Surgical instrument comprising an electric articulation movement system

Abstract

A surgical instrument is disclosed that includes an end effector and an articulation joint configured to allow the end effector to be articulated in position. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation drive system powered by at least one electric motor for articulating the end effector.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to a surgical cutting and stapling instrument designed to perform tissue cutting and stapling, and to a staple cartridge for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Reference will be made to the following description of embodiments of the invention, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the features and advantages of the invention, and the manner of achieving them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood.

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[0003] Throughout the several views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples described in this specification, as one form, illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, and each of them is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - Attorney Docket No. END9199USNP1 / 190434-1M, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP1 / 190438-1, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SEATING CAM", - Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP1 / 190443-1, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A RAPID CLOSURE MECHANISM", - Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP2 / 190443-2, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSURE SYSTEM INCLUDING A CLOSURE MEMBER AND AN OPENING MEMBER DRIVEN BY A DRIVE SCREW", - Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP3 / 190443-3, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NESTED FIRING MEMBER", - Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP4 / 190443-4, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A DEPLOYABLE KNIFE", - Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP5 / 190443-5, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A DETACHABLE TISSUE CUTTING KNIFE", - Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP1 / 190448-1, Invention Title "STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CLAMP LOCKOUT AND A FIRING LOCKOUT", - Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP2 / 190448-2, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LATCH LOCKOUT", - Attorney Docket No. END9201USNP1 / 190436-1, Invention Title "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - Attorney Docket No. END9202USNP1 / 190437-1, Invention Title "STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INDEPENDENT JAW CLOSING AND STAPLE FIRING SYSTEMS", - Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP2 / 190438-2, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS", - Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP3 / 190438-3, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS", - Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP4 / 190438-4, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING PROJECTIONS EXTENDING FROM A CURVED DECK SURFACE", and - Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP5 / 190438-5, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A CURVED DECK SURFACE".

[0005] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on March 25, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,070, titled "FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,051, titled "FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,045, titled "ARTICULATION DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,062, titled "FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS".

[0006] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 30, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,104, titled "METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,108, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,111, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,114, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,105, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,110, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,120, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,125, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,103, titled "PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM".

[0007] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 30, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,107, titled "METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,109, titled "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,119, titled "MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,115, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,117, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,121, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,122, titled "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,106, titled "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,112, titled "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,116, titled "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,118, titled "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL".

[0008] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, and the disclosures of each of them are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,385, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION,PROCESSING,STORAGE AND DISPLAY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,403, titled "METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,407, titled "METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,416, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,423, titled "METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,427, titled "METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,433, titled "METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT, ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE HUB", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,447, titled "METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,453, titled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,458, titled "METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,465, titled "METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,478, titled "METHOD FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON A SENSED SITUATION OR USAGE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,490, titled "METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,491, titled "METHOD OF CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS".

[0009] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 26, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,273, titled "METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AUTHENTICATION LOCKOUT IN A SURGICAL STAPLER WITH A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,283, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A FIRING LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,289, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A CLOSURE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,302, titled "UNIVERSAL CARTRIDGE BASED KEY FEATURE THAT UNLOCKS MULTIPLE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS IN DIFFERENT SURGICAL STAPLERS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,310, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINERS WITH FRANGIBLE RETENTION FEATURES AND METHODS OF USING SAME", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,330, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FRANGIBLE AUTHENTICATION KEY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,335, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH RETRACTABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,343, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER SYSTEM WITH AUTHENTICATION KEYS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,355, titled "INSERTABLE DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,369, titled "DUAL CAM CARTRIDGE BASED FEATURE FOR UNLOCKING A SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,391, U.S. Patent "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH CAM SURFACES CONFIGURED TO ENGAGE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PORTIONS OF A LOCKOUT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,413, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH MOVABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,423, titled "DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR DEFEATING SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE LOCKOUTS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 453,429, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH INTEGRAL AUTHENTICATION KEYS".

[0010] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. design patent applications filed on June 25, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification. - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 696,066, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FIRING SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 696,067, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 696,072, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE".

[0011] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on February 21, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 281,658, titled "METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,670, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,675, titled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,685, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,693, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,704, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,707, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,741, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,762, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,660, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,666, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,672, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,678, titled "ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND FRAME ENGAGEMENT FEATURES", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,682, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING".

[0012] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 28, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,302, titled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,294, titled "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,300, titled "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,309, titled "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,310, titled "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,291, titled "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,296, entitled "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,333, entitled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,327, entitled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,315, entitled "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,313, entitled "CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,320, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,307, entitled "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,323, entitled "SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS".

[0013] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 30, 2018, and all of these are incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 650,887, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES".

[0014] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,423, titled "METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS".

[0015] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on August 20, 2018, each of which in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,101, titled "METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,183, titled "REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,150, titled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE STABILITY FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,098, titled "FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,140, titled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,081, titled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,094, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,097, titled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,104, titled "POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,119, titled "ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,160, titled "SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 660,252, titled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS".

[0016] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on August 3, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 668,324, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM SHAFT INTERCONNECTION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 668,301, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM BAILOUT", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 668,319, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION BAILOUT".

[0017] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 28, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,693, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,729, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,785, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,808, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,837, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,941, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 636,029, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,958, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,981, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 636,009, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,663, titled "METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,530, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,549, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,559, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT AN AXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PIVOT AXIS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,578, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,594, titled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT AXIS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,612, titled "JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,621, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,631, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,521, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,083, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,087, titled "SURGICAL FORMING ANVIL", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,093, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,121, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,125, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,128, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,129, titled "DISPLAY SCREEN PORTION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE".

[0018] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 27, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,024, titled "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,035, titled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,046, titled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,054, titled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,068, titled "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,076, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,090, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,099, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 634,117, titled "ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

[0019] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 21, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,185, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,230, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,221, titled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,209, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,198, titled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,240, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,939, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,941, titled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,943, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,950, titled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,945, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,946, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,951, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,953, titled "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,954, titled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,955, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,948, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,956, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,958, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,947, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,896, titled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,898, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,899, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,901, titled "Staple Cartridge and Staple Cartridge Channel Comprising Windows Defined Therein", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,902, titled "Surgical Instrument Comprising A Cutting Member", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,904, titled "Staple Firing Member Comprising A Missing Cartridge And / Or Spent Cartridge Lockout", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,905, titled "Firing Assembly Comprising A Lockout", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,907, titled "Surgical Instrument System Comprising An End Effector Lockout And A Firing Assembly Lockout", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,908, titled "Firing Assembly Comprising A Fuse", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,909, titled "Firing Assembly Comprising A Multiple Failed-State Fuse", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,920, titled "Staple Forming Pocket Arrangements", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,913, titled "Anvil Arrangements For Surgical Staple / Fasteners", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,914, titled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,893, titled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,929, titled "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,911, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,927, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,917, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,900, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,931, titled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,915, titled "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,897, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,922, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,924, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,912, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,910, titled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,906, titled "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,188, titled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,192, titled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,206, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,226, titled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,222, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,236, titled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,887, titled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,889, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,890, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,891, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,892, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,894, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,895, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,916, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,918, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,919, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,921, titled "SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,923, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,925, titled "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", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,926, titled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,928, titled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,930, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,932, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,933, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,934, titled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,935, titled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,936, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES".

[0020] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, titled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, titled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,818, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS".

[0021] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,218, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,227, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER", - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,259, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,264, titled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

[0022] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,325, titled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,321, titled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,326, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,263, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, titled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,277, titled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,296, titled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,258, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,278, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,284, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,295, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,300, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,196, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,203, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,210, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,324, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,335, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,339, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,253, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,304, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,331, titled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,336, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,312, titled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,309, titled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, titled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL".

[0023] The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 31, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,525, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,552, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS".

[0024] The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on February 9, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

[0025] The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications identified below, filed on February 12, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289, titled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

[0026] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on June 18, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,925, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,182,818), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,052,102), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, titled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,405,863), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,900, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,335,149), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885, titled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,368,861), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876, titled "PUSH / PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,178,992).

[0027] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 6, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, titled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,808,246), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, titled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,441,279), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, titled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256154), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, titled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256071), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, titled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,985,148), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, titled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,052,044), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, titled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,924,961), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, titled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB - PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,045,776), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, titled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,993,248), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, titled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256160, - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, titled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,901,342), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,780, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,033).

[0028] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,045,779), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, titled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,180,463), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, titled "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 No. 14 / 633,566, titled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,182,816), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, titled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,321,907), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, titled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,931,118), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, titled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,245,028), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, titled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,993,258), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, titled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,226,250), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, titled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,159,483).

[0029] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,374), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,188,385), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, titled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,844,375), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, titled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,085,748), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,130, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,245,027), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,004,501), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,117, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,943,309), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,968,355), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,897,000), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,117,649).

[0030] The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,700,309), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, titled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,782,169), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, titled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0249557), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, titled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, titled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,554,794), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, titled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, titled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,468,438), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, titled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0246475), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, titled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,307,986).

[0031] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,687,230), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,332,987), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,883,860), - U.S. Patent Application 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 No. 13 / 803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,808,244), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,470,762), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,629,623), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,117, titled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,351,726), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, titled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159, titled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,888,919).

[0032] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, titled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,629,629).

[0033] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, titled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272582), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, titled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,826,977), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, titled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272580), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, titled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,013,049), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, titled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,743,929), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, titled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,028,761), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272571), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,690,362), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,820,738), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, titled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,004,497), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, titled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272557), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,081, titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,804,618), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, titled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,733,663), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,750,499), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,201,364).

[0034] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, titled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,111,679), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, titled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,724,094), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, titled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,737,301), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, titled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR’S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,757,128), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, titled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,016,199), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, titled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,135,242), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, titled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,788,836), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, titled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION" (currently, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0066913).

[0035] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, titled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,826,976), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,649,110), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,368, - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, titled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER" (currently U.S. Patent 10,405,857), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, titled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,149,680), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, titled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,801,626), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, titled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,867,612), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, titled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,136,887), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607, titled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,814,460).

[0036] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, titled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, titled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,385, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,372, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

[0037] Here, specific exemplary embodiments are described so as to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and use principles of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with an exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Throughout this specification, phrases such as "various embodiments", "some embodiments", "one embodiment", or "an embodiment", etc., mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in various embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in one embodiment", or "in an embodiment", etc., appear throughout this specification in places, but these do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the specific features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined, without limitation, in whole or in part with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of a 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. For convenience and clarity, it will be further understood that spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, the surgical instrument is used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0040] A variety of exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in a number of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, those associated with open surgical procedures. As the reader progresses through this "Detailed Description of the Invention", it will become further apparent to those skilled in the art that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural opening, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, etc. The working or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into the interior of the patient's body or, alternatively, through an access device having an operating channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced therethrough.

[0041] A surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, although other embodiments are contemplated where the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw or is not at least readily exchangeable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes 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, although other embodiments are envisioned where the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further includes a joint assembly configured to rotate, i.e., articulate, the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the joint assembly. Other embodiments not including a joint assembly are also contemplated.

[0042] The staple cartridge includes 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 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 clamp the tissue against the deck. Subsequently, staples removably stored within the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes an internally defined staple cavity and the staples are removably stored within the staple cavity. 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 are possible.

[0043] The staple is supported by a staple driver within the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first, i.e., un-fired position and a second, i.e., fired position, for ejecting the staple from the staple cavity. The driver is retained within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer against the cartridge body. The driver is movable between its un-fired position and its fired position by a thread. The thread is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The thread includes a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide under the driver and lift the driver, on which the staple is supported, toward the anvil.

[0044] In addition to the above, the thread is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the thread and push the thread toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined within 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 includes a first cam engaging a first jaw and a second cam engaging a second jaw. When advancing the firing member distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil, i.e., the tissue gap. The firing member also includes a knife configured to excise tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the inclined surface such that the staple is ejected forward of the knife.

[0045] Figures 1 to 17 show a surgical stapling instrument 1000. The stapling instrument 1000 includes a shaft 1100, an end effector 1200, and a kinematic joint 1300 that rotatably connects the end effector 1200 to the shaft 1100. The kinematic joint 1300 includes a kinematic portion 1310 that is rotatably connected to the distal end 1110 of the shaft 1100 about a first kinematic pivot axis 1320. The kinematic portion 1310 is also rotatably connected to the proximal end 1210 of the end effector about a second kinematic pivot axis 1330. As a result, the kinematic portion 1310 is rotatable relative to the frame 1120 of the shaft 1100 about a first kinematic axis AA1, and the end effector 1200 is rotatable relative to the kinematic portion 1310 about a second kinematic axis AA2. The stapling instrument 1000 further includes a kinematic drive system 1500 configured to kinematically move the end effector 1200 about the kinematic joint 1300.

[0046] In addition to the above, the articulation drive system 1500 includes a first articulation drive cable 1520 attached to the first articulable portion 1310 and a second articulation drive cable 1530 attached to the proximal end 1210 of the end effector 1200. The first articulation drive cable 1520 is operably coupled to one or more electric motors such that when one of the first articulation drive cables 1520 is pulled proximally, the articulable portion 1310 articulates in a first direction about the first articulation pivot axis 1320, and when another articulation drive cable 1520 is pulled proximally, the articulable portion 1310 articulates in a second or opposite direction about the first articulation pivot axis 1320. Similarly, the second articulation drive cable 1530 is operably coupled to one or more electric motors such that when one of the second articulation drive cables 1530 is pulled proximally, the end effector 1200 articulates in a first direction about the second articulation pivot axis 1330, and when another articulation drive cable 1520 is pulled proximally, the end effector 1200 articulates in a second or opposite direction about the second articulation pivot axis 1330.

[0047] The end effector 1200 includes a first jaw 1220 and a second jaw 1230 that is rotatable relative to the first jaw 1220 about a closing axis CA defined by a rotational axis, or pivot axis 1240. The first jaw 1220 includes a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge 1400 or any other suitable staple cartridge therein. The staple cartridge 1400 includes a cartridge body 1422 (FIG. 4) that includes a staple cavity 1423 (FIG. 4) defined therein, staples removably stored in the staple cavity 1423, and a staple driver configured to support the staples and to push the staples out of the cartridge body 1422 during a staple firing stroke. The second jaw 1230 includes an anvil that includes a staple forming pocket configured to deform the staples when the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge 1400 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 1400 includes a tissue support surface 1421, and the second jaw 1230 includes a tissue compression surface 1231 configured to compress patient tissue between the jaws 1220 and 1230 when the second jaw 1230 is moved into its closed position, i.e., a clamped position. As described in detail below, the stapling instrument 1000 includes a closing drive system 1600 configured to move the second jaw 1230 between an open unclamped position and a closed clamped position.

[0048] Referring mainly to FIGS. 7-9, the closure drive system 1600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 1610 that is driven by an electric motor operably coupled to the drive shaft 1610 by a flexible drive shaft 1910. The flexible drive shaft 1910 extends through the shaft 1100 and the articulation joint 1300 such that the distal end of the flexible drive shaft 1910 is coupled to the closure drive shaft 1610 at a location distal to the articulation joint 1300, although the closure drive shaft 1610 may be coupled to the flexible drive shaft 1910 at any suitable location. The distal end of the flexible drive shaft 1910 includes a hexagonal recess configured to receive a hexagonal lug that extends proximally from the closure drive shaft 1610 such that the flexible drive shaft 1910 and the closure drive shaft 1610 rotate together, although any suitable coupling between the shafts 1610 and 1910 may be used.

[0049] In addition to the above, the closing drive system 1600 includes a quick closing system and a high force closing system. Both the quick closing system and the high force closing system are configured to close the second jaw 1230 in different ways. Referring mainly to FIG. 7, the closing drive system 1600 includes a quick closing member 1630 and a high force closing member 1620. The high force closing member 1620 includes an internally defined threaded opening that is threadably engaged with the threads of the closing drive shaft 1610. When the drive shaft 1610 rotates in a first direction, the drive shaft 1610 drives the high force closing member 1620 proximally. The quick closing member 1630 is not threadably engaged with the drive shaft 1610, and when the drive shaft 1610 rotates in the first direction, the quick closing member 1630 is pushed proximally by the high force closing member 1620 via a spring 1640 positioned intermediate the high force closing member 1620 and the quick closing member 1630. At the start of the closing process, the quick closing member 1630 is in direct contact with the second jaw 1230, but the high force closing member 1620 is not in direct contact with the second jaw. The quick closing member 1630 includes a proximal end 1632 and a drive arm 1634 extending distally therefrom. Each of the drive arms 1634 includes a drive pin 1639 that extends inwardly into a drive recess 1239 defined within the second jaw 1230 such that when the quick closing member 1630 is pushed proximally by the high force closing member 1620, the quick closing member 1630 rotates the second jaw 1230 into the closed position. As a result of this arrangement, the initial closing movement of the second jaw 1230 is caused by the quick closing member 1630.

[0050] In particular, in addition to the above, spring 1640 compresses between high-force closure member 1620 and quick-closure member 1630 when high-force closure member 1620 is driven proximally. The amount of relative movement between high-closure member 1620 and quick-closure member 1630 is a function of the spring constant of spring 1640, and in addition, a clamping load, or resistance, is applied to the tissue by second jaw 1230. As a result, the closure position of second jaw 1230 at this stage of the closure stroke can vary depending on, for example, the thickness and / or density of the tissue positioned intermediate second jaw 1230 and staple cartridge 1400. If thicker tissue is positioned between second jaw 1230 and staple cartridge 1400, for example, tissue compression surface 1231 of second jaw 1230 may not be parallel to tissue support surface 1421 of staple cartridge 1400. If thinner tissue is positioned between second jaw 1230 and staple cartridge 1400, tissue compression surface 1231 of second jaw 1230 may be parallel to, or extend beyond, tissue support surface 1421 of staple cartridge 1400. This variation is not a concern at this stage because the quick-closure system of closure system 1600 is designed to provide an estimate of the position of second jaw 1230 on the patient tissue before the tissue is fully clamped by the high-load closure system and before the staples are fired by staple firing system 1700.

[0051] In addition to the above, if a clinician desires to re-open the second jaw 1230, the clinician controls the electric motor to operate the electric motor in the opposite direction to rotate the closure drive shaft 1610 in the opposite direction. In such a case, the closure drive shaft 1610 drives the high-force closure member 1620, which relaxes or reduces the force within the spring 1640, distally to allow the second jaw 1230 to open at least slightly. Further, in such an example, the high-force closure member 1620 can push the quick-closure member 1630 distally to push the second jaw 1230 into the open position, i.e., the non-clamped position. More specifically, each of the drive arms 1634 of the quick-closure member 1630 includes an inwardly extending tab 1635 that is contacted by the high-force closure member 1620 when the high-force closure member 1620 is drawn distally, whereby the high-force closure member 1620 directly, and thus surely, pushes the quick-closure member 1630 distally during the opening stroke. The clinician can open and close the second jaw 1230 a desired number of times to properly position the jaws of the stapling instrument 1000 on the patient tissue. Compared to the high-force closure system, which is discussed in more detail below, the quick-closure system rapidly moves the second jaw 1230 without the need to apply a large compression or clamp load to the patient tissue.

[0052] As outlined above, the closure drive shaft 1610 is rotated to drive the high-force closure member 1620 proximally, push the quick-closure member 1630 proximally, and rapidly close the second jaw 1230. At this point, the high-force closure member 1620 is not in direct contact with the second jaw 1230. However, continued rotation of the closure drive shaft 1610 brings the high-force closure member 1620 into contact with the second jaw 1230. More specifically, the high-force closure member 1620 includes a cam 1625 defined thereon that contacts a cam surface 1235 defined on the bottom of the second jaw 1230 and drives the second jaw 1230 to its closed position. Due to the direct contact between the cam 1625 and the second jaw 1230, the second jaw 1230 is securely positioned in its closed position. In such a case, as a result, the staple-forming pocket defined within the second jaw 1230 is properly aligned with the staples within the staple cartridge 1400. Also, as a result, a high clamping force is applied to the tissue clamped between the second jaw 1230 and the staple cartridge 1400. At such a point, the staple firing system 1700 can be operated to fire staples from the staple cartridge 1400. However, if the clinician desires to reopen the second jaw 1230 instead, the closure drive shaft 1610 can be operated in the reverse direction to drive the high-force closure member 1620 distally, disengage the cam 1625 from the second jaw 1230, fully open the second jaw 1230, and drive the quick-closure member 1240 distally as described above. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 9,585,658, issued March 7, 2017, entitled "STAPLING SYSTEMS," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0053] The staple firing system 1700 of the staple fastening instrument 1000 includes a firing drive shaft 1710. The proximal end of the firing drive shaft 1710 includes a proximally extending hexagonal lug that is operably engaged with a flexible rotatable firing drive shaft that extends through the closure drive shaft 1610, although any suitable coupling between the shafts 1610 and 1710 can be used. The flexible drive shaft is operably coupled to an electric motor that is operable independently of the closure motor such that the firing drive shaft 1710 is operable independently of the closure drive shaft 1610. The staple firing system 1700 further includes a firing member 1720 that includes a threaded nut 1730 that is threadably engaged with the threaded portion of the firing drive shaft 1710. When the firing drive shaft 1710 is rotated in a first direction, the firing member 1720 is driven distally to perform a staple firing stroke. The firing member 1720 further includes an incline 1740 configured to engage a driver within the staple cartridge 1400 and eject staples from the staple cartridge 1400 during the staple firing stroke. The firing member 1720 also includes a tissue cutting knife 1750 that cuts the stapled tissue during the staple firing stroke. When the firing drive shaft 1710 is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the firing member 1720 is driven proximally.

