Stapling instrument with independent jaw closure and staple firing systems - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed that includes an end effector movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration, a closure drive configured to place the end effector in the clamping configuration, and a staple firing drive. The stapling instrument further includes a control system that utilizes the closure drive to configure the end effector during a staple firing stroke of the staple firing drive. The control system is also operable to utilize the staple firing drive to close the end effector instead of the closure drive.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments designed to cut and staple tissue, and staple cartridges for surgical cutting and stapling instruments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0002] The features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distal end of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1 shown in a closed or clamped configuration; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1 shown in an articulated configuration; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge removed from the stapling instrument of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1 with some components removed; FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1 with additional components removed; FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view of a drive system including a quick jaw closure system, a heavy duty jaw clamp system, and a staple firing system of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the staple firing system of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the quick jaw closure system and heavy duty jaw clamp system of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows the anvil jaws of the stapling instrument of FIG. 1 in an open position; [Figure 12] 12 shows the anvil jaws of FIG. 11 closed with the quick jaw closure system of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 illustrates the high load jaw clamping system of FIG. 7 applying a high clamping load to the anvil jaws. [Figure 14] FIG. 8 shows the heavy duty jaw clamping system of FIG. 7 disengaged from the anvil jaw. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows the quick jaw closure system disengaged from the anvil jaws. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a detail view resulting from FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a detail view resulting from FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge including a driver retaining feature in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 18; [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a partial elevational view of the side wall of the staple cartridge of FIG. 18; [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 18, further comprising a staple driver in an unfired and / or held position; [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and interface between the staple driver and driver retention feature of FIGS. 18-21 when the staple driver is in an unfired and / or retained position; [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge comprising a window and a staple driver defined therein in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the staple driver of FIG. 23; [Figure 25] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge including a driver retaining feature in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 25, wherein the staple cartridge includes a staple driver; [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the staple drivers of FIG. 26; [Figure 28] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a staple driver with a retaining ledge in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 29] 29 is a cross-sectional view of a top and bottom die for forming a staple cartridge configured to movably receive the staple driver of FIG. 28 therein; [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the bottom mold of FIG. 29. [Figure 31A] 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge including a firing member that contacts a staple driver upon distal translation of the firing member during a staple firing stroke in accordance with at least one embodiment; FIG. [Figure 31B] FIG. 31B is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple driver of FIG. 31A in a fully fired position; [Figure 32A] FIG. 31B is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and staple driver of FIG. 31A after the firing member has translated distally past the staple driver; [Figure 32B] FIG. 31B is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member of FIG. 31A contacting the staple driver as the firing member translates proximally after the staple firing stroke; [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a staple cartridge including a staple driver and a driver retaining member in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the staple driver of FIG. 33, wherein an opening is defined within the staple driver, the opening being configured to receive a driver holding member when the staple driver is in a raised or holding position; [Figure 35] 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of the interaction between a driver retaining member and an opening in the staple driver of FIG. 34 when the staple driver is in the raised position; [Figure 36A]FIG. 12 is a partial elevation view of a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface and a protrusion extending from the deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B is a partial plan view of a protrusion extending from the curved deck surface of FIG. 36A. [Figure 37A] FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a staple cartridge with a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B is a partial plan view of a protrusion extending from the curved deck surface of FIG. 37A. [Figure 38A] FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of a staple cartridge with a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 38B] FIG. 38C is a partial plan view of a protrusion extending from the curved deck surface of FIG. 38B. [Figure 39A] FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of a staple cartridge with a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is a partial plan view of a protrusion extending from the curved deck surface of FIG. 39A. [Figure 40] 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge seated in an end effector, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface and protrusions extending from the curved deck surface; FIG. [Figure 41] 41A and 41B are partial cross-sectional views of the staple driver of the staple cartridge of FIG. 40 in an unfired position and a fully fired position, with a portion of the staple driver extending above the protrusion and the curved deck surface when the staple driver is in the fully fired position. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a staple cartridge comprising three longitudinal rows of staple cavities with the most proximal staple cavities located in the middle row in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 43]FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a staple cartridge comprising three longitudinal rows of staple cavities, the most proximal staple cavity of which is not located in the middle row, in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 44] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge with protrusions extending from a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 45] 45 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 44, wherein the protrusion extends a first distance from the curved deck surface; [Figure 46] 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector in a closed configuration, the end effector having the staple cartridge of FIG. 45 seated in the cartridge jaws; [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge with a curved deck surface without protrusions in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 48] 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector in a closed configuration, the end effector having the staple cartridge of FIG. 47 seated in the cartridge jaws; [Figure 49] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge with protrusions extending various distances from a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector in a closed configuration, the end effector having the staple cartridge of FIG. 49 seated in the cartridge jaws; [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one embodiment, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge with protrusions extending various distances from a curved deck surface; [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, in accordance with at least one embodiment, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge with protrusions that extend a uniform distance from a curved deck surface; [Figure 53]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge with variable protrusions extending from a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a partial cross-sectional view of staple cavities from a first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of FIG. 53, wherein the first longitudinal row extends alongside the elongated slot; [Figure 55] A partial cross-sectional view of staple cavities from a second longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of Figures 53 and 54, wherein the second longitudinal row extends alongside the first longitudinal row. [Figure 56] 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of staple cavities from a third longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of Figures 53 to 55, wherein the third longitudinal row extends alongside the second longitudinal row. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 57 showing the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; [Figure 59] 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 57 showing the staple cartridge in a seated configuration; [Figure 60] FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 57 showing the anvil in a clamping configuration; [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 62] 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 61 showing the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; [Figure 63] FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 61 showing the anvil in a clamping configuration; [Figure 64]FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 61 showing the anvil in an overclamping configuration; [Figure 65] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 66] 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 65 showing the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; [Figure 67] 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 65 showing the staple cartridge in a partially seated configuration; [Figure 68] 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and anvil of FIG. 65 showing the staple cartridge in a fully seated configuration; [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a top view of an anvil according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 is a detailed view of the anvil of FIG. 69. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a partial top view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 72] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 71; [Figure 73] FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 74] FIG. 74 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 73 shown in a clamping configuration. [Figure 75] FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 76] FIG. 76 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 75 shown in a clamping configuration. [Figure 77] FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 78] FIG. 78 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 77 shown in a partial clamping configuration. [Figure 79]FIG. 78 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 77 shown in an overclamping configuration. [Figure 80] FIG. 78 is an exploded view of the end effector closure system of the stapling instrument of FIG. 77; [Figure 81] FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. [Figure 82] FIG. 82 is another partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 81. [Figure 83] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment, showing the end effector in a partially closed configuration; [Figure 84] FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 83 shown in a closed configuration. [Figure 85] FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 83 shown in a partially open configuration. [Figure 86] FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 83 shown in a fully open configuration. [Figure 87] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. [Figure 88] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a firing assembly including a firing member. [Figure 89] FIG. 89 is an elevational view of the firing member of the end effector of FIG. 88; [Figure 90] FIG. 89 is another elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 88. [Figure 91] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firing assembly of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment; [Figure 92] FIG. 92 is another perspective view of the firing assembly of FIG. 91 . [Figure 93] 92 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the firing assembly of FIG. 91 showing the tissue-severing knife of the firing assembly in a deployed configuration. [Figure 94] FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the firing assembly of FIG. 91 in an undeployed configuration. [Figure 95] FIG. 92 is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge having the firing assembly of FIG. 91; [Figure 96] FIG. 96 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 95; [Figure 97] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of a firing assembly of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 98] FIG. 98 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly and staple cartridge of FIG. 97, showing the firing assembly in an unfired position. [Figure 99] 99 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of FIG. 97 and the staple cartridge of FIG. 98, showing the firing assembly in a partially fired position. [Figure 100] 99 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of FIG. 97 and the staple cartridge of FIG. 98, showing the firing assembly in a fired position; [Figure 101] 99 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of FIG. 97 and the staple cartridge of FIG. 98, showing the firing assembly at the end of a staple firing stroke. [Figure 102] 99 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of FIG. 97 and the staple cartridge of FIG. 98 showing the firing assembly retracted after a staple firing stroke. [Figure 103] 99 is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of FIG. 97 and the staple cartridge of FIG. 98, showing the firing assembly in a retracted position; [Figure 104] FIG. 1 illustrates a staple firing system and staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment. [Figure 105] A figure showing the firing member of the staple firing system of Figure 104 being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke. [Figure 106] 106 shows the firing member of FIG. 105 rotating the tissue-cutting knife of the staple firing system from an undeployed position to a deployed position. [Figure 107] FIG. 107 shows the tissue cutting knife of FIG. 106 in a fully deployed position. [Figure 108] A figure showing the staple firing system of Figure 104 being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke. [Figure 109] FIG. 106 shows the firing member of FIG. 105 retracted after a staple firing stroke. [Figure 110] 107 shows the tissue-severing knife of FIG. 106 being rotated toward its undeployed position by the firing member of FIG. 105 as the firing member is retracted. [Figure 111] FIG. 107 shows the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife of FIG. 106 retracted below the deck of the staple cartridge. [Figure 112] 107 shows the firing member of FIG. 105 separated from the tissue-severing knife of FIG. 106. FIG. [Figure 113] FIG. 105 is an exploded view of the staple firing system and staple cartridge of FIG. 104; [Figure 114] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. [Figure 115] FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 shown in a closed configuration. [Figure 116] FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 shown in a partially fired configuration. [Figure 117] FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 shown in a firing configuration. [Figure 118] FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 showing the firing system of the surgical instrument in retraction mode. [Figure 119] 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 showing a portion of the staple firing system separated from a portion of the staple firing system being retracted; [Figure 120] FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 114 showing the end effector after it has been reopened. [Figure 121] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of an end effector with some components removed, according to at least an embodiment; [Figure 122] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising an unused staple cartridge; [Figure 123] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 showing the staple firing system of the surgical instrument in a pre-firing stroke configuration in which the firing bar of the staple firing system engages with the sled / knife member of the staple firing system; [Figure 124] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 in a partially fired configuration in which the staple firing system has advanced just past the spent cartridge lockout of the stapling instrument. [Figure 125] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 showing the staple firing system being retracted; [Figure 126] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 showing the firing bar of the staple firing system being disengaged from the sled by the spent cartridge lockout during retraction of the staple firing system; [Figure 127] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 showing the firing bar of the staple firing system in a fully retracted position with a spent staple cartridge; [Figure 128] 123 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 122 showing the firing bar of the staple firing system being blocked by the spent cartridge lockout because the spent staple cartridge has not been replaced with an unused staple cartridge. [Figure 129] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge including a staple firing drive; [Figure 130] FIG. 130 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 129; [Figure 131] FIG. 130 is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of FIG. 129 in an unfired state; [Figure 132] FIG. 130 is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of FIG. 129 in a partially fired state; [Figure 133] FIG. 130 is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of FIG. 129 in a retracted state; [Figure 134]FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment, the jaws of the end effector being shown in an open position; [Figure 135] FIG. 135 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 134 showing a locked jaw closure lockout and a locked staple firing lockout due to the absence of an unfired staple cartridge seated within the end effector. [Figure 136] FIG. 136 is a perspective view of a lockout assembly including a jaw closure lockout and a staple firing lockout of FIG. 135; [Figure 137] A partial elevational view of the end effector of Figure 134 showing the jaw closure lockout in an unlocked state and the staple firing lockout in an unlocked state due to the presence of an unfired staple cartridge seated in the end effector. [Figure 138] A partial elevational view of the end effector of Figure 134 showing the staple cartridge of Figure 137 in a partially fired state. [Figure 139] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of a staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body and a sled in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 140] A partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of Figure 139 showing the sled in a proximal, unfired position. [Figure 141] 140 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 139 showing a sled advanced distally during a staple firing stroke to activate a spent cartridge lockout within the staple cartridge; [Figure 142] A partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of Figure 139 showing the sled advanced distally during the staple firing stroke and with the spent cartridge lockout in an activated state. [Figure 143] A partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of Figure 139 showing the spent cartridge lockout in an activated state, which retracts the sled after the staple firing stroke and prevents the sled from returning to its proximal, unfired position. [Figure 144] FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a surgical instrument including an anvil jaw and a staple cartridge jaw in accordance with at least one embodiment in an open configuration; [Figure 144A] FIG. 145 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 144; [Figure 145] FIG. 145 shows the end effector of FIG. 144 in a closed configuration. [Figure 145A] 146 is a detailed view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown in the closed configuration of FIG. 145. [Figure 146] 146 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown in the closed configuration of FIG. 145; [Figure 147] 145 is an elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown with the anvil jaws in an open position relative to the staple cartridge jaws; [Figure 148] 145 is an elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown with the anvil jaws in a parallel position relative to the staple cartridge jaws; [Figure 149] 145 is an elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown with the anvil jaws in an overclamping position relative to the staple cartridge jaws. [Figure 149A] FIG. 150 is a detailed view of the end effector of FIG. 144 in the configuration of FIG. 149. [Figure 149B] FIG. 145 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 144 shown in a reopened configuration. [Figure 150] 145 is a chart depicting the displacement and load experienced by the end effector clamping system and staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 144. [Figure 151] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an end effector according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 152] 152 is an elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 151 clamped against patient tissue T. FIG. [Figure 153]152 is a chart showing the displacement and load experienced by the end effector clamping system and staple firing system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 151; [Fig. 154] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 155] FIG. 155 is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 shown in an articulated configuration; [Figure 156] FIG. 155 is a partial perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 154 shown in an articulated configuration with a portion of the articulation joint hidden for illustrative purposes; [Figure 157] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 158] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 159] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 160] FIG. 159 is a side view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 159 showing the firing member of the surgical instrument; [Figure 161] FIG. 159 is a perspective view of a portion of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 159, showing the distal articulation lock; [Figure 162] FIG. 1 is a top view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Figure 163] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; [Fig. 164] FIG. 164 is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 163 with portions of the articulation joint hidden for clarity; [Figure 165] FIG. 165 is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 164, showing the articulation joint in an articulated configuration; [Figure 166] FIG. 164 is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 163 with a portion of the articulation joint hidden for clarity; [Figure 167] FIG. 164 is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 163;

[0003] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set forth herein illustrate, in one form, specific embodiments of the present invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications, filed on even date herewith, each of which 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, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A DETACHABLE TISSUE CUTTING KNIFE" -Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP1 / 190448-1, Title of Invention: "STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CLAMP LOCKOUT AND A FIRING LOCKOUT" -Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP2 / 190448-2, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LATCH LOCKOUT" -Attorney Docket No. END9200USNP1 / 190435-1, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A POWERED ARTICULATION SYSTEM" -Attorney Docket No. END9201USNP1 / 190436-1, Title of Invention: "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" -Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP2 / 190438-2, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS" -Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP3 / 190438-3, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS" -Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP4 / 190438-4, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING PROJECTIONS EXTENDING FROM A CURVED DECK SURFACE"; and -Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP5 / 190438-5, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A CURVED DECK SURFACE."

[0005] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on March 25, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,070, entitled "Firing Drive Arrangements for Surgical Systems"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,051, entitled "Firing Drive Arrangements for Surgical Systems"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,045, entitled "ARTICULATION DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS," and -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 363,062, entitled "FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS."

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

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

[0008] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed December 4, 2018, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,385, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY" -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,403, entitled "METHOD OF CLOUD-BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,407, entitled "METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL" -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,416, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS" - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,423, entitled "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, entitled "METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,433, entitled "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, entitled "METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,453, entitled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,458, entitled "METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,465, entitled "METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,478, entitled "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, entitled "METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION"; and -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,491, entitled "METHOD OF CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS."

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

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

[0011] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on February 21, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 281,658, entitled "METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,670, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,675, entitled "Surgical Staples 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, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,693, entitled "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, entitled "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, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,741, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,762, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,660, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,666, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,672, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,678, entitled "ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND FRAME ENGAGEMENT FEATURES," and -U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,682, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING."

[0012] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on March 28, 2018, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein: -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,302, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES"; - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,294, entitled "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD"; -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,300, entitled "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS"; -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,309, entitled "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER"; - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,310, entitled "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS"; - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,291, entitled "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT"; -U.S. Provisional Patent Application 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 this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on March 30, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties: -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 650,887, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES."

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

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

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

[0017] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed June 28, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,693, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,729, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,785, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,808, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,837, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,941, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 636,029, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,958, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,981, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 636,009, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,663, entitled "METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,530, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,549, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,559, entitled "Surgical Instruments with Jaws Constrained to Pivot About an Axis Upon Contact with a Close Member That Is Parked in Close Proximity to the Pivot Axis"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,578, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,594, entitled "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, entitled "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, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,631, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 635,521, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT"; -U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,083, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,087, entitled "SURGICAL FORMING ANVIL"; - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,093, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,121, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,125, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; -U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,128, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; and -U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 609,129, entitled "DISPLAY SCREEN PORTION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE."

