JP7013469B2 - Arrangement of staple cartridges and staples and internal staple cavities - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various situations, to surgical staples and cutting instruments designed for stapled and cutting tissue and staple cartridges for use with them.

The various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly operably coupled to an embodiment of a handle assembly. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a part of the handle assembly and a part of the replaceable surgical tool assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal portion of an embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with some parts omitted for clarity. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the distal portion of the replaceable surgical tool assembly of FIG. It is a perspective view of the staple cartridge main body in which a plurality of staple cavities are defined inside. FIG. 5 is a partial bottom perspective view of the staple cartridge body of FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the staple cartridge body of FIG. 5, showing a cutting element arranged in a longitudinal slot of the cartridge body. It is the bottom view of the staple cartridge main body of FIG. 5, and shows the driver arranged in the staple cavity. A staple line embedded in a stapled tissue and formed by the staple cartridge body of FIG. 5, a specific staple that appears to be missing from the staple line is shown by a dotted line. 9 is a side elevation view of the staples in the staple line of FIG. It is a side elevation view of a staple. It is a bottom view of the staple cartridge main body in which a plurality of staple cavities are defined inside, and shows the driver arranged in the staple cavity. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the driver in the proximal staple cavity of FIG. It is a side elevation view of the driver of FIG. 13, and the shifted inclined surface is shown by a dotted line. It is a top view of the driver of FIG. It is a front view of the driver of FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the driver in the staple cavity proximal to the staple cartridge body of FIG. It is a front view of the driver of FIG. It is a top view of the staple cartridge main body in which a plurality of staple cavities are defined inside. It is the bottom view of the staple cartridge main body of FIG. 19, and shows the driver arranged in the staple cavity. 20 is a perspective view of the driver in the proximal staple cavity of FIG. It is a front view of the driver of FIG. It is a top view of the driver of FIG. It is a side elevation view of the driver of FIG. 21, and the shifted inclined surface is shown by a dotted line. It is a top view of the staple cartridge main body in which a plurality of staple cavities are defined inside. It is the bottom view of the staple cartridge main body of FIG. 25, and shows the driver arranged in the staple cavity. It is a plan view of a part of the staple cartridge main body in which the staple cavity oriented with a plurality of angles is defined inside, and shows the staple in the staple cavity. It is a plan view of a part of the staple cartridge main body in which the staple cavity oriented with a plurality of angles is defined inside, and shows the staple in the staple cavity. It is a plan view of a part of the staple cartridge main body in which the staple cavity oriented with a plurality of angles is defined inside, and shows the staple in the staple cavity. It is a plan view of a part of the staple cartridge main body in which the staple cavity oriented with a plurality of angles is defined inside, and shows the staple in the staple cavity. It is a plan view of a part of the staple cartridge main body in which the staple cavity oriented with a plurality of angles is defined inside, and shows the staple in the staple cavity. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 32. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 33. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 33. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 33. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 33. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 36. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 37. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 40. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 41. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 41. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 41. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 41. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 44. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 45. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 48. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 52. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 53. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 53. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 53. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. 53. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 56. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket of FIG. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 61. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 61. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 61. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 61. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 65. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 65. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 65. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 65. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 69. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 69. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 69. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. 69. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a detailed view of the pocket of FIG. 72. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the pocket of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of an end effector and an adapter assembly. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the end effector and adapter assembly of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the end effector and adapter assembly of FIG. It is a top view of a part of an anvil in which a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined inside. It is a top view of the embodiment of the staple driver. FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the staple driver of FIG. 81. It is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the staple driver of FIGS. 81 and 82.

Throughout the drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. The illustrations described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such illustrations should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. do not have.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" Agent Reference No. END7981USNP / 160156,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS" Agent Reference No. END7982USNP / 160157,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF" Agent Reference No. END7983USNP / 160158,
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSIMBLEES" agent reference number END7984USNP / 160159, and-US Patent Application No. __ ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THE REFOR "agent reference number END7985USNP / 160160.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" Agent Reference No. END7988USNP / 160163,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" Agent Reference No. END7991USNP / 160166,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE" Agent Reference No. END7992USNP / 160167
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE" Agent Reference No. END9793USNP / 160168,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS" Agent Reference No. END7995USNP / 160170,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" Agent Reference No. END7996USNP / 160171,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES" Agent Reference No. END7997USNP / 160172,
-US Patent Application No. ________, Invention Name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUETION UNLESS AN UNSPENT _ Title of the invention "STAPLECARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" Agent reference number END7999USNP / 160174.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT" Agent Reference No. END8013USNP / 160175,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROLL" Agent Reference No. END8016USNP / 160178,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER" Agent Reference No. END8018USNP / 160180,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT" Agent Reference No. END8020USNP / 160182,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT" Agent Reference Number END8021USNP / 160183
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE" agent reference number END8022USNP / 160184, and-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE" Agent reference number END8023USNP / 160185.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS" Agent Reference No. END8038USNP / 160186,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS" Agent Reference No. END8039USNP / 160187,
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT No. 160
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "CLOSER MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Agent Reference No. END8044USNP / 160192,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES" Agent Reference No. END8045USNP / 160193,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS" Agent Reference No. END8048USNP / 160196,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE" Agent Reference No. END8051USNP / 160199,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES" Agent Reference No. END8052USNP / 160200,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAIRURE RESPONSE MODES" Agent Reference No. END8053USNP / 160201,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS" Agent Reference No. END8054USNP / 160202,
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SPECARD AND DISTINT CLOSE
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH" Agent Reference No. END8057USNP / 160205,
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "CLOSE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" agent reference number END8058USNP / 160206, and-US patent application No. _____, title of invention "FIRING MEMBER" No. END8059USNP / 160207.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" Agent Reference No. END8003USNP / 160211
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES" agent reference number END8004USNP / 160212, and-US Patent Application No. END8004USNP / 160212, and-US Patent Application No. __ LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS "agent reference number END8005USNP / 160213.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNTIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT" Agent Reference No. END160US
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRATION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT No.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT NEXT
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OFSTEN
-US patent application No. _____, title of invention "SHAFT ASSIMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT" agent reference number END8011USNP / 160219, and-US patent application No. _____, title of invention "SHAFT ASSIMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT" Agent reference number END8012USNP / 160220.

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" Agent Reference No. END8024USNP / 160221,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" Agent Reference No. END8025USNP / 160222,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" Agent Reference No. END8026USNP / 160223,
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES" No. 24
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" Agent Reference No. END8028USNP / 160225,
- U.S. Patent Application No. _____ No., 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" Attorney Docket No. END8029USNP / 160226 of the invention,
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" Agent No. 20
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "PROTEXTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INST.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSEING END EFFECTOR JAWS" No. 80, No.
-US Patent Application No. _____, Invention Title "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT" Agent Reference No. END8033USNP / 160230,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. _____, title of invention "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTION NO.
-US patent application No. _____, title of invention "LATERRALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES" Agent reference number END8037USNP / 160234.

The applicant of this application owns the following US patent applications filed June 24, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, Invention title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, Invention title "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, title of invention "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, invention name "STAPLE CARTRIGGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,818, invention name "STAPLE CARTRIGGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL".

The applicant of this application owns the following US patent applications filed June 24, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,218, Invention Title "SURGICAL FASTENEER",
-US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,227, Invention Name "SURGICAL FASTENEER",
-US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,259, invention name "SURGICAL FASTENEER CARTRIDGE",-US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,264, invention name "SURGICAL FASTENEER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,325, title of invention "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,321, Title of Invention "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,326, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,263, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, title of invention "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,277, title of invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER",
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,258, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,278, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,284, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,295, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,300, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,196, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSE LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,203, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,210, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,324, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MEMHANISM",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,335, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,339, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT",
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,304, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,331, Title of Invention "ANVIL MODEFIRATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,336, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,312, Invention Title "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,309, invention name "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, invention name "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM".

The applicant of this application also owns the following US patent applications filed on 31 December 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, Invention Title "MECHANIMSS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 984,525, title of invention "MECHANIMSS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 984,552, title of invention "SURGICAL" AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS ".

The applicant of this application also owns the following US patent applications filed on 9 February 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MEMHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, title of invention "SURGICAL" REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application also possesses the following patent applications filed on February 12, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, title of invention "MECHANIMSS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, title of invention "MECHANIMSS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275, title of invention "MECHANIMSS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289, title of invention "MECHANMISS FOR FAIRURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on June 18, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,925, Invention title "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSEING FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, Invention Title "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,900, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FORT PORT"
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885, title of invention "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876, title of invention "PURST" FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 6, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, Invention Title "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184,
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, Title of Invention "MONITORING SPEED CONTROLL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, Invention Title "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now published in US
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, Invention Title "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, title of invention "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR COUNTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLL PROCESSING PRO.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, Invention Title "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163,
-US Pat.
-US Pat. No. 780, the title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSTECTION STATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, title of invention "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHERTHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHINNA
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, Invention Title "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, Invention Title "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02949908,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, Invention Title "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, Invention Title "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, Invention Title "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927, and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, Invention Title " SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER ”, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MENS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE
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-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, Invention Title "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978,
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-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,130, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO ,
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-US Pat.
-US Pat. , The title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASMEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, Invention Title "Rotary Powered Articulation Joints For Surgical Instruments", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, Invention Title "Thumbwhere Switch Arrangements For Surgical Instruments", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, Invention Title "Electromechanical Surgical Device with Signal Relay Arrangement", now US Pat. No. 9,358,003,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, Invention Title "Multiple Procedure Motor Control For Modular Surgical Instruments", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, title of invention "Joystick Switch Assets For Surgical Instruments", now US Patent No. 9,326,767,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, title of invention "Sensor Straightened End Effector Duration Removal Through Trocar", now US Pat. No. 9,468,438,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, Invention Title "Control Methods For Surgical Instruments With Removable Implement Parts", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, title of invention "Rotary Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Degrees of Freedom", now US Patent No. 9,398,911, and-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536. No., the title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", currently US Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, Invention Title "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, Invention Title "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Pat. No. 9,332,987,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, Invention Title "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, Invention Title "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSTIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, Invention Title "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, Invention Title "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODEDULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,117, Invention Title "ARTICULATION CONTREM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Pat. No. 9,351,726,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, Invention Title "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROLL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODELAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Pat. No. 9,351,727, and-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159. , The title of the invention "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, Invention Title "CONTROLL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, Invention Title "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTOROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, Invention Title "STERILIZETION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, Invention Title "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGE COUNT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580,
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-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, Invention Title "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPPATION", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571,
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, Invention Title "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, Invention Title "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557,
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/02272583, and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, title of invention. "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, Invention Title "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, Invention Title "ADJUNCT WITH INTERGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, Invention Title "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910,
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Pat. The title of the invention, "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION," is currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 9 April 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSEING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", currently US Patent Application No. 3059/09
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently published in US Patent No. 14/248, 595
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, Invention Title "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, Invention Title "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03059191,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, title of invention "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVERN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHOFTS WITH SURFTS U.S.A.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, Invention Title "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", Currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665,
-US Pat. , The title of the invention "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR",
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, Invention Title "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER",
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, Title of Invention "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP",
-US provisional patent application No. 61 / 812,385, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTOR", and-US provisional patent application No. 61 / 812,372, title of invention "SURGICAL". MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR ".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 2, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 843,168, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH IMPROVEED STAPLE DRIVER CONFIGURATIONS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 843,196, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLE DRIVER ARRAYS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 843,216, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE STAPLE DRIVERS WITH CENTRAL SUPPORT FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 843,243, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES" WITH DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING HERRINGBONE STAPLE PATTERNS ".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 26, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Pat.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 498,121, Invention Title "FASTENEER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0086141,
-US Pat. The title of the invention, "SURGICAL STAPLING BUTTRESSES AND ADJUNCT MATERIALS", is currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0088143.

The applicants of this application are also referred to in US Pat. No. 8,590,762, issued November 26, 2013, the title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATIONS", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. I also own it.

The applicants of this application are also referred to in US Pat. No. 8,727,197, issued May 20, 2014, the title of the invention, "STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATION," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It also owns "WITH COOPERATION SURGICAL STAPLE".

Numerous specific details are described to provide a complete understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of embodiments, as described in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings. Well-known behaviors, components, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described herein. The reader is aware that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, so that the particular structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. , Will understand. Modifications and changes can be made to it without departing from the claims.

The terms "comprise" (any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include ( ”(Any form of include, such as“ includes ”and“ inclusion ”), and“ contain ”(any form of content, such as“ context ”and“ connecting ”) are open-ended concatenations. It is a verb. As a result, a surgical system, device, or device that "equipped", "has", "contains", or "contains" one or more elements comprises one or more of them. Have, but are not limited to having only one or more of them. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or device that "includes", "has", "contains", or "contains" one or more features has one or more of these features. Have, but are not limited to having only one or more of them.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to the clinician operating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the part closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the part located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" may be used for drawings herein. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limited and / or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. However, it will be readily appreciated by the reader that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including those associated with, for example, open surgery. By reading "forms for carrying out the invention" herein, the reader may read that the various instruments disclosed herein are incisions or punctures formed in the tissue, eg, through a natural opening. You will further understand that it can be inserted into the body in any way, such as through a hole. The working part or end effector part of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device with a passage of action capable of advancing the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument. You can also do it.

The surgical staple 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 comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is removable from the first jaw and is removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least not easily replaceable. Other embodiments are also conceivable. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staple ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable about the closed axis with respect to the first jaw, while the first jaw is pivotable with respect to the second jaw. Embodiments are also envisioned. The surgical staple fastening system further comprises a joint that is configured to allow the end effector to rotate, ie, range of motion, with respect to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about a joint axis of motion that extends through the joint. Other embodiments that do not include joints are also conceivable.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck portion extending between the proximal and distal ends. During use, the staple cartridge is positioned on the first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on the second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved towards the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Subsequently, staples detachably stored in the cartridge body can be subsequently deployed in the tissue. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity defined therein, and the staples are detachably stored in the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. The three rows of staple cavities are located on the first side of the longitudinal slot and the three rows of staple cavities are located on the second side of the longitudinal slot. Staple cavities and other arrangements of staples are also possible.