[0054] As described above, referring mainly to FIGS. 4 and 9, the first jaw 1220 includes a channel 1222 configured to receive the staple cartridge 1400. The first jaw 1220 is pinned to the proximal end 1210 of the end effector 1200 by two pins 1214 such that there is no relative movement, or at least substantially no relative movement, between the first jaw 1220 and the proximal end 1210. The first jaw 1220 includes a proximal end 1224 configured to receive the proximal end 1424 of the staple cartridge 1400 and a distal end 1226 configured to receive the distal end 1426 of the staple cartridge 1400. In this embodiment, the distal end 1426 of the staple cartridge 1400 is suspended over the distal end 1226 of the first jaw 1220, which provides data for properly positioning the distal end 1426 of the staple cartridge 1400 relative to the channel 1222. The staple cartridge 1400 includes a longitudinal slot 1428 defined within a cartridge body 1422 configured to receive a portion of the firing member 1420 therein. The first jaw 1220 further includes a longitudinally defined slot 1229 that is aligned with the longitudinal slot 1428 when the staple cartridge 1400 is seated within the channel 1222. The longitudinal slot 1228 is an internal slot defined within the bottom portion of the channel 1222 and configured to receive the bottom cam 1729 of the firing member 1720 during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw 1220 further includes a cap 1223 attached to the channel 1222, for example, by welding that surrounds the internal longitudinal slot 1228 of the channel 1222.

[0055] As described above, the second jaw 1230 is rotatably attached to the first jaw 1220 about the pivot axis 1240. Referring mainly to FIG. 9, the second jaw 1230 includes an outwardly extending pin 1237 that is closely received within a slot 1227 defined within the first jaw 1220. The pin 1237 is captured within the slot 1227 by a retaining member 1225 press-fitted onto the pin 1237 such that the pin 1237 can pivot within the slot 1227 but cannot translate within the slot 1227. The second jaw 1230 further includes an anvil body 1232, a proximal end 1234, and a distal end 1236. Similar to the first jaw 1220, the second jaw 1230 includes an internally defined internal slot 1238 configured to receive the upper cam 1728 of the firing member 1720 during the staple firing stroke. The second jaw 1230 further includes a cap 1233 attached to the anvil body 1232, for example, by welding surrounding the internal longitudinal slot 1238 of the anvil body 1232. During the staple firing stroke, the upper cam 1728 of the firing member 1720 engages the second jaw 1230 and the bottom cam 1729 engages the first jaw 1220. As a result, cams 1728 and 1729 cooperate to hold the second jaw 1230 in place relative to the first jaw 1220.

[0056] Referring mainly to FIG. 8, the stapling instrument 1000 further includes a sensor system 1800 configured to assess the position of the firing member 1720. The sensor system 1800 includes a cable 1810 extending through the shaft 1100 that sheathes at least two conductors or wires 1820. The wires 1820 form a circuit having a sensor 1830, such as an RFID antenna, that signal communicates with, for example, a controller of the stapling instrument. The firing member 1720 includes a detectable member, such as an RFID tag, that is detectable by the sensor system 1800 when the firing member 1720 is in its proximal unfired position. As the firing member 1720 is advanced distally during a staple firing stroke, the RFID tag is no longer detectable by the sensor system 1800, and the controller can determine that the staple firing stroke is in progress or that at least the staple cartridge 1400 has been at least partially fired. The end effector 1200 further includes a sensor support 1840 that supports the sensor 1830.

[0057] The surgical instrument 32000 is shown in FIGS. 73 and 74. Similar to the above, the surgical instrument 32000 includes an end effector 32200 and a closure system 32600. The surgical instrument 32000 also includes an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, but these systems are not described herein for the sake of simplicity. The end effector 32200 includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, and a second jaw 32230 including an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot axis 32240. The second jaw 32230 is movable by the closure system 32600 from an open position, i.e., a non-clamped position (FIG. 73), to a closed position, i.e., a clamped position (FIG. 74). The closure system 32600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 32610 having a distal end rotatably supported within the first jaw by a bearing. The closure system 32600 further includes a closure member, or nut 32620, threadably engaged with the threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft 32610. When the drive shaft 32610 is rotated in a first direction, the closure member 32620 is driven proximally to close the end effector 32200, and when the drive shaft 32610 is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the closure member 32620 is driven distally to open the end effector 32200. The closure system 32600 further includes a closure link 32630 pivotally attached to the closure member 32620 about a pivot axis 32622 and pivotally attached to the second jaw 32230 about a pivot axis 32632. When the closure member 32620 is driven proximally, the closure link 32630 drives the proximal end 32234 of the second jaw 32230 upwardly, as shown in FIG. 74, to rotate the second jaw 32230 to its closed position. In particular, the closure link 32630 is driven within an upright position where the pivot axis 32632 coincides with the pivot axis 32622, such that the closure link 32630 is locked to provide a substantial clamping force to the tissue captured between the second jaw 32230 and the first jaw.At this position, the tissue compression surface 32231 of the second jaw 32230 is parallel to the tissue support surface of the staple cartridge, but this system can be arranged to over-clamp the tissue by orienting the compression surface 32231 towards the staple cartridge when the second jaw 32230 is driven closed by the closure drive system 32600. In any case, the link 32630 rotates rapidly at the start of the closure stroke compared to the end of the closure stroke at a given speed of the closure drive shaft 32610. This is because the initial orientation of the closure link 32630 is relatively flat or substantially aligned with the movement of the closure member 32620, and the final orientation of the closure link 32630 is orthogonal or at least substantially perpendicular to the movement of the closure member 32620. As a result, the initial movement of the second jaw 32230 towards the first jaw is fast compared to the end of the closure stroke at a given speed of the closure drive shaft 32610. When the closure member 32620 is driven distally, the closure member 32620 pulls the proximal end 32234 downward via the link 32640, opening the second jaw 32230.

[0058] The surgical instrument 33000 is shown in FIGS. 75 and 76. The surgical instrument 33000 includes an end effector 33200 and a closure system 33600. The surgical instrument 33000 also includes an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, which are not described herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector 33200 includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, and a second jaw 33230 having an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot axis 33240. The second jaw 33230 is movable by the closure system 33600 from an open position, i.e., a non-clamped position (FIG. 75), to a closed position, i.e., a clamped position (FIG. 76). The closure system 33600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 33610 having a distal end rotatably supported by a bearing by the first jaw. The closure system 33600 further includes a closure member, or nut 33620, threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft 33610. When the drive shaft 33610 is rotated in a first direction, the closure member 33620 is driven proximally to close the end effector 33200, and when the drive shaft 33610 is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the closure member 33620 is driven distally to allow the end effector 32200 to be opened. The proximal end 33234 of the second jaw 33230 includes a distal cam surface 33233 and a proximal cam surface 33235 that are continuously engaged by the closure member 33620 during the closure stroke. In particular, the distal cam surface 33233 includes a linear or at least substantially linear angled surface. When the closure member 33620 contacts the distal cam surface 33233, the closure member 33620 rotates the second jaw 33230 downwardly at a first speed. Similarly, the proximal cam surface 33235 includes a linear or at least substantially linear angled surface. When the closure member 33620 contacts the proximal cam surface 33235, the closure member 33620 rotates the second jaw 33230 downwardly at a second speed that is faster than the first speed. As a result, the initial clamping movement of the second jaw 33230 is fast, while the final clamping movement of the second jaw 33230 is slower.Furthermore, due to the shallower cam angle of the proximal cam surface 33235, the second jaw 33230 is allowed to apply a large clamping force to the tissue during the final clamping movement of the second jaw 33230. When the closure member 33620 is driven distally, the closure member 33620 disengages from the proximal cam surface 33235 and the distal cam surface 33233, and the second jaw 33230 can be released. In at least one embodiment, the second jaw 33230 is released, for example, by a spring and / or by a staple firing system when the firing member is retracted.

[0059] The surgical instrument 34000 is shown in FIGS. 77-80. The surgical instrument 34000 includes an end effector 34200 and a closure system 34600. The surgical instrument 34000 also includes an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, which are not described herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector 34200 includes a first jaw 34220 configured to receive a staple cartridge, and a second jaw 34230 having an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw 34220 about a pivot axis 34240. The second jaw 34230 is movable by the closure system 34600 from an open position, i.e., a non-clamped position (FIG. 77), to a closed position, i.e., a clamped position (FIG. 78), and to an over-clamped position (FIG. 79). The closure system 34600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 42610 (FIG. 80) having a distal end rotatably supported by a bearing within the first jaw. The closure system 34600 further includes a closure member, or nut 34620, threadedly engagable with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft 34610, and a pivotable cam 34630 rotatably attached to the closure member 34620 about a pin 34622. When the drive shaft 34610 is rotated in a first direction, the closure member 34620 is driven proximally, and a cam surface 34633 defined on the cam 34630 and a cam surface 34625 defined on the closure member 34620 continuously engage the second jaw 34230 to close the end effector 34200. The second jaw 34230 includes a first cam surface 34233 and a second cam surface 34235 defined thereon, which are engaged by the cam surface 34633 and the cam surface 34625, respectively. Referring to FIG. 78, at the start of the closure stroke, the cam 34630 engages the first cam surface 34233 on the second jaw 34230 to quickly pivot the second jaw 34230 to the closed position, i.e., the clamped position. However, at this point, the cam surface 34625 defined on the closure member 34620 has not yet contacted the second cam surface 34235 defined on the second jaw 34230.However, further rotation of the closure drive shaft 34610 in the same direction drives the closure member 34620 proximally to bring the cam surface 34625 into contact with the cam surface 34235 on the second jaw 34230. At the same time, the cam 34630 is cammed downward without contacting the second jaw 34230. More specifically, referring mainly to FIG. 80, the cam 34630 moves within a slot 34222 defined in the first jaw 34220 and includes a pin 34632 that extends laterally therefrom, and due to the contour of the slot 34222, when the closure member 34620 contacts the second jaw 34230, the cam 34630 is pulled downward without contacting the second jaw 34230. At such a point, further rotation of the closure drive shaft 34610 in the same direction drives the closure member 34620 to drive the second jaw 34230 into its overclamped orientation, as shown in FIG. 79. In this state, the closure member 34620 is sandwiched between the first jaw 34220 and the second jaw 34230, and the position of the second jaw 34230 is securely set by the closure member 34620.

[0060] When the closing drive shaft 34610 is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the closing member 34620 is driven distally to disengage the closing member 34620 from the second jaw 34230. Further, in such an example, the pivotable cam 34630 is pivoted upwardly into place by the interaction between the pin 34632 and the sidewall of the slot 34222 to reset the cam 34630. The closing system 34600 further includes an opening link 34640 pivotally attached to the closing member 34620 about a pivot pin 34624 and pivotally attached to the second jaw 34230 about a pivot axis 34632. When the closing member 34620 is driven distally, the opening link 34640 drives the proximal end 34234 of the second jaw 34230 downwardly to rotate the second jaw 34230 to its open position (FIG. 77). In particular, each of the opening links 34640 includes a slot 34644 defined therein, whereby the pivot pin 34624 slides within the link 34640, allowing relative movement between the opening link 34640 and the closing member 34620 during the closing stroke, as discussed above.

[0061] The surgical instrument 35000 is shown in FIGS. 81 and 82. The surgical instrument 35000 includes an end effector 35200, a closure system 35600, a staple firing system 34700, and an end effector articulation system. Similar to the end effector 34200, the end effector 35200 includes a first jaw 34220 and a second jaw 34230. The first jaw 34220 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 34400, or any other suitable staple cartridge. The second jaw 34230 is pivotable about a pivot axis 34240 relative to the first jaw 34220 between an open position and a closed position by the closure system 35600. The closure system 35600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 35610 and a closure member or nut 35620 that is threadably engaged with the threaded portion of the drive shaft 35610. When the drive shaft 35610 is rotated in a first direction, the closure member 35620 is driven proximally into contact with the second jaw 34230 to close the second jaw 34230. The closure system 35600 further includes an opening link 35460 that is rotatably attached to the closure member 35620 about a pin 35622 that extends within a slot 35642 defined within the opening link 35460. The opening link 35460 is also pivotably attached to the second jaw 35230 about a pin 25232, and when the drive shaft 35610 is rotated in the opposite direction and the closure member 35620 is driven distally, the closure member 35630 pulls the second jaw 35230 to the open position by pulling on the opening link 35460. In particular, the closure member 35630 applies an opening force to the second jaw 34230 at different locations where a closing force is applied. When the second jaw 35230 is closed, or at least appropriately closed, it is the rotatable drive shaft 34710 of the staple firing system 34700 that is driven to perform a staple firing stroke in accordance with the method described elsewhere herein.

[0062] The surgical instrument 36000 is shown in FIGS. 83-86. The surgical instrument 36000 includes an end effector 36200, a closure system 36600, a staple firing system 36700, and an end effector articulation system. The end effector 36200 includes a first jaw 36220 and a second jaw 36230. The first jaw 36220 is configured to receive a staple cartridge while the second jaw 36230 is pivotable about a pivot axis 36240 relative to the first jaw 36220 between an open position and a closed position by the closure system 36600. The closure system 36600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 36610 and a closure member or nut 36620 that is threadably engaged with the threaded portion of the drive shaft 36610. When the drive shaft 36610 rotates in a first direction, the closure member 36620 is driven proximally and contacts a cam surface 36235 defined on the second jaw 36230, as shown in FIGS. 83 and 84, to close the second jaw 36230. The surgical instrument 36000 further includes an opening member 36630 configured to bias the second jaw 36230 to an open position. The opening member 36630 is pressed against the second jaw 36320 by an opening spring 36640 positioned intermediate the opening member 36630 and the frame of the end effector 36200. As a result, the proximal movement of the closure member 36620 resists and overcomes the opening force applied to the second jaw 36320 by the opening member 36630 when the closure member 36620 closes the second jaw 36230. However, when the closure member 36620 is driven distally, the opening force applied to the second jaw 36320 by the opening member 36630 can push open the second jaw 36230. However, in some cases, the opening force applied by the opening member 36630 may not be sufficient to open or at least sufficiently open the second jaw 36230, as shown in FIG. 85. Such an example can occur when the spring constant of the opening spring 36640 is low.In either case, referring to FIG. 86, the continued distal movement of the closure member 36320 causes the closure member 36320 to contact the release member 36630 and drive the release member 36630 to reliably release the second jaw 36230. As a result, when the return of the closure member 36620 causes the release spring 36640 to not be strong enough to push open the second jaw 36230, the second jaw 36230 can be removed.

[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 83-86, the staple firing system 36700 includes a rotatable drive shaft. The staple firing system 36700 includes an I-beam portion 36720, a threaded portion 36730, and a thread portion 36740. The threaded portion 36730 is threadably coupled to the firing drive shaft, and the I-beam portion 36720 is fixedly attached to the threaded portion 36730. As a result, when the threaded portion 36730 is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive shaft, the I-beam portion 36720 moves with the threaded portion 36730. Further, the I-beam portion 36720 and the threaded portion 36730 cooperate to hold the first jaw 36220 and the second jaw 36230 in place relative to each other during the staple firing stroke. More specifically, the threaded portion 36730 includes a first cam 36739 that engages the first jaw 36220, and the I-beam portion 36720 includes a second cam 36729 that engages the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw 36220 includes an internal slot 36229 defined within the first jaw and configured to receive the first cam 36739. Similarly, the second jaw 36230 includes an internal slot 36239 defined within the second jaw and configured to receive the second cam 36729. The staple firing system 36700 further includes a thread 36740 that is pushed distally by the threaded portion 36730. The thread 36740 engages a staple driver housed within a staple cartridge and is configured to drive staples from the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The I-beam portion 36720 includes a knife edge 36750 configured to cut the stapled tissue. In particular, the knife edge 36750 is positioned proximally behind the thread 36740 so that the knife edge 36750 does not cut tissue that is not stapled.In any case, the thread 36740 is not attached to the threaded portion 36730. As a result, when the threaded portion 36370 is driven proximally after the staple firing stroke, the thread 36740 does not return proximally with the I-beam portion 36720 and the threaded portion 36370. Instead, the thread 36740 remains behind wherever the staple firing stroke ends.

[0064] The staple firing system 37700 of the stapling instrument 37000 is shown in FIGS. 87-90. Similar to the staple firing system 36700, the staple firing system 37700 includes an I-beam portion 37720, a threaded portion 37730, and a thread portion 37740. The threaded portion 37730 is threadably coupled to the firing drive shaft via a threaded opening 37732, and the I-beam portion 37720 is fixedly attached to the threaded portion 37730. Referring mainly to FIG. 89, the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 each include interlocking tabs 37724 and 37734 that fix the I-beam portion 33720 to the threaded portion 37730. In at least one example, the interlocking tabs 37724 and 37734 are press-fitted within an interlocking relationship. As a result, when the threaded portion 37730 is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive shaft, the I-beam portion 37720 moves with the threaded portion 37730.

[0065] Similar to the above, the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 cooperate to hold the first jaw 36220 and the second jaw 36230 in place relative to each other during the staple firing stroke. More specifically, the threaded portion 37730 includes a first cam 37739 that engages the first jaw 36220, and the I-beam portion 37720 includes a second cam 37729 that engages the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw 36220 includes an internal slot 36229 defined within the first jaw and configured to receive the first cam 37739. Similarly, the second jaw 36230 includes an internal slot 36239 defined within the second jaw and configured to receive the second cam 37729. When the assembly including the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 is in its proximal unfired position (FIG. 87), the first cam 37739 is at least partially positioned within the first internal slot 36229, and the second cam 37729 is positioned within an enlarged chamber 36237 defined within the second jaw 36230 that communicates with the second internal slot 36239. The enlarged chamber 36237 allows the second jaw 36230 to open and close without interference from the I-beam portion 37720. Further, the I-beam portion 37720 includes a notch, or recess 37722, defined within the I-beam portion and configured to receive a pivot pin 36242 that connects the second jaw 36230 to the first jaw 36220 when the I-beam portion 37720 is in its most proximal position. The notch 37722 allows the I-beam portion 37720 to be in a very proximal position where it can provide clearance for the pivotable second jaw 36230 as described above, and also allows the end effector 37200 to be shorter, thereby allowing the end effector 37200 to be inserted into a smaller space. In fact, when the I-beam portion 37720 is in its proximal unfired position, the sidewalls of the notch 37722 can contact the pivot pin 36242.

[0066] In addition to the above, and referring primarily to FIG. 88, the staple firing system 37700 further includes a thread 37740 attached to the threaded portion 37730 such that the thread 37740 moves distally and proximally with the threaded portion 37730 during the staple firing stroke and the retraction stroke, respectively. In use, and referring primarily to FIG. 87, a replaceable staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 37400, is positioned, for example, on thread 37740 when the staple cartridge 37400 is seated within the first jaw 36220. The staple cartridge 37400 includes a cartridge body 37420 (FIG. 87), staples 37410 (FIG. 88) removably stored within the cartridge body 37420, and a staple driver 37430 positioned within the cartridge body 37420 that supports the staples 37410 and pushes them toward the anvil portion of the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke. The thread 37740 includes an incline 37742 defined thereon that engages the staple driver 37430 to lift the staples 37410 toward the second jaw 36230. In particular, the staple cartridge 37400 further includes a thread portion 37440 that is stored within the cartridge body 37420 and is pushed distally by the I-beam portion 37720 during the staple firing stroke. The thread portion 37440 aligns with the incline 37742 on the thread 37740 at the start of the staple firing stroke and includes an incline 37442 that operates concurrently with the incline 37742 that fully drives the staple driver 37430 and fully forms or fires the staples 37410 during the staple firing stroke. As will be described in more detail below in connection with different embodiments, the thread portion 37440 includes a tissue cutting knife 37452 that rotates between an undeployed position (as shown in FIG. 87) where the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife 37452 is positioned below the deck, or upper surface, of the cartridge body 37420 and a deployed position where the knife edge extends above the deck.The tissue cutting knife is rotated about the pivot axis 37452 by the firing assembly when the firing assembly contacts or picks up the thread portion 37440 at the start of the staple firing stroke. In particular, the thread portion 37440 within the staple cartridge 37400 does not retract with the thread 37740 during the retraction stroke. Instead, the thread portion 37440 is left behind at the end of the staple firing stroke. U.S. Patent No. 10,105,142, issued October 23, 2018, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER WITH PLURALITY OF CUTTING ELEMENTS", and U.S. Patent No. 9,788,835, issued October 17, 2017, entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING EJECTION OF SURGICAL FASTENERS FROM CARTRIDGES", are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] As described above in connection with FIGS. 83 and 84, here in connection with FIGS. 144, 144A, 145, and 145A, the closure member 36620 of the closure drive unit 36600 is driven proximally to contact a cam surface 36235 defined on the second jaw 36230 to close the second jaw 36230. Also as described above, referring to FIG. 146, the firing assembly including the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 is driven distally during the staple firing stroke, whereby the cam 37739 moves within a longitudinal slot 36229 defined within the first jaw 36220 and the cam 37729 moves within the longitudinal slot 36239. In various examples, the second jaw 36230 is closed by the closure system 36600 and then the staple firing system 37700 is actuated. In such examples, the end effector closing operation and the staple firing operation are performed sequentially. In other examples, both the end effector closing system and the staple firing system are actuated simultaneously. In at least one such example, the end effector closing system is used to close the second jaw 36230 and then the staple firing system is used to fire staples from the staple cartridge 37400. However, during the staple firing stroke, the end effector closing system is also actuated to reduce and / or maintain the distance or tissue gap between the second jaw 36230 and the staple cartridge 37400 during the staple firing stroke. In at least one example, the end effector jaw closing system 37600 is used to move the second jaw 36320 in an over-clamp position, i.e., a direction in which the second jaw 36320 tilts towards or beyond parallel to the second staple cartridge 36400, during the staple firing stroke. FIGS. 147-149 show the progression of the second jaw 36230 from the open position (FIG. 147), the parallel clamp position (FIG. 148), and the over-clamp position (FIG. 149).In FIG. 148, the tissue gap between the bottom or tissue compression surface of the second jaw 36230 and the top surface or deck of the staple cartridge 36400 is the same or at least substantially the same between the proximal and distal ends of the end effector 37200. In this case, the tissue gap distance is, for example, about 6 mm, although any suitable tissue gap distance can be used. In FIG. 149, it can be seen that the distal end 36234 of the second jaw 36230 is closer to the distal end 37424 than the parallel position of FIG. 148 indicating the overclamp position. In this case, the second jaw 36230 is overclamped, for example, by about 3 degrees, although any suitable amount of overclamping can be used. Placing the second jaw 36230 in the overclamp position allows the second jaw 36230 to resist the opening force created by staple deformation and / or compensate for the internal deflection of the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke.