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

[0019] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed December 21, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,185, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,230, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,221, entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,209, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,198, entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,240, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,939, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,941, entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,943, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,950, entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,945, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,946, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,951, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,953, entitled "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,954, entitled "Firing Members with Non-Parallel Jaw Engagement Features for Surgical End Effectors"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,955, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,948, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,956, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,958, entitled "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, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,896, entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,898, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,899, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,901, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,902, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,904, entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,905, entitled "Firing Assembly Comprising a Lockout"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,907, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,908, entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,909, entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,920, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,913, entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,914, entitled "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, entitled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,929, entitled "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, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,927, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,917, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,900, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,931, entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,915, entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,897, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,922, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,924, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,912, entitled "Surgical Instruments with Jaws That Are Pivotable About a Fixed Axis and Include Separate and Distinct Closure and Firing Systems"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,910, entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,906, entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,188, entitled "Stepped Staple Cartridge with Asymmetrical Staples"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,192, entitled "Stepped Staple Cartridge with Tissue Retention and Gap Setting Features"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,206, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,226, entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,222, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,236, entitled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,887, entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,889, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,890, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,891, entitled "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, entitled "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, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,895, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,916, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,918, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,919, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,921, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,923, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,925, entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,926, entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,928, entitled "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, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,932, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,933, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK"; - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,934, entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,935, entitled "Laterally Actuable 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, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,045,779); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,180,463); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0249910); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,182,816); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,321,907); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,931,118); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,245,028); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,993,258); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,226,250); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,159,483).

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

[0030] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, entitled "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, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,782,169); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0249557); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,554,794); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,468,438); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0246475); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP" (now 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 incorporated herein 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, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,351,726); -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now 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, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now 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, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272582); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,826,977); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272580); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,013,049); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,743,929); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,028,761); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272571); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,690,362); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,820,738); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,004,497); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272557); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,804,618); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,733,663); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,750,499); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT" (now 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,111,679); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,724,094); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,737,301); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,757,128); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,016,199); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,135,242); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,788,836); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION" (now 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,826,976); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,649,110); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent No. 9,844,368; -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,405,857); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,149,680); - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,801,626); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,867,612); -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 10,136,887); and -U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS" (now 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR"; -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER"; - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP"; -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,385, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and -U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,372, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR."

[0037] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use 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 various embodiments of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Throughout this specification, the use of "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," or "an embodiment" or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of phrases such as "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part with a feature, structure, or characteristic of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. All such modifications and variations are intended to be 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. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "above," and "below" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0040] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, those associated with open surgical procedures. As one skilled in the art continues to read this Detailed Description, 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 orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, etc. The working or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

[0041] The 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 in which the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least not easily replaceable therefrom. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis, while the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further includes an articulation joint configured to rotate, or articulate, the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are also contemplated that do not include an articulation joint.

[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 and distal ends. During 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 press and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored within the cartridge body can then be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, and the staples are removably stored within the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot, and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may also be possible.

[0043] The staples are supported by staple drivers within the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, unfired, position and a second, fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge body and include a resilient member configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer against the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired and fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramps configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, on which the staples are supported, toward the anvil.

[0044] In addition to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push it toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further includes a first cam engaging the first jaw and a second cam engaging the second jaw. When the firing member is advanced 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 cut tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the beveled surface so that the staples are fired forward of the knife.

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

[0046] Further to the above, articulation drive system 1500 includes a first articulation drive cable 1520 attached to first articulation drive portion 1310 and a second articulation drive cable 1530 attached to the proximal end 1210 of end effector 1200. 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, articulation drive portion 1310 articulates in a first direction about first articulation pivot axis 1320, and when the other articulation drive cable 1520 is pulled proximally, articulation drive portion 1310 articulates in a second or opposite direction about first articulation pivot axis 1320. Similarly, the second articulation drive cables 1530 are 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 the other 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 closure 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 eject the staples from the cartridge body 1422 during a staple firing stroke. The second jaw 1230 includes an anvil that includes staple-forming pockets configured to deform the staples as they are ejected from the staple cartridge 1400 during a staple firing stroke. Staple cartridge 1400 includes a tissue supporting surface 1421 and second jaw 1230 includes a tissue compressing surface 1231 configured to compress patient tissue between jaws 1220 and 1230 when second jaw 1230 is moved into its closed, i.e., clamping, position. As described in more detail below, stapling instrument 1000 includes a closure drive system 1600 configured to move second jaw 1230 between an open, unclamping position and a closed, clamping position.

[0048] 7-9 , the closure drive system 1600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 1610 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 a 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 extending 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 closure drive system 1600 includes a quick closure system and a high-force closure system, both configured to close the second jaw 1230, but in different ways. Referring primarily to FIG. 7 , the closure drive system 1600 includes a quick closure member 1630 and a high-force closure member 1620. The high-force closure member 1620 includes a threaded opening defined therein that is threadably engaged with the threads of the closure drive shaft 1610. When the drive shaft 1610 rotates in a first direction, the drive shaft 1610 drives the high-force closure member 1620 proximally. The quick closure member 1630 is not threadably engaged with the drive shaft 1610, and when the drive shaft 1610 rotates in a first direction, the quick closure member 1630 is pushed proximally by the high force closure member 1620 via a spring 1640 positioned intermediate the high force closure member 1620 and the quick closure member 1630. At the start of the closure process, the quick closure member 1630 is in direct contact with the second jaw 1230, but the high force closure member 1620 is not in direct contact with the second jaw. The quick closure 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 in the second jaw 1230 such that the quick closure member 1630 rotates the second jaw 1230 into the closed position when the quick closure member 1630 is pushed proximally by the high force closure member 1620. As a result of this arrangement, the initial closing movement of the second jaw 1230 is driven by the quick closure member 1630.

[0050] Notably, further to the above, the spring 1640 compresses between the high force closure member 1620 and the quick closure member 1630 as the high force closure member 1620 is driven proximally. The amount of relative movement between the high force closure member 1620 and the quick closure member 1630 is a function of the spring constant of the spring 1640, as well as the clamping load, or resistance, applied to the tissue by the second jaw 1230. As a result, the closed position of the second jaw 1230 at this stage of the closure stroke can vary depending, for example, on the thickness and / or density of the tissue positioned intermediate the second jaw 1230 and the staple cartridge 1400. When thicker tissue is positioned between the second jaw 1230 and the staple cartridge 1400, for example, the tissue compression surface 1231 of the second jaw 1230 may not be parallel to the tissue support surface 1421 of the staple cartridge 1400. When thinner tissue is positioned between the second jaw 1230 and the staple cartridge 1400, the tissue compression surface 1231 of the second jaw 1230 may be parallel to or beyond the tissue support surface 1421 of the staple cartridge 1400. This variation is not a concern at this stage because the quick closure system of the closure system 1600 is designed to provide an approximation of the position of the 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 the staple firing system 1700.

[0051] Further to the above, if the clinician desires to reopen the second jaw 1230, the clinician controls the electric motor to operate in the opposite direction, rotating the closure drive shaft 1610 in the opposite direction. In such a case, the closure drive shaft 1610 distally drives the high force closure member 1620 which relieves or reduces the force in the spring 1640, allowing the second jaw 1230 to open at least slightly. Furthermore, in such an example, the high force closure member 1620 can push the quick closure member 1630 distally, forcing the second jaw 1230 into an open, unclamped, 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 retracted distally, thereby causing the high force closure member 1620 to directly, or positively, push the quick closure member 1630 distally during the opening stroke. A clinician can open and close the second jaw 1230 as many times as desired to properly position the jaws of the stapling instrument 1000 on the patient tissue. In comparison to high force closure systems, which are discussed in more detail below, the quick closure system rapidly moves the second jaw 1230 without having to apply significant compressive or clamping loads to the patient tissue.

[0052] As outlined above, rotating the closure drive shaft 1610 drives the high-force closure member 1620 proximally, pushing the quick closure member 1630 proximally and rapidly closing 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, driving the second jaw 1230 to its closed position. Direct contact between the cam 1625 and the second jaw 1230 securely positions the second jaw 1230 in its closed position. In such a case, the staple-forming pockets defined in the second jaw 1230 are properly aligned with the staples in the staple cartridge 1400. This also results in a high clamping force being applied to the tissue clamped between the second jaw 1230 and the staple cartridge 1400. At such point, the staple firing system 1700 can be operated to fire the staples from the staple cartridge 1400. However, if the clinician instead desires to reopen the second jaw 1230, the closure drive shaft 1610 can be operated in the reverse direction to drive the high-force closure member 1620 distally to 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 incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] The staple firing system 1700 of the stapling 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 a 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 comprises an angle 1740 configured to engage a driver in the staple cartridge 1400 and eject the staples from the staple cartridge 1400 during the staple firing stroke. The firing member 1720 also comprises 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] 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 to prevent relative movement, or at least substantial 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 above the distal end 1226 of the first jaw 1220, which provides cues 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 in the cartridge body 1422 configured to receive a portion of the firing member 1420 therein. The first jaw 1220 further includes a longitudinal slot 1229 defined therein 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 in a bottom portion of the channel 1222 that is configured to receive a bottom cam 1729 of the firing member 1720 during a staple firing stroke. The first jaw 1220 further comprises a cap 1223 attached to the channel 1222 by, for example, welding, which surrounds an internal longitudinal slot 1228 of the channel 1222 .

[0055] As described above, the second jaw 1230 is rotatably mounted to the first jaw 1220 about a pivot axis 1240. Referring primarily to FIG. 9 , the second jaw 1230 includes an outwardly extending pin 1237 that is closely received within a slot 1227 defined in the first jaw 1220. The pin 1237 is captured within the slot 1227 by a retention member 1225 that is press-fit 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. Like the first jaw 1220, the second jaw 1230 includes an internal slot 1238 defined therein that is configured to receive the upper cam 1728 of the firing member 1720 during a staple firing stroke. The second jaw 1230 further includes a cap 1233 attached to the anvil body 1232, for example, by welding, that surrounds an internal longitudinal slot 1238 in the anvil body 1232. During a staple firing stroke, a top cam 1728 of the firing member 1720 engages the second jaw 1230 and a bottom cam 1729 engages the first jaw 1220. As a result, the cams 1728 and 1729 cooperate to hold the second jaw 1230 in position relative to the first jaw 1220.

[0056] 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 with a sensor 1830, such as, for example, an RFID antenna, in signal communication with a controller of the stapling instrument. The firing member 1720 includes a detectable member, such as, for example, an RFID tag, that is detectable by the sensor system 1800 when the firing member 1720 is in its proximal, unfired position. When the firing member 1720 is advanced distally during the 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. As 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, although these systems are not described herein for the sake of brevity. 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 from an open, or unclamping, position (FIG. 73) to a closed, or clamping, position (FIG. 74) by the closure system 32600. The closure system 32600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 32610 including a distal end rotatably supported within the first jaw by a bearing. The closure system 32600 further comprises a closure member, or nut 32620, threadably engaged with a 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 comprises a closure link 32630 pivotally attached to the closure member 32620 about a pivot axis 32622 and to the second jaw 32230 about a pivot axis 32632. As the closure member 32620 is driven proximally, the closure link 32630 drives the proximal end 32234 of the second jaw 32230 upward, rotating the second jaw 32230 to its closed position, as shown in FIG. 74. In particular, the closure link 32630 is driven into an upright position where the pivot axis 32632 is aligned with the pivot axis 32622, such that the closure link 32630 is locked to provide a significant clamping force to tissue captured between the second jaw 32230 and the first jaw.In this position, the tissue compression surface 32231 of the second jaw 32230 is parallel to the tissue supporting surface of the staple cartridge, but the system can be positioned to overclamp tissue by orienting the compression surface 32231 toward the staple cartridge when the second jaw 32230 is driven closed by the closure drive system 32600. In either case, the link 32630 rotates more rapidly at the beginning of the closure stroke compared to the end of the closure stroke for 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 toward the first jaw is more rapid compared to the end of the closure stroke for a given speed of the closure drive shaft 32610. When the closure member 32620 is driven distally, it 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, although these systems 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 including an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot axis 33240. The second jaw 33230 is movable from an open, or unclamped, position (FIG. 75) to a closed, or clamped, position (FIG. 76) by the closure system 33600. The closure system 33600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 33610 including a distal end rotatably supported by the first jaw by a bearing. 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 open. The proximal end 33234 of the second jaw 33230 includes a distal cam surface 33233 and a proximal cam surface 33235 that are sequentially 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 downward at a first speed. Similarly, the proximal cam surface 33235 comprises 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 downward at a second speed that is faster than the first speed. As a result, while the initial clamping motion of the second jaw 33230 is fast, the final clamping motion of the second jaw 33230 is slower.Additionally, the shallower cam angle of the proximal cam surface 33235 allows the second jaw 33230 to apply a greater clamping force to the tissue during final clamping movement of the second jaw 33230. As the closure member 33620 is driven distally, the closure member 33620 can disengage from the proximal cam surface 33235 and the distal cam surface 33233, opening the second jaw 33230. In at least one embodiment, the second jaw 33230 is opened by a spring and / or by a staple firing system, for example, when the firing member is retracted.

[0059] The surgical instrument 34000 is shown in Figures 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 including 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, or unclamping, position (Figure 77) to a closed, or clamping, position (Figure 78) to an overclamping position (Figure 79). The closure system 34600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 42610 ( FIG. 80 ) including a distal end rotatably supported by a bearing in the first jaw. The closure system 34600 further includes a closure member, or nut 34620, threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft 34610, and a pivotable cam 34630 rotatably mounted 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 successively 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 cam surface 34633 and cam surface 34625, respectively. Referring to FIG. 78 , at the start of the closing 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, or 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, causing the cam surface 34625 to contact the cam surface 34235 on the second jaw 34230. Simultaneously, the cam 34630 is cammed downwardly without contacting the second jaw 34230. More specifically, referring primarily to FIG. 80 , the cam 34630 includes a pin 34632 extending laterally therefrom that travels within a slot 34222 defined in the first jaw 34220, the contour of which causes the cam 34630 to be pulled downwardly without contacting the second jaw 34230 as the closure member 34620 contacts the second jaw 34230. At such point, further rotation of the closure drive shaft 34610 in the same direction causes the closure member 34620 to drive the second jaw 34230 into its overclamping 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 closure drive shaft 34610 is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the closure member 34620 is driven distally, disengaging the closure member 34620 from the second jaw 34230. Further, in such an example, the pivotable cam 34630 is pivoted upwardly into position by interaction between the pin 34632 and the sidewall of the slot 34222 to reset the cam 34630. The closure system 34600 further includes an opening link 34640 pivotally attached to the closure member 34620 about the pivot pin 34624 and to the second jaw 34230 about the pivot axis 34632. As the closure member 34620 is driven distally, the opening link 34640 drives the proximal end 34234 of the second jaw 34230 downward, rotating the second jaw 34230 to its open position ( FIG. 77 ). In particular, the opening links 34640 each include a slot 34644 defined therein, which allows the pivot pin 34624 to slide within the link 34640 and permit relative movement between the opening link 34640 and the closure 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. Like 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 via the closure system 35600. The closure system 35600 includes a rotatable drive shaft 35610 and a closure member or nut 35620 threadably engaged with a 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, closing the second jaw 34230. The closure system 35600 further includes an opening link 35460 rotatably attached to the closure member 35620 about a pin 35622 that extends into a slot 35642 defined in the opening link 35460. The opening link 35460 is also pivotally attached to the second jaw 35230 about a pin 25232 such that when the drive shaft 35610 rotates in the opposite direction, driving the closure member 35620 distally, the closure member 35630 pulls the opening link 35460, thereby pulling the second jaw 35230 to the open position. In particular, the closure member 35630 applies an opening force to the second jaw 34230 at a different location from that at which the closure force is applied. Once the second jaw 35230 is closed, or at least properly 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 methods described elsewhere herein.

[0062] The surgical instrument 36000 is shown in Figures 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 threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the drive shaft 36610. As the drive shaft 36610 rotates in a first direction, the closure member 36620 is driven proximally to contact a cam surface 36235 defined on the second jaw 36230, closing the second jaw 36230, as shown in FIGS. 83 and 84 . 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 urged 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 opposes and overcomes the opening force exerted by the opening member 36630 on the second jaw 36320 as the closure member 36620 closes the second jaw 36230. However, when the closure member 36620 is driven distally, the opening force being exerted by the opening member 36630 on the second jaw 36320 can push the second jaw 36230 open. However, in some cases, the opening force being exerted by the opening member 36630 may not be sufficient to open, or at least fully open, the second jaw 36230, as shown in FIG. 85. Such an instance may occur when the spring constant of the opening spring 36640 is low.In either case, referring to FIG. 86 , continued distal movement of the closure member 36320 brings the closure member 36320 into contact with the opening member 36630, driving the opening member 36630 to positively open the second jaw 36230. As a result, retraction of the closure member 36620 allows the second jaw 36230 to be disengaged when the opening spring 36640 is not strong enough to force the second jaw 36230 open.