The staples are supported by a staple driver inside the cartridge body. The driver can move between the first, i.e., unlaunched position and the second, i.e., the launched position, which ejects the staples from the staple cavity. The driver includes an elastic member that is held within the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and is configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the holder against the cartridge body. .. The driver can move between their unfired position and their fired position by a thread. The thread is mobile between the proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and the distal position adjacent to the distal end. The thread slides under the driver and has multiple ramps configured to lift the driver, on which the staples are supported and towards the anvil.

In addition to the above, the thread is moved distally by the launcher. The launcher is configured to contact the thread and push the thread towards the distal end. Longitudinal slots defined within the cartridge body are configured to receive the launching member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the launching member. The launching member further comprises a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. When advancing the launching member distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance between the deck portion of the staple cartridge and the anvil, i.e. the tissue gap. The launcher also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue trapped between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the slope so that the staples are ejected forward of the knife.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 operably coupled to a motor driven handle assembly 500. The tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively used with a tool-driven assembly of a robotic or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein are various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods, such as, but not limited to, US Pat. No. 9,072, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It may be used together with the one disclosed in No. 535, the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS". The handle assembly 500 and the tool-driven assembly of the robot system may also be referred to herein as a "control system" or "control unit".

1 and 2 show the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and operated by the clinician. The handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 can operably support a "first" or closed-operated drive system (generally represented by 510), which is operably attached to the handle assembly 500. , Or may be used to apply open / close movements to the interconnected interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. In at least one embodiment, the closed operation drive system 510 pivotally supported by the frame 506 may include an actuator in the form of a closed operation trigger 512. With such an arrangement, when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle operation 500, the closing operation trigger 512 moves from the start position or the "non-actuated" position to the "actuated" position, more specifically completely. The closing operation trigger 512 can be manipulated by the clinician so that it can be easily pivoted to a compressed or fully actuated position. In various embodiments, the closed-operated drive system 510 further comprises a closed-operated coupling assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to or otherwise interfaced with the closing-operated trigger 512. U.S. Patent Application No. _____, Agent Reference No. END7987USNP / 160162, title of invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLEES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING As further described in "STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS", the closed operation coupling assembly 514 includes lateral mounting pins 516 for easy mounting to the corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to activate the closing operation drive system 510, the clinician presses the closing operation trigger 512 towards the pistol grip portion 504. In more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,142, the title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described, when the clinician has fully pressed the closing operation trigger 512 to achieve a "fully" closed stroke, the closing operation drive system 510 has the closing operation trigger 512 in the fully pressed position. Or it is configured to lock in a fully activated position. When the clinician wants to unlock the closing operation trigger 512 and force it to be urged to the inactive position, the clinician can simply return the closing operation trigger 512 to the inactive position. Activate the release button assembly 518. The closing operation release button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors communicating with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the closing operation trigger 512. Further details regarding the configuration and operation of the close operation release button assembly 518 can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

In at least one embodiment, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 are configured herein to apply a launch motion to the corresponding portion of the attached interchangeable surgical tool assembly with the launch drive system 530. It may operably support another drive system called. As described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the launch drive system 530 may use an electric motor 505 (FIG. 1) located within the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. .. In various embodiments, the motor 505 may be a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum rotation speed of, for example, about 25,000 RPM. In another arrangement, the motor 505 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522, and the power source 522 may, in one form, include a removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of lithium ions (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. A large number of batteries may be connected in series and may be used as a power source 522 for the handle assembly 500. In addition, the power supply 522 may be replaceable and / or rechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to drive a drive member 540 movable in the longitudinal direction in the axial direction in the distal direction and the proximal direction according to the polarity of the motor. For example, when the electric motor 505 is driven in a certain rotational direction, the drive member 540 that is movable in the longitudinal direction can be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite direction of rotation, the drive member 540 that is movable in the longitudinal direction can be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by a power source 522 or to control the motor 505 in other ways. The handle assembly 500 may also include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and / or the direction in which the drive member 540 moves. The operation of the motor 505 is controllable by a firing trigger 532 pivotally supported by the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may pivot between the non-actuated position and the actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be urged to a non-actuated position by a spring (not shown) or other urging mechanism when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, and may be urged to a non-actuated position by a spring or urging mechanism. May be pivoted to, or may return in other ways. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be located "outside" the closing operation trigger 512, as described above. As described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be provided with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent operation of the firing trigger 532. .. When the closing operation trigger 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is inside the handle assembly 500, which is not easily accessible to the clinician, and the safety position to prevent the firing trigger 532 from activating and the firing trigger. It is not possible to move between the launch positions that the 532 can fire. When the clinician presses the closing operation trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532 may be pivoted down, which can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the drive member 540, which is moveable in the longitudinal direction, has a toothed portion (shown) made on the member to mesh with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor 505. It may have). Further details on these features will be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. The at least one form is also a manually operable "emergency" configured to allow the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and disable the motor 505. Equipped with an assembly. The emergency assembly may include a lever or emergency handle assembly housed in a handle assembly 500 under a removable door portion 550. The lever is manually pivoted to ratchet engage with the dentate portion of the drive member 540. Therefore, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 and palpate the drive member 540 in the proximal direction "PD" by using the emergency handle assembly. U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, the title of the invention "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, is now U.S. Patent Application No. 10/249, The issue discloses emergency deployments and other components, deployments and systems that can be used with the tool assembly 1000.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 comprises a shaft mounting portion 1300 that is operably attached to the elongated shaft assembly 1400. A surgical end effector 1100 with an elongated channel 1102 configured to operably support the staple cartridge 1110 internally connects to the elongated shaft assembly 1400. See FIGS. 3 and 4. The end effector 1100 may further comprise an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported for the elongated channel 1102. The elongated channel 1102 / staple cartridge assembly 1110 and anvil 1130 are sometimes referred to as "jaws". The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may be configured to detachably hold the end effector 1100 in a desired joint motion position about the lateral joint motion axis BB with respect to the shaft axis SA. The 1200 and the joint lock 1210 may be further provided (FIGS. 3 and 4). Details regarding the structure and operation of the joint lock 1210 are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now U.S.A. It will be found in Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the joint lock 1210 are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MEMHANISM WITH". It will also be found in "SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT".

The launch member 1760 is configured to operably interface with the thread assembly 1120 operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The thread assembly 1120 is slidable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from the proximal start position adjacent to the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to the end position adjacent to the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. .. See FIG. The cartridge body 1111 operably supports a plurality of staple drivers 1170 (FIGS. 81-83) arranged in rows on each side of a centrally located slot 1114. A centrally located slot 1114 allows the launching member 1760 to pass through this slot and cut the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The driver is associated with a corresponding pocket or cavity 1116 that is open through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body 1111. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or their fixtures on it. The thread assembly 1120 comprises a plurality of tilted or wedge-shaped cams 1122, each cam 1122 corresponding to a particular line fixture or driver located on one side of slot 1114. If the launching member 1760 is launched or driven distally, the launching member 1760 also drives the thread assembly 1120 distally. As the launch member 1760 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting feature 1766 cuts the tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and the thread assembly 1120 is in the cartridge. Drives the driver upwards and drives the corresponding staples or fixtures to form contacts with the anvil assembly 1130.

In the example shown, the cartridge body 1111 operably supports a plurality of staple drivers aligned in a row on each side of a centrally located slot 1114. 81-83 show an example of a staple driver 1170 that can be used to support staples on one side of a surgical staple cartridge. The driver located on the opposite side of the centrally located slot 1114 may be a mirror image of the driver 1170. Other staple driver configurations may be used effectively as well. As can be seen from FIGS. 81 to 83, one form of the staple driver 1700 includes a staple driver main body 1172. The driver body 1172 includes a first or innermost staple support portion 1174 configured to support staples (not shown) on top. A second or central staple support portion 1176 is configured to support another staple (not shown) on it, and a third support portion 1870 is configured on it with a third staple (figure). Not shown) is configured to support. The first staple support portion 1174, the second staple support portion 1176 and the third staple support portion 1178 are all connected together by the connector portion 1180. In at least one arrangement, the connector portion 1180 is a centrally located opening configured to slidably accept a corresponding first driver guide (not shown) formed within the cartridge body. (opening or aperture) formed with 1182. Connector portion 1180 includes a first cam portion 1184 with a first cam receiving surface or tilt 1186 formed on top. The connector portion 1180 also includes a second cam portion 1188 with a second cam receiving surface 1190 formed on top. The cam receiving surfaces 1186 and 1190 may have the same inclination or angle, or they may have different inclinations / angles. In at least one embodiment, each staple driver 1170 is, for example, integrally made or molded from Ultem® and no filler is used. However, other materials can be used, such as Ultem® containing glass or mineral fillers, or nylon, or nylon containing glass files. In other configurations, the various parts of the staple driver 1170 may be made separately from other materials and connected together by adhesive, soldering, etc. Further details regarding the staple driver 1170 and other driver embodiments that can be effectively used together with the various embodiments disclosed herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. , No. 243, filed on September 2, 2015, the title of the invention, "SURGICAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES".

The staple cavity 1116 is oriented at an angle with respect to the shaft axis SA. More specifically, the staple cavity 1116 is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the shaft axis SA to form a herringbone pattern on the deck surface 1115. Various different patterns of staple cavities within the staple cartridge body are described herein.

The placement of staples and / or the deformation of the geometry within the staple line can affect the flexibility and sealing properties of the staple line. For example, a staple line composed of linear staples can provide a limited amount of flexibility or extensibility because the staple lines can bend and stretch between the linear staples. As a result, a limited portion of the staple line (eg, the portion between the staples) is flexible. Staple lines composed of angled and oriented staples can also bend and extend between staples. However, the angled staples can also rotate, providing additional elongation within the staple line. Staple lines composed of angled and oriented staples can extend, for example, by more than 60%. In certain cases, staple lines composed of angled and oriented staples can extend, for example, by at least 25% or at least 50%. The placement of the staples includes, for example, the relative orientation of the staples and the spacing of the staples. The geometry of the staples includes, for example, the size and shape of the staples. The flexibility and sealing properties of the staple line can vary in longitudinal and / or lateral position based on the placement and / or geometry of the staple. In certain cases, it is desirable to change the flexibility and / or sealing properties of the staple line at one or more positions along the staple line. For example, it may be desirable to maximize the flexibility of the staple line or a portion thereof. In addition to, or in lieu of, it may be desirable to minimize the flexibility of the staple line or parts thereof. It may also be desirable to maximize the sealing properties of the staple line or part of it. In addition to, or in lieu of, it may be desirable to minimize the sealing properties of the staple line or parts thereof.

The placement of the staple cavities within the staple cartridge corresponds to the placement of the staples within the staple line created by the staple cartridge. For example, the spacing and relative orientation of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge correspond to the spacing and relative orientation of the staples in the staple line created by the staple cartridge. In various cases, the staple cartridge may include a staple cavity arrangement selected and / or designed to optimize the flexibility and / or sealing properties of the resulting staple line. The surgeon may select staple cartridges with a particular arrangement of staple cavities, for example, based on the surgical procedure being performed and / or the characteristics of the tissue being treated during the procedure.

In certain cases, it may be desirable to create staple lines with different staple patterns. The staple line may include a first pattern of staples for its first portion and a second pattern of staples for its second portion. The first pattern and the second pattern may be offset in the longitudinal direction. For example, the first pattern may be located at the proximal or distal end of the staple line. In other cases, the first pattern and the second pattern may be laterally offset, and in other cases, the first and second patterns are laterally offset. , And may be displaced in the longitudinal direction. The staple line may contain at least two different staple patterns.

In certain cases, most of the staples in the staple line may form the main pattern, and other staples in the staple line may form one or more sub-patterns. The main pattern may extend over a significant portion of the staple line and may include sub-patterns that repeat in the longitudinal direction. In certain cases, the sub-pattern (or irregularity) may deviate from the main pattern. The sub-pattern may be anomalous, for example, at one or more positions along the length of the staple line. Different patterns within the staple line may be configured to give rise to different properties at predetermined positions. For example, the primary pattern may be a flexible or highly elastic pattern, allowing elongation by elongation of the stapled tissue, and the secondary pattern may be less flexible or less flexible. The elasticity may be low. For example, it may be desirable for most of the staple lines to be highly flexible and for one or more limited portions to be less flexible. In other cases, the secondary pattern may be more flexible than the primary pattern. In certain cases, the flexibility of the sub-pattern may not affect the flexibility of the entire staple line because the sub-pattern extends along a short portion of the staple line. Or it may not have a significant effect.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 5-8, a staple cartridge body 3000 for use with a surgical end effector is shown. The staple cartridge body 3000 includes a deck portion 3002 and a slot 3004, and the slot 3004 passes through the deck portion 3002 and extends from the proximal end 3006 to the distal end 3008 of the cartridge body 3000. .. The slot 3004 extends along the longitudinal axis LA (FIG. 7) of the cartridge body 3000. The staple cavities 3010 are defined in the cartridge body 3000, and each staple cavity 3010 defines an opening 3012 in the deck portion 3002.

Most of the staple cavities 3010 are arranged in a first pattern (ie, main pattern) 3020. The first pattern 3020 is a longitudinally repeating pattern of the staple cavities 3010 oriented at an angle. A longitudinal repeat pattern is a pattern in which sub-patterns or arrangements are repeated longitudinally. For example, the arrangement of the three staple cavities on each side of slot 3004 (inner staple cavity, middle staple cavity and outer staple cavity) is repeated along at least part of the length of the staple cartridge body 3000. May be good. Various longitudinal repeating patterns of angled oriented staple cavities, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 498,145, filed September 26, 2014, Currently, it is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0891142, the title of the invention "METHOD FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE". The openings 3012 of the staple cavities 3010 in the first pattern 3020 form a herringbone pattern having six rows of the staple cavity openings 3012 angled and oriented within the cartridge deck portion 3002. The inner row 3014a, middle row 3014b, and outer row 3014c of the staple cavity 3010 are arranged on each side of the slot 3004.

Each staple cavity opening 3012 has a proximal end 3016 and a distal end 3018. The proximal and distal ends 3016 of the staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020 are longitudinally offset. In other words, each staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020 is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis LA (FIG. 7). The cavity axis CA (FIG. 7) extends between the proximal and distal ends 3016 of each opening 3012. The cavity axis CA is oriented obliquely with respect to slot 3004. More specifically, the openings 3012 in the inner row 3014a of the staple cavity 3010 and in the outer row 3014c of the staple cavity 3010 are arranged at 45 degrees or about 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA and are staples. The openings 3012 in the intermediate row 3014b of the cavity 3010 are arranged at 90 degrees, or about 90 degrees, to the openings 3012 in the inner row 3014a and the outer row 3014a.