[0068] The considerations provided above are graphically depicted in graph 37900 of FIG. 150. Graph 37900 comprises a lower portion 37980 depicting the movement of the closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700, and an upper portion 37990 depicting the force loads experienced by the closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700. With respect to the top portion 37990 of graph 37900, the force load within the closure drive 36600 is depicted by trace 36690, and the force load within the firing drive 37700 is depicted by trace 37790. In fact, trace 36690 is divided into a first portion 36690' for depicting a scenario when the closure drive 36600 is not actuated during the staple firing stroke, and a second portion 36690'' for depicting a scenario when the closure drive 36600 is actuated during the staple firing stroke. These two different operating scenarios of the closure drive 36600 are reflected in two different operating scenarios within the trace 37790 of the staple firing drive 37700. More specifically, trace 37790 is divided into a first portion 37790' corresponding to the first portion 36690' of the closure drive, and a second portion 37790'' corresponding to the second portion 37790''. The first portion 37790' depicts that the staple firing load is higher when the closure drive 36600 is not actuated during the staple firing stroke, and the second portion 37790'' depicts that the staple firing load is lower when the closure drive 36600 is actuated during the staple firing stroke. For this purpose, operating the closure drive 36600 during the staple firing stroke is also reflected in the lower portion 37980 of graph 37900. The movement of the second jaw 36230 is shown by a movement trace 36680 that is divided, in the same manner as above, into a first portion 36680' corresponding to the force traces 36690' and 37790' considered above, and a second portion 36680'' corresponding to the force traces 36690'' and 37790'' considered above. When the closure drive 36600 is not actuated during the staple firing stroke, the second jaw 36230 is maintained in a parallel, or at least substantially parallel, orientation as depicted by movement trace 36680'.When the closing drive 36600 operates during the staple firing stroke, the second jaw 36230 is moved in an over-clamped orientation as depicted by the movement trace 36680''. In particular, these two operabilities are not reflected in the movement trace 37780 of the staple firing drive 37700. In other words, the movement of the staple firing drive 37700 can be independent of the operation of the closing drive 36600.

[0069] In various examples, in addition to the above, the staple firing drive 37700 can be used to close the second jaw 36230. In at least one such example, the staple firing drive 37700 can be used to advance the firing assembly distally such that the cams 37729 and 37739 cooperate to pull the second jaw 36230 toward its closed position while the closing drive 36600 is operating to close the second jaw 36230. In at least one other example, the staple firing drive 37700 can be used to advance the firing assembly distally to close the second jaw 36230 without the assistance of the closing drive 36600. If the closing drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700 can be operated sequentially and / or simultaneously, the closing drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700 are each operated by a separate electric motor. In at least one example, the stapling instrument 37000 is attached to a robotic surgical instrument comprising a first electric motor for driving the closing drive 36600 and a second electric motor for driving the staple firing drive 37700. In at least one other example, the stapling instrument 37000 comprises a handheld stapling instrument including a handle having a first electric motor operably engaged with the closing drive 36600 and a second electric motor operably engaged with the staple firing drive 37700.

[0070] The end effector 49200 of the surgical instrument 49000 is shown in FIGS. 151 and 152. The end effector 49200 includes a first jaw 49220 and a second jaw 49230 pivotally attached to the first jaw 49220. The surgical instrument 49000 further includes an articulation joint, and the end effector 49200 is rotatable about this. Various articulation joints are described elsewhere in this specification. Various configurations or closed states of the end effector 49200 are depicted at the top of FIG. 153. The second jaw 49230 is movable, for example, between an angle of about 30 degrees between the jaws 49220 and 49230, or an open position by a closure drive 49600 where a jaw opening exists, a partial closure position, a parallel position, and an overclamp position with an angle of about -1 to -3 degrees between the jaws 49220 and 49230. The fully open position of the second jaw 49220 establishes an operating state 49610, the closure of the second jaw 49220 establishes an operating state 49620, the parallel position of the second jaw 49230 establishes an operating state 49630, and the overclamp position of the second jaw 49220 establishes an operating state 49640. The closure drive 49600 includes an electric motor controlled by the control system of the surgical instrument 49000. The closure drive 49600 includes a closure member that is retracted proximally by a closure motor to close the second jaw 49230, as described above. The distance the closure member retracts is depicted by a trace 49680, and the movement of the closure member corresponds to the closed state of the end effector 49200 depicted at the top of FIG. 153. In particular, the closure system 49600 enters a standby period or dwell when the second jaw 49230 reaches its parallel position during the operating state 49630. Similarly, the closure system 49600 enters a standby period or dwell in the operating state 49650. Then, the second jaw 49230 is opened during the operating state 49660.

[0071] The surgical instrument 49000 further includes a staple firing system 49700 and an articulation drive system 49800. The staple firing system 49700 and the articulation drive system 49800 are operated by the same electric motor that is shifted between a first operating state for driving the articulation drive system 49800 and a second operating state for driving the staple firing system 49700. In various examples, the electric motor includes a transmission that is electronically shifted and / or mechanically shifted to place the electric motor in its first operating situation and its second operating situation. During operating states 49610 and 49620, the electric motor is in its first operating situation, and as a result, the end effector 49200 is articulable while open and / or while closed. However, when the end effector 49200 is closed in operating state 49630, the electric motor is shifted to its second operating situation. In such an example, the end effector 49200 is locked in its articulated position, whatever it may be, and then the power to the electric motor is turned off. By locking the end effector 49200 in place before turning off the power to the electric motor, a sudden jerking motion of the end effector 49200 can be prevented. Stated another way, if the end effector 49200 is experiencing resistance to its articulation, for example, from tissue T, and the power to the electric motor is turned off before the end effector 49200 is locked in place, the end effector 49200 may unexpectedly articulate or dearticulate. The full power state of the articulation system 49800 is depicted by state 49810 of FIG. 153, and the down situation of the articulation system 49800 is depicted by state 49820.

[0072] When the electric motor shifts to its second state, the staple firing drive 49700 is pivotable to perform a staple firing stroke. The staple firing drive 49700 includes a firing member that advances distally during the staple firing stroke and then retracts proximally after the staple firing stroke. The movement of the firing member is depicted by the movement trace 49780 of FIG. 153. Further, FIG. 153 depicts that power is supplied to the electric motor during the operating condition 49710 before the staple firing system 49700 is unlocked and then powered to perform the staple firing stroke during the operating state 49730. The force load experienced by the firing member is depicted by the force trace 49790, which indicates that the firing member experiences a high force load during the staple firing stroke and a much lower force load when the firing member is retracting during the operating state 49730. After the firing member has retracted, the staple firing system 49700 is locked, and then the power to the electric motor is turned off during the operating state 49740. Similar to the above, by locking the firing drive before reducing the power supply to the electric motor, the possibility of sudden jerks within the staple firing system 49700 is reduced. At such a time, the electric motor is switched to its first operating situation, the power supply to the electric motor is resumed, and the articulation drive system 49800 is unlocked during the operating situation 49830. In particular, the operating situation 49830 in which the end effector 49200 can be articulated and the operating situation 49660 in which the end effector 49200 can be opened overlap.

[0073] In addition to the above, the surgical instrument 49000 includes one or more position sensors for determining the position of the closure member of the closure system 49600 and / or the position of the second jaw 49230. The surgical instrument 49000 further includes one or more position sensors for determining the position of the firing member of the staple firing system 49700. The surgical instrument 49000 includes an electrical circuit configured to assess the current drawn by the electric motor of the closure drive system 49600 to evaluate the force load experienced by the closure member of the closure drive system 49600. The surgical instrument 49000 further includes an electrical circuit configured to assess the current drawn by a second electric motor used to drive the staple firing system 49700 to assess the firing load experienced by the firing member of the staple firing system 49700. All of these sensors and circuits communicate with the control system of the surgical instrument 49000. With this information, the control system can determine when a particular operating situation has been reached. For example, if the control system determines that the second jaw 49230 has reached its parallel position, the control system can stop the closure motor as part of the operating situation 49630. At such a point, the control system can monitor the force load within the closure drive system 49600 until the force load falls below a threshold, at which point the operating situation 49630 ends and the user of the surgical instrument 49000 is notified that an optimal state for performing the staple firing stroke has been reached.

[0074] As discussed above, the electric motors used to drive the joint movement drive system 49800 and the firing drive system 49700 are shiftable between a first operating condition and a second operating condition. In at least one embodiment, a closure drive 49600 is used to shift this electric motor between its first and second operating conditions. The entire disclosures of International Patent Publication No. WO2015 / 153642, published October 8, 2015, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION", and U.S. Patent No. 9,351,726, published May 31, 2016, titled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0075] A staple firing system 38700 is shown in FIGS. 91-96. The staple firing system 38700 includes a rotatable drive shaft and a firing member threadably engaged with the drive shaft. The staple firing system 38700 further includes a drive portion 38730 and a threaded portion 38740. The threaded portion 38740 includes at least one push surface 38741 defined on its proximal side that is contacted by the firing member as the firing member advances distally during a staple firing stroke. The threaded portion 38740 is also attached to the firing member by a lock arm 38734 when the firing member moves distally into contact with the threaded portion 38740. At least initially, the threaded portion 38740 moves relative to the drive portion 38370. At such a time, as described in more detail below, the threaded portion 38740 and the drive portion 38370 advance distally together such that an incline 38742 defined on the threaded portion 38740 fires staples from a staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The staple firing system 38700 further includes a tissue cutting knife 38750 rotatably attached to the drive portion 38730 about a pivot pin 38752.

[0076] The tissue cutting knife 38750 is rotatable between an undeployed position (FIG. 94) and a deployed position (FIG. 93) at the start of the staple firing stroke. The thread portion 38740 is movable distally relative to the drive portion 38730, at least initially, until a cam surface 38746 defined within the thread portion 38740 contacts the tissue cutting knife 38750, and rotates the tissue cutting knife 38750 upwardly within its deployed position. The cam surface 38746 is curved or arcuate to facilitate rotation of the tissue cutting knife 38750 about the pivot pin 38752, although any suitable configuration can be used. When the tissue cutting knife 38750 contacts a shoulder 38748 defined on the thread portion 38740, the tissue cutting knife 38750 stops rotating, and instead, the distal movement of the thread portion 38740 is transmitted through the tissue cutting knife 38750 to the drive portion 38730. At such a point, the drive portion 38730 and the thread portion 38740 translate distally to perform the staple firing stroke with the tissue cutting knife 38750 in its deployed position. In fact, the thread portion 38740 holds the tissue cutting knife 38750 in its deployed position during the staple firing stroke. In particular, the knife edge 38751 of the tissue cutting knife 38750 extends over the thread portion 38740 when the tissue cutting knife 38750 is in its deployed position (FIG. 93), and does not extend over the thread portion 38740 when the tissue cutting knife 38750 is in its undeployed position (FIG. 94).

[0077] At the end of the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, in addition to the above, the rotatable drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction and the firing member of the staple firing system 38700 is driven in the opposite direction. As the firing member retracts, the firing member pulls the threaded portion 38740 proximally by a locking arm 38734 that attaches the threaded portion 38740 to the firing member. That is, due to the initial retraction movement of the firing member and the threaded portion 38740, the drive portion 38730 does not translate proximally. Instead, due to the initial retraction movement of the threaded portion 38740, as shown in FIG. 94, the tissue cutting knife 38750 rotates downward and returns into its undeployed position. Thereafter, referring to FIGS. 95 and 96, removal of the threaded portion 38740 from the firing member stops the proximal movement of the threaded portion 38740. More specifically, a stop arm 38744 extending proximally of the threaded portion 38740 engages the cartridge body 38420 and prevents the threaded portion 38740 from retracting with the firing member. At such a point, the locking arm 38734 of the threaded portion 38740 is disengaged from the firing member while leaving the threaded portion 38740 and the drive portion 38730 in their fired positions. Such an arrangement prevents the used staple cartridge 38400 from being reused. As a result, the used staple cartridge 38400 must be replaced with an unused staple cartridge in order to reuse the surgical instrument. That is, other used cartridge lockout systems that allow the threaded portion 38740 to return after the staple firing stroke can be used as long as the used staple cartridge cannot be refired.

[0078] A staple firing system 39700 is shown in FIGS. 97-103. The staple firing system 39700 includes a firing bar 39720 that is translatable distally through a staple cartridge such as staple cartridge 39400 and performs a staple firing stroke. The firing bar 39720 includes a first cam 39278 that engages a first joe and a second cam 39279 that engages a second joe, and holds the first joe and the second joe together. The staple firing system 39700 further includes a thread 39740 that is pushed distally by the firing bar 39720 during the staple firing stroke. The thread 39740 includes a proximal push surface 39741 that is contacted by a distal push surface 39271 on the firing bar 39720. The thread 39740 further includes a central body 39743 and an inclination 39742 extending from the central body 39743.

[0079] In addition to the above, the staple firing system 39700 further includes a tissue cutting knife 39750 and a knife retractor 39730. The tissue cutting knife 39750 includes a base 39754 positioned within a recess 39744 defined within a thread 39740, and a knife body 39753 including a knife edge 39751. The knife retractor 39730 includes a locking arm 39732 that engages a shoulder 39722 defined on a firing bar 39720, and a cross bar 39733 that connects the distal end of the locking arm 39732. Referring to FIG. 98, the thread 39740, the tissue cutting knife 39750, and the knife retractor 39730 are stored within a cartridge body 39420 of a staple cartridge 39400 such that when the staple cartridge 39400 is inserted into a first jaw, the locking arm 39732 of the knife retractor 39730 is attached to the firing bar 39720 and the knife body 39753 of the tissue cutting knife 39750 abuts against a distal push surface 39723 (FIG. 97) defined on the firing bar 39720. At this point, the knife edge 39731 extends above the upper surface of the cartridge body 39420 or the deck, but is covered by a rail 39425 that extends upwardly from the cartridge body 39420 so that the knife edge 39731 is not exposed when the staple firing system 39700 is in its unfired state.

[0080] When staple firing system 39700 is advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke, referring to FIG. 99, firing bar 39720 contacts and presses distally on thread 39740 and tissue cutting knife 39750. In particular, referring to FIG. 100, at the start of the staple firing stroke, thread 39740 passes over projection 39222 extending from the first jaw. Projection 39222 has a proximally facing slope that enables thread 39740 to pass over it. Throughout the staple firing stroke, knife retractor 39730 extends in front of tissue cutting knife 39750. Referring to FIG. 101, after the staple firing stroke is completed or otherwise stopped, firing bar 39720 retracts to its unfired position. In such a case, knife retractor 39730 contacts tissue cutting knife 39750 and pulls tissue cutting knife 39750 and thread 39740 proximally. In particular, the base 39754 of tissue cutting knife 39750 first slides within thread recess 39744 until the knife base 39754 contacts the proximal end of thread recess 39744 when tissue cutting knife 39750 is pulled proximally. At such a point, tissue cutting knife 39750 and thread 39740 move proximally together until thread 39740 reaches projection 39222 extending from the first jaw as shown in FIG. 102. Projection 39222 stops the proximal movement of thread 39740, and as a result, with continued proximal retraction of firing bar 39720, tissue cutting knife 39750 is rotated proximally until tissue cutting knife 39750 is fully retracted under the deck of cartridge body 39420. At such a point, the used staple cartridge 39400 can be safely removed from the first jaw and exchanged for another staple cartridge.

[0081] A stapling instrument 40000 comprising a staple cartridge 40400 and a staple firing system 40700 is shown in FIGS. 104-113. Referring mainly to FIG. 104, the staple firing system 40700 includes a firing bar 40720, a thread 40740 movable distally by the firing bar 40720 during a staple firing stroke, and a tissue cutting knife 40750 rotatably attached to the thread 40740 about a pivot axis 40752. That is, the thread 40740 and the tissue cutting knife 40750 are positioned within the staple cartridge 40400 and are presented in front of the firing bar 40720 when the staple cartridge 40400 is seated within the stapling instrument 40000. As shown in FIG. 105, when the firing bar 40720 advances distally to perform a staple firing stroke, the firing bar 40720 contacts the tissue cutting knife 40750. Referring to FIGS. 106 and 107, as the firing bar 40720 moves further distally, the firing bar 40720 rotates the tissue cutting knife 40750 from an undeployed position (FIGS. 104 and 105) to a deployed position where the knife edge 40751 of the tissue cutting knife 40750 is exposed above the cartridge body 40420 or deck of the staple cartridge 40400. The tissue cutting knife 40750 includes an arcuate cam surface 40754 defined on its proximal side that is contacted by an arcuate cam recess 40724 defined within the firing bar 40720 that rotates the tissue cutting knife 40750 to its deployed position. As shown in FIG. 107, when the tissue cutting knife 40750 is in its deployed position, a lock tab 40753 extending from the tissue cutting knife 40750 is received within a lock recess or catch 40723 defined within the firing bar 40720, stopping rotation of the tissue cutting knife 40750 in its deployed position. Further, a stop tab 40755 extending from the tissue cutting knife 40750 seats on the upper surface 40745 of the thread 40740 when the tissue cutting knife 40750 is in its deployed position. In any case, at such a point, referring to FIG. 108, the firing bar 40720 can push the tissue cutting knife 40740 and the thread 40750 through the staple firing stroke.Referring to FIG. 113, the central portion 40743 of the thread 40740 and the bottom portion of the tissue cutting knife 40750 move within a longitudinal slot 40423 defined within the cartridge body 40420 of the staple cartridge 40400.

[0082] After the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, referring to FIGS. 109-112, the firing bar 40720 can retract within its unfired position. In such an example, the firing bar 40720 is proximally pulled on the lock tab 40753 of the tissue cutting knife 40750, whereby the tissue cutting knife 40750 rotates towards its undeployed position. The cartridge body 40420 of the staple cartridge 40400 comprises an angled ridge 40425 extending within a longitudinal slot 40423 configured to guide the tissue cutting knife 40750 back to its retracted position when the firing bar 40720 retracts proximally. The tissue cutting knife 40750 comprises a pin 40752 extending from its side surface that engages the ridge 40425 when the tissue cutting knife 40750 rotates rearwardly within the longitudinal slot 40423. Further, in various embodiments, the engagement between the pin 40752 and the ridge 40425 can prevent the tissue cutting knife 40750 from fully retracting proximally. In such an example, referring to FIG. 112, the firing bar 40720 is disengaged from the tissue cutting knife 40750, and as a result, the firing bar 40720 does not retract the tissue cutting knife 40750 and the thread 40740. Instead, the tissue cutting knife 40750 and the thread 40740 remain in their fired positions, but the tissue cutting knife 40750 is in an undeployed position that allows the used staple cartridge 40400 to be safely removed from the stapling instrument 40000.

[0083] A stapling instrument 41000 comprising an end effector 41200 and a staple firing system 41700 is shown in FIGS. 114-120. Referring primarily to FIG. 114, the end effector 41200 includes a first jaw 41220 and, in addition thereto, a second jaw 41230 rotatably attached to the first jaw 41220. The second jaw 41230 is rotatable between an open, unclamped position (FIG. 114) and a closed, clamped position (FIG. 115) by a closure system of the stapling instrument 41000. The first jaw 41220 is configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system 41700 and includes a longitudinally defined slot therein. Similarly, the second jaw 41230 is configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system 41700 and includes a longitudinally defined slot 41239 therein. The first jaw 41220 is configured to receive therein a staple cartridge 41400 that includes a cartridge body 41420, staples removably stored within a staple cavity defined within the cartridge body 41420, and a staple driver movably positioned within the cartridge body 41420 and configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body 41420 during a staple firing stroke.