[0063] 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 threaded 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, the I-beam portion 36720 moves with the threaded portion 36730 as the threaded portion 36730 is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive shaft. Furthermore, the I-beam portion 36720 and the threaded portion 36730 cooperate to hold the first jaw 36220 and the second jaw 36230 in position relative to one another 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 a staple firing stroke. The first jaw 36220 includes an internal slot 36229 defined therein configured to receive the first cam 36739, and similarly, the second jaw 36230 includes an internal slot 36239 defined therein configured to receive the second cam 36729. The staple firing system 36700 further includes a sled 36740 that is pushed distally by the threaded portion 36730. The sled 36740 is configured to engage a staple driver contained within the staple cartridge and 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 sled 36740 such that the knife edge 36750 does not cut the unstapled tissue.In either case, the thread 36740 is not attached to the threaded portion 36730, so that 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 is left behind wherever the staple firing stroke ends.

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

[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 position relative to one another 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 therein configured to receive the first cam 37739, and similarly, the second jaw 36230 includes an internal slot 36239 defined therein configured to receive the second cam 37729. When the assembly comprising the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 is in its proximal, unfired position ( FIG. 87 ), the first cam 37739 is positioned at least partially within the first internal slot 36229, and the second cam 37729 is positioned within an enlarged chamber 36237 defined in the second jaw 36230 that leads to 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. Additionally, the I-beam portion 37720 includes a notch, or recess 37722 defined therein, 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 proximal-most position. The notch 37722 allows the I-beam portion 37720 to be in a very proximal position that 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. Indeed, when the I-beam portion 37720 is in its proximal, unfired position, the sidewall of the notch 37722 may contact the pivot pin 36242.

[0066] Further to the above, and referring primarily to FIG. 88 , the staple firing system 37700 further includes a sled 37740 attached to the threaded portion 37730 such that the sled 37740 moves distally and proximally with the threaded portion 37730 during the staple firing stroke and retraction stroke, respectively. In use, and referring primarily to FIG. 87 , an exchangeable staple cartridge, such as the staple cartridge 37400, is positioned over the sled 37740, for example, 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 in the cartridge body 37420, and a staple driver 37430 positioned within the cartridge body 37420 that supports and drives the staples 37410 toward the anvil portion of the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke. The sled 37740 includes a ramp 37742 defined thereon that engages the staple driver 37430 to lift the staple 37410 toward the second jaw 36230. In particular, the staple cartridge 37400 further includes a sled portion 37440 that is housed within the cartridge body 37420 and pushed distally by the I-beam portion 37720 during a staple firing stroke. The sled portion 37440 includes a ramp 37442 that aligns with the ramp 37742 on the sled 37740 at the start of the staple firing stroke and co-acts with the ramp 37742 to fully drive the staple driver 37430 and fully form or fire the staple 37410 during the staple firing stroke. As described in more detail below in connection with different embodiments, the sled portion 37440 includes a tissue-cutting knife 37452 that rotates between an undeployed position (as shown in FIG. 87) in which 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 in which the knife edge extends above the deck.The tissue-severing knife is rotated about the pivot axis 37452 by the firing assembly when the firing assembly contacts or picks up the sled portion 37440 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Notably, the sled portion 37440 within the staple cartridge 37400 does not retract with the sled 37440 during the retraction stroke. Instead, the sled portion 37440 is left behind at the end of the staple firing stroke. U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,142, issued October 23, 2018, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER WITH PLURALITY OF CUTTING ELEMENTS," and U.S. Pat. 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] 83 and 84 , now with reference to FIGS. 144 , 144A, 145, and 145A , the closure member 36620 of the closure driver 36600 is driven proximally to contact the cam surface 36235 defined on the second jaw 36230 to close the second jaw 36230. As also described above, with reference to FIG. 146 , the firing assembly including the I-beam portion 37720 and the threaded portion 37730 is driven distally during a staple firing stroke, whereby the cam 37739 moves within the longitudinal slot 36229 defined in the first jaw 36220, which in turn 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 the 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 closure system 37600 is used to move the second jaw 36320 to an overclamp position, i.e., in a direction in which the second jaw 36320 is angled toward or parallel to the second staple cartridge 36400 during the staple firing stroke. 147-149 show the progression of the second jaw 36230 from an open position (FIG. 147), a parallel clamping position (FIG. 148), and an over clamping 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 , the distal end 36234 of the second jaw 36230 can be seen to be closer to the distal end 37424 than the parallel position in FIG. 148 , which shows the overclamped position. In this case, the second jaw 36230 is overclamped by, for example, about 3 degrees, although any suitable amount of overclamping can be used. Placing the second jaw 36230 in the overclamped position can allow the second jaw 36230 to resist opening forces created by staple deformation and / or compensate for internal deflection of the second jaw 36230 during the staple firing stroke.

[0068] The discussion provided above is graphically depicted in graph 37900 of FIG. 150. The graph 37900 comprises a bottom portion 37980, which depicts the movement of the closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700, and an top portion 37990, which depicts the force loads experienced by the closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700. With respect to the top portion 37990 of the graph 37900, the force loads in the closure drive 36600 are depicted by trace 36690, and the force loads in the firing drive 37700 are depicted by trace 37790. In fact, the trace 36690 is divided into a first portion 36690′ to depict a scenario when the closure drive 36600 is not actuated during the staple firing stroke, and a second portion 36690″ to depict 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 in the trace 37790 of the staple firing drive 37700. More specifically, the 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 a higher staple firing load when the closure drive 36600 is not actuated during the staple firing stroke, while the second portion 37790″ depicts a lower staple firing load when the closure drive 36600 is actuated during the staple firing stroke. To this end, actuating the closure drive 36600 during the staple firing stroke is also reflected in the lower portion 37980 of the graph 37900. The movement of the second jaw 36230 is illustrated by a motion trace 36680 that is similarly divided into a first portion 36680' corresponding to the force traces 36690' and 37790' discussed above, and a second portion 36680" corresponding to the force traces 36690" and 37790" discussed 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 the motion trace 36680'.When the closure drive 36600 operates during the staple firing stroke, the second jaw 36230 is moved to an overclamped orientation, as depicted by the motion trace 36680''. Notably, these two operational possibilities are not reflected in the motion trace 37780 of the staple firing drive 37700. In other words, the movement of the staple firing drive 37700 can be independent of the movement of the closure drive 36600.

[0069] In various examples, further 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 distally advance the firing assembly such that the cams 37729 and 37739 cooperate to pull the second jaw 36230 toward its closed position simultaneously with the closure drive 36600 operating to close the second jaw 36230. In at least one other example, the staple firing drive 37700 can be used to distally advance the firing assembly to close the second jaw 36230 without the assistance of the closure drive 36600. The closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700 are each operated by a separate electric motor, provided that the closure drive 36600 and the staple firing drive 37700 can be operated sequentially and / or simultaneously. In at least one example, the stapling instrument 37000 is attached to a robotic surgical instrument that includes a first electric motor for driving the closure 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 that includes a handle that includes a first electric motor operably engaged with the closure 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 about which the end effector 49200 can rotate. Various articulation joints are described elsewhere herein. Various configurations or closed states of the end effector 49200 are depicted at the top of FIG. 153. The second jaw 49230 is movable between an open position, for example, with a closure drive 49600, where the jaw opening is approximately 30 degrees between the jaws 49220 and 49230, a partially closed position, a parallel position, and an overclamped position, for example, where the jaws 49220 and 49230 are at an angle of approximately -1 to -3 degrees. A fully open position of the second jaw 49220 establishes an actuated state 49610, a closed position of the second jaw 49220 establishes an actuated state 49620, a parallel position of the second jaw 49230 establishes an actuated state 49630, and an overclamped position of the second jaw 49220 establishes an actuated 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 the closure motor to close the second jaw 49230, as described above. The distance the closure member is retracted is depicted by 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 wait period or dwell once the second jaw 49230 reaches its parallel position during the operational state 49630. Similarly, the closure system 49600 enters a wait period or dwell in the operational state 49650. The second jaw 49230 is then opened during the operational 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 state and its second operating state. During operating states 49610 and 49620, the electric motor is in its first operating state, and as a result, the end effector 49200 is articulatable 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 state. In such an example, the end effector 49200 is locked in its articulated position, whatever that may be, and then the electric motor is de-energized. Locking the end effector 49200 in place before de-energizing the electric motor can prevent sudden jerking movements of the end effector 49200. In other words, if the end effector 49200 is experiencing resistance to its articulation, for example, from tissue T, the end effector 49200 could articulate or de-articulate unexpectedly if the electric motor is de-energized before the end effector 49200 is locked in place. The full power state of the articulation system 49800 is depicted by state 49810 in FIG. 153 , and the lowered state of the articulation system 49800 is depicted by state 49820.

[0072] When the electric motor is shifted to its second state, the staple firing drive 49700 is articulatable 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 a movement trace 49780 in FIG. 153 . FIG. 153 further depicts the electric motor being powered during an operating condition 49710 before the staple firing system 49700 is unlocked and then powered to perform a staple firing stroke during an operating state 49730. The force load experienced by the firing member is depicted by a force trace 49790, which shows that the firing member experiences a high force load during the staple firing stroke and a much lower force load as the firing member is retracted during the operating state 49730. After the firing member is retracted, the staple firing system 49700 is locked and then the electric motor is de-energized during an operating state 49740. Similar to above, locking the firing drive before reducing power to the electric motor reduces the likelihood of sudden jerks in the staple firing system 49700. At such time, the electric motor is switched to its first operating state, power is restored to the electric motor, and the articulation drive system 49800 is unlocked during operating state 49830. Notably, operating state 49830, in which the end effector 49200 can be articulated, and operating state 49660, in which the end effector 49200 can be released, 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 the 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 are in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument 49000. This information allows the control system to determine when a particular operating state 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 state 49630. At such time, 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 state 49630 ends, signaling to the user of the surgical instrument 49000 that optimal conditions for performing a staple firing stroke have been reached.

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

[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 sled portion 38740. The sled portion 38740 includes at least one push surface 38741 defined on a proximal side thereof that is contacted by the firing member as the firing member advances distally during a staple firing stroke. The sled portion 38740 is also attached to the firing member by a locking arm 38734 that contacts the sled portion 38740 when the firing member moves distally and contacts the sled portion 38740. At least initially, the sled portion 38740 moves relative to the drive portion 38730. At such point, the sled portion 38740 and the drive portion 38370 advance distally together such that a ramp 38742 defined on the sled portion 38740 fires the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, as described in more detail below. The staple firing system 38700 further includes a tissue-cutting knife 38750 rotatably mounted to the drive portion 38730 about a pivot pin 38752.

[0076] The tissue-severing knife 38750 is rotatable between an undeployed position ( FIG. 94 ) and a deployed position ( FIG. 93 ) at the beginning of a staple firing stroke. The sled portion 38740 is movable distally relative to the drive portion 38730, as shown in FIG. 93 , at least initially, until a cam surface 38746 defined within the sled portion 38740 contacts the tissue-severing knife 38750, rotating the tissue-severing knife 38750 upward into its deployed position. The cam surface 38746 is curved or arcuate to facilitate rotation of the tissue-severing knife 38750 about the pivot pin 38752, although any suitable configuration can be used. When the tissue-severing knife 38750 contacts the shoulder 38748 defined on the sled portion 38740, the tissue-severing knife 38750 stops rotating; instead, distal movement of the sled portion 38740 is transmitted through the tissue-severing knife 38750 to the drive portion 38730. At such point, the drive portion 38730 and sled portion 38740 translate distally to perform a staple firing stroke with the tissue-severing knife 38750 in its deployed position. In fact, the sled portion 38740 holds the tissue-severing knife 38750 in its deployed position during the staple-firing stroke. Notably, the knife edge 38751 of the tissue-severing knife 38750 extends above the sled portion 38740 when the tissue-severing knife 38750 is in its deployed position ( FIG. 93 ) and does not extend above the sled portion 38740 when the tissue-severing 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, the rotatable drive shaft further rotates in the opposite direction, driving the firing member of the staple firing system 38700 in the opposite direction. As the firing member is retracted, it pulls the sled portion 38740 proximally due to the locking arm 38734 attaching the sled portion 38740 to the firing member. That is, the initial retraction of the firing member and sled portion 38740 does not cause the drive portion 38730 to translate proximally. Instead, the initial retraction of the sled portion 38740 rotates the tissue-severing knife 38750 back down into its undeployed position, as shown in FIG. 94 . Thereafter, with reference to FIGS. 95 and 96 , detachment of the sled portion 38740 from the firing member stops the proximal movement of the sled portion 38740. More specifically, the proximally extending stop arm 38744 of the sled portion 38740 engages the cartridge body 38420, preventing the sled portion 38740 from retracting with the firing member. At such time, the locking arm 38734 of the sled portion 38740 disengages from the firing member, leaving the sled portion 38740 and the drive portion 38730 in their fired positions. Such an arrangement prevents the spent staple cartridge 38400 from being used again. As a result, the spent staple cartridge 38400 must be replaced with an unused staple cartridge in order to reuse the surgical instrument. That is, other spent cartridge lockout systems can be used that can allow the return of the sled portion 38740 after a staple firing stroke, so long as the spent 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, to perform a staple firing stroke. The firing bar 39720 includes a first cam 39278 that engages the first jaw and a second cam 39279 that engages the second jaw during the staple firing stroke, holding the first and second jaws together. The staple firing system 39700 further includes a sled 39740 that is pushed distally by the firing bar 39720 during the staple firing stroke. The sled 39740 includes a proximal push surface 39741 that is contacted by a distal push surface 39271 on the firing bar 39720. The sled 39740 further comprises a central body 39743 and a ramp 39742 extending from the central body 39743.

[0079] In addition to the above, the staple firing system 39700 further includes a tissue-severing knife 39750 and a knife retractor 39730. The tissue-severing knife 39750 includes a base 39754 positioned within a recess 39744 defined in the sled 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 in the firing bar 39720 and a crossbar 39733 connecting the distal ends of the locking arm 39732. 98, the sled 39740, tissue-severing knife 39750, and knife retractor 39730 are housed within the cartridge body 39420 of the staple cartridge 39400 such that, when the staple cartridge 39400 is inserted into the first jaw, the locking arm 39732 of the knife retractor 39730 attaches to the firing bar 39720 and the knife body 39753 of the tissue-severing knife 39750 abuts the distal push surface 39723 ( FIG. 97 ) defined on the firing bar 39720. At this point, the knife edge 39731 extends above the top surface or deck of the cartridge body 39420 but is covered by the rail 39425 extending upwardly from the cartridge body 39420 such that the knife edge 39731 is not exposed when the staple firing system 39700 is in its unfired state.

[0080] As the staple firing system 39700 is advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke, referring to FIG. 99 , the firing bar 39720 contacts and pushes against the distal sled 39740 and tissue-severing knife 39750. In particular, referring to FIG. 100 , the sled 39740 passes over a protrusion 39222 extending from the first jaw at the start of the staple firing stroke. The protrusion 39222 includes a proximally facing slope that allows the sled 39740 to pass thereover. Throughout the staple firing stroke, the knife retractor 39730 extends in front of the tissue-severing knife 39750. Referring to FIG. 101 , after the staple firing stroke is completed or otherwise stopped, the firing bar 39720 retracts to its unfired position. In such case, the knife retractor 39730 contacts the tissue-cutting knife 39750, pulling the tissue-cutting knife 39750 and the sled 39740 proximally. In particular, the base 39754 of the tissue-cutting knife 39750 initially slides within the sled recess 39744 as the tissue-cutting knife 39750 is pulled proximally, i.e., until the knife base 39754 contacts the proximal end of the sled recess 39744. At such point, the tissue-cutting knife 39750 and the sled 39740 move proximally together until the sled 39740 reaches the protrusion 39222 extending from the first jaw, as shown in FIG. 102 . The protrusion 39222 stops the proximal movement of the sled 39740, and as a result, continued proximal retraction of the firing bar 39720 causes the tissue-cutting knife 39750 to rotate proximally until the tissue-cutting knife 39750 is fully retracted below the deck of the cartridge body 39420. At such point, the spent staple cartridge 39400 can be safely removed from the first jaw and replaced with another staple cartridge.