The particular staple cavity 3010 in the cartridge body 3000 is oriented at an irregular or irregular angle with respect to the staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020. More specifically, the angular orientations of the proximal staple cavities 3010a, 3010b, 3010c and 3010d and the distal staple cavities 3010e, 3010f, 3010g and 3010h match the herringbone arrangement of the staple cavities 3010 in the first pattern 3020. do not do. Rather, the proximal staple cavities 3010a-3010d and the distal staple cavities 3010e-3010h are angularly offset from the staple cavities 3010 in the first pattern 3020. The proximal staple cavities 3010a, 3010b, 3010c and 3010d are oriented obliquely with respect to the staple cavities 3010 in the first pattern 3020, and the distal staple cavities 3010e, 3010f, 3010g and 3010h are also the first pattern. It is oriented diagonally with respect to the staple cavity 3010 in 3020. Proximal and distal staple cavities 3010a-3010h are oriented parallel to slot 3004 and longitudinal axis LA.

Proximal staple cavities 3010a-3010d form a proximal pattern 3022 separate from the first pattern 3020, and distal staple cavities 3010e-3010h also form a distal pattern 3024 separate from the first pattern 3020. To form. In the arrangement shown, the proximal pattern 3022 is parallel to the first side of slot 3004, the first pair of staple cavities 3010a, 3010b aligned in the longitudinal direction, and the second side of the longitudinal slot 3004. Includes a second pair of staple cavities 3010c, 3010d aligned in the longitudinal direction. The distal pattern 3024 is also longitudinally parallel to the first side of the longitudinal slot 3004, the first pair of staple cavities 3010e, 3010f aligned in the longitudinal direction, and the second side of the longitudinal slot 3004. Includes a second pair of directionally aligned staple cavities 3010 g, 3010 h. In other cases, the distal pattern 3024 may be different from the proximal pattern 3022.

Proximal pattern 3022 and distal pattern 3024 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other cases, the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 may be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. For example, the staple cavities 3010e and 3010f may be longitudinally offset from the staple cavities 3010g and 3010h, and / or the staple cavities 3010a and 3010b may be longitudinally offset from the staple cavities 3010c and 3010d. In addition to or instead, in certain cases, the staple cartridge body 3000 may include either the proximal pattern 3022 or the distal pattern 3024. In other cases, the staple cavities 3010 defined within the staple cartridge body 3000 may include additional and / or different patterns of staple cavities 3010.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 5, the non-invasive extender 3030 extends or projects from the deck portion 3002 around a portion of the staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020. The non-invasive extender 3030 surrounds the proximal end 3016 and the distal end 3018 of the opening 3012 of the staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020, respectively. The non-invasive extender 3030 may be configured to grip the tissue clamped by the end effector. In addition to or instead, in certain cases, the tips of the staple legs may project from the cartridge body 3000. In such cases, the non-invasive extender 3030 is configured to extend to and / or beyond the same location as the tip of the staple leg to prevent its tip from prematurely penetrating the tissue. May be good. As a result, larger staples, such as staples with longer legs, may be placed within the staple cavity 3010 with the invasive extender 3030 placed around it. For example, referring again to FIG. 5, without the risk that staples larger than the staples in the staple cavities of the proximal pattern 3022 and the distal pattern 3024 will prematurely perforate the tissue with this longer staple leg. It may be arranged in the staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020. In certain cases, the non-invasive extender 3030 may be placed around the staple cavities 3010 in the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024, with larger staples as well as these staple cavities 3010a. It may be arranged in one or more of ~ 3010h.

The staple cartridge body 3000 may be configured to create staple lines with different properties along its length. FIG. 9 shows a staple line 3040 made by the staple cartridge body 3000 and embedded in the tissue T. The staple line 3040 is composed of staples 3042 and is shown in FIG. 10 as an exemplary staple 3042 for use with the various staple cartridges described herein. The staples 3042 may be composed of, for example, curved wires. The wire may be 0.0079 inches in diameter, or about 0.0079 inches. In other cases, the wire may be 0.0089 inches in diameter, or about 0.0089 inches. In yet other cases, the wire may be 0.0094 in diameter, or about 0.0094 inches in diameter. In certain cases, the wire may be less than 0.0079 inches in diameter, or larger than 0.0094 inches. The reader will understand that the diameter of the wire may indicate the diameter of the staple. The staple 3042 has a base portion 3050, a first leg portion 3052 extending from the first end of the base portion 3050, and a second leg portion 3054 extending from the second end of the base portion 3050. It is a U-shaped staple. The first leg 3052 is substantially parallel to the second leg 3054 and is substantially perpendicular to the base 3050. Once embedded in tissue T, the angular orientation of the base 3050 corresponds to the angular orientation of the staple cavity opening 3012 from which the staple 3042 is fired.

Another exemplary staple 3142 for use with the various staple cartridges described herein is shown in FIG. Staples 3142 have a base portion 3150, a first leg portion 3152 extending from the first end of the base portion 3050, and a second leg portion 3154 extending from the second end of the base portion 3150. It is a V-shaped staple. The first leg 3152 is obliquely oriented with respect to the second leg 3154 and the base 3150. Once embedded in tissue T, the orientation of the base 3150 corresponds to the orientation of the staple cavity opening 3012 at which the staples 3142 are fired. The reader will understand that staples with different geometries may be fired from the staple cartridges described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the staple line 3040 includes a first portion 3044, a proximal portion 3046, and a distal portion 3048. The first portion 3044 is made from the first pattern (ie, the main pattern) 3020 and extends along a significant portion of the staple line 3040. Due to the angular orientation of the staples 3042 within the first portion 3044, the first portion 3044 is substantially flexible or soft. For example, the first portion 3044 is a stapled tissue because the angled oriented staple 3042 can rotate within the stapled tissue T while minimizing trauma to the tissue T. The structure is configured to extend or extend longitudinally and / or laterally.

The proximal portion 3046 is made from the proximal pattern 3022 and forms the proximal end of the staple line 3040. The distal portion 3048 is made from the distal pattern 3024 and forms the distal end of the staple 3040. Due to the parallel arrangement of staples 3042 within the proximal and distal portions 3046 of the staple line 3040, the proximal and distal portions 3046 and 3046 of the staple line 3040 are more flexible than the first portion 3044. The sex can be low. However, the reduced flexibility of the proximal portion 3046 and the distal portion 3048 will not affect or substantially affect the overall flexibility of the staple line 3040. Further, as described herein, the proximal portion 3046 and the distal portion 3048 do not have to extend adjacent to the cutting line, and in certain cases, the proximal portion 3046 is present. It may not be, and it may be missing from the staple line 3040.

The firing element, eg, the launching member 1760 (FIG. 4), is configured to move along at least a portion of slot 3004 in order to launch the staple 3042 from the staple cavity 3010. The firing element may include and / or engage with a thread assembly 1120 (FIG. 4) having one or more wedge-shaped threads and / or cam receiving surfaces, eg, wedge-shaped cam 1122. May be good. The cam of the thread is configured to drive the staple upwards towards the staple forming surface, eg, into the forming pocket in the anvil 1130 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). Referring to FIG. 6, the staple cartridge body 3000 includes a plurality of channels 3036 along the bottom surface 3034 through which the wedge cam can move during the firing stroke.

During use, the target tissue is clamped between the staple cartridge body 3000 and the anvil (eg, anvil 1130) (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). The structure overlapping the staple cavity 3010 is stapled. If the tissue is not located above a particular staple cavity 3010, the staples fired from these staple cavities 3010 will not engage the tissue. The anvil typically has a downward extending side wall, commonly referred to as a "tissue stop". The tissue stop is configured to prevent the target tissue from going too proximal between the anvil and the cartridge. For example, referring to the end effector 1100 of FIG. 4, the anvil 1130 includes a tissue stop section 1131, which extends toward the staple cartridge 1110. When the anvil 1130 is closed towards the cartridge 1110, the tissue stop 1131 on either side of the anvil 1130 extends downward past the cartridge deck surface 1115 to form a wall or barrier, which causes the tissue to form a wall or barrier. Prevents it from going too far proximally between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. The distal end of tissue stop 1131 defines the proximal starting point of the cutting line. The proximal axis PA corresponding to the distal end of tissue stop 1131 is shown in FIG. Since the target tissue is not located proximal to the proximal axis PA, the staples fired from the staple cavities located proximal to the proximal axis PA (ie, the proximal staple cavities 3010a-3010d) , Not fired at the target tissue. In such cases, the staples fired from the proximal pattern 3022 do not form part of the staple line.

The cutting element 3028 (FIG. 7) is also configured to move along the longitudinal slot 3004. In various cases, the cutting element 3028 may be an integral part of the firing element (eg, tissue cutting feature 1766 (FIG. 4) on the firing member 1760). The cutting element 3028 is a distal cutting edge 3029 configured to incis the tissue clamped by the end effector and stapled by the staple 3042. Primarily with reference to FIG. 7, the cutting edge 3029 of the cutting element 3028 is located between the proximal position near the proximal end portion 3006 of the cartridge body 3000 and the distal position near the distal end portion 3008 of the cartridge body 3000. It is configured to move. The most distal position of the cutting edge 3029 is defined by the distal termination point of the cutting line. The distal axis DA corresponding to the distal termination point of the cutting edge 3029 is shown in FIG. Tissue located distal to the distal axis DA is not incised by the cutting element 3028 during the firing stroke.

The first pattern 3020 of the staple cavity 3010 extends between the proximal axis PA and the distal axis DA. Further, at least one staple cavity 3010 in the first pattern 3020 overlaps the proximal axis PA and the distal axis DA. In other cases, more than one longitudinal repeating pattern of staple cavities 3010 may be placed between the proximal axis PA and the distal axis DA. The proximal pattern 3022 is located proximal to the proximal axis PA and the distal pattern 3024 is located distal to the distal axis DA. In such cases, the staples fired from the distal staple cavities 3010e-3010h are not configured to staple the incised tissue. Furthermore, the staples fired from the proximal staple cavities 3010a-3010d are not configured to staple the target tissue. Therefore, such staples will not affect the flexibility and / or sealing quality of the resulting staple line.

In certain cases, it may be desirable to create staple lines with first flexibility adjacent to the cutting line and different flexibility proximal and / or distal to the cutting line. .. For example, a staple line containing at least two parallel staples on each side of the cutting line and located distal to the distal end of the cutting line may provide certain advantages. In certain cases, staple arrangements that result in low flexibility will prevent or / or limit the propagation of cutting lines and / or tissue tearing. In addition, the tissue adjacent to the uncut portion experiences less stress and / or strain than the tissue adjacent to the cut line, and therefore requires less flexibility to prevent and / or limit tissue trauma. May be. More specifically, the tissue adjacent to the cutting line experiences a large force during the cutting stroke, and thus may be made more flexible to prevent trauma to the tissue. In addition, the tissue adjacent to the cut line may stretch as it heals, so greater flexibility may facilitate the healing process. For tissues that receive a small force (eg, tissue distal to the cut line), for example, when flexibility is reduced, the staple line is strengthened or strengthened, to the distal side of the cut line. Can prevent propagation.

In the arrangement shown, the proximal pattern 3022 contains two irregular staple cavities on each side of the knife slot 3004 adjacent to the proximal end of the first pattern 3020, and the distal pattern 3024 is the first. Pattern 3020 contains two irregular staple cavities on each side of the knife slot 3004 adjacent to the distal end. In other cases, the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 may consist of one irregular staple cavity on one or both sides of the knife slot 3004. In yet other cases, the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 may include three or more irregular staple cavities on one or both sides of the knife slot 3004. Proximal pattern 3022 and / or distal pattern 3024 may include sub-patterns that repeat in the longitudinal direction. For example, the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 may include multiple columns of parallel staple cavity openings 3012. In certain cases, the staple cartridge body 3000 may have one irregular pattern and may be located at either the proximal end or the distal end of the first pattern 3020.

In certain cases, one or more staple cavities within the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 may be non-parallel to the knife slot 3004. For example, such staple cavities may be oriented perpendicular to the knife slot 3004 or at an oblique angle to the knife slot 3004. In addition to or instead, certain staple cavities within the proximal pattern 3022 and / or the distal pattern 3024 can be non-parallel to each other.

With reference mainly to FIG. 8, the staple driver 3060 is arranged in the staple cavity 3010 of the cartridge body 3000. The staple driver 3060 supports the staples 3042 (FIGS. 9 and 10) therein and is arranged to push the staples 3042 out of the staple cavities 3010 during the firing stroke. Due to the different patterns of staple cavities 3010 in the cartridge body 3000 (eg, patterns 3020, 3022 and 3024), the staple driver 3060 may have different geometries and / or orientations. For example, the staple driver 3060 located within the staple cavity 3010 of pattern 3020 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 498,145, September 26, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It may include the connected driver described in the application, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0891142, title of the invention "METHOD FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE". Each connected driver is located in the inner driver located in the staple cavity 3010 in the inner row 3014a, the intermediate driver located in the staple cavity 3010 in the intermediate row 3014b, and in the staple cavity 3010 in the outer row 3014c. It may also include an outer driver. The connection flange can connect the intermediate driver to at least one inner driver and at least one outer driver. In other cases, the staple drivers located in the staple cavities in the first pattern 3020 may include individual drivers, each driver driving one staple. In other cases, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference, US Patent Application No. 14 / 138,475, filed December 23, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173749. Staples shall be driven by direct contact with the wedge-shaped thread and / or cam receiving surface, as described in No., the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES" and US Patent Application No. 14 / 498,145. It may be a direct-type staple that can be driven.