[0084] The staple firing system 41700 includes a rotatable drive shaft 41710 and a firing nut 41720 that is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the drive shaft 41710. Similar to the above, when the drive shaft 41710 rotates in the first direction, the firing nut 41720 advances distally, and when the drive shaft 41710 rotates in the second or opposite direction, the firing nut 41720 retracts proximally. The staple firing system 41700 further includes a clamp member 41730, a thread 41740 that is movable distally during a staple firing stroke to push a staple driver and staples toward a staple forming pocket defined within a second jaw 41230, and a tissue cutting knife 41750 rotatably attached to the thread 41740. Referring mainly to FIG. 114, the clamp member 41730 is held within the second jaw or anvil 41230. More specifically, a lateral cam 41739 extending from the clamp member 41730 is received within a longitudinal slot 41239 defined in the second jaw 41230 such that the clamp member 41730 moves with the second jaw 41230. Thus, as shown in FIG. 114, when the second jaw 41230 is in the open position, the clamp member 41730 is in the raised position, and when the second jaw 41230 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 115, the clamp member 41730 is in the lowered position. When the clamp member 41730 is in its raised position, the clamp member 41730 is not engaged with the firing nut 41720. However, when the clamp member 41730 is in its lowered position, the clamp member 41730 is engaged with the firing nut 41720. When the clamp member 41730 is in its lowered position, the firing nut 41720 and the clamp member 41730 can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke.The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0249928, titled "SURGICAL APPARATUS," published on September 1, 2016, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168650, titled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS," published on June 21, 2018, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0085] In addition to the above, the clamp member 41730 is configured to receive the upper portion 41722 of the firing nut 41720 when the clamp member 41730 descends onto the firing nut 41720, and includes a recess 41732 defined therein, as shown in FIG. 115. Further, the clamp member 41730 further includes a hook 41734 that is received within a recess 41754 defined within the tissue cutting knife 41750 when the clamp member 41730 descends onto the firing nut 41720. Referring to FIGS. 116 and 117, when the firing nut 41720 advances distally, the firing nut 41720 pushes the clamp member 41730 distally, causing it to contact the thread 41740 and push the thread 41740 through the staple firing stroke. The clamp member 41730 also contacts the tissue cutting knife 41750 and supports the tissue cutting knife 41750 during the staple firing stroke when the tissue cutting knife 41750 cuts tissue, preventing the tissue cutting knife 41750 from rotating rearward or proximally. Referring to FIG. 118, when the drive shaft 41710 is rotated in the opposite direction, the firing nut 41720 is driven proximally, thereby pushing the clamp member 41730 proximally. In such an example, the hook 41734 of the clamp member 41730 contacts the proximal end of the tissue cutting knife 41750, which rotates the tissue cutting knife 41750 rearward so that the clamp member 41730 can be disengaged from the tissue cutting knife 41750. Referring to FIG. 119, at such a point, the firing nut 41720 and the clamp member 41730 are returned to their proximal unfired positions, while the thread 41740 and the tissue cutting knife 41750 remain behind their fired positions. In particular, the knife edge 41751 of the tissue cutting knife 41750 extends over the deck or upper portion of the cartridge body 41420 when the tissue cutting knife 41750 remains, although in other embodiments, the knife edge 41751 is completely retracted under the deck of the cartridge body 41420 when the tissue cutting knife 41750 is rotated rearward. In either case, referring to FIG. 120, the second jaw 41230 can be reopened when the firing nut 41720 and the clamp member 41730 are returned to their proximal unfired positions.

[0086] As discussed above, the thread 41740 and the tissue cutting knife 41750 are left in their fired positions after the staple firing stroke or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped. In some cases, the tissue cutting knife 41750 may not be detachable from the clamp member 41730. FIG. 121 shows an embodiment that can assist in holding the thread 41740 and the tissue cutting knife 41750 in their fired positions. FIG. 121 shows a staple cartridge 42400 and a jaw 42220 configured to receive the staple cartridge 42400. The jaw 42220 includes a bottom support 42225 and two lateral upright walls 42223. The staple cartridge 42400 includes a cartridge body 42420 positioned between the side walls 42223 and, in addition, a thread 42440 that is translatable within the cartridge body 42420. The cartridge body 42420 includes a staple cavity defined therein, and staples are removably stored within the staple cavity. The cartridge body 42420 further includes a longitudinal slot 42426 defined therein and configured to receive the central portion 42446 of the thread 42440. The cartridge body 42420 further includes a protrusion 42429 extending inwardly from the side walls of the longitudinal slot 42426, which can inhibit or prevent proximal movement of the thread 42440. More specifically, each protrusion 42429 includes a proximally facing slope that allows the thread 42440 to pass through during the staple firing stroke and a distally facing shoulder that stops proximal movement of the thread 42440. The protrusions 42429 are longitudinally disposed within the longitudinal slot 42426 such that the protrusions 42429 can stop proximal movement of the thread 42440 regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped.

[0087] In addition to the above, referring again to FIG. 121, the cartridge body 42420 also includes a longitudinally defined slot 42427 configured to receive the lateral staple deployment ramp 42447 of the thread 42440. Similarly to the above, the cartridge body 42420 further includes a protrusion 42426 extending inwardly from the side wall of the longitudinally defined slot 42427, which can suppress or prevent the proximal movement of the thread 42440. More specifically, each protrusion 42428 includes a proximally facing ramp that allows the thread 42440 to pass through during the staple firing stroke, and a distally facing shoulder that stops the proximal movement of the thread 42440. The thread 42240 includes a hook 42248 extending from a rail 42447 that can abut against the distally facing shoulder of the protrusion 42428 when the thread 42240 moves proximally. The protrusions 42428 are longitudinally disposed within the longitudinally defined slot 42427 such that the protrusions 42428 can stop the proximal movement of the thread 42440 regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped. In addition to or instead of the above, the jaw 42220 includes a protrusion 42224 extending upwardly from a bottom support 42225 configured to interact with the bottom portion 42445 of the thread 42440. Each protrusion 42224 includes a proximally facing ramp that allows the thread 42440 to pass through during the staple firing stroke, and a distally facing shoulder that stops the proximal movement of the thread 42440.

[0088] A surgical stapling instrument 43000 is shown in FIGS. 122-128. The surgical instrument 43000 includes an end effector 43200 including a first jaw 43220 and a second jaw 43230, a replaceable staple cartridge 43400 positioned within the first jaw 43220, and a staple firing drive unit 43700. The staple cartridge 43400 includes a cartridge body 43420 and a thread 43440 positioned within the cartridge body 43420 and slidable from a proximal position (FIG. 122) to a distal position during a staple firing stroke. The thread 43440 includes an incline configured to engage a staple driver within the cartridge body 43420 to eject staples from the staple cartridge 43400. The thread 43440 also includes a tissue cutting knife 43450 fixedly attached thereto. Referring to FIG. 122, when the thread 43440 is in its proximal unfired position, the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife 43450 is positioned between lateral knife guards 43425 extending upwardly from the deck or top of the cartridge body 43420. As the thread 43440 advances distally during the staple firing stroke, the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife 43450 is exposed to patient tissue captured between the jaws 43220 and 43230. As described in more detail below, the thread 43440 is movable distally by a firing bar 43720 of the staple firing system 43700. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 8,540,133, issued September 24, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE", is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] When the second jaw 43230 is in the open position, an unused staple cartridge 43400 can be inserted into the first jaw 43220. When the unused staple cartridge 43400 is fully seated in the first jaw 43220, the thread 43440 of the unused staple cartridge 43400 compresses a used cartridge lockout 43290 attached to the bottom of the first jaw 43220. The used cartridge lockout 43290 includes, for example, a folding spring with one side attached to the first jaw 43220 and the other side extending upward and contacted by the thread 43220. When the used cartridge lockout 43290 is pushed down or released by the thread 43220, the firing bar 43720 can be advanced distally to couple the firing bar 43720 to the thread 43440, as shown in FIGS. 123 and 124. More specifically, the firing bar 43720 includes a rotatably attached latch 43730 that latches to the thread 43440 when the firing bar 43720 is advanced distally and the used cartridge lockout 43290 is pushed downward by the thread 43440. The latch 43730 includes a distal latch end 43731 that engages a latch recess 43441 defined within the thread 43440, and once coupled, the firing bar 43720 is pushed distally to push the thread 43440 through a staple firing stroke. In particular, the firing bar 43720 includes a first cam 43728 configured to engage the first jaw 43220 and a second cam 43729 configured to engage the second jaw 43230 during a staple firing stroke, holding the jaws 43220 and 43230 in place relative to each other. Also, in particular, the used cartridge lockout 43290 is configured to elastically return to its locked state after the thread 43440 is pushed distally from the used cartridge lockout 43290, but in such an example, it does not interfere with the current staple firing stroke because the used cartridge lockout 43290 has already been bypassed by the unused staple cartridge 43400.

[0090] After the staple firing stroke is completed or after the staple firing stroke is stopped, the firing bar 43720 retracts within its proximal unfired position. Referring to FIG. 125, when the firing bar 43720 is retracted, the latch 43730 pulls the thread 43440 proximally with the firing bar 43720. As the firing bar 43720 approaches its proximal unfired position, the latch 43730 disengages from the thread 43740. More specifically, referring to FIG. 126, the latch 43730 contacts the used cartridge lockout 43290 that lifts the distal latch end 43731 of the latch 43730 out of the latch recess 43441 defined within the thread 43440. At such a point, the thread 43440 does not retract with the firing assembly 43720. In fact, in such a situation, the thread 43440 does not fully retract. Instead, referring to FIG. 127, the thread 43440 is left in a partially advanced or fired position where the thread 43440 is not seated on the used cartridge lockout 43290 (however, the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife 43750 is in a position protected by the knife guard 43425). As a result, the used cartridge lockout 43290 remains in its locked position until the used staple cartridge 43400 is removed from the first jaw 43220 and replaced with an unused staple cartridge 43400, or another suitable unused staple cartridge. If the firing bar 43720 is advanced distally again before the used staple cartridge 43400 is replaced, referring to FIG. 128, the latch 43730 contacts the staple cartridge lockout 43290 and the distal advancement of the firing bar 43720 will be stopped. As a result, the used cartridge lockout 43290 prevents the staple firing stroke of the staple firing system 43700 if the unused staple cartridge 43400 is not seated on the first jaw 43220.

[0091] In addition to, or in place of, the above, any suitable used cartridge lockout can be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, an electronic used cartridge lockout can be used. In at least one such embodiment, the stapling instrument includes an electric motor configured to drive a staple firing system 43700, a controller including a microprocessor configured to control the electric motor, and a sensor in communication with the controller configured to detect the presence of an unused staple cartridge within a first jaw 43220. The sensor can be configured to detect, for example, the presence of a thread 43440 in its proximal unfired position. In particular, the used cartridge lockout 43290 of the stapling instrument 43000 also functions as a lockout for a missing cartridge. If the staple cartridge is completely missing from the first jaw 43220, the staple firing stroke of the staple firing system 43700 will be prevented in the same or a similar manner by the used cartridge lockout 43290.

[0092] The portion of the stapling instrument 44000 is shown in FIGS. 129 to 133. The stapling instrument 44000 includes a staple cartridge 44400 and a staple firing drive unit 44700. The staple cartridge 44400 includes a cartridge body 44420 that includes a staple cavity 44424 and a longitudinal slot 44426 defined therein, staples removably stored in the staple cavity 44424, and a tissue cutting knife 44450 stored at the proximal end of the cartridge body 44420. The tissue cutting knife 44450 includes a portion slidably positioned within the longitudinal slot 44426 and a knife edge portion 44451 extending over the cartridge body 44420. Referring to FIGS. 129 and 130, when the tissue cutting knife 44450 is in the proximal unfired position, the knife edge portion 44451 is positioned between knife guards 44425 extending upwardly from the cartridge body 44420 such that the knife edge portion 44451 is not exposed. When the staple cartridge 44400 is loaded into the stapling instrument 44000, the tissue cutting knife 44450 is positioned in front of the firing member 44720 of the staple firing drive unit 44700. At such a point in time, a gap exists between the firing member 44720 and the tissue cutting knife 44450, and the firing member 44720 is not connected to the tissue cutting knife 44450. However, as the firing member 44720 advances distally, the firing member 44720 connects to the tissue cutting knife 44450. More specifically, the tissue cutting knife 44450 includes a latch arm 44452 extending proximally, and when the firing member 44720 contacts the tissue cutting knife 44450 and first advances the tissue cutting knife 44450 distally, the latch arm is biased inwardly into a lock recess 44722 defined on the opposite side of the firing member 44720 by the sidewall of the longitudinal slot 44426. Referring to FIG. 131, at such a point in time, the tissue cutting knife 44450 is attached to the firing member 44720, and the tissue cutting knife 44450 and the firing member 44720 are advanced distally together through the staple firing stroke as shown in FIG. 132.When the tissue cutting knife 44450 is advanced distally, the knife edge 44451 exits between the knife guards 44425 and moves distally, exposing the tissue cutting knife 44450 to the tissue. Further, the firing member 44720 includes an integral thread 44740 configured to engage a staple driver within the staple cartridge 44400 and eject staples from the staple cavity 44424 during a staple firing stroke.

[0093] After the staple firing stroke is completed or after the staple firing stroke is stopped, the firing member 44720 retracts into a proximal unfired position. In such an example, the firing member 44720 pulls the tissue cutting knife 44450 proximally. When the tissue cutting knife 44450 is returned to its proximal unfired position, the knife edge 44451 is positioned between the knife guards 44425. Further, referring to FIG. 133, when the tissue cutting knife 44450 is returned to its proximal position, the tissue cutting knife 44450 is released from the firing member 44720. More specifically, referring to FIG. 130, the latch arm 44452 elastically springs outwardly by a gap provided by a recess 44422 defined within the cartridge body 44420 when the tissue cutting knife 44450 reaches its proximal position. When the tissue cutting knife 44450 is removed from the firing member 44720, the firing member 44720 moves proximally within its unfired position. In various examples, the proximal movement of the tissue cutting knife 44450 stops when the tissue cutting knife 44450 abuts a proximal shoulder or wall within the cartridge body 44420. In such an example, the firing member 44720 can be disengaged from the latch arm 44452 if the latch arm 44452 still partially engages a lock recess 44722 defined within the firing member 44720.

[0094] The surgical instrument 45000 is shown in FIGS. 134 - 138. Referring mainly to FIG. 134, the surgical instrument 45000 includes an end effector 45200 that includes a first jaw 45220 and a second jaw, or an anvil 45230 that is rotatable relative to the first jaw 45220 about a pivot pin 45240 between an open, unclamped position and a closed, clamped position. The surgical instrument 45000 further includes a jaw closing system 45600 configured to close the second jaw 45230. More specifically, the jaw closing system 45600 includes a proximally movable closing member 45620 for caming the second jaw 45230 downwardly toward its closed position. The surgical instrument 45000 further includes a staple firing system 45700 that includes a rotatable drive shaft 45710 and a firing member 45720 threadably and engagably coupled to the drive shaft 45710 that is distally movable during a staple firing stroke. The first jaw 45220 is configured to receive therein a replaceable staple cartridge 45400 that includes a cartridge body 45420, staples removably stored in the cartridge body 45420, and a staple driver configured to support the staples and push them out of the cartridge body 45420 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 45400 further includes a thread 45440 movable by the firing member 45720 from a proximal, unfired position to a distal, fired position for pushing the staple driver upwardly within the cartridge body 45420 toward the top or deck of the cartridge body 45420 during a staple firing stroke.

[0095] In addition to the above, if the staple cartridge 45400 is missing from the first jaw 45220 or the staple cartridge 45400 positioned within the first jaw 45220 has been previously fired, the surgical instrument 45000 further includes a lockout assembly 45900 configured to prevent the second jaw 45230 from fully closing and to prevent the firing member 45720 from advancing distally through a staple firing stroke. Referring mainly to FIGS. 135 and 136, the lockout assembly 45900 includes a frame 45910, an anvil closure lockout 45920, and a staple firing lockout 45930. The frame 45910 is fixedly attached to the first jaw 45220 and is positioned below the pivot pin 45240, although it can be positioned at any suitable location. The anvil closure lockout 45920 is rotatably attached to the frame 45910 about a pivot axis 45922 and is rotatable about the pivot axis 45922 between a locked position (FIG. 135) and an unlocked position (FIGS. 137 and 138). The anvil closure lockout 45920 includes a proximal end 45924 and a distal end 45926. The proximal end 45924 of the anvil closure lockout 45920 includes a latch that releasably engages a latch shoulder 45624 defined on the closure member 45620 when the anvil closure lockout 45920 is in its locked position (FIG. 135). In such a case, the anvil closure lockout 45920 prevents the closure member 45620 from moving proximally to close the second jaw 45230. However, when the staple cartridge 45400 is inserted into the first jaw 45220, the proximal end of the cartridge body 45420 contacts the distal end 45926 of the anvil closure lockout 45920 and rotates the anvil closure lockout 45920 within its unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 137. In such a case, the proximal end 45924 of the anvil closure lockout 45920 is disengaged from the closure member 45620, and the closure member 45620 can move proximally to close the second jaw 45230.In fact, the anvil closure lockout 45920 remains unlocked as long as the staple cartridge 45400 is seated within the first jaw 45220. As a result, the clinician can open and close the second jaw 45230 the desired number of times as long as the staple cartridge 45400 is seated in the first jaw 45220. However, when the staple cartridge 45400 is removed, the anvil closure lockout 45920 automatically relocks. More specifically, the lockout assembly 45900 includes a biasing spring 45940 positioned intermediate the anvil closure lockout 45920 and the staple firing lockout 45930 that is compressed when the anvil closure lockout 45920 rotates to its unlocked position. When the staple cartridge 45400 is removed, the biasing spring 45940 elastically returns the anvil closure lockout 45920 back within its locked position.

[0096] The staple firing launch lockout 45930 is rotatably mounted to the frame 45910 about a pivot axis 45932 and is rotatable about the pivot axis 45932 between a locked position (FIG. 135) and an unlocked position (FIG. 137). The staple firing lockout 45930 includes a proximal end 45934 and a distal end 45936. The distal end 45936 of the staple firing lockout 45930 includes a latch releasably engaged with the firing member 45720 when the staple firing lockout 45930 is in its locked position (FIG. 135). In such an example, the staple firing lockout 45930 prevents the firing member 45720 from moving distally to perform a staple firing stroke. However, when an unused staple cartridge 45400 is inserted into the first jaw 45220, the thread 45440 of the staple cartridge 45400 contacts the distal end 45936 of the staple firing lockout 45930 and rotates the staple firing lockout 45930 within its unlocked position as shown in FIG. 137. In such an example, the distal end 45936 of the staple firing lockout 45930 is disengaged from the firing member 45720 and the firing member 45720 can be moved distally to perform a staple firing stroke. However, as the thread 45440 advances distally, the staple firing lockout 45930 automatically relocks. More specifically, a biasing spring 45940 positioned intermediate the anvil closure lockout 45920 and the staple firing lockout 45930 is compressed when the staple firing lockout 45930 rotates to its unlocked position, and as the thread 45440 advances distally, the biasing spring 45940 elastically returns the staple firing lockout 45930 to its locked position. As a result, when the thread 45440 is advanced distally by the firing member 45720 through its staple firing stroke, the staple firing lockout 45930 is rotated and returned within its locked position. This is not important at this point because the firing member 45720 has already been advanced distally and the staple firing lockout 45930 can no longer stop the staple firing stroke.However, in particular, the thread 45440 is not returned proximally by the firing member 45720 after the staple firing stroke, and when the firing member 45720 is returned to its proximal unfired position, the staple firing lockout 45930 is biased in front of the firing member 45720 by a biasing spring 45940 so that a subsequent firing stroke of the firing member 45720 is not possible until the used staple cartridge 45400 is replaced with an unused staple cartridge 45400. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,108, filed June 30, 2019, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM" is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0097] Staple cartridge 46400 is shown in FIGS. 139-143. Staple cartridge 46400 includes a cartridge body 46420, staples removably stored in the cartridge body 46420, a staple driver configured to support the staples and push them out of the cartridge body 46420, and a thread 46440 configured to push the staple driver upward toward the top or deck of the cartridge body 46420 during a staple firing stroke. Thread 46440 includes an incline or rail 46442 configured to engage a staple driver slidably positioned within a longitudinal slot 46422 defined within the cartridge body 46420. Thread 46440 further includes a central portion 46446 slidably positioned within a central longitudinal slot 46426 defined within the cartridge body 46420. Thread 46440 is movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke in which the thread 46440 is pushed distally by a staple firing system. After the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has stopped, the staple firing system is operated in reverse to reset the staple firing system. In such an example, the staple firing system pulls the thread 46440 proximally toward its proximal unfired position, but as will be described in more detail below, the thread 46440 stops before reaching its proximal unfired position. At such a point, the staple firing system releases the thread 46440 such that the thread 46440 remains in a partially fired position.