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

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

[0083] A stapling instrument 41000 including 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 a second jaw 41230 rotatably mounted 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 includes a longitudinal slot defined therein configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system 41700. Similarly, the second jaw 41230 includes a longitudinal slot 41239 defined therein configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system 41700. The first jaw 41220 is configured to receive therein a staple cartridge 41400 comprising a cartridge body 41420, staples removably stored in staple cavities defined in the cartridge body 41420, and a staple driver movably positioned within the cartridge body 41420 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 threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the drive shaft 41710. Similar to above, the firing nut 41720 advances distally when the drive shaft 41710 rotates in a first direction and retracts proximally when the drive shaft 41710 rotates in a second or opposite direction. The staple firing system 41700 further includes a clamping member 41730, a sled 41740 that is distally movable during a staple firing stroke to urge the staple driver and staples toward staple forming pockets defined in the second jaw 41230, and a tissue-cutting knife 41750 rotatably mounted to the sled 41740. Referring primarily to FIG. 114 , the clamping member 41730 is retained within the second jaw or anvil 41230. More specifically, a lateral cam 41739 extending from the clamp member 41730 is received in a longitudinal slot 41239 defined in the second jaw 41230 such that the clamp member 41730 moves with the second jaw 41230. Thus, when the second jaw 41230 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 114 , the clamp member 41730 is in a raised position, and when the second jaw 41230 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 115 , the clamp member 41730 is in a 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, published on September 1, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS," and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168650, published on June 21, 2018, entitled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS," are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] Further to the above, the clamp member 41730 includes a recess 41732 defined therein configured to receive the upper portion 41722 of the firing nut 41720 when the clamp member 41730 is lowered onto the firing nut 41720, as shown in FIG. 115. Additionally, the clamp member 41730 further includes a hook 41734 that is received within a recess 41754 defined in the tissue-cutting knife 41750 when the clamp member 41730 is lowered onto the firing nut 41720. With reference to FIGS. 116 and 117, as the firing nut 41720 is advanced distally, the firing nut 41720 pushes the clamp member 41730 distally, which abuts the sled 41740 and pushes the sled 41740 through the staple firing stroke. The clamp member 41730 also abuts the tissue-cutting knife 41750 to support the tissue-cutting knife 41750 during the staple firing stroke as it cuts the 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, which pushes 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. 119, at such time, the firing nut 41720 and clamp member 41730 are returned to their proximal, unfired positions, while the sled 41740 and tissue-cutting knife 41750 remain rearwardly of their fired positions. Notably, the knife edge 41751 of the tissue-cutting knife 41750 extends above the deck or top of the cartridge body 41420 when the tissue-cutting knife 41750 remains, although in other embodiments, the knife edge 41751 is fully retracted below the deck of the cartridge body 41420 when the tissue-cutting knife 41750 is rotated rearwardly. In either case, with reference to FIG. 120, when the firing nut 41720 and clamp member 41730 are returned to their proximal, unfired positions, the second jaw 41230 can be reopened.

[0086] As discussed above, the sled 41740 and the tissue-severing knife 41750 are left in their fired position after the staple firing stroke or after the staple firing stroke is stopped. In some cases, the tissue-severing knife 41750 may not be able to separate from the clamp member 41730. FIG. 121 illustrates an embodiment that can assist in retaining the sled 41740 and the tissue-severing knife 41750 in their fired position. FIG. 121 illustrates 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 upstanding walls 42223. The staple cartridge 42400 includes a cartridge body 42420 positioned between the side walls 42223, as well as a translatable sled 42440 within the cartridge body 42420. The cartridge body 42420 includes a staple cavity defined therein, with the staples removably stored within the staple cavity. The cartridge body 42420 further includes a longitudinal slot 42426 defined therein and configured to receive a central portion 42446 of the sled 42440. The cartridge body 42420 further includes protrusions 42429 extending inwardly from sidewalls of the longitudinal slot 42426, which can inhibit or prevent proximal movement of the sled 42440. More specifically, each protrusion 42429 includes a proximally-facing bevel that allows the sled 42440 to pass during a staple firing stroke, and a distally-facing shoulder that stops proximal movement of the sled 42440. The protrusion 42429 is longitudinally disposed within the longitudinal slot 42426 such that the protrusion 42429 can stop proximal movement of the sled 42440 regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped.

[0087] In addition to the above, and referring again to FIG. 121 , the cartridge body 42420 also includes a longitudinal slot 42427 defined therein that is configured to receive the lateral staple deploying ramps 42447 of the sled 42440. Similar to the above, the cartridge body 42420 further includes protrusions 42426 extending inwardly from the sidewalls of the longitudinal slot 42427, which can inhibit or prevent proximal movement of the sled 42440. More specifically, each protrusion 42426 includes a proximally-facing ramp that allows the sled 42440 to pass during a staple firing stroke, and a distally-facing shoulder that stops proximal movement of the sled 42440. The sled 42240 includes a hook 42248 extending from the rail 42447 that can abut the distally-facing shoulder of the protrusion 42428 as the sled 42240 moves proximally. The protrusions 42428 are longitudinally disposed within the longitudinal slots 42427 such that the protrusions 42428 can stop proximal movement of the sled 42440 regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped. Additionally or alternatively, the jaw 42220 includes protrusions 42224 extending upwardly from the bottom support 42225 configured to interact with a bottom portion 42445 of the sled 42440. Each protrusion 42224 includes a proximally facing bevel that allows the sled 42440 to pass through during the staple firing stroke and a distally facing shoulder that stops proximal movement of the sled 42440.

[0088] The 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, an interchangeable staple cartridge 43400 positioned within the first jaw 43220, and a staple firing drive 43700. The staple cartridge 43400 includes a cartridge body 43420 and a sled 43440 positioned within the cartridge body 43420 and slidable from a proximal position ( FIG. 122 ) toward a distal position during a staple firing stroke. The sled 43440 includes a ramp configured to engage a staple driver within the cartridge body 43420 to eject staples from the staple cartridge 43400. The sled 43440 also includes a tissue-cutting knife 43450 fixedly attached thereto. 122 , when the sled 43440 is in its proximal, unfired position, the knife edge of the tissue-severing knife 43450 is positioned between lateral knife guards 43425 that extend upwardly from the deck or top of the cartridge body 43420. As the sled 43440 advances distally during a staple firing stroke, the knife edge of the tissue-severing knife 43450 is exposed to patient tissue captured between the jaws 43220 and 43230. As described in more detail below, the sled 43440 is movable distally by a firing bar 43720 of a staple firing system 43700. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 8,540,133, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE," issued September 24, 2013, 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 sleds 43440 of the unused staple cartridge 43400 compress a spent cartridge lockout 43290 attached to the bottom of the first jaw 43220. The spent cartridge lockout 43290 can, for example, include an upwardly extending folded spring attached to the first jaw 43220 on one side and contacted by the sleds 43220 on the other side. When the spent cartridge lockout 43290 is depressed or released by the sleds 43220, the firing bar 43720 can be advanced distally to couple the firing bar 43720 with the sleds 43440, as shown in FIGS. 123 and 124 . More specifically, the firing bar 43720 includes a rotatably mounted latch 43730 that latches to the sled 43440 when the firing bar 43720 is advanced distally and the spent cartridge lockout 43290 is forced downwardly by the sled 43440. The latch 43730 includes a distal latch end 43731 that engages a latch recess 43441 defined in the sled 43440, and once engaged, the firing bar 43720 is pushed distally to push the sled 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 the staple firing stroke to hold the jaws 43220 and 43230 in position relative to one another. Also, notably, the spent cartridge lockout 43290 is configured to resiliently return to its locked state after the sled 43440 is pushed distally from the spent cartridge lockout 43290, but does not interfere with the current staple firing stroke in such instances because the spent cartridge lockout 43290 has already been bypassed by the unused staple cartridge 43400.

[0090] After the staple firing stroke is completed or the staple firing stroke is stopped, the firing bar 43720 retracts into its proximal, unfired position. Referring to FIG. 125 , as the firing bar 43720 retracts, the latch 43730 pulls the sled 43440 proximally along with the firing bar 43720. As the firing bar 43720 approaches its proximal, unfired position, the latch 43730 disengages from the sled 43740. More specifically, referring to FIG. 126 , the latch 43730 contacts the spent cartridge lockout 43290, which lifts the distal latch end 43731 of the latch 43730 out of the latch recess 43441 defined in the sled 43440. At such point, the sled 43440 does not retract with the firing assembly 43720. In fact, in such a situation, the sled 43440 does not fully retract. 127, the sled 43440 is left in a partially advanced or fired position where the sled 43440 is not seated on the spent cartridge lockout 43290 (but is in a position where the knife edge of the tissue-severing knife 43750 is protected by the knife guard 43425). As a result, the spent cartridge lockout 43290 remains in its locked position until the spent 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 again advanced distally before the spent staple cartridge 43400 is replaced, referring to FIG. 128, the latch 43730 will contact the staple cartridge lockout 43290, stopping the distal advancement of the firing bar 43720. As a result, the spent cartridge lockout 43290 prevents a staple firing stroke of the staple firing system 43700 when an unused staple cartridge 43400 is not seated in the first jaw 43220.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, any suitable spent cartridge lockout can be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, an electronic spent cartridge lockout can be used. In at least one such embodiment, the stapling instrument includes an electric motor configured to drive the 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 in the first jaw 43220. The sensor can be configured, for example, to detect the presence of the sled 43440 in its proximal, unfired position. Notably, the spent cartridge lockout 43290 of the stapling instrument 43000 also functions as a missing cartridge lockout. 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 similar manner by the spent cartridge lockout 43290.

[0092] Portions of a stapling instrument 44000 are shown in Figures 129-133. The stapling instrument 44000 includes a staple cartridge 44400 and a staple firing drive 44700. The staple cartridge 44400 includes a cartridge body 44420 including staple cavities 44424 and longitudinal slots 44426 defined therein, staples removably stored in the staple cavities 44424, and a tissue-cutting knife 44450 stored at a 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 44451 extending above the cartridge body 44420. 129 and 130 , when the tissue-severing knife 44450 is in the proximal, unfired position, the knife edge 44451 is positioned between the knife guard 44425 extending upward from the cartridge body 44420 such that the knife edge 44451 is not exposed. When the staple cartridge 44400 is loaded into the stapling instrument 44000, the tissue-severing knife 44450 is positioned in front of the firing member 44720 of the staple firing drive 44700. At such time, a gap exists between the firing member 44720 and the tissue-severing knife 44450, and the firing member 44720 is not connected to the tissue-severing knife 44450. However, as the firing member 44720 advances distally, the firing member 44720 connects with the tissue-severing knife 44450. More specifically, the tissue-severing knife 44450 includes a proximally extending latch arm 44452 that is biased inwardly into a locking recess 44722 defined on an opposite side of the firing member 44720 by a sidewall of the longitudinal slot 44426 when the firing member 44720 contacts the tissue-severing knife 44450 and initially advances the tissue-severing knife 44450 distally. Referring to FIG. 131 , at such point, the tissue-severing knife 44450 is attached to the firing member 44720, and the tissue-severing knife 44450 and the firing member 44720 are advanced distally together through a staple firing stroke, as shown in FIG. 132 .As the tissue-severing knife 44450 is advanced distally, the knife edge 44451 moves distally out from between the knife guards 44425, exposing the tissue-severing knife 44450 to the tissue. Additionally, the firing member 44720 includes an integral sled 44740 configured to engage a staple driver in the staple cartridge 44400 and eject staples from the staple cavities 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 instance, the firing member 44720 pulls the tissue-severing knife 44450 proximally. When the tissue-severing knife 44450 is returned to its proximal, unfired position, the knife edge 44451 is positioned between the knife guards 44425. Further, with reference to FIG. 133 , when the tissue-severing knife 44450 is returned to its proximal position, the tissue-severing knife 44450 is released from the firing member 44720. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 130 , the latch arm 44452 resiliently rebounds outward due to a clearance provided by a recess 44422 defined in the cartridge body 44420 when the tissue-severing 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 into 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 examples, the firing member 44720 can be pulled away from the latch arm 44452 when the latch arm 44452 is still partially engaged with the locking recess 44722 defined in the firing member 44720.

[0094] A surgical instrument 45000 is shown in FIGS. 134-138. Referring primarily to FIG. 134, the surgical instrument 45000 comprises an end effector 45200 including a first jaw 45220 and a second jaw, or anvil 45230, 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 comprises a jaw closure system 45600 configured to close the second jaw 45230. More specifically, the jaw closure system 45600 includes a proximally movable closure member 45620 for camming the second jaw 45230 downwardly toward its closed position. The surgical instrument 45000 further comprises a staple firing system 45700 including a rotatable drive shaft 45710 and a firing member 45720 threadably engaged with the drive shaft 45710, the firing member 45720 being movable distally during a staple firing stroke. The first jaw 45220 is configured to receive an exchangeable staple cartridge 45400 therein, the staple cartridge 45400 comprising a cartridge body 45420, staples removably stored in the cartridge body 45420, and a staple driver configured to support the staples and eject them from the cartridge body 45420 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 45400 further comprises a sled 45440 movable by the firing member 45720 from a proximal, unfired position to a distal, fired position to push the staple driver upward 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, the surgical instrument 45000 further comprises 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 if the staple cartridge 45400 is missing from the first jaw 45220 or if a staple cartridge 45400 positioned in the first jaw 45220 has previously been fired. Referring primarily to FIGS. 135 and 136 , the lockout assembly 45900 comprises 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 positioned below the pivot pin 45240, although it may be positioned in any suitable location. The anvil closure lockout 45920 is rotatably mounted 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 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, rotating the anvil closure lockout 45920 into its unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 137. In such a case, the proximal end 45924 of the anvil closure lockout 45920 disengages from the closure member 45620, allowing the closure member 45620 to 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 in the first jaw 45220, such that the second jaw 45230 can be opened and closed as many times as desired by the clinician as long as the staple cartridge 45400 is seated in the first jaw 45220. However, if 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 is rotated to its unlocked position, such that the biasing spring 45940 resiliently returns the anvil closure lockout 45920 to its locked position when the staple cartridge 45400 is removed.

[0096] The staple firing lockout 45930 is rotatably mounted to the frame 45910 about a pivot 45932 and is rotatable about the pivot 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 that is 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 sleds 45440 of the staple cartridge 45400 contact the distal end 45936 of the staple firing lockout 45930, rotating the staple firing lockout 45930 into its unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 137 . In such an instance, the distal end 45936 of the staple firing lockout 45930 disengages from the firing member 45720, and the firing member 45720 can be moved distally to perform a staple firing stroke. However, once the sled 45440 is advanced 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 is rotated to its unlocked position, and as the sled 45440 is advanced distally, the biasing spring 45940 resiliently returns the staple firing lockout 45930 to its locked position. As a result, once the sled 45440 is advanced distally through its staple firing stroke by the firing member 45720, the staple firing lockout 45930 is rotated back into its locked position. This is not critical 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.Notably, however, the sled 45440 is not returned proximally by the firing member 45720 after a staple firing stroke, and the staple firing lockout 45930 is biased in front of the firing member 45720 by the biasing spring 45940 such that, once the firing member 45720 is returned to its proximal, unfired position, a subsequent firing stroke of the firing member 45720 is not enabled until the spent staple cartridge 45400 is replaced with an unused staple cartridge 45400. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 458,108, filed June 30, 2019, and entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM," is incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] The staple cartridge 46400 is shown in FIGS. 139-143. The staple cartridge 46400 comprises a cartridge body 46420, staples removably stored in the cartridge body 46420, a staple driver configured to support and eject the staples from the cartridge body 46420, and a sled 46440 configured to urge the staple driver upward toward the top or deck of the cartridge body 46420 during a staple firing stroke. The sled 46440 comprises a ramp or rail 46442 configured to engage the staple driver slidably positioned within a longitudinal slot 46422 defined in the cartridge body 46420. The sled 46440 further comprises a central portion 46446 slidably positioned in a central longitudinal slot 46426 defined in the cartridge body 46420. The sled 46440 is movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke, in which the sled 46440 is pushed distally by the 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 sled 46440 proximally toward its proximal unfired position, but, as described in more detail below, the sled 46440 stops before reaching its proximal unfired position. At such point, the staple firing system pulls away from the sled 46440 such that the sled 46440 remains in a partially fired position.