The driver 3060 disposed within the staple cavity 3010 is sized and disposed so that it is driven and engaged by a thread and its cam receiving surface. For example, the driver 3060 is placed in the staple cavity 3010 of the first pattern 3020. Proximal drivers 3060a, 3060b, 3060c and 3060d are located in staple cavities 3010a, 3010b, 3010c and 3010d of the proximal pattern 3022, respectively, and distal drivers 3060e, 3060f, 3060g and 3060h are located in the distal pattern 3024, respectively. It is arranged in the staple cavities 3010e, 3010f, 3010g and 3010h of the above. Referring again to FIG. 4, the thread assembly 1120 and its wedge-shaped cam 1122 may be configured to lift the driver 3060 within the staple cavity 3010. In such a case, the cam 1122 is configured to drive and engage the driver 3060 along the length of the cartridge body 3000. More specifically, the cam 1122 first engages and drives the proximal drivers 3060a, 3060b, 3060c and 3060d, fires the staples in the proximal pattern 3022, and then engages the driver 3060. , Drive and fire the staples in the first pattern 3022, and finally engage and drive the distal drivers 3060e, 3060f, 3060g and 3060h to fire the staples in the distal pattern 3024. Proximal drivers 3060a, 3060b, 3060c and 3060d and / or distal drivers 3060e, 3060f, 3060g and 3060h have different geometry than the driver 3060 in the first pattern 3020 of the staple cavity 3010, but the thread and its. The cam receiving surface is compatible with different drivers in the cartridge body 3000.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the thread assembly 1120 has four cam receiving surfaces 1122. The first pair of cam receiving surfaces 1122 is arranged to drive engage with the staple driver on the first side of the longitudinal axis LA, and the second pair of cam receiving surfaces 1122 is of the longitudinal axis LA. Arranged to drive engage with the staple driver on the second side. The cam receiving surfaces 1122 of each pair are offset in the longitudinal direction. In other cases, the cam receiving surfaces 1122 may be aligned longitudinally. Each pair of cam receiving surfaces 1122 supports a triple driver, ie, staples in the inner row 3014a of the staple cavity 3010, staples in the middle row 3014b of the staple cavity 3010, and staples in the outer row 3014c of the staple cavity 3010. It is configured to lift the connected driver (see, for example, the driver 1170 of FIGS. 81-83). The cam receiving surface 1122 is also configured to lift the proximal drivers 3060a, 3060b, 3060c and 3060d and the distal drivers 3060e, 3060f, 3060g and 3060h. In other cases, the thread assembly 1120 may include more than four or less than four cam receiving surfaces.

Proximal drivers 3060a-3060d and distal drivers 3060e-3060h are connected drivers 3058. An exemplary connected driver 3058 is shown in FIGS. 13-16. The connected driver 3058 includes a first driver 3060a and a second driver 3060b. The connecting flange 3068 extends between the two drivers 3060a and 3060b. Since the first driver 3060a and the second driver 3060b are connected, the staples supported by the first driver 3060a and the second driver 3060b are simultaneously fired by the thread assembly. The drivers 3060a and 3060b, respectively, are also equipped with a cradle 3070 to support the base of the staples. The guides 3062a and 3062b extend laterally from the drivers 3060a and 3060b, respectively. The first guide 3062a extends in the first direction to form the outer portion of the connected driver 3058, and the second guide 3062b extends in the second opposite direction and the connected driver. It forms the inner part of 3058. The inclined surfaces 3064a and 3064b on the guides 3062a and 3062b are arranged so as to be in drive contact with the cam receiving surface of the thread assembly, respectively. The guides 3062a and 3062b are driven upward in channel 3036 (FIG. 6) of the cartridge body 3000 when moved to the firing position by the thread assembly. The channel 3036 forms a vertical support structure, whereby the guides 3062a, 3062b are driven by the cam receiving surface. As described herein, the cam receiving surface may be longitudinally offset. In such a case, the inclined surfaces 3064a and 3064b are correspondingly displaced as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16. In other cases, the inclined surfaces 3064a and 3064b may be aligned.

In other cases, the proximal and / or distal drivers in the staple cartridge may not be connected. For example, with reference to FIG. 12, a staple cartridge 4800 is shown. The staple cartridge body 4800 is, in many respects, similar to the staple cartridge body 3000. For example, the staple cartridge body 4800 has a first pattern 4820 of staple cavities oriented at an angle, which are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Slot 4804 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the cartridge body 4800. The staple cartridge body 4800 also comprises a proximal staple cavity arranged in the proximal pattern 4822 and a distal staple cavity arranged in the distal pattern 4824. Proximal pattern 4822 has a first pair of parallel longitudinally aligned staple cavities on the first side of slot 4804 and a longitudinally aligned staple on the second side of the longitudinal slot 4804. Includes a second pair of cavities. The distal pattern 4824 was also longitudinally aligned parallel to the first side of slot 4804 with the first pair of staple cavities aligned parallel longitudinally and to the second side of the longitudinal slot 4804. Includes a second pair of staple cavities. Proximal pattern 4822 and distal pattern 4824 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other cases, the proximal pattern 4822 and / or the distal pattern 4824 may be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The driver 4860 is arranged in the staple cavity 4810 of the first pattern 4820. The driver 4860 in the staple cavity 4810 of the first pattern 4820 is a triple driver as described herein. Proximal drivers 4860a, 4860b, 4860c and 4860d are placed in the staple cavities of the proximal pattern 4822, and the distal drivers 4860e, 4860f, 4860g and 4860h are placed in the staple cavities of the distal pattern 4824, respectively. The proximal drivers 4860a-4860d and the distal drivers 4860e-4860h are single drivers. Exemplary single drivers 4860a and 4860b are shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Each driver 4860a and 4860b is equipped with a cradle 4870 to support the base of the staples. The guides 4862a and 4862b extend laterally from the drivers 4860a and 4860b, respectively. The first guide 4862a extends in the first direction to form the outer portion of the first driver 4860a and the second guide 4862b extends in the second opposite direction and the second driver. It forms the outer portion of the 4860b. The inclined surfaces 4864a and 4864b on the guides 4862a and 4862b are arranged so as to be in drive contact with the cam receiving surface of the thread assembly, respectively. The guides 4862a and 4862b are driven upward on the channel of the cartridge body 4800 (eg, channel 3036 (FIG. 6) in the cartridge 3000) as the drivers 4860a and 4860b are moved to the firing position by the thread assembly. The channels form a vertical support structure, which drives the guides 4862a and 4862b by the cam receiving surface. Such channels stabilize guides 4862a and 4862b, so that individual drivers 4860a and 4860b can be stabilized in progress, respectively. As described herein, the cam receiving surface may be longitudinally offset. In such a case, the inclined surfaces 4864a and 4864b are correspondingly displaced as shown in FIG. In other cases, the inclined surfaces 4864a and 4864b may be aligned.

Since the first driver 4860a and the second driver 4860b are separated from each other, the staples supported by the first driver 4860a and the second driver 4860b can be fired independently. In certain cases, the first driver 4860a and the second driver 4860b may fire continuously. It may be advantageous to fire the inner staples before the outer staples, for example this can be achieved using separate drivers 4860a and 4860b. In other cases, the outer staples may be fired before the inner staples using separate drivers 4860a and 4860b. The firing order can be changed, for example, by adjusting the relationship between the cam receiving surface and the inclined surfaces 3864a and 4864b.

In various cases, the staple cavities in the distal and / or proximal patterns may not be longitudinally aligned and / or may not be parallel. For example, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the staple cartridge body 4600 is shown. The staple cartridge body 4600 is, in many respects, similar to the staple cartridge body 3000. For example, the staple cartridge body 4600 has a first pattern 4620 of staple cavities 4610 oriented at an angle, which are arranged in a herringbone pattern. The slot 4604 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the cartridge body 4600 through the deck portion 4602 of the staple cartridge body 4600. The staple cartridge body 4600 also includes proximal staple cavities 4610a-4610d arranged in the proximal pattern 4622 and distal staple cavities 4610e-4610h arranged in the distal pattern 4624. Proximal patterns 4622 are longitudinally parallel to the first pair of staple cavities 4610a, 4610b parallel to the first side of slot 4604 and to the second side of the longitudinal slot 4604. Includes a second pair of displaced staple cavities 4610c, 4610d. The distal pattern 4624 is also longitudinally parallel to the first pair of staple cavities 4610e, 4610f parallel to the first side of slot 4604 and to the second side of the longitudinal slot 4604. Includes a stapled cavity 4610 g, a second pair of 4610 h. Proximal pattern 4622 and distal pattern 4624 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other cases, the proximal pattern 4622 and the distal pattern 4624 may be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The connected driver 4658 is located within the proximal and distal staple cavities 4610a-4610h. An exemplary connected driver 4658 is shown in FIGS. 21-24. The connected driver 4658 includes a first driver 4660a and a second driver 4660b. The connecting flange 4668 extends between the two misaligned drivers 4660a and 4660b. Since the drivers 4660a and 4660b are connected, the staples supported by the drivers 4660a, 4660b are simultaneously fired by the thread assembly. The drivers 4660a and 4660b, respectively, also include a cradle 4670 to support the base of the staples. The guides 4662a and 4662b extend laterally from the drivers 4660a and 4660b, respectively. The first guide 4662a extends in the first direction to form the outer portion of the connected driver 4658, and the second guide 4662b extends in the second opposite direction and the connected driver. It forms the inner part of the 4658. The inclined surfaces 4664a and 4664b on the guides 4662a and 4662b are arranged so as to be in drive contact with the cam receiving surface of the thread assembly, respectively. The guides 4662a and 4662b are driven upward on the channel of the cartridge body 4800 (eg, channel 3036 (FIG. 6) in the staple cartridge 3000) as the drivers 4660a and 4660b are moved to the firing position by the thread assembly. The channels form a vertical support structure, which is supported when the guides 4662a and 4662b are driven by the cam receiving surface. As described herein, the cam receiving surface may be longitudinally offset. In such a case, the inclined surfaces 4664a and 4664b are correspondingly displaced as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24. In other cases, the inclined surfaces 4664a and 4664b may be aligned.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the staple cartridge body 4700 is shown. The staple cartridge body 4700 is, in many respects, similar to the staple cartridge body 3000. For example, the staple cartridge body 4700 includes a first pattern 4720 of the staple cavities 4710 that are angled and oriented, which are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Slot 4704 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the cartridge body 4700 through the deck portion 4702 of the staple cartridge body 4700. The staple cartridge body 4700 also includes proximal staple cavities 4710a-4710f arranged in a proximal pattern 4722. Proximal pattern 4722 includes inner staple cavities 4710c and 4710d, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. Proximal patterns 4722 also include angled outer staple cavities 4710a and 4710f and angled oriented intermediate cavities 4710b and 4710e. The outer staple cavities 4710a and 4710f and the intermediate staple cavities 4710b and 4710e are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The angled outer staple cavities 4710a and 4710f are also oriented at an angle with respect to the cavity axis of the staple cavities 4710 in the first pattern 4720. The outer staple cavities 4710a and 4710f have a smaller angle than the staple cavities 4710 in the first pattern 4720. In other words, the outer staple cavities 4710a and 4710f are oriented at an angle closer to parallel to the longitudinal axis LA than the staple cavities 4710 in the first pattern 4720. In such cases, the proximal pattern 4722 may be less flexible than the first pattern 4720.

The intermediate staple cavities 4710b and 4710e are oriented parallel to the particular staple cavities 4710 in the first pattern 4020. For example, the intermediate staple cavities 4710b and 4710e are oriented parallel to the inner row of staple cavities 4710 in the first pattern 4720. The particular staple cavity in the proximal pattern 4722 is not angularly offset from the staple cavity in the first pattern 4020, but the proximal pattern 4722 is different from the first pattern 4020 when considered as a whole. It is different from the sub-pattern that repeats in the longitudinal direction in the first pattern 4020.

Proximal pattern 4722 has three staple cavities located on each side of slot 4704. In other cases, less than three staple cavities, or more than three staple cavities, may be arranged in a proximal pattern 4722 on one or both sides of slot 4704. Proximal pattern 4722 does not include longitudinally repeating sub-patterns. In other cases, the proximal pattern 4722 may be a longitudinal repeat. Further, the proximal pattern 4722 is symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other cases, the proximal pattern 4722 may be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The driver 4760 is arranged in the staple cavity 4710 of the cartridge body 4700. The driver 4760 in the staple cavity 4710 of the first pattern 4720 is a triple driver as described herein. Proximal drivers 4760a, 4760b, 4760c, 4760d, 4710e and 4710f are located in the proximal staple cavities 4710a, 4710b, 4710c, 4710d, 4710e and 4710f of the proximal pattern 4722, respectively. Proximal drivers 4760a-4760f are single drivers. In certain cases, the proximal drivers 4760c and 4760d in the inner cavities 4710c and 4710d may be single drivers, respectively, and the proximal drivers 4760a and 4760b may be connected drivers, respectively. The driver 4760e and 4760f may be connected drivers. In still other cases, the proximal drivers 4760a, 4760b and 4760c may include a first connected driver and the distal drivers 4760d, 4760e and 4760f may include a second connected driver. You may be.

The reader will understand that the various patterns of staple cavities described herein may be combined and / or replaced. In certain cases, one or more irregular patterns of staple cavities may be defined at the proximal and / or distal ends of the staple cartridge body. In addition to or instead, one or more irregular patterns (ie, sub-patterns) may be sandwiched or inserted between the main patterns.

The orientation of the staple angle within the staple line may affect the flexibility or elasticity of the stapled tissue along the staple line. For example, if the staples are oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis and / or the cutting line, the flexibility of the staple lines can be increased. Such angular orientations provide flexibility or extensibility along the cutting line and / or adjacent to the cutting line in response to forces such as tension and / or twist. be able to. More specifically, the flexibility of the staple line allows for elongation, buckling, bending and / or twisting of the stapled tissue. In general, the flexibility of the stapled tissue increases as the angle orientation of the staples approaches 45 degrees or 135 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or cutting line of the staple line. A staple line composed of staples oriented at an angle can be considered, for example, a soft or elastic staple line.

In certain cases, the flexibility of the staple line may vary laterally with respect to the cutting line. For example, one or more staples within the first portion of the staple line may be oriented at a first angle with respect to the cutting line and one or two within the second portion of the staple line. One or more staples may be oriented at different angles with respect to the cutting line. The first portion of the staple line may have the first flexibility and the second portion of the staple line may have different flexibility. In certain cases, the first portion may be laterally offset from the second portion. For example, the first part of the staple line may include the first row of staples or part of the first row, and the second part of the staple line may be the second row or second row of staples. May include a portion of the column. In such cases, the flexibility of the staple lines along the first row of staples may differ from the flexibility of the staple lines along the second row of staples.