[0098] Referring mainly to FIG. 139, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge 46400 further includes a used cartridge lock 46490 rotatably attached to the cartridge body 46420 about a pin 46425. Referring mainly to FIG. 140, the used cartridge lock 46490 includes a trippable portion 46497 that extends into an opening 46447 defined within the thread 46440 when the used cartridge lock 46490 is in its unlocked position (FIG. 140). As shown in FIG. 141, when the thread 46440 is advanced distally, the end wall of the opening 46447 defined within the thread 46440 contacts the trippable portion 46497 of the used cartridge lock 46490, rotating the used cartridge lock 46490 into the locked position (FIG. 142). Referring to FIG. 142, in the locked position of the used cartridge lock 46490, the locking portion 46495 of the used cartridge lock 46490 is positioned within a lock opening 46427 defined within the cartridge body 46420. When the thread 46440 retracts after the staple firing stroke, in addition to the above, the proximal movement of the thread 46440 is impeded by the locking portion 46495, which prevents the thread 46440 from returning to its proximal unfired position. Instead, the thread 46440 remains in the used position, although in the retracted position. In cooperation with the staple firing lockout within the surgical instrument, the staple firing system is prevented from advancing the thread 46440 from its retracted used position.The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", U.S. Patent No. 6,978,921, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM", U.S. Patent No. 6,959,852, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH MULTISTROKE FIRING INCORPORATING AN ANTI-BACKUP MECHANISM", and U.S. Patent No. 6,905,057, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A FIRING MECHANISM HAVING A LINKED TRANSMISSION" are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In such an embodiment, the firing bar of the staple firing system needs to engage with the thread 46440 at the start of the staple firing stroke in order to pass through a staple firing lockout defined within the first jaw 46220. If the firing bar does not engage with the thread 46440 at the start of the staple firing stroke, the firing bar abuts against the staple firing lockout, and the firing bar is prevented from performing the staple firing stroke. As a result of this arrangement, it is not possible to accidentally reuse a spent cartridge. To reuse the stapling instrument, it is necessary to remove the spent staple cartridge 46400 and replace it with an unused staple cartridge 46400, or any other suitable unused staple cartridge.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 57, the end effector of the stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge 30220 and an anvil 30230. The anvil 30230 is movable relative to the staple cartridge 30220 between an open unclamped position and a closed clamped position. The staple cartridge 30220 includes a cartridge body 30222 that includes a proximal end 30224, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end 30224 and the distal end. The cartridge body 30222 further includes a longitudinal slot 30228 extending from the proximal end 30224 toward the distal end, and in addition, staple cavities 30223 disposed within longitudinal rows on both sides of the longitudinal slot 30228. Staples, or any other suitable fasteners, are removably stored in each staple cavity 30223.

[0100] In addition to the above, the stapling instrument includes a cartridge jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge 30220. The cartridge jaw and / or the staple cartridge 30220 includes features configured to releasably hold the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaw. In various examples, the staple cartridge 30220 includes snap-fit features, for example, at a proximal end 30224 and at a distal end of the staple cartridge body 30222, to releasably hold the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaw. In various examples, referring to FIG. 58, the proximal end of the staple cartridge 30220 may not be fully seated within the cartridge jaw or snap-locked within a predetermined position when the staple cartridge 30220 is inserted into the cartridge jaw. In such a case, the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222 may be higher than the distal end, resulting in an inclined deck between the proximal end 30224 and the distal end. If the clinician notices this, this condition can be corrected by pressing down on the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222 to fully seat the proximal end 30234. Otherwise, as will be discussed in more detail below, the stapling instrument has a self-correcting feature that fully seats the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaw.

[0101] The cartridge body 30222 includes a protrusion 30225 that extends upwardly from the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222. For example, the first protrusion 30225 extends upwardly from the first side of the longitudinal slot 30228, and the second protrusion 30225 extends upwardly from the second side of the longitudinal slot 30228. Each protrusion 30225 includes an alignment post 30227 extending therefrom, which is configured to be received within an alignment slot 30237 defined within the anvil 30230 when the anvil 30230 moves within its clamping position. As shown in FIG. 58, when the anvil 30230 moves within its clamping position, if the staple cartridge 30220 is not properly seated within the cartridge jaw, the anvil 30230 contacts the alignment post 30227 and is pushed down onto the staple cartridge 30220 until the staple cartridge 30220 is seated within the cartridge jaw. On the other hand, if the staple cartridge 30220 is properly seated within the cartridge jaw, the alignment slot 30237 can receive the alignment post 30227 without pushing down the staple cartridge 30220. Advantageously, this arrangement ensures that the tissue support surface 30221 of the staple cartridge 30220 and the tissue support surface 30231 of the anvil 30230 are properly aligned when the anvil 30230 is in its clamping position. Further, this arrangement ensures that the staples stored within the staple cartridge 30220 are properly aligned with the staple forming pockets defined within the anvil 30230 when the anvil 30230 is in its clamping position.

[0102] In addition to the above, referring to FIGS. 59 and 60, the staple cartridge 30220 can further include one or more crush ribs 30229 extending from each of the protrusions 30225. The crush ribs 30229 are sized and configured such that the anvil 30230 contacts the staple cartridge 30220 whether the staple cartridge 30220 is properly or improperly seated within the cartridge jaw. When the anvil 30230 moves within its clamping position, the anvil 30230 contacts the crush ribs 30229 and permanently deforms them. In such a case, as a result, a snug interface is created between the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230. In such an arrangement, various manufacturing tolerances of the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230 can be accommodated, among other things. Further, the crush ribs 30229 and the alignment posts 30227 can cooperate to align the anvil 30230 with the staple cartridge 30220. For example, the alignment posts can provide overall alignment between the anvil 30230 and the staple cartridge 30220, while the crush ribs 30229 can provide fine alignment between the anvil 30230 and the staple cartridge 30220.

[0103] In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 30220 and / or the staple firing drive unit of the stapling instrument includes a tissue cutting knife that is translatable from the proximal end 30224 to the distal end 30226 of the cartridge body 30222 during a staple firing stroke to eject staples from the cartridge body 30222. During the staple firing stroke, the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife extends over the upper surface 30221 of the cartridge body 30222 and cuts the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230. In various examples, and more unfortunately, when the tissue cutting knife is part of the staple cartridge 30220, the knife edge is exposed over the upper surface 30221 when the staple cartridge 30220 is not positioned within the cartridge jaw and / or when the staple cartridge 30220 is positioned within the cartridge jaw and the anvil is in the open position, i.e., the unclamped position. With this in mind, the protrusion 30225 is sized and configured to extend over and cover the knife edge when the tissue cutting member is in its proximal unfired position. Further, the protrusion 30225 is sized and configured to extend longitudinally with respect to the knife edge when the tissue cutting member is in its proximal unfired position. As the tissue cutting member moves distally during the staple firing stroke, the knife edge moves distally from between the protrusions 30225 and is exposed.

[0104] The staple cartridge 31220 and anvil 31230 are shown in FIGS. 61 - 64 and are similar in many respects to the staple cartridge 30220 and anvil 30230. The staple cartridge 31220 includes a cartridge body 31222 having a proximal end 31224 that is pushed into its fully seated position by the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is moved within its clamp position, as described above. The cartridge body 31222 includes a protrusion 31225 that extends upwardly from the proximal end 31224 of the cartridge body 31222. Similar to the above, the protrusion 31225 is adjacent to the longitudinal slot 30228 and each includes an alignment post 31227 extending therefrom. The alignment post 31227 is configured to be received within an alignment slot 31237 defined within the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is moved within its clamp position. The alignment post 31227 further includes a crush rib 31229 extending therefrom that is crushed by the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is overclamped (FIG. 64) past the parallel position (FIG. 63) to seat the staple cartridge 31220 when the staple cartridge 31220 is not yet seated.

[0105] The staple cartridge 32220 and anvil 32230 are shown in FIGS. 65-68 and are similar in many respects to the staple cartridges 30220, 31220 and anvils 30230, 31230. The staple cartridge 32220 includes a cartridge body 32222 having a proximal end 32224 that is pushed into its fully seated position by the anvil 32230 when the anvil 32230 is moved within its clamp position, as described above. The cartridge body 32222 includes a cam 32227 that extends upwardly from the proximal end 32224 of the cartridge body 32222. Similar to the above, the cam 32227 is adjacent to the longitudinal slot 30228 and each has an arcuate profile. The cam 32227 is configured to be engaged by a corresponding cam 32237 extending from the anvil 32230 when the anvil 32230 is moved within its clamp position to seat the staple cartridge 32220 when the staple cartridge 32220 is not yet seated.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 71 and 72, the staple cartridge 48400 includes a cartridge body that defines a staple cavity 48425 therein. Referring to FIGS. 69 and 70, the anvil 48230 is rotatably attached to a jaw that supports the staple cartridge 48400 about a pivot pin 48240. The anvil 48230 includes staple forming pockets 48235 defined therein that are aligned with the staple cavity 48245 when the anvil 48230 is closed. More specifically, each staple forming pocket 48235 is aligned with a corresponding staple cavity 48245 such that staples ejected from the staple cavity 48245 are deformed by their corresponding forming pocket 48235. In at least one example, each forming pocket 48235 includes two forming cups, each of which is configured to deform the legs of the staple.

[0107] The staple cartridge 10000 is shown in FIG. 18. The staple cartridge 10000 further includes a deck surface 10010 and a base 10015. Side walls 10020 extend between the deck surface 10010 and the base 10015. The staple cartridge 10000 further includes an elongated slot 10006 that extends from a proximal end 10002 to a distal end 10004. The longitudinal axis is defined by the elongated slot 10006 along the staple cartridge 10000. The staple cartridge 10000 includes a staple cavity defined therein. The staple cavities are arranged in three longitudinal columns. A first column of staple cavities 10100 extends alongside the elongated slot 10006. A second column of staple cavities 10200 extends alongside the first column of staple cavities 10100 on the same side of the elongated slot 10006. A third column of staple cavities 10300 extends alongside the second column of staple cavities 10200.

[0108] The staple driver 10500 is movably positioned within the staple cavities 10100, 10200, 10300. More specifically, the staple driver 10500 is configured to move from an un-fired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke. The staple driver 10500 includes a first staple support portion 10510, a second staple support portion 10520, and a third staple support portion 10530. The first staple support portion 10510 supports staples within the staple cavity 10100 from the first longitudinal column, the second staple support portion 10520 supports staples within the staple cavity 10200 from the second longitudinal column, and the third staple support portion 10530 supports staples within the staple cavity 10300 from the third longitudinal column. A base 10550 connects the three staple support portions 10510, 10520, 10530 to each other.

[0109] In various examples, the staple cartridge includes components such as a tray positioned under and / or below the base of the staple cartridge to prevent elements such as staple drivers and / or staples from separating from the staple cartridge during storage and / or handling. If such additional components are not desired, the staple cartridge can comprise one or more driver retention features, as discussed in more detail herein. In addition to maintaining the staple driver within the staple cartridge, the driver retention features can also function to maintain the staple driver in its un-fired position prior to the staple firing stroke. By holding the staple driver in its un-fired position prior to the staple firing stroke, a uniform and / or excellent staple firing stroke can be facilitated. In such examples, the driver retention features discussed herein prevent unwanted movement of the staple driver in any direction within the staple cavity.

[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, the staple cartridge 10000 includes a plurality of lock arms 10022 configured to function as driver retention features. The plurality of lock arms 10022 are defined within the outer sidewall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000. The lock arms 10022 are longitudinally spaced from one another along the length of the staple cartridge 10000. Each lock arm 10022 includes an elastic engagement portion configured to cooperate with a staple driver to maintain the staple driver in its un-fired position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, each lock arm 10022 includes a protrusion extending into a staple cavity 10300 from a third longitudinal row, although the lock arm 10022 can extend into any suitable staple cavity. The staple driver 10500 is shown in its un-fired position in FIGS. 21 and 22. The staple driver 10500 includes a recess and / or notch 10535 defined within a third staple support portion 10530. When the staple driver 10500 is in its un-fired position, the notch 10535 cooperates with and / or receives a protrusion from a lock arm 10022 of the staple cartridge 10000. The interface between the staple driver 10500 and the lock arm 10022 provides driver retention ability to the staple cartridge 10000. Additional driver retention features are described in more detail herein.

[0111] A staple cartridge 10000' that is similar to the staple cartridge 10000 in many respects is shown in FIG. 23. The staple cartridge 10000' includes windows 10025 defined within sidewalls 10020, and the windows 10025 are longitudinally spaced from each other. The windows 10025 are positioned at the same height along the staple cartridge 10000 relative to each other. A staple driver 10500' that is similar to the staple driver 10500 in many respects is configured to be movably received within the staple cartridge 10000'. The staple driver 10500' shown in FIG. 24 includes a driver retaining member and / or a protrusion 10535' that elastically extends from a sidewall of the third staple support portion 10530' toward the sidewall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000'. In other words, the portion 10530' of the staple driver 10500' that extends into the staple cavity 10300 from the third longitudinal row includes a driver retaining member and / or a protrusion 10535' that extends from the third staple support portion 10530' toward the sidewall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000'.

[0112] The driver holding member 10535’ is elastically connected to the base 10550’ of the staple driver 10500’. As shown in FIG. 23, when the staple driver 10500’ is in its un-fired position, the driver holding member 10535’ extends through a window 10025 defined within the staple cartridge 10000’. The protrusion of the driver holding member 10535 through the window 10025 prevents the staple driver 10500’ from freely moving in any direction within the staple cavities 10100, 10200, 10300. In other words, an external force must be applied to the staple driver 10500’ and / or the staple cartridge 10000’ in order for the protrusion 10535’ to be biased out of the window 10025. The driver holding member 10535’ has a tapered and / or inclined upper surface configured to facilitate disengagement of the driver holding member 10535’ from the window 10025 during the staple firing stroke. When an upward force, such as the force applied by the advancing firing member, is applied to the staple driver 10500’, the driver holding member 10535’ is biased away from the sidewall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000’. The driver holding member 10535’ is then disengaged from the window 10025, and the staple driver 10500’ is free to translate from its un-fired position toward its fired position.

[0113] In various examples, the window 10025 is positioned at different heights along the sidewall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000’. Such window placement facilitates the ability to hold the staple driver at different heights within the staple cartridge 10000’.

[0114] A staple cartridge 11000 that is similar to the staple cartridge 10000 in many respects is depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26. The staple cartridge 11000 includes a deck surface 11010 and a base 11015. The staple cartridge 11000 further includes an elongated slot 11006 that extends from a proximal end 11002 to a distal end 11004. A longitudinal axis is defined along the staple cartridge 11000 by the elongated slot 11006. The staple cartridge 11000 includes a staple cavity defined therein. The staple cavity is arranged in three longitudinal columns. A first column of staple cavities 11100 extends alongside the elongated slot 11006. A second column of staple cavities 11200 extends alongside the first column of staple cavities 11100 on the same side of the elongated slot 11006. A third column of staple cavities 11300 extends alongside the second column of staple cavities 11200.

[0115] A staple driver 11500 is movably positioned within the staple cavities 11100, 11200, 11300. Each staple driver 11500 is configured to move from an un-fired position and a fired position during a staple firing stroke. As shown in FIG. 27, the staple driver 11500 includes a first staple support portion 11510, a second staple support portion 11520, and a third staple support portion 11530. The first staple support portion 11510 supports staples within the staple cavity 11100 from the first longitudinal column, the second staple support portion 11520 supports staples within the staple cavity 11200 from the second longitudinal column, and the third staple support portion 11530 supports staples within the staple cavity 11300 from the third longitudinal column. A base 11550 connects the three staple support portions 11510, 11520, 11530 to each other.

[0116] The staple cartridge 11000 includes an outer wall 11020 that functions as a side wall of staple cavities within a third longitudinal row 11300. The outer wall 11020 includes an elastic engagement portion having a protrusion 11025 defined thereon. The staple cartridge 11000 further includes an inner wall 11030 that functions as a side wall of staple cavities within a first longitudinal row 11100. The inner wall 11030 includes an elastic engagement portion having a protrusion 11035 defined thereon. The protrusions 11025, 11035 of the staple cartridge 11000 are configured to engage each staple driver 11500 as the staple driver 11500 moves within the staple cavity. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a detent and / or notch 11515 is defined within a first staple support portion 11510 and a third staple support portion 11530. In various embodiments, the detent and / or notch 11515 may be defined on any suitable portion of the staple driver 11500, such as, for example, a second staple support portion 11520.

[0117] The staple driver 11500 is shown in a state of being inserted into the base 11015 on the right side of the elongated slot 11006 of the staple cartridge 11000 shown in FIG. 26. The insertion path of the staple driver 11500 is blocked by the elastic engagement portions 11025, 11035 of the staple cartridge 11000. In other words, the elastic engagement portions 11025, 11035 prevent the staple driver 11500 from being inserted into the staple cartridge 11000 without applying an external force. When an upward force is applied to the staple driver 11500, the first staple support portion 11510 contacts the inner wall 11030 of the staple cartridge 11000. Due to the contact between the first staple support portion 11510 and the inner wall 11030, at least a part of the inner wall 11030 is biased toward the elongated slot 11006 so as to move away from the staple driver 11500. Similarly, when the staple driver 11500 is loaded into the staple cartridge 11000, the third staple support portion 11530 contacts the outer wall 11020 of the staple cartridge 11000. Due to the contact between the third staple support portion 11530 and the outer wall 11020, at least a part of the outer wall 11020 is biased so as to move away from the staple driver 11500 and away from the elongated slot 11006. When the inner wall 11030 and the outer wall 11020 are biased to move away from the staple cavity, the insertion path of the staple driver 11500 becomes clear, and the staple driver 11500 can be loaded into the staple cartridge 11000 and held in the un-fired position.

[0118] The staple driver 11500 is shown in a state of being held at an un-fired position on the left side of the elongated slot 11006 of the staple cartridge 11000 shown in FIG. 26. In particular, the elastic engagement portions of the inner wall 11030 and the outer wall 11020 are in a non-biased and / or natural configuration. The staple driver 11500 is held in the un-fired position because the protrusions 11025, 11035 defined on the elastic engagement portions are received by the detents and / or notches 11515 defined within the first staple support portion 11510 and the third staple support portion 11530 of the staple driver 11500. In other words, the interface between the protrusions 11025, 11035 of the staple cartridge 11000 and the notches and / or detents 11515 of the staple driver 11500 prevents the staple driver 11500 from moving in any direction from the un-fired position.

[0119] As will be discussed in more detail herein, the driver retention features can be integrally formed within the staple cartridge. A staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 11900, can be manufactured through an injection molding process. As shown in FIG. 29, the upper mold 11800 and the bottom mold 11700 are positioned to permit injection molding of a staple cartridge 11900 with driver retention features. Similar to staple cartridge 11000, staple cartridge 11900 includes three longitudinal rows of staple cavities extending along each side of the elongated slot.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the bottom mold 11700 includes a central protrusion 11750 extending from the base, and the central protrusion 11750 is configured to define an elongated slot within the staple cartridge 11900. The bottom mold 11700 further includes three protrusions extending from the base along each side of the central protrusion 11750. The first protrusion 11710 extends from the base a first distance along with the central protrusion 11750 and is configured to define staple cavities within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 11720 extends from the base to a second distance along with the first protrusion 11710 and is configured to define staple cavities within the second longitudinal row. The third protrusion 11730 extends from the base to a third distance along with the second protrusion 11720 and is configured to define staple cavities within the third longitudinal row. The third distance is shorter than the first distance and the second distance.

[0121] The upper mold 11800 includes a central protrusion 11850 extending from a base, and the central protrusion 11850 is configured to be aligned with the central protrusion 11750 of the bottom mold 11700 to define an elongated slot of the staple cartridge 19000. The upper mold 11800 further includes three protrusions extending from the base along each side of the central protrusion 11850. The first protrusion 11810 extends from the base a first distance along with the central protrusion 11850. The first protrusion 11810 is aligned with and / or cooperates with the first protrusion 11710 of the bottom mold 11700 to define a first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second protrusion 11820 extends from the base a second distance along with the first protrusion 11810. The second protrusion 11820 is aligned with and / or cooperates with the second protrusion 11720 of the bottom mold 11700 to define a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third protrusion 11830 extends from the base a third distance along with the second protrusion 11820. The third protrusion 11830 is aligned with and / or cooperates with the third protrusion 11730 of the bottom mold 11700 to define a third row of staple cavities and a driver retention feature. The third distance is greater than the first distance and the second distance. In other words, the first protrusion 11710 and the second protrusion 11720 of the bottom mold 11700 define most of the first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities because the first protrusion 11710 and the second protrusion 11720 are higher than the third protrusion 11730 of the bottom mold 11700. Conversely, the third protrusion 11830 of the upper mold 11800 defines most of the third longitudinal row of staple cavities because the third protrusion 11830 is higher than the first protrusion 11820 and the second protrusion 11830 of the upper mold 11800.

[0122] The third protrusion 11730 extends a shorter distance from the base of the bottom mold 11700 to form a driver retention feature within the staple cartridge 11900. The ends of the first protrusions 11710, 11810 and the second protrusions 11720, 11820 have a rectangular profile, while the ends of the third protrusions 11730, 11830 have a tapered and / or inclined profile. The tapered and / or inclined profile of the third protrusion 11730 of the bottom mold 11700 complements the tapered and / or inclined profile of the third protrusion 11830 of the top mold 11800. The tapered profile allows for the definition of an elastic engagement portion with a lock protrusion 11925 on the outer wall of the staple cartridge 11900, and the lock protrusion 11925 extends into the staple cavity. In the depicted embodiment, the lock protrusion 11925 extends into the staple cavity from the third longitudinal row. The lock protrusion 11925 is positioned in conjunction with the staple driver to maintain the staple driver in their un-fired positions. The lock protrusion 11925 is configured to prevent unwanted movement of the staple driver within the staple cavity, such as movement from the un-fired position to the fired position and / or separation from the staple cartridge 19000.

