Abstract:
A mechanism is disclosed for adapting operations of a surgical instrument based on data from actual, expected or predicted properties of tissue, data from measuring operation of the surgical instrument itself, and data based on clinician conduct. The adaptive measures can be based on predetermined control measures such as algorithms stored in operative communication with the surgical instrument, based on dynamically generated control measures, or a combination of both. Utilizing such mechanisms can help to adjust closure and firing algorithms based on tissue properties, improve battery usage, and learn from user operations, enhancing functioning of the instrument within an operational envelope.
Abstract:
A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes an H-bridge circuit and a temperature sensing device. The H-bridge circuit includes a high side and a low side. The low side of the H-bridge circuit includes first and second switching devices, and a resistive heating element electrically connected in series with the first switching device. The temperature sensing device is positioned proximate the resistive heating element. The control system is configured to control a force applied to the drive system based on a temperature associated with the resistive heating element and sensed by the temperature sensing device
Abstract:
A compressible adjunct has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The middle portion comprises a first pillar, a second pillar, and an interconnecting member. The first pillar and the second pillar extend substantially between the first portion and the second portion. The interconnecting member is configured to engage at least the first pillar and the second pillar. When the compressible adjunct is compressed by a force, the first pillar is configured to deflect a first deflection and the second pillar is configured to deflect a second deflection. The first deflection differs from the second deflection.
Abstract:
A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument.
Abstract:
A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises staples including a base, staple legs extending from the base, and a platform extending laterally from the base. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises an implantable layer. The platforms of the staples are configured to support the implantable layer when the staples are implanted into the tissue of a patient. Staples are also disclosed which included an implantable adjunct positioned over the platform of the staple. The implantable adjuncts can include one or more compressible pockets. One or more medicaments can be positioned in the compressible pockets.
Abstract:
Motor speed control systems are disclosed that include a motor having an output shaft, a motor speed control system, a sensor to detect the speed of the motor, and a controller to receive a signal from the sensor and to control the speed of the output shaft. A gear reduction assembly is operably coupled to the output shaft and a detectable element located in the gear reduction assembly. The sensor senses the detectable element. The sensor is placed in the radial path of the detectable element. Another system includes a brushless motor having a housing and an output shaft, the brushless motor comprising electromagnetic field coils arrayed radially around a central magnetic shaft, a gear reduction assembly operably coupled to the output shaft, and a sensor placed in proximity to the brushless motor. The sensor communicates with a controller to control the speed of the output shaft.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument can comprise a handle including a battery cavity and electrical contacts and, in addition, a battery removably positionable in the battery cavity. The battery is configured to engage and supply power to the electrical contacts when the battery is operably seated in the battery cavity. The handle further comprises diagnostic means for assessing whether the handle is in a suitable operating and a battery lockout configured to permit the battery from being operably seated in the battery cavity if the diagnostic means determines that the handle is not in a suitable operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, the handle can comprise a battery lock configured to prevent the battery from being disengaged from the electrical contacts when the handle is transmitting an operating motion to a shaft assembly attached to the handle, for example. Either one system or two systems can comprise the battery lockout and battery lock.
Abstract:
A method of applying a buttress to a surgical stapler end effector comprises positioning a buttress assembly between an anvil and a staple cartridge of the end effector. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material faces either an underside of the anvil or a deck of the staple cartridge. The anvil is in an open position relative to the staple cartridge during the act of positioning the buttress assembly between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The method further comprises moving the anvil toward the staple cartridge then moving the anvil back to the open position. The buttress assembly is adhered to the underside of the anvil or the deck of the staple cartridge via the adhesive material with the anvil moved back to the open position. The adhesive material comprises a bioabsorbable polymer.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument that includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. In at least one form, an anvil is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the elongate channel such that the anvil is pivotal about a discrete, non-movable anvil axis defined by the elongate channel. A firing member is configured for axial travel within the elongate channel in response to an application of firing motions thereto. The firing member is configured to movably engage the anvil and the elongate channel to space the anvil relative to the elongate channel at a desired spacing as the firing member is axially driven through the elongate channel. A closure member is configured to move the anvil from an open position to closed positions relative to the elongate channel upon application of closure motions to the closure member.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument system can include an end effector and a staple cartridge which is removably insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes a sled movable from an unfired position to a fired position to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge. In various instances, the sled can be inadvertently advanced from its unfired position when the staple cartridge is positioned in the end effector, for example. The surgical instrument system further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect whether the sled is in its unfired position and/or whether the staple cartridge has been mis-inserted into the end effector. The one or more sensors can also determine whether the staple cartridge has been fully seated in the cartridge channel.