Here, referring to FIG. 27, a part of the staple cartridge main body 3200 is shown. The staple cartridge body 3200 includes a deck portion 3202 and a longitudinal slot 3204. The longitudinal slot 3204 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. The staple cavities 3210 are defined in the staple cartridge body 3200, and each staple cavity 3210 defines an opening 3212 in the deck portion 3202. The staples 3242 are arranged in each staple cavity 3210. Staples 3242 may be similar to staples 3042 (FIG. 10) or staples 3142 (FIG. 11) in many embodiments. In certain cases, the legs of each staple 3242 may be urged against the inner wall of the staple cavity 3210. The reader will understand that if the staple 3242 is fired from the staple cartridge body 3200 into the tissue, the placement of the staple 3242 in the staple cavity 3210 corresponds to the placement of the staple 3242 in the staple line. More specifically, the base portion of each staple 3242 in the obtained staple line is on the same line as or substantially on the same line as the cavity axis CA.

Staple cavity openings 3212 are located in the three rows 3214a, 3214b, and 3214c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3204. The inner opening 3212a defines the perimeter of the inner cavity 3210a in the inner row 3214a, the intermediate opening 3212b defines the perimeter of the intermediate cavity 3210b in the middle row 3214b, and the outer opening 3212c in the outer row 3214c. , Defines the perimeter of the outer cavity 3210c. The inner staple 3242a is located in the inner cavity 3210a, the intermediate staple 3242b is located in the intermediate cavity 3210b, and the outer staple 3242c is located in the outer cavity 3210c. Although not shown in FIG. 27, in at least one case, the staple cavity 3210 opposite the slot 3204 forms a specular reflection of the staple cavity 3210 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3204. As a result, the arrangement of the staples 3242 in the obtained staple line is symmetrical with respect to the cutting line. In other cases, the staple line may be asymmetric with respect to the cutting line.

Each staple cavity opening 3212 has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3216 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3218. The cavity axis CA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3216 of each opening 3212. The staple cavity openings 3212 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner cavity 3210a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis of the inner opening 3212a (eg, CA _A1 and CA _A2 ) is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate cavity 3210b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axes of the intermediate opening 3212b (eg, CA _B1 and CA _B2 ) are oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer cavity 3210c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axes defined by the outer openings 3212 (eg, CA _C1 and CA _C2 ) are oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A, B and C are different. As a result, the inner opening 3212a is obliquely oriented with respect to the outer opening 3212c. The cavity shaft CA of the outer opening 3212c (eg, the shafts CA _C1 and CA _C2 ) is not parallel to the cavity shaft of the inner opening 3212a (eg, the shafts CA _A1 and CA _A2 ), and thus in the staple cartridge body 3200. The openings 3212 form a modified or distorted herringbone pattern. The cavity axes CA _B1 and CA _B2 of the intermediate opening 3212b may be oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to either the inner opening 3212a or the outer opening 3212c. For example, the angle B may be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C. In other cases, the angle B does not have to be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C.

Due to the different angles _A , B and C, the widths WA, _WB , _WC of the staple rows in the staple line may be different. For example, the inner staples 3242a form a row of staples with a width WA, the intermediate staples _3242b form a row of staples with a width _WB , and the outer staples 3242c form a row of staples with a width _WC . Form. Since the angle _A is different from the angle C, the widths WA and _WC are different. In certain cases, the widths _WB are different from the widths _WA and _WC . In other cases, the width _WB may match one of the widths _WA and _WC . For example, if the angle _B is a complementary angle to the angle _A , the width WB coincides with the width WA. Similarly, if the angle _B is a complement to the angle _C , the width WB coincides with the width WC.

Further, due to the different angles _A , _B and _C , the longitudinal lengths LA, LB and LC of the staples 3242a, 3242b and 3242c are different, respectively. For example, the inner staple _3242a has a longitudinal length LA, the intermediate staple _3242b has a longitudinal length LB, and the outer staple _3242c has a longitudinal length LC. Since the angle _A is different from the angle _C , the longitudinal lengths LA and LC are different. Due to the different longitudinal lengths LA and LC, the inner staples _3242a are at least partially longitudinally staggered or offset with respect to the outer staples _3242c . In other words, at least one end of each inner staple 3242a is not aligned with the corresponding end of the outer staple 3242b. Due to the misalignment of the ends, the longitudinal overlap and / or gap with respect to the intermediate staples 3242b is different between the inner staples 3242a and the outer staples 3242c. In certain cases, the longitudinal length _LB is different from the lengths _LA and _LC . In other cases, the longitudinal length _LB may coincide with one of the longitudinal _{lengths LA} and LC. For example, when the angle _B is a complementary angle to the angle _A , the longitudinal length LB coincides with the longitudinal length LA. Similarly, when the angle _B is a complement to the angle _C , the longitudinal length LB coincides with the longitudinal length LC.

The length of the staple base may also affect the widths _WA , _WB , _WC and the longitudinal lengths _LA , _LB , _LC . In the staple cartridge body 3200, the inner staples 3242a, the intermediate staples 3242b and the outer staples 3242c may have base portions of the same length. For example, the same staples may be located within each staple cavity 3210. In other cases, as further described herein, staples with different geometries and / or sizes, such as bases of different lengths, may be, for example, in a particular staple cavity within the cartridge body. May be placed in.

Again, with reference to FIG. 27, the orientations of the staple cavities _3210a , _3210b and _3210c , the corresponding widths WA, _WB , _WC and the longitudinal lengths LA, LB, LC are _staples , respectively. It may affect the amount of lateral and longitudinal overlap in the line. The longitudinal and lateral overlap between the staples 3242 also depends on the spacing of the staple cavities 3210. In general, a large overlap between adjacent staples corresponds to a small number of direct fluid paths, which can also correspond to a large tissue sealing property. Larger overlap can also reduce the flexibility of the staple line, as the tissue is more constrained within the overlapping area. In addition, a large overlap will correspond to a small staple spacing. In certain cases, it may be desirable to vary the degree of lateral and / or longitudinal overlap of the staple lines. As the overlap changes, so does the flexibility and sealing properties of the staple line.

The degree of overlap or overlap described herein may be referred to, for example, as positive overlap or negative overlap. If the staples and / or rows of staples define a negative overlap, the rows of staples and / or staples may be separated so that they do not overlap and a gap is defined between them. In yet other cases, the staples and / or rows of staples may be aligned so that their overlap is equal to the diameter of the staples.

The reader will further understand that the degree of overlap with respect to the staples or rows of staples in the staple cartridge corresponds to the degree of overlap with respect to the staple cavities or rows of staple cavities in the staple cartridge. For example, the relative difference in lateral and / or longitudinal overlap between staples or rows of staples is the relative difference in lateral and / or longitudinal overlap in the rows of staple cavities or staple cavities in the staple cartridge. Corresponds to. In certain cases, at least a portion of the staple legs may be located at the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavity with respect to the inner wall of the staple cavity and / or attached to the inner wall. It may be squeezed. In such cases, the distance measured with respect to the outer edge of the staple is equal to the distance measured with respect to the inner edge of the corresponding staple cavity. In other cases, such distance differences may be minimized or insignificant.

In certain cases, for example, if the ends of the staples are aligned, the degree of overlap can be minimized. If the ends of the staples are aligned, the overlap is equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the staples. For example, if the staples are composed of wires with a diameter of about 0.0079 inches, the overlap may be about 0.0079 inches. In other cases, the overlap may be smaller than the staple diameter. For example, the overlap may be less than about 0.0079 inches. In yet other cases, the degree of overlap may be non-overlapping or negative overlap (ie, spacing or gap between the ends of the staples). In yet other cases, the minimized overlap may be less than one-third the length of the staple. For example, the overlap may be less than 33% of the staple length. In other cases, the overlap may be less than 25% or less than 10% of the staple length. In yet other cases, the overlap may be greater than, for example, 33% of the staple length.

In certain cases, the staple line includes the degree of first overlap between the inner and middle rows of staples and the second degree of overlap between the middle and outer rows of staples. You may. The degree of the second overlap may differ from the degree of the first overlap in the lateral direction and / or the longitudinal direction. As a result, the inner portion of the staple line may have different flexibility than the outer portion of the staple line. Further, the tissue sealing property of the inner part may be different from the tissue sealing property of the outer part.

Referring again to FIG. 27, the angle A is smaller than the angle C. As a result, the width _WA is smaller than the width _WC and the length _LA is larger than the length _LC . For example, the angle A may be 35 to 40 degrees, and the angle C may be 43 to 47 degrees, for example. In other cases, the angle A may be less than 35 degrees or greater than 40 degrees, and / or the angle C may be less than 43 degrees or greater than 47 degrees. The difference between the angle A and the angle C may be 3 to 12 degrees. For example, this difference may be about 8 degrees. In yet other cases, the difference between angle A and angle C may be less than 3 degrees or greater than 12 degrees.

Again, referring to FIG. 27, the staples 3242 are aligned in each row. More specifically, the proximal ends of the inner staples 3242a are longitudinally aligned, the distal ends of the inner staples 3242a are longitudinally aligned, and the proximal ends of the intermediate staples 3242b are longitudinally aligned. Oriented, the distal ends of the intermediate staples 3242b are longitudinally aligned, the proximal ends of the outer staples 3242c are longitudinally aligned, and the distal ends of the outer staples 3242c are longitudinally aligned. Aligned in the longitudinal direction. The staples 3242 aligned in each row 3214a, 3214b and 3214c of the staple cavity 3310 are configured to form a row of aligned staples 3242 within the staple line. Due to the angular orientation of the staples 3242 and the spacing between them, the rows of staples 3242 overlap laterally. The inner staple 3242a laterally overlaps with the intermediate staple 3242b only in the lateral overlap YA _{/ B} , and the outer staple 3242c laterally overlaps with the intermediate staple 3242b only in the lateral overlap YB _{/ C.} The lateral overlap YA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3242a and the intermediate staples 3242b is greater than the lateral overlap YB _{/ C} between the outer staples 3242c and the intermediate staples 3242b. In such cases, the outer staples are placed closer to the middle staples than the inner staples are placed relative to the middle staples. In other cases, the lateral overlap YA _{/ B} may be less than the lateral overlap YB _{/ C or} equal to the lateral overlap YB / C.

The intermediate staples 3242b are longitudinally staggered with respect to the inner staples 3242a and the outer staples 3242c. In particular, each intermediate staple 3242b is longitudinally equidistant between adjacent inner staples 3242a and longitudinally equidistant between adjacent outer staples 3242c. Due to the angular orientation of the staples 3242 and the spacing between them, the staples 3242 do not overlap in the longitudinal direction. The inner staple 3242a is separated from the intermediate staple 3242b by the longitudinal gap X _{A / B} , and the outer staple 3242c is separated from the intermediate staple 3242b by the longitudinal gap X _{B / C.} The longitudinal gap X _{A / B} between the inner staples 3242a and the intermediate staples 3242b is smaller than the longitudinal gap X _{B / C} between the outer staples 3242c and the intermediate staples 3242b. In other cases, the longitudinal gap X _{A / B} may be greater than the longitudinal gap X _{B / C} or equal to the longitudinal gap X B / C. In certain cases, the intermediate staples 3242b may longitudinally overlap the inner staples 3242a and / or the outer staples 3242c.

The lateral overlap and longitudinal gap created by the placement of the staple cavities in FIG. 27 will be sufficient to sufficiently block the fluid path across the staple line to seal the tissue. In various cases, lateral and / or longitudinal overlaps and / or gaps may be configured to selectively optimize the sealing properties of the staple line. In addition, or instead, lateral and / or longitudinal overlaps and / or gaps may be configured to selectively optimize the flexibility of the staple lines. Further, the overlap can be minimized. In certain cases, the lateral overlap may be less than one-third the length of the staples and, in at least one case, approximately equal to the diameter of the staples.

Here, referring to FIG. 28, a part of the staple cartridge main body 3300 is shown. The staple cartridge body 3300 includes a deck portion 3302 and a longitudinal slot 3304. The longitudinal slot 3304 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. Staple cavities 3310 are defined within the staple cartridge body 3300, and each staple cavity 3310 has an opening 3312 within the deck portion 3302. The staples 3342 are arranged in each staple cavity 3310. Staples 3342 may be similar to staples 3042 (FIG. 10) or staples 3142 (FIG. 11) in many embodiments. In certain cases, the legs of each staple 3342 may be urged against the inner wall of the staple cavity 3310. The reader will understand that if the staple 3342 is fired from the staple cartridge body 3300 into the tissue, the placement of the staple 3342 in the staple cavity 3310 corresponds to the placement of the staple 3342 in the staple line. More specifically, the base portion of each staple 3342 in the obtained staple line is on the same line as or substantially on the same line as the cavity axis CA.

Staple cavity openings 3312 are located in the three rows 3314a, 3314b, and 3314c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3304. The inner opening 3312a defines the perimeter of the inner cavity 3310a in the inner row 3314a, the intermediate opening 3312b defines the perimeter of the intermediate cavity 3310b in the middle row 3314b, and the outer opening 3312c in the outer row 3314c. , Defines the perimeter of the outer cavity 3310c. The inner staples 3342a are arranged in the inner cavity 3310a, the intermediate staples 3342b are arranged in the intermediate cavity 3310b, and the outer staples 3342c are arranged in the outer cavity 3310c. Although not shown in FIG. 28, in at least one case, the staple cavity 3310 opposite the slot 3304 forms a specular reflection of the staple cavity 3310 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3304. As a result, the arrangement of the staples 3342 in the obtained staple line is symmetrical with respect to the cutting line. In other cases, the staple line may be asymmetric with respect to the cutting line.

Each staple cavity opening 3312 has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3316 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3318. The cavity axis CA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3316 of each opening 3312. The staple cavity openings 3312 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner cavity 3310a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CA _A ) of the inner opening 3312a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate cavity 3310b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAB) of the intermediate opening 3312b is oriented at an angle _B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer cavity 3310c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAC) defined by the outer opening 3312c is oriented at an angle _C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

In the staple cartridge body 3300, the angle A is equal to the angle C, and the angle B is a complementary angle to the angles A and C. As a result, the inner opening 3312a is parallel to the outer opening 3312c, and the intermediate opening 3312b is perpendicular to the inner opening 3312a and the outer opening 3312c, respectively. The staple cavity opening 3312 in the staple cartridge body 3300 forms a herringbone pattern. Further, again with reference to FIG. 28, the staples 3342 in each row 3314a, 3314b, 3314c have a base portion BL of the same length. The widths of the staple rows are equal and the longitudinal lengths of the staples 3342 are also equal.