[0123] FIG. 28 shows a staple driver 11600 for use with a staple cartridge 11900. The staple driver 11600 includes a first staple support portion 11610 configured to be positioned within a staple cavity from a first longitudinal row, a second staple support portion 11620 configured to be positioned within a staple cavity from a second longitudinal row, and a third staple support portion 11630 configured to be positioned within a staple cavity from a third longitudinal row. The third staple support portion 11630 includes a ledge 11634. In various examples, a bottom section 11636 of the third staple support portion 11630 is removed to form the ledge 11634. The ledge 11634 includes a flat surface that directly abuts a flat surface formed on each locking projection 11925 of the staple cartridge 11900 when the staple driver 11600 is in an un-fired position. Such an interface prevents the staple driver 11600 from separating from the staple cartridge 11900 through the base of the staple cartridge 11900. Each locking projection 11925 further includes an inclined surface for facilitating the translation of the staple driver 11600 from its un-fired position to its fired position when contacted by a firing member during a staple firing stroke. In the depicted embodiment, less force is required to move the staple driver 11600 from its un-fired position toward the base of the staple cartridge 11900 than is required to move the staple driver 11600 from its un-fired position to its fired position.

[0124] Figures 31A-32B show various elements of the staple cartridge 12000 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 12000 includes a cartridge body 12005 that includes a deck surface 12010. A staple cavity 12020 is defined within the cartridge body 12005. Staples are removably positioned within the staple cavity 12020. A staple driver 12200 is positioned within the staple cavity 12020 to support the staples and is configured to push the staples toward an anvil positioned on the opposite side of the staple cartridge 12000 during a staple firing stroke. Each of the staple drivers 12200 is configured to support a staple on a staple support surface 12230 defined thereon. Each staple driver 12200 includes a proximal end 12202 and a distal end 12204. The proximal end 12202 of each staple driver 12200 includes a tapered engagement surface or ramp 12210. Figures 31A-32B show the relationship between the firing member 12100 of the staple cartridge 12000 and the staple driver 12200 as the firing member 12100 moves from a proximal position to a distal position during a staple firing stroke. When the firing member 12100 is in the proximal position, the firing member 12100 is proximal to the staple driver 12200, and when the firing member 12100 is in the distal position, the firing member 12100 is distal to the staple driver 12200.

[0125] The staple driver 12200 is configured to translate upward within the staple cavity 12020 during the staple firing stroke. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the staple driver 12200 is in an un-fired position or configuration before being contacted by the firing member 12100 during the staple firing stroke. FIG. 31A shows the firing member 12100 advancing from its proximal position towards its distal position. The distal end 12104 of the firing member 12100 contacts the tapered engagement surface 12210 of the staple driver 12200 as a result of the distal movement of the firing member 12100. The contact between the tapered engagement surface 12210 and the distal end 12104 of the firing member 12100 initiates upward driving of the staple driver 12200 in a first direction 1. The firing member 12100 comprises an inclined surface 12210 configured to facilitate upward translation of the staple driver 12200 as the firing member 12100 advances distally through the staple cartridge 12000.

[0126] The staple driver 12200 ultimately reaches a fully fired position when the staple driver 12200 is driven upward by the firing member 12100. The staple driver 12200 is shown in the fully fired position of FIG. 31B. In the fully fired position, at least a portion of the staple driver 12200 extends over or is overdriven relative to the deck surface 12010 of the staple cartridge 12000. As shown in FIG. 31B, the firing member 12100 is able to translate proximally and distally with little or no contact with the staple driver 12200 when the staple driver 12200 is in the fully fired position. Thus, the staple driver 12200 does not prevent the firing member 12100 from translating along the firing path and / or the retraction path when the staple driver 12200 is maintained in its fully fired position.

[0127] When the staple driver 12200 reaches its fully fired position, the firing member 12100 continues to translate distally until the firing member 12100 passes beyond the staple driver 12200. When the firing member 12100 translates distally beyond the staple driver 12200, the staple driver 12200 can, in some cases, drop downward in a second direction 2 from its fully fired position to some position between its unfired position and its fully fired position, i.e., a raised position. The staple driver 12200 is shown in the raised position in FIG. 32A. When the staple driver 12200 is in the raised position and / or the holding position, the staple driver 12200 is positioned higher than the staple driver 12200 at its unfired position but lower than the staple driver 12200 at its fully fired position. In various examples, for instance, the staple driver 12200 does not extend above the deck surface 12010 of the staple cartridge 12000 when the staple driver 12200 is in the raised position.

[0128] In many embodiments, the firing member 12100 is retracted proximally from its distal position after the staple firing stroke is completed or otherwise stopped. However, if one or more staple drivers 12200 drop downward toward their unfired positions, the firing member 12100 is prevented from being retracted beyond the dropped staple drivers 12200. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the firing member 12100 is not prevented from being retracted proximally when the staple drivers 12200 are in their raised positions and / or their fully fired positions.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 32B, the proximal end 12102 of the firing member 12100 comprises an angled engagement surface or ramp 12120. When the firing member 12100 retracts proximally, the angled engagement surface 12120 of the firing member 12100 contacts the distal end 12204 of the staple driver 12200. The contact that occurs between the angled engagement surface 12120 of the firing member 12100 and the distal end 12204 of the staple driver 12200 causes the staple driver 12200 to be driven upwardly again in a first direction 1. The staple driver 12200 is driven to a fully fired position or any suitable position that allows the firing member 12100 to retract proximally beyond the staple driver 12200. In the depicted embodiment, a portion of the staple driver 12200 moves above the deck surface 12010 of the staple cartridge 12000 to allow the firing member 12100 to retract. The staple driver 12200 may return toward the unfired position when the firing member 12100 is retracted beyond the staple driver 12200. Various methods for holding the staple driver in the fully fired position and / or the raised position are considered in more detail herein.

[0130] Staple cartridge 13000 is depicted in FIG. 33. Staple cartridge 13000 includes an elongated slot 13006 that extends from a proximal end 13002 toward a distal end 13004. The elongated slot 13006 defines the longitudinal axis of staple cartridge 13000. A staple cavity is defined within staple cartridge 13000, and the staple cavities are arranged in a longitudinal row. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 13100 extends parallel to the elongated slot 13006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 13200 extends parallel to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 13100 on the same side of the elongated slot 13006. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 13300 extends parallel to the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 13200. The staple cavities 13100 within the first longitudinal row are laterally aligned with the staple cavities 13300 within the third longitudinal row. The staple cavities 13200 within the second longitudinal row are laterally offset from the staple cavities 13100, 13300 within the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively.

[0131] As will be discussed in more detail herein, staple cartridge 13000 includes a projection 13400 that extends upwardly from the deck surface 13010 and / or toward the anvil. Projection 13400 surrounds at least a portion of the staple cavities 13100, 13200, 13300 and serves, for example, to prevent tissue from moving relative to the deck surface 13010 and / or to support the staples as they are ejected during a staple firing stroke.

[0132] The staple driver 13500 is movably positioned within the staple cavity, supports staples, and is configured to push them toward an anvil positioned on the opposite side of the staple cartridge 13000 during a staple firing stroke. As shown in FIG. 34, each staple driver 13500 includes a first staple support portion 13510, a second staple support portion 13520, and a third staple support portion 13530. The first staple support portion 13510 is positioned within the staple cavity 13100, supports and pushes staples within the first longitudinal row, the second staple support portion 13520 is positioned within the staple cavity 13200, supports and pushes staples within the second longitudinal row, and the third staple support portion 13530 is positioned within the staple cavity 13300, supports and pushes staples within the third longitudinal row. The three staple support portions 13510, 13520, 13530 are connected together through the base 13550 of the staple driver 13500. The described staple driver 13500 includes three staple support portions, but the staple driver can include any suitable number of staple support portions, such as one staple support portion or two staple support portions, for example.

[0133] The staple driver 13500 is configured to translate within the staple cavity during a staple firing stroke. As discussed in more detail herein, the staple driver 13500 is in an un-fired position prior to being contacted by a firing member during a staple firing stroke. The staple driver 13500 ultimately reaches a fully fired position when the staple driver 13500 is driven upwardly by the firing member. When the staple driver 13500 reaches its fully fired position, the firing member continues to translate distally until it no longer contacts the staple driver 13500. When the firing member translates distally beyond the staple driver 13500, the staple driver 13500 can drop to a raised position between the un-fired position and the fully fired position.

[0134] After the firing member is no longer in contact with the staple driver, to maintain the staple driver at least at their raised positions, the staple cartridge 13000 engages the staple driver 13500 and includes a driver retaining member 13050 that extends within and / or over the staple cavity to hold the staple driver 13500 at their raised positions and / or fully fired positions. Each driver retaining member 13050 extends from the cartridge body 13008 into an individual staple cavity 13200 within the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 35, the driver retaining member 13050 is positioned between projections 13400 that surround a portion of the staple cavity 13200. An opening 13525 is defined within a portion of the staple driver 13500 configured to receive the driver retaining member 13050. As the depicted driver retaining member 13050 extends into the staple cavity 13200 from the second longitudinal row, the opening 13525 is defined within the second staple support portion 13520.

[0135] The opening 13525 can be located on any suitable portion of the staple driver 13500. In various examples, the staple driver 13500 can have two or more openings 13525 defined therein. The opening 13525 can be formed within the staple driver 13500 in any suitable manner. In various examples, the opening 13525 is created by an injection molding pin.

[0136] In various examples, the second staple support portion 13520 includes additional material as compared to the first and third staple support portions 13510, 13530, considering the opening 13525 defined therein. For example, referring to FIG. 34, the first staple support portion 13510 includes a first end portion 13512 and a second end portion 13514. The first end portion 13512 is configured to support the first leg of the staple, and the second end portion 13514 is configured to support the second leg of the staple. The first end portion 13512 and the second end portion 13514 are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 13516. The intermediate portion 13516 is positioned at a first distance below the first end portion 13512 and the second end portion 13514. When the staple is supported by the first staple support portion 13510, the intermediate portion 13516 does not contact the staple. The second staple support portion 13520 includes a first end portion 13522 and a second end portion 13524. The first end portion 13522 is configured to support the first leg of the staple, and the second end portion 13524 is configured to support the second leg of the staple. The first end portion 13522 and the second end portion 13524 are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 13526. The intermediate portion 13526 is positioned at a second distance below the first end portion 13522 and the second end portion 13524. The second distance is shorter than the first distance. In other words, the intermediate portion 13526 of the second staple support portion 13520 is larger to accommodate the opening 13525 defined therein.

[0137] The driver holding member 13050 includes a flexible tab 13252 and a protrusion 13255 extending from the tab 13252. When the firing member drives the staple driver 13500 from the unfired position towards the fully fired position, the staple driver 13500 elastically bends the tab 13252 of the driver holding member 13050 out of the driving path of the staple driver 13500. In other words, the upward force applied to the staple driver 13500 by the firing member biases the driver holding member 13050 out of the driving path of the staple driver 13500 and is strong enough to allow the staple driver 13500 to reach its fully fired position. The protrusion 13255 is configured to be received by the opening 13525 of the staple driver 13500 when the staple driver 13500 is at and / or near its fully fired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 13525 is positioned over the protrusion 13255 of the driver holding member 13050 when the staple driver 13500 is in its fully fired position. When the firing member translates distally beyond the staple driver 13500, the staple driver 13500 can begin to fall back towards the unfired position. In such a case, the tab 13252 of the driver holding member 13050 springs back into the driving path of the staple driver 13500 such that the protrusion 13255 of the driver holding member 13050 is captured by and / or otherwise engaged by the opening 13525 of the staple driver 13500. The driver holding member 13050 maintains the staple driver 13500 in its raised position when the protrusion 13255 is received by the opening 13525. As will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 31A-32B, the staple driver 13500 does not prevent the firing member from retracting proximally beyond the staple driver 13500 when the staple driver 13500 is locked in this position.The protrusion 13255 and the opening 13525 can be configured and / or arranged to hold the stapler driver 13500 in its fully fired position, or alternatively the protrusion 13255 and the opening 13525 can be configured and / or arranged to hold the stapler driver 13500 in its raised position between the unfired position and its fully fired position.

[0138] Referring now to FIGS. 36A and 36B, there is depicted a staple cartridge 14000 comprising a deck surface 14010 and an elongate slot 14006 extending from a proximal end 14002 towards a distal end 14004. The deck surface 14010 of the staple cartridge 14000 is rounded and / or curved. In other words, the deck surface 14010 varies transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot 14006. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 14010 is adjacent to the elongate slot 14006. The staple cartridge 14000 further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14100 extends alongside the elongate slot 14006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14100, and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 14300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14200. The staple cartridge 14000 further comprises projections extending above the deck surface 14010. The projections depicted on the staple cartridge 14000 are in the form of pocket extensions. The pocket extensions support the legs of staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned where the projections are not pocket extensions. A first projection 14150 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14100 within the first longitudinal row, a second projection 14250 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14200 within the second longitudinal row, and a third projection 14350 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14300 within the third longitudinal row. The projections are connected to each other. For example, the first projection 14150 connects to the second projection 14250 and / or the second projection 14250 connects to the third projection 14350. In other examples, the projections are separate and different from each other and are not connected to each other except at the deck surface 14010.

[0139] The protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 have a square or substantially square geometry. In other words, the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 surround a portion of the staple cavity in a manner that mimics a square geometry. In particular, the curvature and / or edges of the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 are not significant. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 14150 entirely surrounds the staple cavity 14100 from within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 14250 surrounds approximately three-quarters of the staple cavity 14200 from within the second longitudinal row. The third protrusion 14350 is composed of two protrusions that surround the proximal end 14302 and the distal end 14304 of the staple cavity 14300 from within the third longitudinal row, and the two protrusions are not connected. Overall, the third protrusion 14350 encompasses approximately half of the staple cavity 14300. In various examples, the first protrusion 14150 surrounds the staple cavity to a greater extent than the second protrusion 14250 and the third protrusion 14350. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the extent to which the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 encompass a particular staple cavity varies based on the lateral position of the staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 14006. Although the depicted protrusions within a particular longitudinal row of the staple cavity are all the same, it is envisioned that the protrusions within the same longitudinal row may vary based on the position of a particular staple cavity relative to the proximal end 14002 and / or the distal end 14004 of the staple cartridge 14000.

[0140] The protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B extend to different heights from the deck surface 14010. More specifically, the height of each protrusion 14150, 14250, 14350 varies based on the location of the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 and / or staple cavities 14100, 14200, 14300 relative to the elongated slot 14006. In various examples, each protrusion 14150, 14250, 14350 has a different height, although any suitable height is contemplated to achieve a particular tissue effect. In the depicted embodiment, the height of the first protrusion 14150 exceeds the height of the second protrusion 14250, and the height of the second protrusion 14250 is less than the height of the third protrusion 14350.

[0141] A staple cartridge 14500 is depicted in FIGS. 37A and 37B and includes a deck surface 14510 and an elongated slot 14506 extending from a proximal end 14502 to a distal end 14504. The height of the deck surface 14510 of the staple cartridge 14500 is rounded and / or curved. In other words, the deck surface 14510 varies laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 14506. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 14510 is adjacent to the elongated slot 14506. The staple cartridge 14500 further includes staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14600 extends alongside the elongated slot 14506. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14700 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14600, and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 14800 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14700. The staple cartridge 14500 further includes a protrusion extending above the deck surface 14510. The protrusion depicted on the staple cartridge 14500 is in the form of a pocket extension. The pocket extension supports the legs of staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned where the protrusion is not a pocket extension. A first protrusion 14650 surrounds each first portion of the staple cavities 14600 within the first longitudinal row, a second protrusion 14750 surrounds each second portion of the staple cavities 14700 within the second longitudinal row, and a third protrusion 14850 surrounds each third portion of the staple cavities 14800 within the third longitudinal row. In various examples, the protrusions are connected to each other. However, in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 37A and 37B, the protrusions are separate and different from each other.

[0142] Protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 each have an elongated or diamond-like geometry. Protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 surround portions of the staple cavities so as to closely conform to the boundaries of staple cavities that are of an elongated diamond-like shape. In particular, the curved portions and / or edges of protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 form acute and / or obtuse angles. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 14650 surrounds approximately three-quarters of staple cavity 14600 from within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 14750 is composed of two protrusions that surround the proximal end 14702 and the distal end 14704 of staple cavity 14700 from within the second longitudinal row, and the two protrusions are not connected. Overall, the second protrusion 14750 encompasses approximately half of staple cavity 14700. Similarly, the third protrusion 14850 is composed of two protrusions that surround the proximal end 14802 and the distal end 14804 of staple cavity 14800 from within the third longitudinal row, and the two protrusions are not connected. Overall, the third protrusion 14850 encompasses approximately half of staple cavity 14800. In various examples, the first protrusion 14650 surrounds the staple cavity to a greater extent than the second protrusion 14750 and the third protrusion 14850. In various examples, the second protrusion 14750 and the third protrusion 14850 surround the staple cavity to the same and / or similar extent. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the extent to which protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 encompass a particular staple cavity can vary based on the lateral position of the staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 14506. Although the depicted protrusions within a particular longitudinal row of staple cavities are all the same, it is envisioned that the protrusions within the same longitudinal row can vary based on the position of a particular staple cavity relative to the proximal end 14502 and / or the distal end 14504 of staple cartridge 14500.

[0143] The protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B extend from the deck surface 14510 to the same and / or similar height. More specifically, the height of each of the protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 is substantially the same regardless of the location of the protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 and / or staple cavities 14600, 14700, 14800 relative to the elongated slot 14506, although any suitable height is envisioned to achieve a particular tissue effect.

[0144] Referring now to FIGS. 38A and 38B, there is depicted a staple cartridge 15000 comprising a deck surface 15010 and an elongate slot 15006 extending from a proximal end 15002 towards a distal end 15004. The deck surface 15010 of the staple cartridge 15000 is rounded and / or curved. In other words, the height of the deck surface 15010 varies laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot 15006. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 15010 is adjacent to the elongate slot 15006. The staple cartridge 15000 further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15100 extends alongside the elongate slot 15006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15100, and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 15300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15200. The staple cartridge 15000 further comprises projections extending above the deck surface 15010. The projections depicted on the staple cartridge 15000 are in the form of pocket extensions. The pocket extensions support the legs of staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned where the projections are not pocket extensions. A first projection 15150 surrounds each first portion of the staple cavities 15100 within the first longitudinal row, a second projection 15250 surrounds each second portion of the staple cavities 15200 within the second longitudinal row, and a third projection 15350 surrounds each third portion of the staple cavities 15300 within the third longitudinal row. In the depicted embodiment, the projections are connected to each other. More specifically, the first projection 15150 is connected to the second projection 15250, and the second projection 15250 is connected to the third projection 15350.

[0145] The protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 have an elongated or diamond-like geometry. In other words, the protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 surround a portion of the staple cavity so as to exactly match the boundary of the staple cavity. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 15150 entirely surrounds the staple cavity 15100 from within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 15250 entirely surrounds the staple cavity 15200 from within the second longitudinal row. The third protrusion 15350 entirely surrounds the staple cavity 15300 from within the third longitudinal row. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the extent to which the protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 encompass a particular staple cavity can vary regardless of the lateral position of the staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 15006.

[0146] The protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B extend to different heights from the deck surface 15010. The protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 vary not only based on the location of the staple cavities 15100, 15200, 15300 relative to the elongated slot 15006, but also the height of the protrusions can vary across each individual staple cavity. In other words, the height of a particular protrusion is not uniform across the entire protrusion. In the depicted embodiment, taking into account the curved nature of the deck surface 15010, the height of the protrusions increases as the protrusions are further spaced from the lateral slot 15006. More specifically, the portion of the protrusion located closer to the elongated slot 15006 is shorter than the portion of the protrusion located further from the elongated slot 15006.

[0147] A staple cartridge 15500 is depicted in FIGS. 39A and 39B and includes a deck surface 15510 and an elongated slot 15506 extending from a proximal end 15502 to a distal end 15504. The deck surface 15510 of the staple cartridge 15500 is rounded and / or curved. In other words, the height of the deck surface 15510 varies laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 15506. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 15510 is adjacent to the elongated slot 15506. The staple cartridge 15500 further includes staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15600 extends alongside the elongated slot 15506. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15700 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15600, and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 15800 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15700. The staple cartridge 15500 further includes a protrusion 15900 extending above the deck surface 15510. The protrusion 15900 depicted on the staple cartridge 15000 is in the form of a pocket extension. The pocket extension supports the legs of staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned where the protrusion is not a pocket extension. The protrusion 15900 extends across the three longitudinal rows of staple cavities. For example, the protrusion 15900 includes the proximal end 15602 of the staple cavity 15600 from the first longitudinal row, the distal end 15704 of the staple cavity 15700 from the second longitudinal row, and the proximal end 15802 of the staple cavity 15800 from the third longitudinal row. Another protrusion 15900 includes the distal end 15604 of the staple cavity 15600 from the first longitudinal row, the proximal end 15702 of the staple cavity 15700 from the second longitudinal row, and the distal end 15804 of the staple cavity 15800 from the third longitudinal row.