[0098] 139 , in addition to the above, the staple cartridge 46400 further includes a spent cartridge lock 46490 rotatably mounted to the cartridge body 46420 about the pin 46425. Referring primarily to FIG. 140 , the spent cartridge lock 46490 includes a trippable portion 46497 that extends into an opening 46447 defined in the sled 46440 when the spent cartridge lock 46490 is in its unlocked position ( FIG. 140 ). As shown in FIG. 141 , when the sled 46440 is advanced distally, an end wall of the opening 46447 defined in the sled 46440 contacts the trippable portion 46497 of the spent cartridge lock 46490, rotating the spent cartridge lock 46490 into the locked position ( FIG. 142 ). Referring to FIG. 142 , in the locked position of the spent cartridge lock 46490, the locking portion 46495 of the spent cartridge lock 46490 is positioned within the locking opening 46427 defined in the cartridge body 46420. When the sled 46440 is retracted after a staple firing stroke, further to the above, proximal movement of the sled 46440 is impeded by the locking portion 46495, which prevents the sled 46440 from returning to its proximal, unfired position. Instead, the sled 46440 remains in the used, albeit retracted, position. In cooperation with a staple firing lockout within the surgical instrument, the staple firing system is prevented from advancing the sled 46440 from its retracted, used position.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." The entire disclosure of "Having a Linked Transmission" is incorporated herein by reference. In such embodiments, the firing bar of the staple firing system must engage the sled 46440 at the start of the staple firing stroke to pass through the staple firing lockout defined in the first jaw 46220; if the firing bar does not engage the sled 46440 at the start of the staple firing stroke, the firing bar will abut the staple firing lockout and the firing bar will be 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, the spent staple cartridge 46400 must be removed and replaced with an unused staple cartridge 46400, or any other suitable unused staple cartridge.

[0099] 57 , an end effector of a 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 including a proximal end 30224, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cartridge body 30222 further includes a longitudinal slot 30228 extending from the proximal end 30224 toward the distal end, as well as staple cavities 30223 disposed in longitudinal rows on either side of the longitudinal slot 30228. A staple, or any other suitable fastener, is removably stored in each staple cavity 30223.

[0100] Further to the above, the stapling instrument includes cartridge jaws configured to receive the staple cartridge 30220. The cartridge jaws and / or the staple cartridge 30220 include features configured to releasably retain the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaws. In various examples, the staple cartridge 30220 includes snap-fit ​​features, for example, at the proximal end 30224 and at the distal end of the staple cartridge body 30222, to releasably retain the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaws. In various examples, with reference to FIG. 58 , the proximal end of the staple cartridge 30220 may not be fully seated within the cartridge jaws or snapped into place when the staple cartridge 30220 is inserted within the cartridge jaws. In such cases, the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222 may be higher than the distal end, resulting in a sloped deck between the proximal end 30224 and the distal end. If the clinician notices this, they can correct the condition by depressing the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222 to fully seat the proximal end 30234. If not, as discussed in more detail below, the stapling instrument has a self-correcting feature that fully seats the staple cartridge 30220 within the cartridge jaws.

[0101] The cartridge body 30222 includes protrusions 30225 extending upward from the proximal end 30224 of the cartridge body 30222. For example, a first protrusion 30225 extends upward from a first side of the longitudinal slot 30228, and a second protrusion 30225 extends upward from a second side of the longitudinal slot 30228. Each protrusion 30225 includes an alignment post 30227 extending therefrom that is configured to be received in an alignment slot 30237 defined in the anvil 30230 when the anvil 30230 is moved into its clamping position. 58 , when the anvil 30230 moves into the clamping position, if the staple cartridge 30220 is not properly seated in the cartridge jaws, the anvil 30230 will contact the alignment posts 30227 and be forced downward onto the staple cartridge 30220 until the staple cartridge 30220 is seated in the cartridge jaws. On the other hand, if the staple cartridge 30220 is properly seated in the cartridge jaws, the alignment slots 30237 can receive the alignment posts 30227 without forcing the staple cartridge 30220 downward. Advantageously, this arrangement ensures that the tissue supporting surface 30221 of the staple cartridge 30220 and the tissue supporting surface 30231 of the anvil 30230 are properly aligned when the anvil 30230 is in its clamping position. Furthermore, 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] 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 so that the anvil 30230 contacts the staple cartridge 30220 regardless of whether the staple cartridge 30220 is properly or improperly seated within the cartridge jaws. As the anvil 30230 moves into its clamping position, the anvil 30230 contacts and permanently deforms the crush ribs 30229. In such a case, a snug interface is created between the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230. Such an arrangement can account for various manufacturing tolerances of the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230, among other things. Additionally, the crush ribs 30229 and the alignment posts 30227 can cooperatively align the anvil 30230 with the staple cartridge 30220. For example, the alignment posts can provide gross 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 staple firing drive of the stapling instrument include a tissue-severing knife that is translatable from the proximal end 30224 toward 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, a knife edge of the tissue-severing knife extends above the upper surface 30221 of the cartridge body 30222 to sever tissue clamped between the staple cartridge 30220 and the anvil 30230. In various examples, it is further inevitable that when a tissue-severing knife is part of the staple cartridge 30220, the knife edge will be exposed above the upper surface 30221 when the staple cartridge 30220 is not positioned within the cartridge jaws and / or when the staple cartridge 30220 is positioned within the cartridge jaws and the anvil is in the open, unclamping position. With this in mind, the protrusions 30225 are sized and configured to extend over and cover the knife edge when the tissue-cutting member is in its proximal, unfired position. Further, the protrusions 30225 are sized and configured to extend longitudinally relative to the knife edge when the tissue-cutting member is in its proximal, unfired position. As the tissue-cutting member moves distally during a 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 depicted in FIGS. 61-64 as being 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 urged into its fully seated position by the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is moved into its clamping position, as described above. The cartridge body 31222 includes projections 31225 extending upwardly from the proximal end 31224 of the cartridge body 31222. As described above, the projections 31225 are adjacent longitudinal slots 30228 and each include an alignment post 31227 extending therefrom. The alignment posts 31227 are configured to be received in alignment slots 31237 defined in the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is moved into its clamping position. The alignment post 31227 further includes crush ribs 31229 extending therefrom that are crushed by the anvil 31230 when the anvil 31230 is over-clamped (FIG. 64) past the parallel position (FIG. 63) to seat the staple cartridge 31220 if it is not already seated therein.

[0105] The staple cartridge 32220 and anvil 32230 are depicted in FIGS. 65-68, which are similar in many respects to the staple cartridges 30220, 31220 and anvils 30230, 31230. The staple cartridge 32220 includes a cartridge body 32222 with a proximal end 32224 that is urged into its fully seated position by the anvil 32230, as described above, when the anvil 32230 is moved into its clamping position. The cartridge body 32222 includes cams 32227 extending upwardly from the proximal end 32224 of the cartridge body 32222. As described above, the cams 32227 are adjacent longitudinal slots 30228, each including 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 into the clamping position to seat the staple cartridge 32220 if the staple cartridge 32220 is not already seated.

[0106] 71 and 72 , the staple cartridge 48400 includes a cartridge body including staple cavities 48425 defined therein. With reference to FIGS. 69 and 70 , the anvil 48230 is rotatably mounted about a pivot pin 48240 to the jaw that supports the staple cartridge 48400. The anvil 48230 includes staple forming pockets 48235 defined therein that are aligned with the staple cavities 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 the corresponding forming pocket 48235. In at least one example, each forming pocket 48235 includes two forming cups, each configured to deform the legs of a staple.

[0107] The staple cartridge 10000 is shown in FIG. 18 . The staple cartridge 10000 further comprises a deck surface 10010 and a base 10015. A sidewall 10020 extends between the deck surface 10010 and the base 10015. The staple cartridge 10000 further comprises an elongated slot 10006 extending from the proximal end 10002 toward the distal end 10004. A longitudinal axis is defined along the staple cartridge 10000 by the elongated slot 10006. The staple cartridge 10000 includes staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities are arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first row of staple cavities 10100 extends alongside the elongated slot 10006. The second row of staple cavities 10200 extends alongside the first row of staple cavities 10100 on the same side of the elongated slot 10006. The third row of staple cavities 10300 extends alongside the second row 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 unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke. The staple driver 10500 comprises 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 in the staple cavities 10100 from the first longitudinal row, the second staple support portion 10520 supports staples in the staple cavities 10200 from the second longitudinal row, and the third staple support portion 10530 supports staples in the staple cavities 10300 from the third longitudinal row. The base 10550 connects the three staple supporting portions 10510, 10520, 10530 to one another.

[0109] In various examples, the staple cartridge includes a component, such as a tray, positioned below and / or underneath the base of the staple cartridge to prevent elements, such as the staple drivers and / or staples, from separating from the staple cartridge during storage and / or handling. When such additional components are undesirable, the staple cartridge can include one or more driver retention features, as discussed in more detail herein. In addition to maintaining the staple drivers within the staple cartridge, the driver retention features can also function to maintain the staple drivers in their unfired position prior to the staple firing stroke. Retaining the staple drivers in their unfired position prior to the staple firing stroke can promote a uniform and / or superior staple firing stroke. In such examples, the driver retention features discussed herein prevent undesired movement of the staple drivers in any direction within the staple cavities.

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

[0111] Staple cartridge 10000', which is similar in many respects to staple cartridge 10000, is shown in FIG. 23. Staple cartridge 10000' includes windows 10025 defined in side wall 10020, which are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. Windows 10025 are positioned at the same height along staple cartridge 10000 as one another. Staple driver 10500', which is similar in many respects to staple driver 10500, is configured to be movably received within staple cartridge 10000'. Staple driver 10500' shown in FIG. 24 includes a driver retaining member and / or protrusion 10535' that resiliently extends from the side wall of third staple supporting portion 10530' toward side wall 10020 of staple cartridge 10000'. In other words, the portion 10530' of the staple driver 10500' that extends into the staple cavities 10300 from the third longitudinal row includes a driver retaining member and / or protrusion 10535' that extends from the third staple support portion 10530' toward the side wall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000'.

[0112] The driver holding member 10535' is resiliently connected to the base 10550' of the staple driver 10500'. As shown in FIG. 23 , when the staple driver 10500' is in its unfired position, the driver holding member 10535' extends through a window 10025 defined in the staple cartridge 10000'. The projection of the driver holding member 10535 through the window 10025 prevents the staple driver 10500' from moving freely 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' to urge the projection 10535' out of the window 10025. The driver holding member 10535' comprises a tapered and / or sloped upper surface configured to facilitate disengagement of the driver holding member 10535' from the window 10025 during a staple firing stroke. When an upward force is applied to the staple driver 10500', such as a force applied by an advancing firing member, the driver holding member 10535' is urged away from the side wall 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 the unfired position toward the fired position.

[0113] In various examples, the windows 10025 are positioned at different heights along the side wall 10020 of the staple cartridge 10000'. Such window placement facilitates the ability to retain staple drivers at different heights within the staple cartridge 10000'.

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

[0115] The staple drivers 11500 are movably positioned within the staple cavities 11100, 11200, 11300. Each staple driver 11500 is configured to move from an unfired position and a fired position during a staple firing stroke. As shown in FIG. 27 , the staple drivers 11500 include 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 in the staple cavities 11100 from the first longitudinal row, the second staple support portion 11520 supports staples in the staple cavities 11200 from the second longitudinal row, and the third staple support portion 11530 supports staples in the staple cavities 11300 from the third longitudinal row. The base 11550 connects the three staple supporting portions 11510, 11520, 11530 to one another.

[0116] The staple cartridge 11000 includes an outer wall 11020 that serves as a sidewall of the staple cavities in the third longitudinal row 11300. The outer wall 11020 includes resilient engagement portions with protrusions 11025 defined thereon. The staple cartridge 11000 further includes an inner wall 11030 that serves as a sidewall of the staple cavities in the first longitudinal row 11100. The inner wall 11030 includes resilient engagement portions with protrusions 11035 defined thereon. The protrusions 11025, 11035 of the staple cartridge 11000 are configured to engage with each staple driver 11500 as the staple drivers 11500 move within the staple cavities. 26 and 27 , the detents and / or notches 11515 are defined in the first staple supporting portion 11510 and the third staple supporting portion 11530. In various embodiments, the detents and / or notches 11515 can be defined on any suitable portion of the staple driver 11500, such as, for example, the second staple supporting portion 11520.

[0117] The staple driver 11500 is shown inserted into the right base 11015 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 resilient engaging portions 11025, 11035 of the staple cartridge 11000. In other words, the resilient engaging portions 11025, 11035 prevent the staple driver 11500 from being inserted into the staple cartridge 11000 without the application of 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. Contact between the first staple supporting portion 11510 and the inner wall 11030 biases at least a portion of the inner wall 11030 toward the elongated slot 11006 and away from the staple driver 11500. Similarly, when the staple driver 11500 is loaded into the staple cartridge 11000, the third staple supporting portion 11530 contacts the outer wall 11020 of the staple cartridge 11000. Contact between the third staple supporting portion 11530 and the outer wall 11020 biases at least a portion of the outer wall 11020 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 away from the staple cavity, an insertion path is cleared for the staple driver 11500, which can be loaded into the staple cartridge 11000 and held in an unfired position.

[0118] The staple driver 11500 is shown retained in an unfired position to the left of the elongated slot 11006 of the staple cartridge 11000 shown in FIG. 26 . In particular, the resilient engagement portions of the inner wall 11030 and the outer wall 11020 are in an unbiased and / or natural configuration. The staple driver 11500 is retained in the unfired position because the protrusions 11025, 11035 defined on the resilient engagement portions are received by the detents and / or notches 11515 defined in the first staple support portion 11510 and the third staple support portion 11530 of the staple driver 11500. Stated another way, 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 either direction from the unfired position.

[0119] As discussed in more detail herein, the driver retaining features may be integrally formed within the staple cartridge. Staple cartridges, such as staple cartridge 11900, can be manufactured through an injection molding process. As shown in FIG. 29 , top mold 11800 and bottom mold 11700 are positioned to allow injection molding of staple cartridge 11900 including driver retaining features. Like staple cartridge 11000, staple cartridge 11900 includes three longitudinal rows of staple cavities extending along each side of an elongated slot.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 , the bottom mold 11700 includes a central protrusion 11750 extending from a base, the central protrusion 11750 being configured to define an elongated slot in 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 a first distance from the base in alignment with the central protrusion 11750 and is configured to define staple cavities in the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 11720 extends a second distance from the base in alignment with the first protrusion 11710 and is configured to define staple cavities in the second longitudinal row. The third protrusion 11730 extends a third distance from the base in alignment with the second protrusion 11720 and is configured to define staple cavities in the third longitudinal row. The third distance is less than the first distance and the second distance.

[0121] The top mold 11800 includes a central protrusion 11850 extending from the base, the central protrusion 11850 being configured to align with the central protrusion 11750 of the bottom mold 11700 to define an elongated slot in the staple cartridge 19000. The top mold 11800 further includes three protrusions extending from the base along each side of the central protrusion 11850. The first protrusion 11810 extends a first distance from the base in alignment 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 a second distance from the base in alignment 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 a third distance from the base alongside 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. Stated another way, the first protrusions 11710 and second protrusions 11720 of the bottom mold 11700 define the majority of the first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities because the first protrusions 11710 and second protrusions 11720 are taller than the third protrusion 11730 of the bottom mold 11700. Conversely, the third protrusion 11830 of the top mold 11800 defines the majority of the third longitudinal row of staple cavities because the third protrusion 11830 is taller than the first protrusions 11820 and second protrusions 11830 of the top 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 second protrusions 11720, 11820 include a rectangular profile, while the ends of the third protrusions 11730, 11830 include a tapered and / or sloped profile. The tapered and / or sloped profile of the third protrusion 11730 of the bottom mold 11700 complements the tapered and / or sloped profile of the third protrusion 11830 of the top mold 11800. The tapered profile allows for definition of a resilient engagement portion comprising a locking protrusion 11925 on the outer wall of the staple cartridge 11900, which extends into the staple cavities. In the depicted embodiment, the locking projections 11925 extend into the staple cavities from the third longitudinal row. The locking projections 11925 are positioned to interface with the staple drivers to maintain the staple drivers in their unfired position. The locking projections 11925 are configured to prevent undesired movement of the staple drivers within the staple cavities, such as movement of the staple drivers from the unfired position to the fired position and / or separation from the staple cartridge 19000.

[0123] 28 shows a staple driver 11600 for use with the staple cartridge 11900. The staple driver 11600 includes a first staple supporting portion 11610 configured to be positioned within staple cavities from a first longitudinal row, a second staple supporting portion 11620 configured to be positioned within staple cavities from a second longitudinal row, and a third staple supporting portion 11630 configured to be positioned within staple cavities from a third longitudinal row. The third staple supporting portion 11630 includes a ledge 11634. In various examples, a bottom section 11636 of the third staple supporting portion 11630 is removed to form the ledge 11634. The ledges 11634 comprise flat surfaces that directly abut flat surfaces formed on each locking projection 11925 of the staple cartridge 11900 when the staple drivers 11600 are in the unfired position. Such an interface prevents the staple drivers 11600 from separating from the staple cartridge 11900 through the base of the staple cartridge 11900. Each locking projection 11925 further comprises a sloped surface to facilitate translation of the staple drivers 11600 from their unfired position to their fired position when contacted by the firing member during the staple firing stroke. In the depicted embodiment, less force is required to move the staple drivers 11600 from their unfired position to their fired position than is required to move the staple drivers 11600 from their unfired position toward the base of the staple cartridge 11900.