Again, with reference to FIG. 28, the longitudinal overlap X _{A / B} between the inner staples 3342a and the intermediate staples 3342b is equal to the longitudinal overlap X _{B / C} between the outer staples 3342c and the intermediate staples 3342b. .. Further, the lateral overlap YA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3342a and the intermediate staples 3342b is equal to the lateral overlap YB _{/ C} between the outer staples 3342c and the intermediate staples 3342b. In such a case, the intermediate staples 3342b are arranged at positions close to equal intervals with respect to the inner staples 3342a and the outer staples 3342c.

Again, referring to FIG. 28, the spacing of the staple cavities 3310 in the cartridge body 3300 is minimized. For example, the proximal end 3316 and the distal end 3318 of the staple cavity opening 3312 are arranged adjacent to the other staple cavities 3312. In certain cases, adjacent staple cavities may be in abutment contact. By minimizing the spacing of the staple cavities 3310, the density of the staple cavities 3310 in the arrangement of FIG. 28 and the degree of overlap between the staple cavities 3310 are maximized. Although the degree of overlap is maximized, the lateral overlap is still less than one-third of the staple length due to the close proximity of the staple cavities.

In other cases, the angular orientation of the staple cavities in at least one row of staple cavities may differ from the angular orientation of the staple cavities in the other rows. In addition to or instead, the length of the staple base in at least one row of staple cavities may be different from the length of the staple base in at least one other row. In addition, or instead, the staple cavities may not be evenly spaced or staggered with adjacent staple cavities in each adjacent row. Such variations on the staple cartridge and the internal staples allow for the creation of staple lines with various properties laterally to the cutting line.

In certain cases, staples within the inner portion of the staple line, eg, staples launched from the inner row of staple cavities, have a different base length than, for example, staples within the outer portion of the staple line. May be good. For example, the staples in the inner row of staple cavities on each side of the knife slot may have a longer base than the staples in the other rows of staple cavities. Longer bases can provide greater sealing capacity, for example by staples, which can capture larger tissue. In addition to or instead, lengthening the base may strengthen the staple line and reduce its flexibility.

Here, referring to FIG. 29, a part of the staple cartridge main body 3400 is shown. The staple cartridge body 3400 includes a deck portion 3402 and a longitudinal slot 3404. The longitudinal slot 3404 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. The staple cavities 3410 are defined in the staple cartridge body 3400, and each staple cavity 3410 defines an opening 3412 in the deck portion 3402. Staples 3442 are located within each staple cavity 3410. Staples 3442 may be similar to staples 3042 (FIG. 10) or staples 3142 (FIG. 11) in many embodiments. In certain cases, the legs of each staple 3442 may be urged against the inner wall of the staple cavity 3410. The reader will understand that if the staple 3442 is fired from the cartridge body 3400 into the tissue, the placement of the staple 3442 in the staple cavity 3410 corresponds to the placement of the staple 3442 in the staple line. More specifically, the base portion of each staple 3442 in the obtained staple line is on the same line as or substantially on the same line as the cavity axis CA.

Staple cavity openings 3412 are located in the three rows 3414a, 3414b, and 3414c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3404. The inner opening 3412a defines the perimeter of the inner cavity 3410a in the inner row 3414a, the intermediate opening 3412b defines the perimeter of the intermediate cavity 3410b in the middle row 3414b, and the outer opening 3412c in the outer row 3414c. , Defines the perimeter of the outer cavity 3410c. The inner staples 3442a are located in the inner cavities 3410a, the intermediate staples 3442b are located in the intermediate cavities 3410b, and the outer staples 3442c are located in the outer cavities 3410c. Although not shown in FIG. 29, in at least one case, the staple cavity 3410 opposite the slot 3404 forms a specular reflection of the staple cavity 3410 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3404. As a result, the arrangement of the staples 3442 in the obtained staple line is symmetrical with respect to the cutting line. In other cases, the staple line may be asymmetric with respect to the cutting line.

Each staple cavity opening 3412 has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3416 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3418. The cavity axis CA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3416 of each opening 3412. The staple cavity openings 3412 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner cavity 3410a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CA _A ) of the inner opening 3412a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate cavity 3410b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAB) of the intermediate opening 3412b is oriented at an angle _B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer cavity 3410c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAC) defined by the outer opening 3412c is oriented at an angle _C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A, B and C are different. The inner opening 3412a is oriented obliquely with respect to the outer opening 3412c. The angle A is smaller than the angle C. Since the axis of the outer opening 3412c (eg, axis CAC) is not parallel to the axis of the inner opening _{3412a (eg, axis CA A )} , the staple cavity opening 3412 in the staple cartridge body 3400 has been modified. Or forms a distorted herringbone pattern. The cavity axis CAB of the intermediate opening _3412b may be oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to either the inner opening 3412a or the outer opening 3412c. For example, the angle B may be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C. In other cases, the angle B does not have to be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C.

Again, with reference to FIG. 29, the inner staples _3442a have a base length BLA, the intermediate staples _3442b have a base length BLB, and the outer staples _3442c have a base length BLC. The base portion length _BLA is longer than the base portion length _BLB and the base portion length _BLC . In other words, the inner staples 3442a are longer than the intermediate staples 3442b and the outer staples 3442c. Further, the staple cavity 3410 accommodating the inner staple _3442a is correspondingly lengthened to accommodate the longer base portion BLA.

The placement of the staple cavities 3410 within the cartridge body 3400 results in a longitudinal overlap XA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3442a and the intermediate staples 3442b at both the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate staples 3442b. The intermediate staples 3442b are equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent inner staples 3442a. The intermediate staples 3442b are also equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent outer staples 3442c. The proximal end of each outer staple 3442c is longitudinally aligned with the distal end of the intermediate staple 3442b and the distal end of each outer staple 3442c is longitudinally aligned with the proximal end of another intermediate staple 3442b. is doing. In other words, such staples are longitudinally aligned and the longitudinal overlap is equal to the diameter of the staples 3442. The arrangement of the staple cavities 3410 in the cartridge body 3400 is also a lateral gap YA _{/ B} between the inner row 3414a and the intermediate row 3414b and a lateral overlap Y between the outer row 3414c and the intermediate row 3414b. _{Brings B / C.} In such cases, the intermediate staples 3442b are located closer to the outer staples 3442c than to the inner staples 3442a.

Again, referring to FIG. 29, the staple lines made by the staple cartridge body 3400 may have different laterally different characteristics with respect to the cutting line. In particular, the staple line may have greater sealing effectiveness along the cutting line than laterally outside the cutting line. Further, the staple line may be more flexible when laterally separated from the cutting line than inside toward the cutting line. For example, since the base portion BL _A of the inner staple _3442a is longer than the base portion BL _B of the intermediate staple 3442b and the base portion BLC of the outer staple 3442c, respectively, the inner portion of the staple line is more effective than the outer side of the staple line. It may be more property and / or less flexible. In addition to or instead, the inner portion of the staple line is more than the outer portion of the staple line because the inner staple 3442a is oriented at a smaller angle than the outer staple 3442c and is closer to a parallel orientation than the outer staple 3442c. The sealing effectiveness may be high and / or the flexibility may be low. In addition to, or in lieu of, the intermediate staple 3442b longitudinally overlaps the inner staple 3442a but does not longitudinally overlap the outer staple 3442c, so that the inner portion of the staple line is greater than the outer portion of the staple line. The sealing effectiveness may be high and / or the flexibility may be low. The amount of overlap can be minimized. For example, the overlap may be less than one-third the length of the staple and, in at least one case, approximately equal to the diameter of the staple.

In certain cases, staples within the outer portion of the staple line, eg, staples launched from the outer row of staple cavities, have a different base length than, for example, staples within the inner portion of the staple line. May be good. For example, the staples in the outer row of staple cavities on each side of the knife slot may have a shorter base than the staples in the other rows of staple cavities. If the base portion is short, for example, the flexibility of the staple line can be increased.

Here, referring to FIG. 30, a part of the staple cartridge main body 3500 is shown. The staple cartridge body 3500 includes a deck portion 3502 and a longitudinal slot 3504. The longitudinal slot 3504 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. The staple cavities 3510 are defined in the staple cartridge body 3500, and each staple cavity 3510 defines an opening 3512 in the deck portion 3502. Staples 3542 are located within each staple cavity 3510. Staples 3542 may be similar to staples 3042 (FIG. 10) or staples 3142 (FIG. 11) in many embodiments. In certain cases, the legs of each staple 3542 may be urged against the inner wall of the staple cavity 3510. The reader will understand that if the staple 3542 is fired from the cartridge body 3500 into the tissue, the placement of the staple 3542 in the staple cavity 3510 corresponds to the placement of the staple 3542 in the staple line. More specifically, the base portion of each staple 3542 in the obtained staple line is on the same line as or substantially on the same line as the cavity axis CA.

Staple cavity openings 3512 are located in the three rows 3514a, 3514b, and 3514c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3504. The inner opening 3512a defines the perimeter of the inner cavity 3510a in the inner row 3514a, the intermediate opening 3512b defines the perimeter of the intermediate cavity 3510b in the middle row 3514b, and the outer opening 3512c in the outer row 3514c. , Defines the perimeter of the outer cavity 3510c. The inner staples 3542a are located in the inner cavity 3510a, the intermediate staples 3542b are located in the intermediate cavity 3510b, and the outer staples 3542c are located in the outer cavity 3510c. Although not shown in FIG. 30, in at least one case, the staple cavity 3510 opposite the slot 3504 forms a specular reflection of the staple cavity 3510 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3504. As a result, the arrangement of the staples 3542 in the obtained staple line is symmetrical with respect to the cutting line. In other cases, the staple line may be asymmetric with respect to the cutting line.

Each staple cavity opening 3512 has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3516 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3518. The cavity axis CA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3516 of each opening 3512. The staple cavity openings 3512 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner cavity 3510a is arranged at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CA _A ) of the inner opening 3512a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate cavity 3510b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAB) of the intermediate opening 3512b is oriented at an angle _B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer cavity 3510c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAC) defined by the outer opening 3512c is located at an angle _C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A, B and C may be different. The inner opening 3512a is oriented obliquely with respect to the outer opening 3512c. The angle A is smaller than the angle C. Since the axis of the outer opening 3512c (eg, axis CAC) is not parallel to the axis of the inner opening _{3512a (eg, axis CA A )} , the staple cavity opening 3512 in the staple cartridge body 3500 has been modified. Or forms a distorted herringbone pattern. The cavity axis CAB of the intermediate opening _3512b may be oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to either the inner opening 3512a or the outer opening 3512c. For example, the angle B may be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C. In other cases, the angle B does not have to be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C.

The inner staples _3542a have a base length BLA, the intermediate staples _3542b have a base length BLB, and the outer staples _3542c have a base length BLC. The base length _BLC is shorter than the base length _BLB and the base length _BLA . In other words, the outer staples 3542c are shorter than the intermediate staples 3542b and the inner staples 3542a. Further, the staple cavity 3510 accommodating the outer staple _3542c is correspondingly shortened to accommodate the shorter base portion BLC.

The placement of the staple cavities 3510 within the cartridge body 3500 results in a longitudinal overlap XA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3542a and the intermediate staples 3542b at both the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate staples 3542b. The intermediate staples 3542b are equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent inner staples 3542a. The placement of the staple cavities 3510 within the cartridge body 3500 also provides a longitudinal overlap XB _{/ C} between the intermediate staples 3542b and the outer staples 3542c at both the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate staples 3542b. The intermediate staples 3542b are also equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent outer staples 3542c. Due to the angular orientation and spacing of the staples 3542, the longitudinal overlap X _{A / B} is greater than the longitudinal overlap X _{B / C.} The arrangement of the staple cavities 3510 in the cartridge body 3500 is also the lateral gap YA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3542a and the intermediate staples 3542b and the lateral overlap Y between the outer staples 3542c and the intermediate staples 3542b. _{Brings B / C.} In such cases, the intermediate staples 3542b are located closer to the outer staples 3542c than to the inner staples 3542a.

Again, referring to FIG. 30, the staple line made by the staple cartridge body 3500 may have different laterally different characteristics with respect to the cutting line. In particular, the staple line may have greater sealing effectiveness along the cutting line than laterally outside the cutting line. Further, the staple line may be more flexible when laterally separated from the cutting line than inside toward the cutting line. For example, since the base portion BL _A of the outer staple _3542c is shorter than the base portion BL _B of the intermediate staple 3542n and the base portion BLC of the outer staple 3542c, respectively, the inner portion of the staple line is more effective than the outer side of the staple line. It may be more property and / or less flexible. In addition to or instead, the inner portion of the staple line is more than the outer portion of the staple line because the inner staple 3542a is oriented at a smaller angle than the outer staple 3542c and is closer to a parallel orientation than the outer staple 3542c. The sealing effectiveness may be high and / or the flexibility may be low. In addition or instead, the inner portion of the staple line is of the staple line because the intermediate staple 3542b has more longitudinal overlap with the inner staple 3542a than the intermediate staple 3542b overlaps longitudinally with the outer staple 3542c. The sealing effectiveness may be greater and / or less flexible than the outer portion.

In various cases, the characteristics of the staple line can be customized for each row of staples. The staples in each row of staple cavities on one side of the knife slot may have different base lengths. Further, the staples in each row of staple cavities on one side of the knife slot may be oriented at different angles with respect to the knife slot. In addition, the cavity spacing may vary from row to row. For example, the size and orientation of the staples within each row optimizes the flexibility of the staple lines and the sealing properties within each row based on the position of the rows laterally from the cutting line towards the outer boundary of the staple lines. Can be selected to be. In certain cases, sealing effectiveness can be maximized or emphasized along the cutting line, eg, the flexibility of the staple line is maximized, eg, along the outer boundary of the staple line. Can be stipulated or emphasized. Or, in certain cases, sealing effectiveness can be maximized or emphasized along the outer boundaries of the staple line, and / or the flexibility of the staple line can be along the cutting line. Can be maximized or emphasized.