[0148] The protrusion 15900 has a diamond-like geometry. The protrusion 15900 surrounds a portion of the staple cavity so as to fit exactly with the boundary of the staple cavity. The height of each protrusion 15900 changes as the protrusion 15900 extends laterally away from the elongated slot 15506. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the overall height of the staple cartridge 15500 including the protrusion 15900 is the same across each protrusion 15900. In order to realize a horizontal plane across the protrusion 15900 having the curved deck surface 15506, it is necessary for the height of the protrusion 15900 to change as the protrusion 15900 extends away from the elongated slot 15606. For example, in the described embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 15900 that is most distantly spaced from the elongated slot 15506 extends a greater distance from the deck surface 15510 than the portion of the protrusion 15900 that is most closely spaced to the elongated slot 15506.

[0149] FIG. 40 shows an end effector 16000 for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The end effector 16000 includes an anvil 16010 and a staple cartridge jaw 16020. At least one of the anvil 16010 and the staple cartridge jaw 16020 is movable relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end effector 16000 shown in FIG. 40 is in the closed configuration. The anvil 16010 includes a planar tissue support surface 16014, and the tissue support surface 16014 includes a plurality of staple forming pockets 16012 defined therein.

[0150] The staple cartridge 16100 is configured to be seated within the staple cartridge jaw 16020 in a replaceable manner. The staple cartridge 16100 includes an elongated slot 16106 extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge 16100 is defined along the elongated slot 16106. The staple cartridge 16100 further includes a rounded and / or curved deck surface 16108. In various examples, the staple cartridge 16100 includes an inclined deck surface. The tissue gap is defined between the deck surface 16108 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010. The tissue gap varies laterally with respect to the elongated slot 16106. In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is minimized at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 16106. The tissue gap becomes larger at a point laterally spaced from the elongated slot 16106.

[0151] The staple cartridge 16100 includes a staple cavity defined therein. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 16100 extends parallel to the elongated slot 16106. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 16200 extends parallel to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 16100 on the same side of the elongated slot 16106. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 16300 extends parallel to the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 16200. When the longitudinal rows of staple cavities are laterally spaced apart, the tissue gap varies between the longitudinal rows. The tissue gap is smallest between the staple cavity 16110 in the first longitudinal row and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010, while the tissue gap is largest between the staple cavity 16130 in the third longitudinal row and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010.

[0152] The staple cartridge 16100 includes projections 16400 that extend upwardly from the curved deck surface 16108 and / or toward the anvil 16010. The projections 16400 surround at least a portion of the staple cavities 16110, 16120, 16130 and, for example, prevent tissue supported between the deck surface 16108 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010 from moving from a desired position and / or serve to provide stability to the staple driver and / or staples during the staple firing stroke. The extent to which the projections 16400 surround a particular staple cavity can vary based on the location of the staple cavity within the staple cartridge 16100. The projections 16400 can vary based on the location of a particular staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 16106. For example, the projections 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16110 within the first longitudinal row can all be the same. However, the projections 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16110 within the first longitudinal row can differ from the projections 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16120, 16130 within the second and third longitudinal rows. The projections 16400 can also vary based on the location of a particular staple cavity relative to the proximal and / or distal ends of the staple cartridge 16100. The projections 16400 can vary, for example, in height, length, and / or geometry. The ways in which the projections 16400 can vary are considered in more detail herein.

[0153] In the described embodiment, the first projection 16400a surrounds a first portion of the staple cavity 16110 within the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The first projection 16400a extends a first distance above the deck surface 16108. The second projection 16400b surrounds a second portion of the staple cavity 16120 within the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second projection 16400b extends a second distance above the deck surface 16108. The third projection 16400c surrounds a third portion of the staple cavity 16130 within the third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third projection 16400c extends a third distance above the deck surface 16108. In various examples, the first distance is different from the second and third distances. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the third distance is greater than the first distance and the first distance is greater than the second distance, but the projections 16400 can extend any distance from the deck surface 16108 to achieve the desired tissue grasping effect.

[0154] Referring now to FIG. 41, the staple cartridge 16100 further includes a staple driver 16500. The staple driver 16500 includes a first staple support portion 16510, a second staple support portion 16520, and a third staple support portion 16530. The first staple support portion 16510 extends into a staple cavity 16110 from a first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second staple support portion 16520 extends into a staple cavity 16120 from a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third staple support portion 16530 extends into a staple cavity 16130 from a third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple support portions 16510, 16520, 16530 are connected through a base 16550. The staple support portions 16510, 16520, 16530 all extend a distance away from the base 16550 of the staple driver 16500. The upper surfaces of each of the staple support portions 16510, 16520, 16530 are aligned with the upper surfaces of the other staple support portions 16510, 16520, 16530 of the staple driver 16500 within the staple cartridge 16100.

[0155] The staple support portions 16510, 16520, 16530 are configured to translate within their respective staple cavities 16110, 16120, 16130 during a staple firing stroke. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the staple driver 16500 is moved between an un-fired position and a fully-fired position during a staple firing stroke. The staple driver 16500 is shown in an un-fired position near the base 16107 of the staple cartridge 16100 of FIG. 41. In the described embodiment, the base 16550 of the staple driver 16500 is aligned with and / or in the same plane as the base 16107 of the staple cartridge 16100 when the staple driver 16500 is in its un-fired position.

[0156] The staple driver 16500 is also shown at a fully fired position near the deck surface 16108 of the staple cartridge 16100 of FIG. 41. At the fully fired position, a portion of the staple driver 16500 is "overdriven" and extends over the deck surface 16108 of the staple cartridge 16100. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the staple cartridge 16100 includes a protrusion 16400 that extends from the deck surface 16108 toward the anvil 16010. The protrusion 16400 that surrounds at least a portion of each staple cavity, for example, helps to further compress the tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple driver 16500. As discussed above, all of the protrusions 16400 extend to different heights from the deck surface 16108. The protrusion 16400 serves to guide the legs of the staple during formation and / or to provide additional stability to the staple driver 16500 during the staple firing stroke. The first protrusion 16400a reduces the tissue gap between the first staple cavity 16110 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010 by the height of the first protrusion 16400a. Similarly, the second protrusion 16400b reduces the tissue gap between the second staple cavity 16120 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010 by the height of the second protrusion 16400b. The third protrusion 16400c reduces the tissue gap between the third staple cavity 16130 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010 by the height of the third protrusion 16400c.

[0157] At the fully fired position, the first staple support surface 16510 of the staple driver 16500 extends a first distance OD above the protrusion 16400a 1 only, and the second staple support surface 16520 extends a second distance OD above the protrusion 16400b 2 only, and the third staple support surface extends a third distance OD above the protrusion 16400c 3 only. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 16108 and the varying heights of the protrusions 16400, the first distance OD 1 is different from the second distance OD 2and a third distance OD 3 is different. In the depicted embodiment, the third distance OD 3 is greater than the second distance OD 2 and the second distance OD 2 is greater than the first distance OD 1 .

[0158] The staples are removably positioned within each staple cavity. In at least one example, the staples are deformed to the same or at least substantially the same height. Uniform staple formation is achieved when the over-drive distances OD 1 , OD 2 , OD 3 of the staple driver 16500 are the primary cause of the variation in the tissue gap along the deck surface 16108. As shown in FIG. 41, the distance between the first staple support portion 16510 of the staple driver 19150 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 of the anvil 16010 is the same as the distance between the second staple support portion 16520 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 when the staple driver 16500 is in the fully fired position. Similarly, the distances between the first staple support surface 16510 and the second staple support surface 16520 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 are the same as the distance between the third staple support surface 16530 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 when the staple driver 16500 is in the fully fired position. Thus, the staples positioned within all three longitudinal columns of the staple cavity are configured to be formed and / or bent to the same height.

[0159] As outlined above, the surgical end effector includes an anvil and a staple cartridge jaw. In some embodiments, the staple cartridge jaw is movable relative to the anvil, while in other embodiments, the anvil is movable relative to the staple cartridge jaw. When the anvil is in its open position, the staple cartridge jaw is positioned on one side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil jaw is positioned on the opposite side. In such an example, the end effector is moved relative to the tissue until the tissue is properly positioned between the staple cartridge jaw and the anvil. To avoid the target tissue being positioned proximal to the most proximal staple cavity, the anvil may include a downwardly extending projection, commonly referred to as a "tissue stop," that serves to prevent the target tissue from being positioned extremely proximally between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The tissue stop extends downwardly beyond the deck surface of the staple cartridge to prevent the tissue from being positioned extremely proximally between the anvil and the staple cartridge. Stated another way, the tissue stop ensures that tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector is not precisely cut by a cutting member without being stapled. The tissue stop is sized and configured such that the tissue is not accidentally pinched between the tissue stop and the lateral side of the staple cartridge jaw. The tissue stop is discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,140, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In various examples, the staple cartridge includes a tissue stop that cooperates with the tissue stop of the anvil.

[0160] FIG. 42 shows a staple cartridge 17000 having an elongated slot 17006 extending from a proximal end 17002 to a distal end 17004. The longitudinal axis is defined by the elongated slot 17006. The staple cartridge 17000 includes three longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined on each side of the elongated slot 17006. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100 extends parallel to the elongated slot 17006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200 extends parallel to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 17300 extends parallel to the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200. The staple cavities 17100 within the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities 17300 within the third longitudinal row, and the staple cavities 17200 within the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities 17100, 17300 within the first and third longitudinal rows. The proximal most staple cavities 17100, 17300 within the first and third longitudinal rows are proximal to the proximal most staple cavity 17200 within the second longitudinal row, respectively. The staple cartridge 17000 further includes a pair of tissue stop portions or walls 17600 extending between the proximal most staple cavity 17100 from the first longitudinal row and the proximal most staple cavity 17300 from the third longitudinal row. The dashed lines extend laterally through the staple cartridge 17000 and represent the location of the tissue stop portions of the opposing anvil. As shown in FIG. 42, the proximal half of both of the proximal most staple cavities 17100, 17300 from the first and third longitudinal rows are proximal to the dashed line, and due to the tissue stop portions 17600, the tissue is prevented from moving proximally relative to these staple cavities. Since the proximal most staple cavity is located in the first longitudinal row, a seal is formed by the staple line when the cutting member cuts open the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector.

[0161] FIG. 43 shows a staple cartridge 17000' having an elongated slot 17006 extending from a proximal end 17002 to a distal end 17004. The longitudinal axis is defined by the elongated slot 17006. The staple cartridge 17000 includes three longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined on each side of the elongated slot 17006. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100 extends parallel to the elongated slot 17006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200 extends parallel to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 17300 extends parallel to the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200. The staple cavities 17100 within the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities 17300 within the third longitudinal row, and the staple cavities 17200 within the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities 17100, 17300 within the first and third longitudinal rows. The most proximal staple cavities 17100, 17300 within the first and third longitudinal rows are each distal to the most proximal staple cavity 17200 within the second longitudinal row. The dashed lines extend transversely through the staple cartridge 17000' and represent the location of the tissue stop portions of the opposing anvil. In particular, the tissue stop portion that interacts with the staple cartridge 17000' is positioned distal to the tissue stop portion that interacts with the staple cartridge 17000. Such a difference in the location of the tissue stop is at least partially due to the location of the most proximal staple cavity 17100 within the first longitudinal row relative to the most proximal staple cavities from the other longitudinal rows.

[0162] Staple cartridge 19000 is depicted in FIG. 44. Staple cartridge 19000 is configured to seat within a channel of a cartridge jaw of a surgical end effector. The end effector includes an anvil jaw 19050 that faces the cartridge jaw when the end effector is in a closed configuration. At least one of the anvil jaw 19050 and the cartridge jaw is movable relative to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The anvil 19050 includes a plurality of staple forming pockets defined therein, which are configured to deform staples ejected from staple cartridge 19000.

[0163] Staple cartridge 19000 includes a cartridge body 19008 that includes an elongate slot 19006 extending from a proximal end 19002 to a distal end 19004 of the cartridge body 19008. The cartridge body 19008 further includes a deck surface 19010. Staple cavities 19100, 19200, 19300 are defined within the cartridge body 19008. The staple cavities 19100, 19200, 19300 are arranged in three columns, and the three columns extend along the same side of the elongate slot 19006. A first column of staple cavities 19100 is adjacent to and / or extends along the elongate slot 19006. A third column of staple cavities 19300 is positioned furthest from the elongate slot 19006, and a second column of staple cavities 19200 extends between the first column of staple cavities 19100 and the third column of staple cavities 19300.

[0164] The longitudinal axis is defined along the elongated slot 19006 of the staple cartridge 19000. As shown in FIG. 44, none of the staple cavities 19100, 19200, 19300 within the three columns are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the axes defined by the staple cavities 19100, 19200, 19300 are not parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 19006. Each staple cavity 19100 within the first column defines an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by each staple cavity 19300 within the third column. Each staple cavity 19200 within the second column is oriented substantially perpendicular to the staple cavities 19100, 19300 within the first and third columns.

[0165] The deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000 is rounded and / or curved. In other words, the height of the deck surface 19010 varies laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 19006. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 19010 is adjacent to the elongated slot 19006 that extends under the central portion of the cartridge body 19008. A portion of the staple cartridge 19000 of FIG. 44 is shown without staple cavities to more clearly illustrate the rounded nature and / or curvature of the deck surface 19010.

[0166] Referring now to FIGS. 45 and 46, staple cartridge 19000 is shown in more detail. Staple cartridge 19000 includes a protrusion 19400 that extends above deck surface 19010. In particular, protrusion 19400 is configured to grip tissue clamped between the jaws of an end effector and / or to prevent tissue from sliding relative to staple cartridge 19000. Protrusion 19400 depicted on staple cartridge 19000 is in the form of a pocket extension. The depicted pocket extension provides support to the staple and / or staple driver as the staple is driven from staple cartridge 19000 towards anvil 19050. A first protrusion 19400a surrounds a first end 19102 of staple cavity 19100, and a second protrusion 19400b surrounds a second end 19104 of staple cavity 19100. Protrusion 19400 is shown surrounding only a portion of each staple cavity, although it is contemplated that protrusion 19400 can surround any desired amount of staple cavity, such as the entire staple cavity.

[0167] The protrusions 19400 shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 52 are of uniform height. In other words, all of the protrusions 19400 extend the same distance from the deck surface 19010 of staple cartridge 19000. FIGS. 46 and 52 show the end effector in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface 19010 of staple cartridge 19000 and the tissue compression surface 19056 of anvil 19050. Due to the curved nature of deck surface 19010, the tissue gap varies laterally across cartridge deck 19010 relative to elongate slot 19006.

[0168] Anvil 19050 further includes a plurality of staple forming pockets 19060 defined within the tissue compression surface 19056. Each staple forming pocket 19060 corresponds to an individual staple cavity 19100, 19200, 19300 of the staple cartridge 19000. As shown in FIG. 46, each staple forming pocket 19060 includes a first pocket 19062 and a second pocket 19064. The first pocket 19062 is aligned with the first end 19152 of the staple driver, and the second pocket 19064 is aligned with the second end 19154 of the staple driver. The first leg of the staple is configured to contact the first pocket 19062 when the staple is being formed, and the second leg of the staple is configured to contact the second pocket 19064 and is configured to contact the second leg of the staple when the staple is being formed.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 46, the first inter-tissue gap g 組織1 is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000 and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. The first inter-tissue gap g 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. The second inter-tissue gap g 組織2 is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000 and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. The second inter-tissue gap g 組織2 is measured at a point laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. The second inter-tissue gap g 組織2 is the first inter-tissue gap g 組織1is larger. The presence of smaller interstitial spaces adjacent to the elongated slot 19006 will cause the tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 to be compressed more than the tissue laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. This is particularly the case when the thickness of the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform. Such greater compression causes body fluid to be dispersed away from the elongated slot 19006, thereby promoting, inter alia, a uniform cut line and / or a secure staple line.

[0170] The staple driver 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 is shown in the fully fired position in FIGS. 46 and 52. In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple driver 19150 is “overdriven” and extends over the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000. As discussed in more detail herein, the staple cartridge 19000 includes a protrusion 19400 that extends from the deck surface 19010 toward the anvil 19050 and surrounds at least a portion of the staple cavity. The protrusion 19400 serves, for example, to further compress the tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple driver 19150 and / or the staple driven by the staple driver 19150. As discussed above, all of the protrusions 19400 extend to the same final height h from the deck surface 19010 1 as shown in FIG. 52, the first protrusion 19400a reduces the interstitial space g 1 by the height h above the first protrusion 19400a at the point where the first staple leg of the staple is formed. Similarly, the second protrusion 19400b reduces the interstitial space g 1 by the height h above the second protrusion 19400b at the point where the second staple leg of the staple is formed. 1 2

[0171] ​​At the fully fired position of the staple driver 19150, the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 extends a first distance OD above the protrusion 19400a 1 while the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD above the protrusion 19400b 2 . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010, the uniform height h of the protrusions 19400 1 , and the orientation of the staple cavity 19100 with respect to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1 is different from the second distance OD 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2 is greater than the first distance OD 1 .

[0172] The legs of the staples within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed at the same height or at least substantially the same height from each other. The over-drive distances OD 1 , OD 2 of the staple driver 19150 account for variations in the tissue gap along the staple cavity 19100, thus enabling uniform staple leg formation. As shown in FIG. 46, the distance between the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 and the first pocket 19062 of the forming pocket 19060 is the same as the distance between the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 and the second pocket 19064 of the forming pocket 19060. Accordingly, the legs of the staples are formed and / or bent to the same extent.

[0173] Unlike the protrusion 19400 that extends over the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000, the staple cartridge 19000’ shown in FIGS. 47 and 48 has a smooth deck surface 19010. In other words, there is nothing protruding and / or extending over the deck surface 19010. The staple drivers 19150, 19250, 19350 are movably positioned within the staple cavities 19100, 19200, 19300. Each staple driver, such as staple driver 19150, includes a cradle 19156 configured to support the base of the staple. The cradle 19156 includes a first end 19152 and a second end 19154. The first end 19152 is configured to support the staple near the location where the base of the staple intersects the first leg of the staple. The second end 19154 is configured to support the staple near the location where the base of the staple intersects the second leg of the staple.

[0174] FIG. 48 shows an end effector comprising the staple cartridge 19000’ seated on a staple cartridge joe. The end effector is in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000’ and the tissue compression surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010, the tissue gap varies laterally across the cartridge deck 19010 with respect to the elongated slot 19006. In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is minimized at points adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. The tissue gap becomes larger at points laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006.

[0175] More specifically, a first tissue gap g 組織1 is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000’ and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. The first tissue gap g 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. The second tissue g 組織2is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000' and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. The second tissue gap g 組織2 is measured at a point laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. The second tissue gap g 組織2 is larger than the first tissue gap g 組織1 . The presence of the smaller tissue gap adjacent to the elongated slot 19006 results in the tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 being compressed more than the tissue laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. This is particularly true when the thickness of the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform. Such greater compression causes body fluid to be dispersed away from the elongated slot 19006, thereby promoting, inter alia, a uniform cut line and / or a secure staple line.

[0176] The staple driver 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 is shown in the fully fired position in FIG. 48. In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple driver 19150 is "overdriven" and extends above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000'. The first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 extends a first distance OD 1 above the deck surface 19006, while the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD 2 above the deck surface. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010 and the orientation of the staple cavity 19100 relative to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1 is different from the second distance OD 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2 is greater than the first distance OD 1 . In particular, the overdrive distance of the staple cartridge 19000' with a smooth and / or non-protruding deck surface 19010 is greater than the overdrive distance of the staple cartridge 19000 with a protrusion extending from the deck surface.

[0177] The legs of the staples within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed at the same height or at least substantially the same height as each other. The over-drive distance OD of the staple driver 19150 1 , OD 2 takes into account the variations in the tissue gap along the staple cavity 19100, so that uniform staple leg formation is achieved. As shown in FIG. 48, the distance between the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 and the first pocket 19062 of the staple forming pocket 19060 is the same as the distance between the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 and the second pocket 19064 of the staple forming pocket 19060. Accordingly, the legs of the staples are formed and / or bent to the same extent.

[0178] FIGS. 49 and 50 depict a staple cartridge 19000'' that is similar to the staple cartridge 19000 in many respects. For example, both staple cartridges 19000, 19000'' comprise a profile of a curved and / or rounded deck surface 19010 having a protrusion 19400 that extends above the deck surface. Further, the protrusion 19400 of the staple cartridge 19000'' is also in the form of a pocket extension. The first protrusion 19400a surrounds the first end 19102 of the staple cavity 19100, and the second protrusion 19400b surrounds the second end 19104 of the staple cavity 19100. The protrusions 19400 are shown surrounding only a portion of each staple cavity, but it is envisioned that the protrusions 19400 can surround any suitable amount of the staple cavity, such as the entire staple cavity.

[0179] The protrusions 19400 shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 extend to different heights from the deck surface 19010. More specifically, the height of each protrusion 19400 varies based on the location of the protrusion 19400 relative to the elongated slot 19006. In various examples, as the protrusion 19400 is positioned further away from the elongated slot 19006, the height of the protrusion 19400 decreases. As shown in FIG. 49, a first protrusion 19400a surrounding the first end 19102 of the staple cavity 19100 extends from the deck surface 19010 to a first height h 1 of height. A second protrusion 19400a surrounding the second end 19104 of the same staple cavity 19100 extends from the deck surface 19010 to a second height h 2 up to. The first height h 1 is different from the second height h 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second height h 2 is smaller than the first height h 1 . By having protrusions with a greater height closer to the knife slot 19006, the flow of fluid away from the cutting line can be promoted, among other things.