[0124] 31A-32B show various elements of the staple cartridge 12000 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 12000 includes a cartridge body 12005 including a deck surface 12010. Staple cavities 12020 are defined within the cartridge body 12005. Staples are removably positioned within the staple cavities 12020. Staple drivers 12200 are positioned within the staple cavities 12020 to support the staples and are configured to push the staples toward an anvil positioned on the opposite side of the staple cartridge 12000 during the 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 a staple firing stroke. As discussed in more detail herein, the staple driver 12200 is in an unfired position or configuration prior to being contacted by the firing member 12100 during a staple firing stroke. FIG. 31A shows the firing member 12100 advancing from its proximal position toward 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 distal movement of the firing member 12100. Contact between the tapered engagement surface 12210 and the distal end 12104 of the firing member 12100 causes the staple driver 12200 to begin driving upward in a first direction 1. The firing member 12100 includes an angled 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 eventually reaches a fully fired position as the staple driver 12200 is driven upward by the firing member 12100. The staple driver 12200 is shown in the fully fired position in FIG. 31B . In the fully fired position, at least a portion of the staple driver 12200 extends above 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 retraction path when the staple driver 12200 is maintained in its fully fired position.

[0127] Once the staple driver 12200 reaches its fully fired position, the firing member 12100 continues to translate distally until it passes the staple driver 12200. As the firing member 12100 translates distally past the staple driver 12200, the staple driver 12200 can optionally drop downward in the second direction 2 from its fully fired position to a position somewhere 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 and / or holding position, the staple driver 12200 is positioned higher than the staple driver 12200 in its unfired position but lower than the staple driver 12200 in its fully fired position. In various examples, for example, 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 downwardly toward an unfired position, the firing member 12100 is prevented from being retracted past the dropped staple drivers 12200. As 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] 32B , the proximal end 12102 of the firing member 12100 includes an angled engagement surface or ramp 12120. As the firing member 12100 is retracted proximally, the angled engagement surface 12120 of the firing member 12100 contacts the distal end 12204 of the staple driver 12200. The contact made 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 again driven upward in the 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 be retracted proximally past 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 be retracted. The staple driver 12200 may move back toward an unfired position once the firing member 12100 is retracted past the staple driver 12200. Various methods for retaining the staple driver in a fully fired and / or raised position are discussed in more detail herein.

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

[0131] As discussed in more detail herein, the staple cartridge 13000 includes protrusions 13400 extending upwardly from the deck surface 13010 and / or toward the anvil. The protrusions 13400 surround at least a portion of the staple cavities 13100, 13200, 13300 and can, for example, help to prevent tissue from moving relative to the deck surface 13010 and / or help to support the staples as they are ejected during the staple firing stroke.

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

[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 unfired position before being contacted by the firing member during the staple firing stroke. The staple driver 13500 eventually reaches a fully fired position as the staple driver 13500 is driven upward by the firing member. Once the staple driver 13500 reaches its fully fired position, the firing member continues to translate distally until the firing member is no longer in contact with the staple driver 13500. As the firing member translates distally past the staple driver 13500, the staple driver 13500 can drop to a raised position between the unfired and fully fired positions.

[0134] To maintain the staple drivers in at least their raised position after the firing member is no longer in contact with the staple drivers, the staple cartridge 13000 includes driver holding members 13050 extending into and / or over the staple cavities to engage the staple drivers 13500 and retain the staple drivers 13500 in their raised and / or fully fired position. Each driver holding member 13050 extends from the cartridge body 13008 into a respective staple cavity 13200 in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 35 , the driver holding member 13050 is positioned between the protrusions 13400 that surround a portion of the staple cavity 13200. An opening 13525 is defined in a portion of the staple driver 13500 configured to receive the driver holding member 13050. An opening 13525 is defined in the second staple supporting portion 13520 as the depicted driver retaining member 13050 extends into the staple cavities 13200 from the second longitudinal row.

[0135] The openings 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 openings 13525 can be formed in the staple driver 13500 in any suitable manner. In various examples, the openings 13525 are created by injection molded pins.

[0136] In various examples, the second staple supporting portion 13520 comprises additional material relative to the first and third staple supporting portions 13510, 13530 due to the opening 13525 defined therein. For example, with reference to FIG. 34 , the first staple supporting portion 13510 comprises a first end 13512 and a second end 13514. The first end 13512 is configured to support a first leg of a staple, and the second end 13514 is configured to support a second leg of a staple. The first end 13512 and the second end 13514 are connected to one another by an intermediate portion 13516. The intermediate portion 13516 is positioned a first distance below the first end 13512 and the second end 13514. When a staple is supported by the first staple supporting portion 13510, the intermediate portion 13516 does not contact the staple. The second staple supporting portion 13520 includes a first end 13522 and a second end 13524. The first end 13522 is configured to support a first leg of a staple, and the second end 13524 is configured to support a second leg of a staple. The first end 13522 and the second end 13524 are connected to one another by an intermediate portion 13526. The intermediate portion 13526 is positioned a second distance below the first end 13522 and the second end 13524. The second distance is shorter than the first distance. In other words, the intermediate portion 13526 of the second staple supporting portion 13520 is larger to be accommodated in 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. As the firing member drives the staple driver 13500 from the unfired position toward the fully fired position, the staple driver 13500 resiliently bends the tab 13252 of the driver holding member 13050 out of the drive path of the staple driver 13500. In other words, the upward force applied by the firing member to the staple driver 13500 is strong enough to urge the driver holding member 13050 out of the drive path of the staple driver 13500, allowing the staple driver 13500 to reach the 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 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 the fully fired position. When the firing member translates distally past the staple driver 13500, the staple driver 13500 can begin to fall back toward the unfired position. In such a case, the tab 13252 of the driver holding member 13050 springs back into the drive path of the staple driver 13500 such that the protrusion 13255 of the driver holding member 13050 is captured 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 Figures 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 protrusions 13255 and openings 13525 can be configured and / or arranged to hold the staple driver 13500 in its fully fired position, or alternatively, the protrusions 13255 and openings 13525 can be configured and / or arranged to hold the staple driver 13500 in its raised position between the unfired position and its fully fired position.

[0138] 36A and 36B, a staple cartridge 14000 is depicted comprising a deck surface 14010 and an elongated slot 14006 extending from the proximal end 14002 toward the 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 laterally relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 14006. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 14010 is adjacent the elongated 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 elongated slot 14006. The second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14100, and the third longitudinal row of staple cavities 14300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14200. The staple cartridge 14000 further comprises a protrusion extending above the deck surface 14010. The protrusion depicted on the staple cartridge 14000 is in the form of a pocket extension. The pocket extension supports the legs of the staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the protrusion is not a pocket extension. The first protrusion 14150 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14100 in the first longitudinal row, the second protrusion 14250 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14200 in the second longitudinal row, and the third protrusion 14350 surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities 14300 in the third longitudinal row. The protrusions are connected to one another. For example, the first protrusion 14150 connects to the second protrusion 14250 and / or the second protrusion 14250 connects to the third protrusion 14350. In other examples, the protrusions are separate and distinct from one another and are not connected to one another except at the deck surface 14010.

[0139] The protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 comprise a square or substantially square geometric shape. Stated another way, the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 surround a portion of the staple cavities in a manner that mimics a square geometric shape. Notably, the curvature and / or edges of the protrusions 14150, 14250, 14350 are not critical. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 14150 entirely surrounds the staple cavities 14100 in the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 14250 surrounds approximately three-quarters of the staple cavities 14200 in the second longitudinal row. The third projection 14350 is comprised of two projections that surround the proximal and distal ends 14302, 14304 of the staple cavities 14300 from within the third longitudinal row, and the two projections are not connected. Overall, the third projection 14350 encompasses approximately half of the staple cavities 14300. In various examples, the first projection 14150 encompasses the staple cavities to a greater amount than the second projection 14250 and the third projection 14350. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the extent to which the projections 14150, 14250, 14350 encompass a particular staple cavity varies based on the lateral position of the staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 14006. While the depicted protrusions within a particular longitudinal row of staple cavities are all the same, it is contemplated that the protrusions within the same longitudinal row may vary based on the position of the particular staple cavity relative to the proximal end 14002 and / or distal end 14004 of the staple cartridge 14000.

[0140] 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 protrusion 14150, 14250, 14350 and / or staple cavities 14100, 14200, 14300 relative to the elongated slot 14006. In various examples, each protrusion 14150, 14250, 14350 comprises 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] 37A and 37B depict a staple cartridge 14500 comprising a deck surface 14510 and an elongated slot 14506 extending from the proximal end 14502 toward the 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 relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 14506. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 14510 is adjacent the elongated slot 14506. The staple cartridge 14500 further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14600 extends alongside the elongated slot 14506. The second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14700 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 14600, and the third longitudinal row of staple cavities 14800 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 14700. The staple cartridge 14500 further comprises 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 the staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the protrusion is not a pocket extension. The first projection 14650 surrounds a first portion of each of the staple cavities 14600 in the first longitudinal row, the second projection 14750 surrounds a second portion of each of the staple cavities 14700 in the second longitudinal row, and the third projection 14850 surrounds a third portion of each of the staple cavities 14800 in the third longitudinal row. In various examples, the projections are connected to one another. However, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 37A and 37B , the projections are separate and distinct from one another.

[0142] The protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 each comprise an elongated or diamond-like geometric shape. The protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 surround a portion of the staple cavity to closely fit the boundaries of the elongated, diamond-like shape of the staple cavity. Notably, the curves and / or edges of the protrusions 14650, 14750, 14850 form acute and / or obtuse angles. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 14650 surrounds approximately three-quarters of the staple cavity 14600 from within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 14750 is comprised of two protrusions that surround the proximal end 14702 and distal end 14704 of the staple cavity 14700 from within the second longitudinal row, and the two protrusions are not connected. Overall, the second projections 14750 encompass approximately half of the staple cavities 14700. Similarly, the third projections 14850 are comprised of two projections that surround the proximal and distal ends 14802, 14804 of the staple cavities 14800 from within the third longitudinal row, and the two projections are not connected. Overall, the third projections 14850 encompass approximately half of the staple cavities 14800. In various examples, the first projections 14650 encompass the staple cavities to a greater extent than the second projections 14750 and the third projections 14850. In various examples, the second projections 14750 and the third projections 14850 encompass the staple cavities to the same and / or similar extents. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the extent to which the projections 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. While the depicted projections within a particular longitudinal row of staple cavities are all the same, it is envisioned that the projections within the same longitudinal row can vary based on the position of the particular staple cavity relative to the proximal end 14502 and / or distal end 14504 of the staple cartridge 14500.

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

[0144] 38A and 38B , a staple cartridge 15000 is depicted comprising a deck surface 15010 and an elongated slot 15006 extending from a proximal end 15002 toward 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 relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 15006. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 15010 is adjacent the elongated 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 elongated slot 15006. The second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15100, and the third longitudinal row of staple cavities 15300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15200. The staple cartridge 15000 further comprises a protrusion extending above the deck surface 15010. The protrusion depicted on the staple cartridge 15000 is in the form of a pocket extension. The pocket extension supports the legs of the staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the protrusion is not a pocket extension. The first protrusion 15150 surrounds a first portion of each of the staple cavities 15100 in the first longitudinal row, the second protrusion 15250 surrounds a second portion of each of the staple cavities 15200 in the second longitudinal row, and the third protrusion 15350 surrounds a third portion of each of the staple cavities 15300 in the third longitudinal row. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusions are connected to one another. More specifically, the first protrusion 15150 is connected to the second protrusion 15250, and the second protrusion 15250 is connected to the third protrusion 15350.

[0145] The protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 comprise an elongated or diamond-like geometric shape. Stated another way, the protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 surround a portion of the staple cavities so as to closely conform to the boundaries of the staple cavities. In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 15150 entirely surrounds the staple cavities 15100 from within the first longitudinal row. The second protrusion 15250 entirely surrounds the staple cavities 15200 from within the second longitudinal row. The third protrusion 15350 entirely surrounds the staple cavities 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. Not only do the protrusions 15150, 15250, 15350 vary based on the location of the staple cavities 15100, 15200, 15300 relative to the elongated slot 15006, but the height of the protrusions can also 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, given the curved nature of the deck surface 15010, the height of the protrusion increases as the protrusion is spaced further from the lateral slot 15006. More specifically, the portions of the protrusions located closer to the elongated slot 15006 are shorter than the portions of the protrusions located farther from the elongated slot 15006.

[0147] 39A and 39B depict a staple cartridge 15500 comprising a deck surface 15510 and an elongated slot 15506 extending from the proximal end 15502 toward the 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 relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 15506. The highest point of the depicted deck surface 15510 is adjacent the elongated slot 15506. The staple cartridge 15500 further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15500 extends alongside the elongated slot 15506. The second longitudinal row of staple cavities 15700 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 15600, and the 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 the staples above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the protrusion is not a pocket extension. The protrusion 15900 spans the three longitudinal rows of staple cavities. For example, a projection 15900 encompasses the proximal ends 15602 of staple cavities 15600 from a first longitudinal row, the distal ends 15704 of staple cavities 15700 from a second longitudinal row, and the proximal ends 15802 of staple cavities 15800 from a third longitudinal row. Another projection 15900 encompasses the distal ends 15604 of staple cavities 15600 from the first longitudinal row, the proximal ends 15702 of staple cavities 15700 from the second longitudinal row, and the distal ends 15804 of staple cavities 15800 from the third longitudinal row.

[0148] The protrusions 15900 comprise a diamond-like geometric shape. The protrusions 15900 surround a portion of the staple cavity to closely conform to the boundaries of the staple cavity. The height of each protrusion 15900 varies 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 protrusions 15900 is the same across each protrusion 15900. To achieve a horizontal plane across the protrusions 15900 having a curved deck surface 15506, it is necessary for the height of the protrusions 15900 to vary as the protrusions 15900 extend away from the elongated slot 15606. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 15900 spaced furthest from the elongated slot 15506 extends a greater distance from the deck surface 15510 than the portion of the protrusion 15900 spaced closest 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 staple cartridge jaws 16020. At least one of the anvil 16010 and the staple cartridge jaws 16020 are movable relative to one another 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 having a plurality of staple forming pockets 16012 defined therein.

[0150] The staple cartridge 16100 is configured to be replaceably seated within the staple cartridge jaws 16020. The staple cartridge 16100 includes an elongated slot 16106 extending from a proximal end toward a distal end. A 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 a sloped deck surface. A tissue gap is defined between the deck surface 16108 and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010. The tissue gap varies laterally relative to the elongated slot 16106. In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is smallest at a point adjacent the elongated slot 16106. The tissue gap is larger at points spaced laterally from the elongated slot 16106 .

[0151] The staple cartridge 16100 includes staple cavities defined therein. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities 16100 extends alongside the elongated slot 16106. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 16200 extends alongside 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 alongside 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 cavities 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 cavities 16130 in the third longitudinal row and the tissue support surface 16014 of the anvil 16010.

[0152] The staple cartridge 16100 includes protrusions 16400 extending upwardly from the curved deck surface 16108 and / or toward the anvil 16010. The protrusions 16400 surround at least a portion of the staple cavities 16110, 16120, 16130 and serve to, 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 provide stability to the staple driver and / or staples during a staple firing stroke. The extent to which the protrusions 16400 surround a particular staple cavity can vary based on the position of the staple cavity within the staple cartridge 16100. The protrusions 16400 can vary based on the location of a particular staple cavity relative to the elongated slot 16106. For example, the protrusions 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16110 in the first longitudinal row can all be the same. However, the projections 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16110 in the first longitudinal row can be different from the projections 16400 surrounding the staple cavities 16120, 16130 in 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 end of the staple cartridge 16100. The projections 16400 can vary in height, length, and / or geometry, for example. The manner in which the projections 16400 can vary is discussed in more detail herein.

[0153] In the depicted embodiment, the first protrusion 16400a surrounds first portions of the staple cavities 16110 in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The first protrusion 16400a extends a first distance above the deck surface 16108. The second protrusion 16400b surrounds second portions of the staple cavities 16120 in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second protrusion 16400b extends a second distance above the deck surface 16108. The third protrusion 16400c surrounds third portions of the staple cavities 16130 in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third protrusion 16400c extends a third distance above the deck surface 16108. In various examples, the first distance is different from the second distance and the third distance. In the embodiment shown in Figures 40 and 41, the third distance is greater than the first distance, which is greater than the second distance, however, the protrusions 16400 can extend any distance from the deck surface 16108 to achieve the desired tissue gripping effect.

