SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS
A system is disclosed. The system can comprise an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a first outer surface, and wherein a classifying identification of the end effector is inscribed on the first outer surface. The system can also comprise the compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a second outer surface, wherein a classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge is inscribed on the second outer surface. The classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge can correspond to the classifying identification of the end effector.
1 . A system, comprising:
an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said end effector comprises a first outer surface, and wherein a classifying identification of said end effector is inscribed on said first outer surface; and
said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a second outer surface, wherein a classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge is inscribed on said second outer surface, and wherein said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge corresponds to said classifying identification of said end effector.
2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising an incompatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said incompatible replaceable staple cartridge comprises a third outer surface, wherein a classifying identification of said incompatible replaceable staple cartridge is positioned on said third outer surface, and wherein said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge is different than said classifying identification of said end effector.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said end effector further comprises a distal portion, and wherein said classifying identification of said end effector is positioned on said distal portion.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein said end effector further comprises an anvil, and wherein said classifying identification of said end effector is positioned at a distal end of said anvil.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said end effector further comprises an anvil comprising a pair of tissue stops, and wherein a secondary classifying identification of said end effector is positioned on each of said tissue stops.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said compatible replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a wedge-shaped distal nose, and wherein said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge is positioned on said wedge-shaped distal nose.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said classifying identification of said end effector and said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprise the same alphanumeric characters.
8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein said same alphanumeric characters indicates a length of a resultant staple line fired from said compatible replaceable staple cartridge.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein said same alphanumeric character indicates a type of end effector.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said classifying identification of said end effector and said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprise the same shape.
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said classifying identification of said end effector and said classifying identification of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprise the same color.
12 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a lockout configured to prevent at least one surgical function unless said compatible replaceable staple cartridge is positioned in said end effector.
13 . A system, comprising:
an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said end effector comprises a first distal end comprising a cartridge compatibility indicator; and
said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprises a second distal end comprising an end effector compatibility indicator.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said cartridge compatibility indicator is embossed on an outer surface of said end effector.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein said end effector compatibility indicator is embossed on an outer surface of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge.
16 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said cartridge compatibility indicator longitudinally overlaps said end effector compatibility indicator when said compatible replaceable staple cartridge is positioned in said end effector.
17 . A system, comprising:
an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said end effector comprises a first outer surface comprising a first code; and
said compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and a second outer surface, wherein said second outer surface comprises a second code, and wherein said second code matches said first code.
18 . The system of claim 17 , wherein said first code is embossed on said first outer surface, and wherein said second code is embossed on said second outer surface.
19 . The system of claim 17 , wherein said first code and said second code indicate a length of said compatible replaceable staple cartridge.
20 . The system of claim 17 , wherein said first code and said second code include at least one number and at least one letter.