[0180] FIG. 50 shows an end effector comprising a staple cartridge 19000'' seated on a staple cartridge jaw. The end effector is in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000'' and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010, the tissue gap varies laterally across the cartridge deck 19010 relative to the elongated slot 19006. As shown in FIG. 50, a first tissue gap g 組織1 is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000'' and the tissue compression surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. The first tissue gap g 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. The second tissue g 組織2is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000'' and the tissue compression surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. A second tissue gap g 組織2 is measured at a point laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. The second tissue gap g 組織2 is greater than the first tissue gap g 組織1 The presence of the smaller tissue gap adjacent to the elongated slot 19006 causes the tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 to be compressed more than the tissue laterally spaced from the elongated slot 19006. This is particularly the case when the thickness of the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform. Such greater compression causes body fluid to be dispersed away from the elongated slot 19006, thereby facilitating, inter alia, a uniform cut line and / or a secure staple line.

[0181] The staple driver 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 is shown in the fully fired position in FIG. 50. In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple driver 19150 is "overdriven" and extends above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000''. As discussed in more detail above, the staple cartridge 19000'' includes a protrusion 19400 that extends toward an anvil 19050 surrounding at least a portion of the staple cavity from the deck surface 19010. The protrusion 19400, for example, helps to further compress the tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple driver 19150 and / or the staple driven by the staple driver 19150. The protrusions 19400 extend to different final heights from the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000''.

[0182] In the fully driven position of the staple driver 19150, the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 is a first distance OD above the protrusion 19400a 1extends only, while the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD above the protrusion 19400b 2 extends only. In particular, the overdrive distance of the staple cartridge 19000'' is less than the overdrive distance of the staple cartridge 19000' with the smooth deck surface 19010. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010 and the orientation of the staple cavity 19100 with respect to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1 is different from the second distance OD 2 In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2 is greater than the first distance OD 1

[0183] The legs of the staples within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed at the same height or at least substantially the same height from each other. The overdrive distance OD 1 , OD 2 of the staple driver 19150 accounts for variations in the tissue gap along the staple cavity 19100, so that uniform staple leg formation is achieved. As shown in FIG. 50, the distance between the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 and the first pocket 19062 of the forming pocket 19060 is the same as the distance between the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 and the second pocket 19064 of the forming pocket 19060. Thus, the legs of the staples are formed uniformly.

[0184] FIG. 51 shows a portion of an end effector with a staple cartridge having protrusions 19400 of different heights. The first protrusion 19400a extends from the first side 19102 of the staple cavity 19100 to a first height h 1 The second protrusion 19400b extends from the second side 19104 of the staple cavity 19100 to a second height h 2 The second height h 2 is different from the first height h 1 In the depicted embodiment, the second height h 2 is different from the first height h​1 Larger than, but any suitable arrangement is envisioned. The second projection 19400b is higher than the first projection 19400a, but the upper surfaces 19402a of the first projection 19400a and 19402b of the second projection 19400b are at the same distance from the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050 when the end effector is in the closed configuration. Stated another way, the tissue gap has a uniform gap distance “g” across the staple cavity 19100.

[0185] As discussed in more detail above, the projections 19400 are capable of providing support to the staple and / or staple driver when the staple driver and staple are driven towards the anvil. The greater height h of the second projection 19400b 2 minimizes over-driving of the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150. Minimizing the portion of the staple driver 19150 that is exposed above the deck surface 19010 makes it less likely that the staple driver 19150 will come off and / or become misaligned during the staple firing stroke. The projections 19400, for example, help improve the stability of the staple driver, maintain alignment of the staple driver when the staple firing stroke is executed, and / or prevent the staple driver from coming off.

[0186] Figures 53-56 illustrate variations in tissue gripping features and / or protrusions across individual staple cavities. As described in more detail herein, the staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a deck surface having a curved and / or rounded profile. The various parameters of the tissue gripping features and / or protrusions can vary along the deck surface of the staple cartridge to achieve a desired tissue effect. Such parameters include, for example, the angle at which the protrusion extends from the deck surface, the height at which the protrusion extends, the length of the staple cavity surrounded by the protrusion, and / or the radius at which the protrusion curves around the end of the staple cavity. FIG. 53 shows a portion of a staple cartridge 18000 having a plurality of tissue gripping features. The staple cartridge 18000 includes an elongated slot 18006 that extends from a proximal end 18002 to a distal end 18004. Similar to the staple cartridge 19000, the staple cartridge 18000 includes a rounded and / or curved deck surface 18010. In other words, the height of the deck surface 18010 varies transversely with respect to the elongated slot 18006. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 18010 is adjacent to the elongated slot 18006.

[0187] Staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are defined within the cartridge body 18008. The staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are arranged in three columns that extend along the same side of the elongated slot 18006. The first column of staple cavities 18100 extends adjacent to and / or parallel to the elongated slot 18006. The third column of staple cavities 18300 is positioned furthest from the elongated slot 18006, and the second column of staple cavities 18200 extends between the first column of staple cavities 18100 and the third column of staple cavities 18300.

[0188] The longitudinal axis is defined by the elongated slot 18006. As shown in FIG. 53, none of the staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the axes defined by the staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are not parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 18006. Each staple cavity 18100 within the first column defines a first cavity axis. Each staple cavity 18200 within the second column defines a second cavity axis. Each staple cavity 18300 within the third column defines a third cavity axis. As depicted in FIG. 53, the first cavity axis is oriented in a direction different from the second cavity axis. The first cavity axis is substantially parallel to the third cavity axis.

[0189] The staple cartridge 18000 includes various protrusions 18400 extending from the deck surface 18010. The protrusions 18400 surround, to some degree, a portion of each staple cavity. Similar to the above, the protrusions 18400 can vary in size and / or geometry based on their position and / or orientation on the cartridge body 18008. In various examples, as depicted in FIG. 53, all of the protrusions 18400 surrounding the staple cavities within a particular column are the same. In other examples, the protrusions 18400 surrounding the staple cavities within a particular column are different from each other. For example, the size and / or geometry of the protrusions 18400 can vary based on the longitudinal position of an individual staple cavity relative to other staple cavities. The height of each protrusion can vary across the staple cartridge and even between the protrusions surrounding an individual staple cavity.

[0190] In addition to the above, the staple cavity 18100 includes a proximal end 18102 and a distal end 18104, and the distal end 18104 is closer to the elongated slot 18006 than the proximal end 18102. The first protrusion 18110 is aligned with the distal end 18104 and is at a first height h away from the deck surface 18010 1extends to. The second protrusion 18120 is aligned with the proximal end 18102 and extends away from the deck surface 18010 to a second height h 2 extends to. In the depicted embodiment, the first height h 1 is shorter than the second height h 2 . In various examples, the protrusions positioned closer to the elongated slot 18006 have a shorter height than the protrusions positioned further laterally away from the elongated slot 18006. For example, the protrusions 18310 of the staple cavities 18300 in the third column extend by a height h 3 which is greater than the heights h 1 of the protrusions 18110, 18120 from the staple cavities 18100 of the first column 2 .

[0191] The angles at which the protrusions extend away from the deck surface can also vary. For example, the first protrusion 18110 of the staple cavity 18100 extends away from the deck surface 18010 at a first angle a 1 , while the second protrusion 18120 extends away from the deck surface 18010 at a second angle a 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the first angle a 1 is perpendicular to the deck surface 18010 and the first angle a 1 is not perpendicular to the deck surface 18010. The second protrusion 18120 extends at a more inclined angle with respect to the deck surface 18010, while the first protrusion 18110 extends at a steeper and / or sharper angle with respect to the deck surface 18010. In various examples, the protrusions positioned closer to the elongated slot 18006 extend away from the deck surface of the staple cartridge at a sharper angle than the protrusions positioned further laterally away from the elongated slot 18006. For example, the protrusions 18310 of the staple cavities 18300 in the third column extend from the deck surface at an angle a 3 which is less than either of the angles a 1 of the protrusions 18110, 18120 from the staple cavities 18100 of the first column 2 . Other arrangements are possible.

[0192] The overall length of the staple cavity over which the protrusions extend can also be a variable parameter. In various examples, the protrusions can surround the overall length of the staple cavity. In other examples, the protrusions can surround only a portion of the length of the staple cavity. For example, the first protrusion 18110 of staple cavity 18100 surrounds a small portion of staple cavity 18100, such as, for example, 10%. The first protrusion 18110 extends over a first length l of staple cavity 18100 1 and. However, the second protrusion 18120 surrounds a larger portion of staple cavity 18100, such as, for example, 30%. The second protrusion 18120 extends over a second length l of staple cavity 18100 2 and. Thus, the second length l 2 is larger than the first length l 1 . In various examples, protrusions positioned closer to the elongate slot 18006 surround a smaller portion of the staple cavity than protrusions positioned further laterally away from the elongate slot 18006. For example, the protrusion 18310 of staple cavity 18300 in the third row surrounds a third length l that is, by coincidence, the overall length of staple cavity 18300 3 and. The third length l 3 is larger than either of the lengths l 1 , l 2 over which the protrusions 18100, 18120 extend from the staple cavity 18100 in the first row. Other arrangements are possible.

[0193] The radius over which the protrusion curves around the end of the staple cavity can be varied across the staple cartridge. In various examples, the protrusion can form a sharp bend around the end of the staple cavity. In other examples, the protrusion can form a blunt bend around the end of the staple cavity. For example, the first protrusion 18110 of staple cavity 18100 has a first radius r around the distal end 18104 of staple cavity 18100 1A curved portion having is formed. The second protrusion 18120 of the staple cavity 18100 forms a curved portion having a second radius r around the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100 2 A curved portion having is formed. The first radius r 1 is smaller than the second radius r 2 As a result, a more acute curved portion is formed by the first protrusion 18110 surrounding the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100 than the curved portion formed by the second protrusion 18120 surrounding the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100. In various examples, the protrusions positioned closer laterally to the elongated slot surround the end of the staple cavity having a sharper curved portion than the protrusions positioned further laterally away from the elongated slot 18006. For example, the protrusion 18310 of the staple cavity 18300 in the third row forms a curved portion having a third radius r 3 around the edge of the staple cavity 18300. The third radius r 3 is smaller than either of the radii r 1 、r 2 formed by the protrusions 18100, 18120 from the staple cavity 18100 in the first row. Thus, the third radius r 3 is blunter than either of the radii r 1 、r 2 and / or less significant. Other arrangements are possible.

[0194] Other parameters, such as the geometry of the upper surface of the protrusion 19400, may vary to achieve the desired tissue effect. In various examples, the protrusion 19400 comprises a rounded outer edge to prevent and / or minimize trauma to the tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector. In other examples, the protrusion 19400 comprises a sharp outer edge to facilitate gripping between the protrusion 19400 and the tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector.

[0195] FIG. 54 shows a protrusion surrounding a portion of staple cavity 18100 from a first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined within staple cartridge 18000. As discussed in more detail above, the first longitudinal row extends along and / or adjacent to elongated slot 18006. First protrusion 18400a extends over a first length l 1b of proximal end 18102 of staple cavity 18100, while second protrusion 18400b extends over a second length l 1a of distal end 18104 of staple cavity 18100. The first length l 1b is longer than the second length l 1a . As a result, first protrusion 18400a surrounds a larger portion of staple cavity 18100 than second protrusion 18400b. Protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from deck surface 18010 at a first angle a 1 . In the depicted embodiment, protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from deck surface 18010 at the same angle, although it is envisioned that protrusions 18400a, 18400b can extend from deck surface 18010 at any suitable angle to control tissue flow. First protrusion 18400a includes a tissue support edge having a first radius of curvature r 1b , and second protrusion 18400b includes a tissue support edge having a second radius of curvature r 1a . In various examples, the first radius of curvature r 1b is different from the second radius of curvature r 1a , although in other embodiments they can be the same. In the depicted embodiment, the first radius of curvature r 1b is the second radius of curvature r 1ais larger. In other words, a sharper edge is formed by the second protrusion 18400b. Since the second protrusion 18400b is positioned closest to the cutting line in the elongated slot 18006, and thus in the end effector's jaws, the sharper edge provides a stronger grip on the tissue located therebetween, and can, for example, prevent the tissue from moving from the desired position. As shown in FIG. 53, due to the orientation of the staple cavity 18100, the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100 is further away from the elongated slot 18006 of the staple cartridge 18000 than the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100. For example, a portion of the protrusion 18400b surrounding the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100 extends a first height h 1b above the deck surface 18010 only. A portion of the protrusion 18400a surrounding the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100 extends a second height h 1a above the deck surface 18010 only. The first height h 1b is different from the second height h 1a but may be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 18400b surrounding the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100 extends further above the deck surface 18010 than the portion of the protrusion 18400a surrounding the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100. Due to the curvature of the deck surface 18010, the difference in height allows the upper surfaces of the protrusions 18400 to be substantially horizontal across the staple cavity 18100.

[0196] FIG. 55 shows a protrusion surrounding a portion of the staple cavity 18200 from a second longitudinal row of staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge 18000. As discussed in more detail above, the second longitudinal row extends alongside and / or adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 18100. The second longitudinal row is spaced further laterally from the elongated slot 18006 than the first longitudinal row. The first protrusion 18400a has a length l at the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 182002 extends across, and the second projection 18400b extends across the length l of the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 2 across. In the depicted embodiment, the first length l 2 and the second length l 2 are the same, but any suitable lengths are envisioned to achieve the desired results. As a result, the first projection 18400a, like the second projection 18400b, surrounds the same dimensions of the staple cavity 18200. The projections 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at a second angle a 2 In the depicted embodiment, the projections 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at the same angle, but it is envisioned that the projections 18400a, 18400b can extend from the deck surface 18010 at any suitable angle to control the flow of tissue. The second angle a at which the projections of the second staple cavity 18200 extend from the deck surface 18010 2 is greater than the first angle a at which the projections of the first staple cavity 18100 extend from the deck surface 18010 1 In other words, as the staple cavity is positioned laterally away from the elongated slot 18006, the angle at which the projection extends from the deck surface 18010 becomes greater and / or less pointed. The first projection 18400a and the second projection 18400b comprise a tissue support edge having a second radius of curvature r 2 In the depicted embodiment, the radius of curvature r 2 is the same for both projections 18400a, 18400b, but can be different in other embodiments. In various examples, the radius of curvature r of the projection from the second staple cavity 18200 2 is the radius of curvature r of the projection from the first staple cavity 18100 1a r 1bis larger. In other words, a sharper edge is formed by the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100. Since the first staple cavity 18100 is positioned closest to the cutting line, due to the elongated slot 18006, the sharper edge provides a stronger grip on the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector and can, for example, prevent the tissue from moving from the desired position. As shown in FIG. 53, the orientation of the staple cavity 18200 is opposite to that of the staple cavity 18100. More specifically, the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 is further away from the elongated slot 18006 of the staple cartridge 18000 than the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 18200. For example, a portion of the protrusion 18400a surrounding the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 18200 extends a first height h 2a above the deck surface 18010 only. A portion of the protrusion 18400b surrounding the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 extends a second height h 2b above the deck surface 18010. The first height h 2a is different from the second height h 2b but may be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 18400b surrounding the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 extends further above the deck surface 18010 than the portion of the protrusion 18400a surrounding the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 18200. Due to the curvature of the deck surface 18010, the difference in height allows the upper surface of the protrusion 18400 to be substantially horizontal across the staple cavity 18200.

[0197] FIG. 56 shows a protrusion 18400 surrounding a staple cavity 18300 from a third longitudinal row of staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge 18000. As discussed in more detail above, the third longitudinal row is laterally spaced furthest from the elongated slot 18006. The protrusion 18400 has a third length l 3extends over. The third length l 3 is the length l of the protrusion 18400 that surrounds the staple cavity portions from the first longitudinal row 18100 and the second longitudinal row 18200 1 , l 2 is greater than any of them. In the depicted embodiment, the third length l 3 is the full circumference and thus the full length of the staple cavity 18300. The protrusion 18400 extends from the deck surface 18010 at a third angle a 3 . The third angle a at which the protrusion of the third staple cavity 18300 extends from the deck surface 18010 3 is greater than the first angle a at which the protrusion of the first staple cavity 18100 extends from the deck surface 18010 1 and the second angle a 2 respectively. In other words, when the staple cavity is positioned laterally away from the elongated slot 18006, the angle at which the protrusion extends from the deck surface 18010 becomes larger and / or less pointed. The protrusion 18400 has a tissue-supporting edge with a third radius of curvature r 3 . In various examples, the radius of curvature r of the protrusion from the third staple cavity 18300 3 is the radius of curvature r of the protrusions from the first staple cavity 18100 and the second staple cavity 18200 1a , r 1b , r 2is larger. As a result, a sharper edge is formed by the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100. Since the first staple cavity 18100 is positioned closest to the cutting line with the elongated slot 18006, the sharper edge can provide a stronger grip on the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector. Such a stronger grip can, for example, prevent the tissue from moving from the desired position. As shown in FIG. 53, due to the orientation of the staple cavity 18300, the proximal end 18302 of the staple cavity 18300 is further away from the elongated slot 18006 of the staple cartridge 18000 than the distal end 18304 of the staple cavity 18300. The height of the protrusion 18400 across the staple cavity 18300 is non-uniform. A portion of the protrusion 18400 surrounding the proximal end 18302 of the staple cavity 18300 extends to a first height h 3b above the deck surface 18010. A portion of the protrusion 18400 surrounding the distal end 18304 of the staple cavity 18300 extends to a second height h 3a above the deck surface 18010. The first height h 3b is different from the second height h 3a but may be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 18400 surrounding the proximal end 18302 of the staple cavity 18300 extends further above the deck surface 18010 than the portion of the protrusion 18400 surrounding the distal end 18304 of the staple cavity 18300. Since the deck surface 18010 is curved, the difference in height allows the upper surface of the protrusion 18400 to be substantially horizontal across the staple cavity 18300.

[0198] The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0297222, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS", published on October 25, 2015, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0074198, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE", published on March 29, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0256379, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING CARTRIDGE WITH LAYER RETENTION FEATURES", published on October 3, 2013, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0199] In particular, the above arrangement may also be adapted for use in embodiments where the jaw of the staple cartridge is rotated relative to the anvil.

[0200] A surgical instrument 50000 including an electromechanical articulation system 50100 is shown in FIGS. 154-156. The surgical instrument 50000 further includes a housing, a shaft 50200 extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the shaft 50200. In at least one embodiment, the end effector includes a staple cartridge. The shaft 50200 defines a longitudinal shaft axis SA and includes a longitudinal shaft portion 50210, a first articulable shaft portion 50220 extending...

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, a longitudinal shaft, a first articulable shaft portion having a first hypoid drive gear surface, a first articulation joint rotatably connecting the first articulable shaft portion to the longitudinal shaft, the first articulation joint defining a first articulation axis, the first articulation joint, a second articulable shaft portion having a second hypoid drive gear surface, a second articulation joint rotatably connecting the second articulable shaft portion to the longitudinal shaft, the second articulation joint defining a second articulation axis, the second articulation axis being orthogonal to the first articulation axis, the second articulation joint, a shaft comprising, a first rotatable drive actuator operably engaged with the first hypoid drive gear surface, the rotation of the first rotatable drive actuator causing the first articulable shaft portion to articulate about the first articulation axis and not causing the second articulable shaft portion to articulate about the second articulation axis, the first rotatable drive actuator, a second rotatable drive actuator operably engaged with the second hypoid drive gear surface, the rotation of the second rotatable drive actuator causing the second articulable shaft portion to articulate about the second articulation axis and not causing the first articulable shaft portion to articulate about the first articulation axis, a second rotatable drive actuator, and the second rotatable drive actuator is at its distal end and comprises a drive gear meshing with the second hypoid drive gear surface, the drive gear being rotatable about a drive gear axis that is not parallel to the first articulation axis, and when the first articulable shaft portion articulates, the orientation of the drive gear axis rotates together with the first articulable shaft portion, a surgical instrument.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first hypoid drive gear surface is positioned distally with respect to the first articulation axis and the first hypoid drive gear surface at least partially surrounds the first articulation axis.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the first rotatable drive actuator comprises a gear end portion engaged with the first hypoid drive gear surface.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, further comprising a first lateral shaft operably engaged with the first rotatable drive actuator and meshingly engaged with the first hypoid drive gear surface.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the first lateral shaft rotates with the first articulable shaft portion when the first articulable shaft portion is articulating.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, further comprising a universal joint rotatably coupling the first rotatable drive actuator to the first lateral shaft.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second hypoid drive gear surface is positioned distally relative to the second articulation axis and at least partially surrounds the second articulation axis.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the second rotatable drive actuator comprises a gear end portion engaged with the second hypoid drive gear surface.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, further comprising a second lateral shaft operably engaged with the second rotatable drive actuator and meshingly engaged with the second hypoid drive gear surface.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein the second lateral shaft rotates with the second articulable shaft portion when the second articulable shaft portion is articulating.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, further comprising a universal joint rotatably coupling the second rotatable drive actuator to the second lateral shaft.

12. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an end effector attached to the shaft, the end effector comprising a staple cartridge.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a first electric motor configured to rotate the first rotatable drive actuator and a second electric motor configured to rotate the second rotatable drive actuator.

Images