Here, referring to FIG. 31, a part of the staple cartridge main body 3600 is shown. The staple cartridge body 3600 includes a deck portion 3602 and a longitudinal slot 3604. The longitudinal slot 3604 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. The staple cavities 3610 are defined in the staple cartridge body 3600, and each staple cavity 3610 defines an opening 3612 in the deck portion 3602. Staples 3642 are located within each staple cavity 3610. Staple 3642 may be similar to staple 3042 (FIG. 10) or staple 3142 (FIG. 11) in many embodiments. In certain cases, the legs of each staple 3642 may be urged against the inner wall of the staple cavity 3610. The reader will understand that if the staple 3642 is fired from the cartridge body 3600 into the tissue, the placement of the staple 3642 in the staple cavity 3610 corresponds to the placement of the staple 3642 in the staple line. More specifically, the base of each staple 3642 in the obtained staple line is or is substantially on the same line as the cavity axis CA.

Staple cavity openings 3612 are located in the three rows 3614a, 3614b, 3614c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3604. The inner opening 3612a defines the perimeter of the inner cavity 3610a in the inner row 3614a, the intermediate opening 3612b defines the perimeter of the intermediate cavity 3610b in the middle row 3614b, and the outer opening 3612c in the outer row 3614c. , Defines the perimeter of the outer cavity 3610c. The inner staple 3642a is located in the inner cavity 3610a, the intermediate staple 3642b is located in the intermediate cavity 3610b, and the outer staple 3642c is located in the outer cavity 3610c. Although not shown in FIG. 31, in at least one case, the staple cavity 3610 opposite the slot 3604 forms a specular reflection of the staple cavity 3610 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3604. As a result, the arrangement of the staples 3642 in the obtained staple line is symmetrical with respect to the cutting line. In other cases, the staple line may be asymmetric with respect to the cutting line.

Each staple cavity opening 3612 has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3616 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3618. The cavity axis CA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3616 of each opening 3612. The staple cavity openings 3612 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner cavity 3610a is arranged at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CA _A ) of the inner opening 3612a is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate cavity 3610b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAB) of the intermediate opening 3612b is oriented at an angle _B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer cavity 3610c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the cavity axis (eg, CAC) defined by the outer opening 3612c is oriented at an angle _C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A, B and C may be different. The inner opening 3612a is oriented obliquely with respect to the outer opening 3612c. The angle A is smaller than the angle C. Since the axis of the outer opening 3612c (eg, axis CA _C ) is not parallel to the axis of the inner opening 3612a (eg, axis CA _A ), the staple cavity opening 3612 in the staple cartridge body 3600 has been modified. Or forms a distorted herringbone pattern. The cavity axis CAB of the intermediate opening _3612b may be oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to either the inner opening 3612a or the outer opening 3612c. For example, the angle B may be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C. In other cases, the angle B does not have to be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C.

The inner staples _3642a have a base length BLA, the intermediate staples _3642b have a base length BLB, and the outer staples _3642c have a base length BLC. The base length _BLC is shorter than the base length _BLB , and the base length _BLB is shorter than the base length _BLA . In other words, the length of the staples 3642 increases laterally towards the longitudinal slot 3604. Further, the staple cavity 3610 is correspondingly lengthened laterally towards the longitudinal slot 3604 to accommodate larger staples.

The placement of the staple cavities 3610 within the cartridge body 3600 results in a longitudinal overlap XA _{/ B} between the inner staples 3642a and the intermediate staples 3642b at both the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate staples 3642b. The intermediate staples 3642b are equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent inner staples 3642a. The placement of the staple cavities 3610 within the cartridge body 3600 also provides a longitudinal gap XB _{/ C} between the intermediate staples 3642b and the outer staples 3642c at both the proximal and distal ends of the intermediate staples 3642b. The intermediate staples 3642b are also equidistant and longitudinally staggered between the two adjacent outer staples 3642c. Due to changes in staple angle orientation, staple spacing, and staple length changes, the longitudinal overlap X _{A / B} is greater than the longitudinal gap X _{B / C.} In other cases, the longitudinal overlap X _{A / B} may be equal to or less than the longitudinal overlap X _{B / C.} The arrangement of the staple cavities 3610 in the cartridge body 3600 is such that the lateral gap YA _{/ B} between the inner row 3614a and the intermediate row 3614b and the lateral overlap YB between the outer row 3614c and the intermediate row _3614b . _{Brings / C.}

Again, referring to FIG. 31, the staple line made by the staple cartridge body 3600 may have different laterally different characteristics with respect to the cutting line. In particular, the staple line may have greater sealing effectiveness adjacent to the cutting line than laterally outside the cutting line. Further, the staple line may be more flexible when laterally separated from the cutting line than inside toward the cutting line. For example, since the lengths of the base portions BL _A , BL _B , and BLC of the staples _3642a , 3642b, and 3642c are respectively elongated laterally inward toward the cutting line, the inner portion of the staple line is the staple line. It may have a greater sealing effectiveness than the outer portion of the. In addition to or instead, the outer portion of the staple line is more flexible than the inner portion of the staple line because the angular orientation of the staples 3642a, 3642b and 3642c increases laterally outward away from the cutting line. The sex may be large.

As described herein, the staples are detachably placed within the staple cartridge and fired from the staple cartridge during use. In various cases, the staples may be pushed out of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge to form contacts with the anvil. For example, the firing element may translate through the staple cartridge during the firing stroke and push the staples out of the staple cartridge towards the anvil. In certain cases, the staples may be supported by the staple driver and the firing element may lift the staple driver and eject or remove the staples from the staple cartridge.

The anvil may include a staple forming surface with internally defined staple forming pockets. In certain cases, the staple forming pockets may be stamped in the anvil. For example, staple forming pockets may be cast on the flat surface of the anvil. The reader will understand that certain features of the staple forming pocket may be a planned result of the casting process. For example, the particular roundness of the manufacturing corners and / or edges that form the staples may be the intended result of the casting process. Such features may also be designed to better form staples in these preformed configurations, including staples that are distorted and / or otherwise out of alignment in progress.

Each staple in the staple cartridge may be aligned with the anvil's staple forming pocket. In other words, the placement of the staple cavities and staples in the staple cartridge for the end effector may correspond to, or may be consistent with, the placement of the staple forming pockets in the anvil of the end effector. More specifically, the orientation of the angle of each staple cavity may match the orientation of the angle of each staple forming pocket. For example, if the staple cavities are arranged in a herringbone pattern, the staple forming pockets may also be arranged in a herringbone pattern.

When the staples are extruded from the staple cartridge and form contacts with the anvil, the staples can be formed in a fired configuration. In various cases, the launched configuration may be a B-shaped configuration, where the tips of the staple legs are bent towards the staple base or crown to form symmetrical upper and lower loops. Form the capital letter B with. In other cases, the launched configuration is a modified B-shape, eg, a distorted B-shape configuration in which at least part of the staple legs is twisted from the surface of the staple base, or a capital letter B. It may have an asymmetric B-shaped configuration in which the upper loop and the lower loop are asymmetric. Tissue can be captured or clamped within the staples formed.

The placement of staples and / or staple cavities within the staple cartridge may be configured to optimize the corresponding placement of staple forming pockets within the forming plane of the complementary anvil. For example, the orientation and spacing of the staple angles within the staple cartridge may be designed to optimize the formation surface of the anvil. In certain cases, the footprint of the staple forming pocket in the anvil may be limited by the geometry of the anvil. If the staple-forming pockets are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis, the width of the anvil will limit the size and spacing of the diagonally oriented staple-forming pockets. For example, the width of the middle row of staple forming pockets is between the first row on one side of the middle row (eg, the outer row) and the second row on the other side of the middle row (eg, the inner row). The minimum distance may be defined. Further, the row of staple forming pockets is restricted between the inner edge of the anvil (eg, knife slot) and the outer edge of the anvil.

In various cases, the pockets may be adjacent and nested along the staple forming surface of the anvil. For example, the intermediate pocket may be nested between the inner pocket and the outer pocket. The orientation of the pocket angles may vary from row to row for ease of nesting. For example, the staple forming pockets in the inner row may be oriented at a first angle, the staple forming pockets in the middle row may be oriented at a second angle, and the staple forming pockets in the outer row may be oriented. , May be oriented at a third angle. The first angle, the second angle and the third angle may be different, which will facilitate the tight placement of the staple forming pockets.

With reference to the staple cartridges shown in FIGS. 27-31 again, the staples and staple cavities in each row can be selected at different angles to optimize the nesting of staple forming pockets in the complementary anvil. can. For each staple cartridge shown in FIGS. 27-31, the complementary anvil may be configured to have a corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets. In addition, the staple-forming pockets in the complementary anvil are larger than the staple cavities shown in FIGS. 27-31 to ensure that the staple legs land or drop into the staple-forming pockets. You may. For example, the staple legs may be urged outwards, for example, in the case of V-shaped staples (see FIG. 11), a larger mounting area of the staple forming pockets urges outwards during firing. It is possible to capture the stapled legs. In various cases, the staple forming pocket may be 0.005 to 0.015 inches longer than the corresponding staple cavity and / or staple. In addition, or instead, the cup that receives the staples in each staple forming pocket may be 0.005 to 0.015 inches wider than the corresponding staple cavity. In other cases, the difference in length and / or width may be less than 0.005 inches or greater than 0.015 inches.

If the size of the staples varies within the staple cartridge (see, eg, FIGS. 29-31), the size of the staple forming pockets may vary correspondingly within the complementary anvil. Resizing the staple-forming pockets may make their nesting even easier. For example, if the staple forming pocket in the middle row is shorter than the staple forming pocket in the inner or outer row, the width of the staple forming pocket in the middle row can be reduced, which is a requirement between the inner row and the outer row. Intervals can be minimized.

The spacing between the staple forming pockets may also be configured to optimize their nesting. For example, the pockets arranged in the inner row may be longitudinally staggered with respect to the pockets arranged in the outer row. Further, the pockets in the inner row may partially overlap the pockets in the outer row in the longitudinal direction. The pockets in the middle row may be longitudinally staggered with respect to the pockets in the inner row and the pockets in the outer row. For example, the pockets in the middle row may be evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the pockets in the outer row and the pockets in the inner row.

Here, with reference to FIG. 80, the anvil 3700 is shown. The anvil 3700 may be complementary to the staple cartridge 3500 (FIG. 30). For example, the arrangement of the staple forming pockets 3706 in the anvil 3700 may correspond to the arrangement of the staples 3542 and the staple cavities 3510 (FIG. 30) in the staple cartridge 3500. The anvil 3700 includes a staple forming surface 3702 and a longitudinal slot 3704. The longitudinal slot 3704 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 3700. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 3704 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 3706 is defined within the staple forming surface 3702. The staple forming surface 3702 also includes a non-forming portion 3708 extending around the pocket 3706. The non-formed portion 3708 extends generally around each pocket 3706 in FIG. 80. In other words, the non-formed portion 3708 surrounds the staple forming pocket 3706. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 3706 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 3708 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 3702 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 3708 of the anvil 3700 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 3706. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 3706 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 3702 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 3706 shown in FIG. 80 are arranged in three rows 3714a, 3714b, 3714c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3704. The first row 3714a is the inner row, the second row 3714b is the middle row, and the third row 3714c is the outer row. The inner pocket 3706a is located in the inner row 3714a, the intermediate pocket 3706b is located in the intermediate row 3714b, and the outer pocket 3706c is located in the outer row 3714c. The pockets 3706 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 3702 of the anvil 3700. Although not shown in FIG. 80, in at least one case, the pocket 3706 on the opposite side of the slot 3704 may form a pocket 3706 specular reflection on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3704. In other cases, the placement of pockets 3706 within the staple forming surface 3702 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 3704, and in certain cases the anvil 3700 may not have longitudinal slot 3704. good. In various cases, the pockets 3706 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 3704.

Each pocket 3706 has a perimeter 3716, which demarcates the boundaries of pockets 3706b. Each pocket 3706 also includes a proximal cup 3720, a distal cup 3722, and a neck portion 3724 extending between the proximal cup 3720 and the distal cup 3722. When the staples are driven in to form a point of contact with the staple forming surface 3702, the proximal cup 3720 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 3722 aligns with the distal staple leg. The tips of the staple legs are arranged and configured to land in the respective cups 3720 and 3722, respectively. In other words, the proximal cup 3720 is configured to receive the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 3722 is configured to accept the distal staple leg. The cups 3720 and 3722 are also configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 3806 (eg, neck portion 3724) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. Has been done.

The geometry, spacing and / or orientation of the pockets 3706 may vary from row to row. The pocket axis PA extends from the proximal cup 3720 of each pocket 3706 through the neck portion 3724 to the distal cup 3722. The pockets 3706 in each row are parallel. For example, the inner pocket 3706a is arranged at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the pocket axis of the inner pocket 3706a (eg, PA _A ) is oriented at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The intermediate pocket 3706b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the pocket axis (eg, PA _B ) of the intermediate pocket 3706b is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. The outer pocket 3706c is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the pocket axis (eg, PAC) of the inner pocket 3706a is oriented at an angle _C with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A, B and C may be different. The inner pocket 3706a is obliquely oriented with respect to the outer pocket 3706c. The angle A is smaller than the angle C. The staple-forming pocket 3706 in the anvil 3700 has been modified or distorted because the axis of the outer pocket 3706c (eg, axis PAC) is not parallel to the axis of the inner pocket _{3706a (eg, axis PA A )} . It forms a herringbone pattern. The pocket axis PA _B of the intermediate pocket 3706b is obliquely oriented with respect to the inner pocket 3706a and the outer pocket 3706c. In other cases, the pocket axis PA _B of the intermediate pocket 3706b may be oriented perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to either the inner pocket 3706a or the outer pocket 3706c. For example, the angle B may be a complementary angle to either the angle A or the C.

The inner pocket _3706a has a length LA, the middle pocket _3706b has a length LB, and the outer pocket _3706c has a length LC. The length _LC is shorter than the length _LB and the length _LA . In other words, the outer pocket 3706c is shorter than the middle pocket 3706b and the inner pocket 3706a. In certain cases, the lengths _LA , _LB and _LC may be different. In other cases, the lengths _LA , _LB and _LC may be the same. In yet other cases, the length _LB may be less than the lengths _LA and / or _LB , and / or the length _LA may be less than the lengths _LA and / or _LC . good. _Lengths LA, LB and LC can be selected to optimize the _nesting of pockets ₃₇₀₆ .