[0154] 41 , the staple cartridge 16100 further comprises a staple driver 16500. The staple driver 16500 comprises a first staple supporting portion 16510, a second staple supporting portion 16520, and a third staple supporting portion 16530. The first staple supporting portion 16510 extends into the staple cavities 16110 from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second staple supporting portion 16520 extends into the staple cavities 16120 from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third staple supporting portion 16530 extends into the staple cavities 16130 from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple supporting portions 16510, 16520, 16530 are connected through a base 16550. The staple supporting portions 16510, 16520, 16530 all extend a distance away from the base 16550 of the staple driver 16500. The top surface of each staple supporting portion 16510, 16520, 16530 is aligned with the top surfaces of the other staple supporting portions 16510, 16520, 16530 of the staple driver 16500 within the staple cartridge 16100.

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

[0156] The staple drivers 16500 are also shown in a fully fired position near the deck surface 16108 of the staple cartridge 16100 in FIG. 41 . In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple drivers 16500 are "overdriven" and extend above the deck surface 16108 of the staple cartridge 16100. As discussed in more detail herein, the staple cartridge 16100 includes protrusions 16400 that extend from the deck surface 16108 toward the anvil 16010. The protrusions 16400 surrounding at least a portion of each staple cavity can help, for example, to further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers 16500. As discussed above, all of the protrusions 16400 extend to different heights above the deck surface 16108. The protrusions 16400 help to guide the staple legs during formation and / or 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 due to 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 due to 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 due to the height of the third protrusion 16400c.

[0157] In the fully fired position, the first staple support surface 16510 of the staple driver 16500 extends a first distance OD1 above the protrusion 16400a, the second staple support surface 16520 extends a second distance OD2 above the protrusion 16400b, and the third staple support surface extends a third distance OD3 above the protrusion 16400c. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 16108 and the varying heights of the protrusions 16400, the first distance OD1 differs from the second distance OD2 and the third distance OD3. In the depicted embodiment, the third distance OD3 is greater than the second distance OD2, and the second distance OD2 is greater than the first distance OD1.

[0158] A staple is 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 overdrive distances OD1, OD2, OD3 of the staple driver 16500 are the primary cause of tissue gap variation along the deck surface 16108. As shown in FIG. 41 , the distance between the first staple supporting portion 16510 of the staple driver 16500 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 of the anvil 16010 is the same as the distance between the second staple supporting portion 16520 and the corresponding staple forming pocket 16012 when the staple driver 16500 is in the fully fired position. Similarly, the distance between the first and second staple support surfaces 16510, 16520 and the corresponding staple forming pockets 16012 is the same as the distance between the third staple support surface 16530 and the corresponding staple forming pockets 16012 when the staple driver 16500 is in the fully fired position. Thus, staples positioned in all three longitudinal rows of staple cavities are configured to be formed and / or bent to the same height.

[0159] As outlined above, the surgical end effector includes an anvil and staple cartridge jaws. In some embodiments, the staple cartridge jaws are movable relative to the anvil, while in other embodiments, the anvil is movable relative to the staple cartridge jaws. When the anvil is in its open position, the staple cartridge jaws are positioned on one side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil jaws are positioned on the opposite side. In such instances, the end effector is moved relative to the tissue until the tissue is properly positioned between the staple cartridge jaws and the anvil. To prevent the target tissue from being positioned proximal to the proximal-most staple cavity, the anvil can include a downwardly extending protrusion, commonly referred to as a "tissue stop," that serves to prevent the target tissue from being positioned too 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 too 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 will not be accurately severed by the cutting member without being stapled. The tissue stop is sized and configured to prevent tissue from accidentally becoming pinched between the tissue stop and the lateral sides of the staple cartridge jaws. Tissue stops are 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various examples, the staple cartridge includes a tissue stop that functions in cooperation with a tissue stop on the anvil.

[0160] 42 illustrates a staple cartridge 17000 including an elongated slot 17006 extending from the proximal end 17002 toward the distal end 17004. A 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 alongside the elongated slot 17006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 17300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200. The staple cavities 17100 in the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities 17300 in the third longitudinal row, and the staple cavities 17200 in the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities 17100, 17300 in the first and third longitudinal rows. The proximal-most staple cavities 17100, 17300 in the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively, are proximal to the proximal-most staple cavity 17200 in the second longitudinal row. The staple cartridge 17000 further comprises a pair of tissue stops 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. Dashed lines extend laterally through the staple cartridge 17000 to represent the location of the tissue stops on the opposing anvils. As shown in FIG. 42 , the proximal halves of both the proximal-most staple cavities 17100, 17300 from the first and third longitudinal rows are proximal to the dashed lines, and tissue is prevented from moving proximally relative to these staple cavities due to the tissue stop 17600. Because 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 through tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector.

[0161] FIG. 43 shows a staple cartridge 17000′ that includes an elongated slot 17006 extending from the proximal end 17002 toward the distal end 17004. A 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 alongside the elongated slot 17006. A second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200 extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities 17100. A third longitudinal row of staple cavities 17300 extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities 17200. The staple cavities 17100 in the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities 17300 in the third longitudinal row, and the staple cavities 17200 in the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities 17100, 17300 in the first and third longitudinal rows. The proximal-most staple cavities 17100, 17300 in the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively, are distal to the proximal-most staple cavity 17200 in the second longitudinal row. Dashed lines extend laterally through the staple cartridge 17000' to represent the location of the tissue stop of the opposing anvil. Notably, the tissue stop that interacts with the staple cartridge 17000' is positioned distal to the tissue stop that interacts with the staple cartridge 17000. Such differences in the location of the tissue stop are due, at least in part, to the location of the most proximal staple cavity 17100 in the first longitudinal row relative to the most proximal staple cavities from the other longitudinal rows.

[0162] The staple cartridge 19000 is depicted in FIG. 44. The staple cartridge 19000 is configured to be seated within a channel of a cartridge jaw of a surgical end effector. The end effector includes an anvil jaw 19050 that opposes 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 that are configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge 19000.

[0163] The staple cartridge 19000 comprises a cartridge body 19008 including an elongated slot 19006 extending from the proximal end 19002 toward the distal end 19004 of the cartridge body 19008. The cartridge body 19008 further comprises 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 rows, with the three rows extending along the same side of the elongated slot 19006. A first row of staple cavities 19100 extends adjacent to and / or along the elongated slot 19006. The third row of staple cavities 19300 is positioned furthest from elongated slot 19006 and the second row of staple cavities 19200 extends between the first row of staple cavities 19100 and the third row of staple cavities 19300.

[0164] A 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 in the three rows 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 in the first row defines an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by each staple cavity 19300 in the third row. Each staple cavity 19200 in the second row is oriented substantially perpendicular to the staple cavities 19100, 19300 in the first and third rows.

[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 relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated slot 19006. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 19010 is adjacent the elongated slot 19006, which extends below a central portion of the cartridge body 19008. The portion of the staple cartridge 19000 in FIG. 44 is shown without the staple cavities to more clearly illustrate the rounded nature and / or curvature of the deck surface 19010.

[0166] 45 and 46 , the staple cartridge 19000 is shown in greater detail. The staple cartridge 19000 includes a protrusion 19400 extending above the deck surface 19010. Among other things, the protrusion 19400 is configured to grasp tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector and / or prevent the tissue from sliding relative to the staple cartridge 19000. The depicted protrusion 19400 on the staple cartridge 19000 is in the form of a pocket extension. The depicted pocket extension provides support to the staples and / or staple driver as the staples are driven from the staple cartridge 19000 toward the anvil 19050. A first protrusion 19400 a surrounds the first end 19102 of the staple cavity 19100, and a second protrusion 19400 b surrounds the second end 19104 of the staple cavity 19100. Although the projections 19400 are shown surrounding only a portion of each staple cavity, it is envisioned that the projections 19400 can surround any desired amount of the staple cavities, such as, for example, the entire staple cavity.

[0167] The protrusions 19400 shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 52 are uniform in height. In other words, all of the protrusions 19400 extend the same distance from the deck surface 19010 of the 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 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 relative to the elongated slot 19006.

[0168] The anvil 19050 further includes a plurality of staple forming pockets 19060 defined in the tissue compression surface 19056. Each staple forming pocket 19060 corresponds to a respective 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. A first leg of the staple is configured to contact the first pocket 19062 when the staple is being formed and a second leg of the staple is configured to contact the second pocket 19064, which is configured to contact the second leg of the staple when the staple is being formed.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 46, the 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. 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. 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. 組織2 is measured at a point spaced laterally from the elongated slot 19006. 組織2 is the first tissue gap g 組織1The presence of smaller tissue gaps adjacent the elongated slot 19006 causes tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 to be compressed more than tissue spaced laterally from the elongated slot 19006, particularly when the thickness of the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform. Such greater compression disperses bodily fluids away from the elongated slot 19006, which, among other things, promotes uniform cut lines and / or secure staple lines.

[0170] The staple drivers 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 are shown in the fully fired position in FIGS. 46 and 52. In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple drivers 19150 are "overdriven" and extend above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000. As discussed in more detail herein, the staple cartridge 19000 includes protrusions 19400 that surround at least a portion of the staple cavities and extend from the deck surface 19010 toward the anvil 19050. The protrusions 19400 serve to, for example, further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers 19150 and / or the staples driven by the staple drivers 19150. As discussed above, all of the protrusions 19400 extend to the same final height h1 from the deck surface 19010. 52, the first protrusion 19400a reduces the tissue gap g1 by a height h1 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 tissue gap g2 by a height h1 above the second protrusion 19400b at the point where the second staple leg of the staple is formed.

[0171] In the fully fired position of the staple driver 19150, the first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 extends a first distance OD1 above the protrusion 19400a, while the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD2 above the protrusion 19400b. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010, the uniform height h1 of the protrusion 19400, and the orientation of the staple cavity 19100 relative to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD1 differs from the second distance OD2. In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD2 is greater than the first distance OD1.

[0172] The staple legs within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed to the same height, or at least substantially the same height, relative to one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved because the overdrive distances OD1, OD2 of the staple driver 19150 account for variations in tissue gaps along the staple cavity 19100. 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. Thus, the staple legs are formed and / or bent to the same extent.

[0173] Unlike the protrusions 19400 that extend above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000, the staple cartridge 19000′ shown in FIGS. 47 and 48 includes a smooth deck surface 19010. In other words, nothing protrudes and / or extends above 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 a 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 where the base of the staple meets the first leg of the staple. The second end 19154 is configured to support the staple near where the base of the staple meets the second leg of the staple.

[0174] 48 shows an end effector with a staple cartridge 19000′ seated in the staple cartridge jaws. 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 relative to the elongated slot 19006. In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is smallest at points adjacent the elongated slot 19006. The tissue gap is larger at points spaced laterally away from the elongated slot 19006.

[0175] More specifically, a first tissue gap g is formed between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000′ and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. 組織1 A first tissue gap g is defined. 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. 組織2is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000′ and the tissue support surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. 組織2 is measured at a point spaced laterally from the elongated slot 19006. 組織2 is the first tissue gap g 組織1 The presence of smaller tissue gaps adjacent the elongated slot 19006 results in tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 being compressed more than tissue spaced laterally 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 disperses bodily fluids away from the elongated slot 19006, which, among other things, promotes uniform cut lines and / or reliable staple lines.

[0176] The staple drivers 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 are shown in the fully fired position in FIG. 48 . In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple drivers 19150 are “overdriven” and extend above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000′. A first end 19152 of the staple driver 19150 extends a first distance OD1 above the deck surface 19006, while a second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD2 above the deck surface. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010 and the orientation of the staple cavities 19100 relative to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD1 differs from the second distance OD2. In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD2 is greater than the first distance OD1. In particular, the overdrive distance of a staple cartridge 19000' having a smooth and / or non-protrusion deck surface 19010 is greater than the overdrive distance of a staple cartridge 19000 having protrusions extending from the deck surface.

[0177] The staple legs within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed to the same height, or at least substantially the same height, relative to one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved because the overdrive distances OD1, OD2 of the staple driver 19150 account for variations in tissue gaps along the staple cavity 19100. 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. Thus, the staple legs are formed and / or bent to the same extent.

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

[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, the height of the protrusion 19400 decreases as the protrusion 19400 is positioned further away from the elongated slot 19006. As shown in FIG. 49 , a first protrusion 19400a surrounding the first end 19102 of the staple cavity 19100 extends to a first height h1 from the deck surface 19010. A second protrusion 19400a surrounding the second end 19104 of the same staple cavity 19100 extends to a second height h2 from the deck surface 19010. The first height h1 is different from the second height h2. In the depicted embodiment, the second height h2 is less than the first height h1. Having a protrusion with a greater height closer to the knife slot 19006 can, among other things, promote fluid flow away from the cut line.

[0180] FIG. 50 shows an end effector with a staple cartridge 19000″ seated in the staple cartridge jaws. 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. 組織1 is measured at a point adjacent to the elongated slot 19006. 組織2 is defined between the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000'' and the tissue compression surface 19056 of the anvil 19050. 組織2 is measured at a point spaced laterally from the elongated slot 19006.組織2 is the first tissue gap g 組織1 The presence of smaller tissue gaps adjacent the elongated slot 19006 causes the tissue aligned with the elongated slot 19006 to compress more than the tissue spaced laterally from the elongated slot 19006, particularly when the thickness of the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform. Such greater compression disperses bodily fluids away from the elongated slot 19006, which, among other things, promotes uniform cut lines and / or secure staple lines.

[0181] The staple drivers 19150 from the first row of staple cavities 19100 are shown in a fully fired position in FIG. 50 . In the fully fired position, a portion of the staple drivers 19150 are "overdriven" and extend above the deck surface 19010 of the staple cartridge 19000". As discussed in more detail above, the staple cartridge 19000" includes protrusions 19400 that extend from the deck surface 19010 toward the anvil 19050 that surrounds at least a portion of the staple cavities. The protrusions 19400 can, for example, help to further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers 19150 and / or the staples driven by the staple drivers 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 extends a first distance OD1 above the protrusion 19400a, while the second end 19154 of the staple driver 19150 extends a second distance OD2 above the protrusion 19400b. Notably, the overdrive distance of the staple cartridge 19000'' is less than the overdrive distance of a staple cartridge 19000' that includes a smooth deck surface 19010. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface 19010 and the orientation of the staple cavities 19100 relative to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD1 differs from the second distance OD2. In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD2 is greater than the first distance OD1.

[0183] The staple legs within the staple cavity 19100 are configured to be formed at the same height, or at least substantially the same height, relative to one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved because the overdrive distances OD1, OD2 of the staple driver 19150 account for variations in tissue gaps along the staple cavity 19100. 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 staple legs are uniformly formed.

[0184] 51 shows a portion of an end effector including a staple cartridge having protrusions 19400 of different heights. A first protrusion 19400a extends from a first side 19102 of the staple cavity 19100 to a first height h1. A second protrusion 19400b extends from a second side 19104 of the staple cavity 19100 to a second height h2. The second height h2 is different from the first height h1. In the depicted embodiment, the second height h2 is greater than the first height h1, although any suitable arrangement is envisioned. Although the second protrusion 19400b is taller than the first protrusion 19400a, the top surface 19402a of the first protrusion 19400a and the top surface 19402b of the second protrusion 19400b are the same distance from the tissue supporting surface 19056 of the anvil 19050 when the end effector is in the closed configuration. Stated another way, the tissue gap comprises a uniform gap distance "g" across the staple cavity 19100.

[0185] As discussed in more detail above, the protrusion 19400 can provide support to the staple and / or staple driver as the staple driver and staples are driven toward the anvil. The greater height h2 of the second protrusion 19400b minimizes overdriving 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 the staple driver 19150 less likely to dislodge and / or become misaligned during the staple firing stroke. The protrusion 19400, for example, can improve the stability of the staple driver, maintain alignment of the staple driver as the staple firing stroke is performed, and / or help prevent the staple driver from dislodging.

[0186] 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 a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a deck surface having a curved and / or rounded profile. Various parameters of the tissue gripping features and / or protrusions can be varied along the deck surface of the staple cartridge to achieve a desired tissue effect. Such parameters include, for example, the angle at which the protrusions extend from the deck surface, the height to which the protrusions extend, the length of the staple cavity that the protrusions surround, and / or the radius at which the protrusions curve around the end of the staple cavity. FIG. 53 illustrates a portion of a staple cartridge 18000 including multiple tissue gripping features. The staple cartridge 18000 includes an elongated slot 18006 extending from a proximal end 18002 toward a distal end 18004. Like staple cartridge 19000, staple cartridge 18000 includes a rounded and / or curved deck surface 18010. In other words, the height of deck surface 18010 varies laterally relative to elongated slot 18006. The highest point of the illustrated deck surface 18010 is adjacent to elongated slot 18006.

