion  251 . The biasing member  255  sets a predetermined torque beyond which the nozzle  201  will be rotated axially relative to the housing  8 . A clinician can force an axial rotation of the nozzle  201 , and consequently the shaft portion  11  and the end effector  12 , by applying a torque to the nozzle  201  that is greater than or equal to the predetermined torque. 
     Such torque application, in the closed configuration, causes the projections  205  to fall out of meshing engagement with the projections  253 , thus moving the engagement portion  251  toward the closure shuttle  250  and, in the process, compressing the biasing member  255 . When the torque applied by the clinician falls below the predetermined torque, the projections  253  are returned into a meshing engagement with the projections  205  at a different section of the annular body  207 . 
     An alternative embodiment that may permit a clinician to make subtle changes to an orientation of an end effector in the closed configuration is depicted in  FIGS. 9-11 .  FIG. 9  illustrates an example of an interchangeable shaft assembly  346  that permits such changes. The interchangeable shaft assembly  346  is similar in many respects to the interchangeable shaft assemblies  46  and  146 . For example, the interchangeable shaft assembly  346  includes the end effector  12 , the shaft portion  11 , and the nozzle  201 . 
     The interchangeable shaft assembly  346  further includes a closure shuttle  350 , which is similar in many respects to the closure shuttle  250 . The interchangeable shaft assembly  346  also includes one or more brake assemblies  360 . Engagement portions  351  of the closure shuttle  350  are configured to motivate the brake assemblies  360  to apply a predetermined load against the nozzle  201  in the closed configuration. 
     The predetermined load causes a frictional force to be applied to the nozzle  201 . In result, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a first predetermined torque is required to rotate the nozzle  201  in the closed configuration owing to the predetermined load applied by the brake assemblies  360  to the nozzle  201 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a second predetermined torque, less than the first predetermined torque, is required to rotate the nozzle  201  in the open configuration while the brake assemblies  360  are not applied to the nozzle  201 . The increased torque in the closed configuration allows the clinician to fine tune the orientation of the end effector  12  by making subtle additional changes to the axial rotational position of the nozzle  201 . 
     The brake assemblies  360  each include a cam wedge  361 , a plurality of biasing members  362 , and a brake shoe  363  arranged laterally in the nozzle  201 . The brake shoe  363  is positioned closest to the inner surface  206  of the nozzle  201  and furthest from the longitudinal axis  19 . The cam wedge  361  is positioned furthest from the inner surface  206  and closest to the longitudinal axis  19 . The biasing members  362  are nestled between the cam wedge  361  and the brake shoe  363 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 9-11 , two brake assemblies  360  are depicted on opposite sides of the nozzle  201 . In alternative embodiments, more or less than two brake assemblies  360  can be employed to apply a predetermined load to the inner surface  206  in the closed configuration. The brake assemblies  360  are spaced apart, and are spatially arranged circumferentially. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 9-11 , each brake assembly  360  includes three biasing members  362  that extend laterally between the brake shoe  363  and the cam wedge  361 . In alternative embodiments, more or less than three biasing members  362  can be utilized. The biasing members  362  maintain a predetermined spacing between the cam wedge  361  and the brake shoe  363  in the open configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In the closed configuration, however, the engagement portions  351  press the cam wedges  361  against the brake shoes  363  compressing the biasing members  362  and causing a predetermined frictional force to be applied by the brake shoes  363  against the inner surface  206  of the nozzle  201 . 
     Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the engagement portions  351  include ramps  353  that are configured to lift the cam wedges  361 , toward the inner surface  206  and away from the longitudinal axis  19 , as the closure shuttle  350  is advanced distally to transition the end effector  12  into the closed configuration. 
     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. 
     The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam. 
     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. 
     Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     A surgical instrument that comprises a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and a rotation locking mechanism. The shaft assembly comprises a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector extending distally from the shaft portion. The end effector and the shaft portion are axially rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to prevent an axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the closed configuration. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to permit the axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the open configuration. 
     Example 2 
     The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the rotation locking mechanism comprises a closure member movable from a first position to a second position to transition the end effector to the closed configuration and the rotation locking mechanism to a locked configuration. 
     Example 3 
     The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the closure member is movable from the second position to the first position to transition the end effector to the open configuration and the rotation locking mechanism to an unlocked configuration. 
     Example 4 
     The surgical instrument of Example 2 or 3, wherein the shaft portion comprises a first plurality of teeth, wherein the closure member comprises a second plurality of teeth configured to lockingly engage the first plurality of teeth in the locked configuration. 
     Example 5 
     The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the second plurality of teeth are configured to disengage from the first plurality of teeth as the closure member is moved from the second position to the first position. 
     Example 6 
     The surgical instrument of Example 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the second position is distal to the first position. 
     Example 7 
     The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. 
     Example 8 
     The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil movable by the closure member to capture tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil in the closed configuration. 
     Example 9 
     A surgical instrument that comprises a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and a rotation locking mechanism. The shaft assembly comprises a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector extending distally from the shaft portion. The end effector and the shaft portion are axially rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to resist an axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the closed configuration up to a predetermined torque. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to permit the axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the open configuration. 
     Example 10 
     The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein the rotation locking mechanism comprises a closure member movable from a first position to a second position to transition the end effector to the closed configuration and the rotation locking mechanism to a locked configuration. 
     Example 11 
     The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the closure member is movable from the second position to the first position to transition the end effector to the open configuration and the rotation locking mechanism to an unlocked configuration. 
     Example 12 
     The surgical instrument of Example 9 or 10, wherein the second position is distal to the first position. 
     Example 13 
     The surgical instrument of Example 10, 11, or 12, wherein the shaft portion comprises a first plurality of teeth. The rotation locking mechanism comprises an engagement member comprising a second plurality of teeth and a biasing member. The biasing member comprises a first end attached to the closure member and a second end attached to the engagement member. The biasing member is configured to bias the second plurality of teeth into a meshing engagement with the first plurality of teeth. 
     Example 14 
     The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the second plurality of teeth are configured to disengage from the first plurality of teeth as the closure member is moved from the second position to the first position. 
     Example 15 
     The surgical instrument of Example 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. 
     Example 16 
     The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil movable by the closure member to capture tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil in the closed configuration. 
     Example 17 
     A surgical instrument that comprises a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and a rotation braking system. The shaft assembly comprises a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector extending distally from the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the end effector are axially rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rotation braking system is configured to selectively apply a rotation braking force against the shaft portion. 
     Example 18 
     The surgical instrument of Example 17, wherein the rotation braking system is configured to apply the rotation braking force against the shaft portion in the closed configuration. 
     Example 19 
     The surgical instrument of Example 17 or 18, wherein the rotation braking system comprises a brake shoe configured to selectively apply the rotation braking force against an inner surface of the shaft portion. 
     Example 20 
     The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the rotation braking system comprises a plurality of biasing members configured to bias the brake shoe into contact with the inner surface of the shaft portion.