Surgical end effectors with expandable tissue stop arrangements

Abstract

A surgical end effector that includes first and second jaws that are selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. At least one expandable tissue stop is located on one of the first and second jaws and is configured to extend between first and second jaw surfaces on the first and second jaws as the first and second jaws move between the fully open and the fully closed positions.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A powered surgical stapling instrument, comprising:
 an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis;   an end effector extending from said elongate shaft, wherein said end effector comprises:
 a first jaw, comprising:
 a proximal end; 
 a distal end; and 
 a ledge comprising a face substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined on said proximal end; 
 
 a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is configured to move relative to said second jaw about a fixed pivot point, and wherein said first jaw is configured to move between an open position and a closed position; 
   a closure system comprising a closure tube configured to translate distally over said first jaw and said second jaw during a closure stroke, and wherein said closure tube contacts said perpendicular ledge as said closure tube is translated distally to move said first jaw into said closed position; and   a firing system, wherein said firing system is independent of said closure system.   
     
     
         22 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 21 , wherein said first jaw comprises a channel. 
     
     
         23 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 22 , further comprising a staple cartridge configured to be replaceably seated in said channel. 
     
     
         24 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 23 , wherein said staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. 
     
     
         25 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 21 , wherein said first jaw comprises an anvil. 
     
     
         26 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 21 , wherein said firing system comprises a firing member configured to translate from a proximal position toward a distal position during a staple firing stroke. 
     
     
         27 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 21 , further comprising a ramp positioned proximal to said substantially-perpendicular ledge. 
     
     
         28 . A powered surgical stapling instrument, comprising:
 an end effector, comprising:
 a first jaw comprising an upright ledge defined on a proximal end thereof; 
 a second jaw; and 
 a fixed pivot joint, wherein said first jaw is configured to move relative to said second jaw about said fixed pivot joint, and wherein said first jaw is configured to move between an open position and a closed position; 
   a closure system comprising a closure tube configured to translate distally over said first jaw and said second jaw, and wherein said closure tube contacts said upright ledge as said closure tube is translated distally to move said first jaw into said closed position; and   a firing system, wherein said firing system is separate and distinct from said closure system.   
     
     
         29 . The powered surgical stapling instrument of  claim 28 , wherein said first jaw comprises a channel. 
     
     
         30 . The powered surgical stapling instrument of  claim 29 , further comprising a staple cartridge configured to be replaceably seated in said channel. 
     
     
         31 . The powered surgical stapling instrument of  claim 30 , wherein said staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. 
     
     
         32 . The powered surgical stapling instrument of  claim 28 , wherein said first jaw comprises an anvil. 
     
     
         33 . The powered surgical stapling instrument of  claim 28 , wherein said firing system comprises a firing member configured to translate between a proximal position and a distal position during a staple firing stroke. 
     
     
         34 . A powered surgical instrument, comprising:
 an end effector, comprising:
 a first jaw, comprising:
 a proximal end; 
 a distal end; and 
 an upright abutment surface defined on said proximal end; and 
 
 a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw about a fixed axle for selective movement between an open position and a closed position; 
   a closure system comprising a closure tube, wherein said closure tube is configured to contact said upright abutment surface as said closure tube is translated distally to move said first jaw into said closed position; and   a firing system, wherein said closure system is actuatable without actuating said firing system.   
     
     
         35 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 34 , wherein said first jaw comprises a channel. 
     
     
         36 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 35 , further comprising a staple cartridge configured to be replaceably seated in said channel. 
     
     
         37 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 36 , wherein said staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. 
     
     
         38 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 34 , wherein said first jaw comprises an anvil. 
     
     
         39 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 34 , wherein said firing system comprises a firing member configured to translate from a proximal position toward a distal position during a staple firing stroke. 
     
     
         40 . The powered surgical instrument of  claim 34 , wherein said closure tube is configured to move distally over said first jaw and said second jaw during a closure stroke.