[0187] The staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are defined within the cartridge body 18008. The staple cavities 18100, 18200, 18300 are arranged in three rows, with the three rows extending along the same side of the elongated slot 18006. The first row of staple cavities 18100 extends adjacent to and / or alongside the elongated slot 18006. The third row of staple cavities 18300 is positioned furthest from the elongated slot 18006, and the second row of staple cavities 18200 extends between the first row of staple cavities 18100 and the third row 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 in the first row defines a first cavity axis. Each staple cavity 18200 in the second row defines a second cavity axis. Each staple cavity 18300 in the third row defines a third cavity axis. As depicted in FIG. 53 , the first cavity axes are oriented in a different direction than the second cavity axes. 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 varying degrees, a portion of each staple cavity. As 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 in a particular row are the same. In other examples, the protrusions 18400 surrounding the staple cavities in a particular row are different from one another. 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 the other staple cavities. The height of each protrusion can vary across the staple cartridge and even between the protrusions surrounding individual staple cavities.

[0190] Further to the above, the staple cavity 18100 includes a proximal end 18102 and a distal end 18104, the distal end 18104 being closer to the elongated slot 18006 than the proximal end 18102. The first protrusion 18110 is aligned with the distal end 18104 and extends away from the deck surface 18010 to a first height h1. The second protrusion 18120 is aligned with the proximal end 18102 and extends away from the deck surface 18010 to a second height h2. In the depicted embodiment, the first height h1 is less than the second height h2. 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 projections 18310 of the staple cavities 18300 in the third row extend a height h3, which is greater than either height h1 or h2 of the projections 18110, 18120 from the staple cavities 18100 in the first row.

[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 a1, while the second protrusion 18120 extends away from the deck surface 18010 at a second angle a2. In the depicted embodiment, the first angle a1 is perpendicular to the deck surface 18010, and the first angle a1 is not perpendicular to the deck surface 18010. The second protrusion 18120 extends at a more oblique angle relative to the deck surface 18010, while the first protrusion 18110 extends at a steeper and / or more pointed angle relative to the deck surface 18010. In various examples, protrusions positioned closer to the elongated slot 18006 extend away from the deck surface of the staple cartridge at a steeper angle than protrusions positioned further laterally away from the elongated slot 18006. For example, the protrusions 18310 of the staple cavities 18300 in the third row extend from the deck surface at an angle a3, which is less than either of the angles a1, a2 of the protrusions 18110, 18120 from the staple cavities 18100 in the first row. Other arrangements are possible.

[0192] The total length of the staple cavity that each protrusion spans can also be a variable parameter. In various examples, the protrusions can encompass the entire length of the staple cavity. In other examples, the protrusions can encompass only a portion of the length of the staple cavity. For example, a first protrusion 18110 of a staple cavity 18100 surrounds a small portion of the staple cavity 18100, such as 10%. The first protrusion 18110 spans the first length l1 of the staple cavity 18100. However, the second protrusion 18120 surrounds a larger portion of the staple cavity 18100, such as 30%. The second protrusion 18120 spans the second length l2 of the staple cavity 18100. Thus, the second length l2 is greater than the first length l1. In various examples, protrusions positioned closer to the elongated slot 18006 encompass a smaller portion of the staple cavity than protrusions positioned further laterally from the elongated slot 18006. For example, the protrusions 18310 of the staple cavities 18300 in the third row encompass a third length l3, which happens to be the entire length of the staple cavity 18300. The third length l3 is greater than either of the lengths l1, l2 over which the protrusions 18100, 18120 extend from the staple cavities 18100 in the first row. Other arrangements are possible.

[0193] The radius at which the protrusions curve around the ends of the staple cavities can vary throughout the staple cartridge. In various examples, the protrusions can form a sharp curvature around the ends of the staple cavities. In other examples, the protrusions can form a blunt curvature around the ends of the staple cavities. For example, the first protrusion 18110 of the staple cavity 18100 forms a curvature having a first radius r1 around the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100. The second protrusion 18120 of the staple cavity 18100 forms a curvature having a second radius r2 around the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavity 18100. The first radius r1 is smaller than the second radius r2 such that the first protrusions 18110 surrounding the distal end 18104 of the staple cavities 18100 form a sharper curvature than the curvature formed by the second protrusions 18120 surrounding the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavities 18100. In various examples, the protrusions positioned laterally closer to the elongated slot surround the end of the staple cavity with a sharper curvature 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 row form a curvature having a third radius r3 around the edge of the staple cavity 18300. The third radius r3 is smaller than either of the radii r1, r2 formed by the projections 18100, 18120 from the first row staple cavities 18100. Thus, the third radius r3 is less blunt and / or critical than either of the radii r1, r2. Other arrangements are possible.

[0194] Other parameters, such as the geometry of the top surface of the protrusions 19400, can be varied to achieve a desired tissue effect. In various examples, the protrusions 19400 include rounded outer edges to prevent and / or minimize trauma to tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector. In other examples, the protrusions 19400 include sharp outer edges to facilitate a grip between the protrusions 19400 and tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector.

[0195] 54 illustrates a protrusion 18400a surrounding a portion of the staple cavities 18100 from a first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge 18000. As discussed in more detail above, the first longitudinal row extends alongside and / or adjacent to the elongated slot 18006. The first protrusion 18400a extends along a first length 18102 of the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavities 18100. 1b while the second protrusion 18400b extends over a second length l of the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100. 1a The first length l 1b is the second length l 1a . As a result, the first protrusion 18400a surrounds a larger portion of the staple cavity 18100 than the second protrusion 18400b. The protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at a first angle a1. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at the same angle, however, it is envisioned that the protrusions 18400a, 18400b can extend from the deck surface 18010 at any suitable angle to control tissue flow. The first protrusion 18400a has a first radius of curvature r 1b and a second protrusion 18400b having a tissue supporting edge having a second radius of curvature r 1a In various examples, the tissue supporting edge has a first radius of curvature r 1b is the second radius of curvature r 1a In the depicted embodiment, the first radius of curvature r is different from 1b is the second radius of curvature r 1a53 . In other words, a sharper edge is formed by the second protrusion 18400b. Because the second protrusion 18400b is positioned closest to the elongated slot 18006, and thus the cut line, the sharper edge may provide a stronger grip on tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector, for example, to prevent the tissue from moving from a desired position. As shown in FIG. 53 , the orientation of the staple cavities 18100 causes the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavities 18100 to be further away from the elongated slot 18006 of the staple cartridge 18000 than the distal end 18104 of the staple cavities 18100. For example, the portion of the protrusion 18400b surrounding the proximal end 18102 of the staple cavities 18100 is positioned a first height h above the deck surface 18010. 1b The portion of the projection 18400a that surrounds the distal end 18104 of the staple cavity 18100 extends a second height h above the deck surface 18010. 1a The first height h 1b is the second height h 1a 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. Because the deck surface 18010 is curved, the height difference allows the upper surface of the protrusion 18400 to be substantially horizontal across the staple cavity 18100.

[0196] 55 illustrates a protrusion from a second longitudinal row of staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge 18000 that surrounds a portion of the staple cavities 18200. 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 extends the length l2 of the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 18200, and the second protrusion 18400b extends the length l2 of the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200. In the depicted embodiment, the first length l2 and the second length l2 are the same, however, any suitable lengths are envisioned to achieve the desired results. As a result, the first protrusion 18400a surrounds the same dimensions of the staple cavity 18200 as the second protrusion 18400b. The protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at a second angle a2. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusions 18400a, 18400b extend from the deck surface 18010 at the same angle; however, it is envisioned that the protrusions 18400a, 18400b can extend from the deck surface 18010 at any suitable angle to control tissue flow. The second angle a2 at which the protrusion of the second staple cavity 18200 extends from the deck surface 18010 is greater than the first angle a1 at which the protrusion of the first staple cavity 18100 extends from the deck surface 18010. Stated another way, the further the staple cavity is positioned laterally from the elongated slot 18006, the greater the angle at which the protrusion extends from the deck surface 18010 and / or the less pointed the protrusion becomes. The first protrusion 18400a and the second protrusion 18400b include tissue supporting edges having a second radius of curvature r2. In the depicted embodiment, the radius of curvature r2 is the same for both protrusions 18400a, 18400b, but can be different in other embodiments. In various examples, the radius of curvature r2 of the protrusion from the second staple cavity 18200 is less than the radius of curvature r2 of the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100. 1a , r 1b53 . In other words, a sharper edge is formed by the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100. Because the first staple cavity 18100 is positioned closest to the elongated slot 18006, and thus the cut line, the sharper edge can provide a stronger grip on tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector, for example, to prevent the tissue from moving from a desired position. As shown in FIG. 53 , the orientation of the staple cavity 18200 is opposite to the orientation of the staple cavity 18100. More specifically, the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 is further 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 may be elevated above the deck surface 18010 by a first height h 2a The portion of the projection 18400b surrounding the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 extends above the deck surface 18010 by a second height h 2b The first height h 2a is the second height h 2b In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the protrusion 18400b that surrounds the distal end 18204 of the staple cavity 18200 extends further above the deck surface 18010 than the portion of the protrusion 18400a that surrounds the proximal end 18202 of the staple cavity 18200. Because the deck surface 18010 is curved, the height difference 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 extends a third length l3 of the staple cavity 18300. The third length l3 is greater than either of the lengths l1, l2 of the protrusion 18400 that surround portions of the staple cavities from the first longitudinal row 18100 and the second longitudinal row 18200. In the depicted embodiment, the third length l3 is the perimeter, and therefore the overall length, of the staple cavity 18300. The protrusion 18400 extends at a third angle a3 from the deck surface 18010. The third angle a3 at which the protrusion of the third staple cavity 18300 extends from the deck surface 18010 is greater than the first angle a1 and the second angle a2, respectively, at which the protrusion of the first staple cavity 18100 extends from the deck surface 18010. Stated another way, the protrusion extends from the deck surface 18010 at a greater angle and / or becomes less pointed as the staple cavity is positioned laterally away from the elongated slot 18006. The protrusion 18400 includes a tissue supporting edge having a third radius of curvature r3. In various examples, the radius of curvature r3 of the protrusion from the third staple cavity 18300 is less than the radius of curvature r of the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100 and the second staple cavity 18200. 1a , r 1b, r2. As a result, a sharper edge is formed by the protrusion from the first staple cavity 18100. Because the first staple cavity 18100 is positioned closest to the elongated slot 18006, and thus the cut line, the sharper edge can provide a stronger grip on tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector. Such a stronger grip can, for example, prevent the tissue from moving from a desired position. As shown in FIG. 53 , the orientation of the staple cavity 18300 causes the proximal end 18302 of the staple cavity 18300 to be further 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 is at a first height h above the deck surface 18010. 3b The portion of the protrusion 18400 that surrounds the distal end 18304 of the staple cavity 18300 extends to a second height h above the deck surface 18010. 3a The first height h 3b is the second height h 3a 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. Because the deck surface 18010 is curved, the height difference 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, published October 25, 2015, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS," U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0074198, published March 29, 2012, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE," and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0256379, published October 3, 2013, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING CARTRIDGE WITH LAYER RETENTION FEATURES," are incorporated herein by reference.

[0199] Notably, the above arrangements may also be adapted for use in embodiments in which the jaws of the staple cartridge are rotated relative to the anvil.

[0200] A surgical instrument 50000 including a powered 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 comprises a staple cartridge. The shaft 50200 defines a longitudinal shaft axis SA and includes a longitudinal shaft portion 50210, a first articulatable shaft portion 50220 extending from the longitudinal shaft portion 50210, and a second articulatable shaft portion 50240 extending from the first articulatable shaft portion 50220. The end effector extends from the second articulatable shaft portion 50240. The first articulatable shaft portion 50220 is rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft portion 50210 by a first articulation joint 50230 that defines a first articulation axis AA1 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, the first articulatable shaft portion 50220 is rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft portion 50210 by, for example, a pin or multiple pins. The second articulatable shaft portion 50240 is rotatably connected to the first articulatable shaft portion 50220 by a second articulation joint 50250 that defines a second articulation axis AA2 that is orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA1 and the shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, the second articulatable shaft portion 50240 is rotatably connected to the first articulatable shaft portion 50220 by, for example, a pin or multiple pins.

[0201] Further to the above, the first articulatable shaft portion 50220 includes a first hypoid drive gear 50222 defined thereon. The first drive gear 50222 is centered about the first articulation axis AA1 and includes a first set of radial teeth 50224. At least a portion of the first set of radial teeth 50224 are positioned distal to the first articulation axis AA1. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which the entire first set of radial teeth 50224 is positioned distal to the first articulation axis AA1. In any event, the surgical instrument 50000 further includes a first rotary drive shaft 50300 including a first bevel gear 50310 at its distal end. The first bevel gear 50310 is engaged with a first set of radial teeth 50224 of the first drive gear 50222, such that rotation of the first rotary drive shaft 50300 causes the first drive gear 50222 and first articulatable shaft portion 50220 to rotate about a first articulation axis AA1. The first rotary drive shaft 50300 is parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis SA and perpendicular to the first articulation axis AA1.

[0202] Further to the above, the second articula...

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising: a first jaw including a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a first tissue compressing surface; a second jaw pivotably configured with respect to the first jaw so as to be movable between an unclamping position, a clamping position, and an overclamping position, the second jaw including a second distal end, a second proximal end, and a second tissue compression surface, the second tissue compression surface being parallel to the first tissue compression surface when the second jaw is in the clamping position, and the second distal end being closer to the first distal end when the second jaw is in the overclamping position than when the second jaw is in the clamping position; a staple cartridge having staples removably stored therein; a clamp drive system configured to move the second jaw from the unclamped position toward the clamped position during a closing stroke, the clamp drive system including a closure member configured to be driven proximally into contact with a cam surface defined on the second jaw to move the second jaw toward the overclamped position; a staple firing system configured to fire the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, the staple firing system comprising: a firing member distally movable during the staple firing stroke, the firing member comprising: a first cam configured to engage the first jaw during the staple firing stroke; and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw, the firing member distally movable during the closing stroke to engage the second cam with the second jaw and move the second jaw from the unclamped position toward the clamped position; A surgical instrument comprising:

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the staple firing system positions the second jaw in the clamping position instead of the clamp drive system.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein when the second jaw is in the unclamped position, the second distal end is further from the first distal end than in the clamped position.

4. 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a control system in communication with the clamp drive system and the staple firing system, the control system comprising a sensor configured to detect a load on the staple firing system during the staple firing stroke, and when the load exceeds a load threshold, the control system causes the clamp drive system to move the second jaw toward the overclamping position.

5. 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a control system in communication with the clamp drive system and the staple firing system, the staple firing system comprising an electric motor, the control system comprising a sensor configured to detect current through the electric motor during the staple firing stroke, and when the current exceeds a current threshold, the control system causes the clamp drive system to move the second jaw toward the overclamp position.

6. 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the closure member is movable proximally during the closing stroke to contact the cam surface defined on the second jaw and move the second jaw from the unclamped position toward the clamped position.

7. 2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the second jaw comprises an internal slot defined therein configured to receive the second cam and an expansion chamber defined therein communicating with the internal slot, wherein the second cam is positioned within the expansion chamber and does not interfere with movement of the second jaw when the second jaw is in the unclamped position.

8. A surgical instrument comprising: a first jaw including a first distal end and a first tissue compressing surface; a second jaw pivotably configured with respect to the first jaw so as to be movable between an unclamping position, a clamping position, and an overclamping position, the second jaw including a second distal end and a second tissue compression surface, the second tissue compression surface being parallel to the first tissue compression surface when the second jaw is in the clamping position, and the second distal end being closer to the first distal end when the second jaw is in the overclamping position than in the clamping position; a staple cartridge having staples removably stored therein; a clamp drive system configured to move the second jaw from the unclamped position toward the clamped position during a closing stroke, the clamp drive system including a closure member configured to be driven proximally into contact with a cam surface defined on the second jaw to drive the second distal end toward the first distal end and move the second jaw toward the overclamping position; and a staple firing system configured to fire the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, the staple firing system comprising: a firing member distally movable during the staple firing stroke, the firing member comprising: a first cam configured to engage the first jaw during the staple firing stroke; and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw, the firing member distally movable during the closing stroke to engage the second cam with the second jaw and move the second jaw from the unclamped position toward the clamped position; A surgical instrument comprising:

9. 9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising a control system in communication with the clamp drive system and the staple firing system, the control system comprising a sensor configured to detect a load on the staple firing system during the staple firing stroke, and when the load exceeds a load threshold, the control system causes the clamp drive system to move the second jaw toward the overclamping position.

10. 9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising a control system in communication with the clamp drive system and the staple firing system, the staple firing system comprising an electric motor, the control system comprising a sensor configured to detect current through the electric motor during the staple firing stroke, and when the current exceeds a current threshold, the control system causes the clamp drive system to move the second jaw toward the overclamp position.

Images