The spacing between the staple forming pockets 3706 may also be configured to optimize their nesting. For example, the inner pockets 3706a may be longitudinally staggered with respect to the outer pockets 3706c. Further, the inner pocket 3706a may partially overlap the outer pocket 3706c in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 80, the first end of the inner pocket 3706a is longitudinally offset from the corresponding end of the outer pocket 3706c by a distance X1 _{A / C.} The second end of the inner pocket 3706a is longitudinally offset by a distance X2 _{A / C} from the corresponding end of the outer pocket 3706c. The distance X2 _{A / C} is shorter than the distance X1 _{A / C.} In other cases, the distance X2 _{A / C may} be equal to or greater than the distance X1 _{A / C.} The intermediate pockets 3706b are longitudinally staggered with respect to the inner pockets 3706a and the outer pockets 3706c. More specifically, the intermediate pockets 3706b are spaced equidistantly in the longitudinal direction between the adjacent inner pockets 3706a and the adjacent outer pockets 3706c. In other cases, the intermediate pocket 3706b may not be evenly spaced between the adjacent inner pocket 3706a and the adjacent outer pocket 3706c.

The arrangement of the pockets 3706 is configured to nest the pockets 3706 so that the pockets 3706 fit into a predetermined space. For example, in certain cases, the width of the anvil can be minimized or otherwise limited to fit within the surgical trocar and / or narrow surgical field, and the placement of the staple forming pocket 3706. (And the corresponding arrangement of staples and / or staple cavities) can be fitted within a narrow anvil.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 32 to 35C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 3806 of the anvil 3800 is shown. The anvil 3800 includes a staple forming surface 3802 and a longitudinal slot 3804. The longitudinal slot 3804 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 3800. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 3804 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 3806 is defined on the staple forming surface 3802, which also includes a non-forming portion 3808 extending around the pocket 3806. The non-formed portion 3808 extends entirely around each pocket 3806. In other words, the non-formed portion 3808 surrounds the staple forming pocket 3806. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion is not placed between them. In certain cases, the non-forming portion 3808 may extend across one or more of the pockets 3806.

The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 3802 (the ratio of the formed portion, ie, the non-formed portion 3808 to the pocket 3806) can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 3808 of the anvil 3800 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 3806. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 3806 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 3802 designed to capture and form the staples. good. For example, such an arrangement can prevent inadvertently improperly formed staples that for some reason missed or missed the corresponding pocket during the firing process.

The pockets 3806 shown in FIG. 32 are arranged in the three rows 3814a, 3814b, and 3814c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3804. The first row 3814a is the inner row, the second row 3814b is the middle row, and the third row 3814c is the outer row. The inner pocket 3806a is located in the inner row 3814a, the middle pocket 3806b is located in the middle row 3814b, and the outer pocket 3806c is located in the outer row 3814c. Although not shown in FIG. 32, in at least one case, the pocket 3806 opposite the slot 3804 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 3806 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3804. In other cases, the placement of pockets 3806 within the staple forming surface 3802 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 3804, and in certain cases the anvil 3800 may not have longitudinal slot 3804. good. In various cases, the pockets 3806 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 3804.

The pockets 3806 shown in FIG. 32 are identical. Each pocket 3806 defined on the staple forming surface 3802 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pockets 3806 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 3800. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 3806 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 3800.

An exemplary pocket 3806b is shown in FIGS. 33-35C. Pocket 3806b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3810 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3812. The pocket axis PA extends between the proximal and distal ends 3810 of pocket 3806b. Again, referring to FIG. 32, the pockets 3806 are parallel in each row. For example, the pocket shafts of the inner pocket 3806a (eg PA _A ) are parallel to each other, the pocket shafts of the intermediate pocket 3806b (eg PA _B ) are parallel to each other, and the pocket shafts of the outer pocket 3806c (eg PA). _C ) are parallel to each other. The pocket axis PA is oriented obliquely with respect to slot 3804. Further, the axis PA _B of the intermediate pocket _3806b is oriented perpendicular to the axes PA _A and PAC of the inner pocket 3806a and the outer pocket 3806c, respectively. As described above, the pockets 3806 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 3802.

The pocket 3806b has a perimeter 3816, which demarcates the boundaries of the pocket 3806b. Pocket 3806b also includes a proximal cup 3820, a distal cup 3822, and a neck portion 3824 extending between the proximal cup 3820 and the distal cup 3822. When the staples are driven in to form a point of contact with the staple forming surface 3802, the proximal cup 3820 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 3822 aligns with the distal staple leg. The tips of the staple legs are arranged and configured to land in the respective cups 3820 and 3822, respectively. In other words, the proximal cup 3820 is configured to receive the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 3822 is configured to receive the distal staple leg. The cups 3820 and 3822 are also configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 3806 (eg, neck portion 3824) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. Has been done.

Pocket 3806 includes an extended landing zone for staple legs. Referring to the pocket 3806b shown in FIG. 33, the pocket 3806b includes a proximal extension landing surface zone 3830 and a distal extension landing surface zone 3832. The proximal extension landing zone 3830 is located in the proximal portion of the proximal cup 3820 and the distal extension landing zone 3832 is located in the distal portion of the distal cup 3822. The extending landing surface zones 3830 and 3832 substantially define the perimeter of the triangle. Further, the extended landing surface zones 3830 and 3832 end along the pocket axis PA at some point and form the corners of the pocket 3806b.

In other cases, the extended landing surface zones 3830 and 3832 may define straight and / or undulating perimeters, eg, extending laterally and / longitudinally with respect to the pocket axis PA. You may. If the staples or parts thereof are distorted during firing, the extended landing surface zones 3830, 3832 may remedy the formation of the distorted staples, or at least attempt to relieve them.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 34, each cup 3820, 3822 of the pocket 3806b defines an inlet slope 3840 and an exit slope 3842. The slope of the exit 3842 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 3840. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 3820, 3822 along the entrance slope 3840 and exit the respective cups 3820, 3822 along the exit slope 3842. At the apex 3846 between the entrance slope 3840 and the exit slope 3842, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. The proximal cup 3820 defines _a proximal depth D1 measured at its apex 3846 with respect to the non-formed portion 3808 of the staple forming surface 3802, and the distal cup 3822 at its apex 3846 has a staple forming surface. The distal depth D2 measured for the non _- formed portion 3808 of 3802 is defined. In pocket 3806b, the proximal depth D ₁ and the distal depth D ₂ are equal. In other cases, the proximal depth D ₁ and the distal depth D ₂ may be different.

Pocket 3806b also defines a bridge portion 3844 within the neck portion 3824 between the proximal cup 3820 and the distal cup 3822. The bridge portion 3844 is displaced from the non-formed portion 3808 of the staple forming surface 3802. More specifically, the bridge portion 3844 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 3808. In other cases, the bridge portion 3844 may be aligned with the non-formed portion 3808 and / or may project away from the non-formed portion 3808 towards the opposing jaw of the end effector.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 35A-35C, pocket 3806b includes a side wall 3850. The side wall 3850 is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 3808 of the staple forming surface 3802. The side wall 3850 widens toward the central region 3821 of each cup 3820, 3822 and narrows from the central region 3821 of each cup 3820, 3822 toward the neck portion 3824. The widened central area 3821 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. The extended landing surface zones 3830 and 3832 also increase the mounting area of the respective cups 3820 and 3822 for receiving the staple tips. Since the cups 3820 and 3822 are narrowed towards the neck portion 3824, the cups 3820 and 3822 are stapled into a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip. The perimeter 3816 of the pocket 3806b defines an undulating or arched profile as the cups 3820 and 3822 widen and then narrow towards the neck portion 3824. In other cases, the perimeter 3816 of pocket 3806b may extend along a linear, undulating profile, eg, with unrounded corners.

The pocket 3806b defines a fillet 3852 (FIGS. 35A-35C) between the side wall 3850 and the bottom surface of the pocket 3806b. The fillet 3852 is configured to guide the staple legs along the desired path of pocket 3806b. For example, if the staple legs land along the fillet 3852 or are redirected towards the fillet 3852, the fillet 3852 can smoothly guide the staple legs towards the pocket axis PA. ..

Referring again to FIG. 33, the pocket 3806b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 3816 of the pocket 3806b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 3806b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 3824 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 3816 of each pocket 3806 is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 3820 has the same geometry as the distal cup 3822.

In other cases, the proximal cup 3820 may be different from the distal cup 3822. For example, referring again to FIG. 34, the distal depth D ₂ may be smaller than the proximal depth D ₁ . In various cases, variations in the depth of the staple forming pockets can accommodate variations in the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector when the tissue is clamped. For example, as the anvil approaches the distal end of the end effector, the anvil may bend or bend from the staple cartridge. The variation in depth of the staple forming pocket 3806 may be configured to ensure that an appropriate forming height is maintained in terms of the assumed or expected bending or bending of the anvil 3800.

In addition to, or in lieu of, the variation in the depth of the staple forming pocket can be adapted to the movement or flow of tissue to the end effector. More specifically, if the tissue is clamped between the jaws of the end effector, the fluid within the clamped tissue may flow or move towards the adjacent unclamped tissue. You may. Tissue can flow laterally towards the longitudinal side of the anvil 3800, distally towards the distal end of the anvil 3800, and / or proximally towards the proximal end of the anvil 3800. In certain cases, if the cutting edge travels distally through the tissue, the tissue can flow against the anvil 3800. In such an example, the tissue can flow laterally, distally, and / or proximally, but primarily due to the distal movement of the cutting edge. If the cutting edge moves proximally to make an incision in the tissue, the movement or flow of tissue will generally be in the proximal direction during the cutting stroke. The different depths D ₁ and D ₁ of the pocket 3806 allow it to adapt to the distal flow of tissue, which allows the distally implanted staple legs to be moved or distorted.

In various cases, the movement or flow of tissue at the distal end of the end effector may be greater than the movement or flow of tissue at the proximal end of the end effector. Such a situation would result from the distal movement of the launcher within the end effector. The launching member is configured to progressively staple and incise the tissue as it moves distally, but the launching member can also advance or push the tissue distally. This extrusion or advance effect may be initiated at the proximal end of the end effector so that the maximum extrusion or advance effect is achieved at the distal end of the end effector as the launching member moves distally. May be combined with. As a result, tissue flow can be increased towards the distal end of the end effector. To accommodate this increase in tissue flow, the geometry of the staple pockets may vary longitudinally along the length of the row. If the proximal and distal cups of the staple pocket are different to adapt to the flow of tissue, the asymmetric gradient of the pocket can be utilized within the row of pockets to compensate for the gradient in tissue movement and staple shift. good.

In certain cases, different staple geometries may be used with different pocket geometries. The use of different staples to adapt to the flow of tissue along the length of the end effector is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, US Patent Application No. 14 / 318,996, filed June 30, 2014. , The title of the invention, "FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS". In other cases, the same staples may be used along the length of the anvil, along with different pocket geometries.

Referring again to FIG. 33, the neck portion 3824 defines a width W _N and the proximal cup 3820 and the distal cup 3822 define a width W _C. The width W _N is smaller than the width W _C. As a result, the central portion of pocket 3806b is narrower than the proximal cup 3820 and the distal cup 3822. A perimeter 3816 narrowed at the neck portion 3824 of pocket 3806b defines a receiving peninsula 3826 between a portion of the proximal cup 3820 and a portion of the distal cup 3822. Due to the symmetry of pocket 3806b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 3826 are placed on each side of pocket 3806b. The receiving peninsula 3826 is a tangential axis (eg, _TA , TB1, TB2 and) that is tangential to the perimeter 3816 of pocket _3806b and the widest portion of the proximal cup ₃₈₂₀ and distal cup 3822 on one side of pocket 3806. The boundaries are separated by _TC ). The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _3806b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _3806b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 33 are parallel to the pocket axis PA _B.

Referring again to FIG. 32, the perimeter 3816 of the pocket 3806 is nested or intertwined along the staple forming surface 3802. In particular, each pocket 3806 extends into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent pocket 3806. For example, the intermediate pocket 3806b is nested between the inner pocket 3806a and the outer pocket 3806c. In other words, the intermediate pocket 3806b extends into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent inner pocket 3806a and into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent outer pocket 3806c. Further, the inner pocket 3806a and the outer pocket 3806b are nested together with the intermediate pocket 3806b. More specifically, the inner pocket 3806a extends into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3806b and the outer pocket 3806c extends into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3806b.

The distal cup 3822 of the intermediate pocket _3806b crosses the tangential axis TA and extends into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent inner pocket 3806a. Further, the proximal cup 3820 of the intermediate pocket 3806b extends across the tangential axis _TC into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent outer pocket 3806c. Further, the distal cup 3822 of the medial pocket _3806a extends across the tangential axis TB1 into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3806b. Further, the proximal cup 3820 of the outer pocket _3806c extends across the tangential axis TB2 into the receiving peninsula 3826 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3806b. In various cases, the distal extension landing zone 3832 of the intermediate pocket 3806b is located within the receiving peninsula 3826 of the inner pocket 3806a and the proximal extension landing zone 3830 of the intermediate pocket 3806b is the outer pocket 3806c. The distal extension landing zone 3832 of the inner pocket 3806a is located within the receiving peninsula 3826 of the intermediate pocket 3806b and the proximal extension landing zone 3830 of the outer pocket 3806c is located within the receiving peninsula 3826. It is located in the receiving peninsula 3826 of the intermediate pocket 3806b.

The geometry of the pocket 3806 makes it easier for the pocket 3806 to nest within the staple forming surface 3802. For example, pocket 3806 has a narrowed neck portion 3824 between two enlarged cups 3820 and 3822, so that one of the expanded cups 3820, 3822 of another pocket 3806 is narrowed thereof. It may be placed adjacent to the neck portion 3824. For example, one of the enlarged cups 3820, 3822 may be aligned with and / or accepted by a portion of adjacent pockets 3806. In such cases, the surface area of the staple forming surface 3802 covered by the pocket 3806 can be optimized. For example, the surface area of the staple forming surface 3802 covered by the pocket 3806 is maximized. The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 3802 is the ratio of the non-forming portion 3808 to the forming portion (ie, pocket 3806). The formation ratio is about 1.7: 1. In other cases, the formation ratio may be less than 1.7: 1 or greater than 1.7: 1. For example, in at least one case, more than 50% of the staple forming surface 3802 may be covered with the staple forming pocket 3806.

The nesting of staple-forming pockets described herein may be referred to as nesting around adjacent pockets. For example, if the first pocket defines an inner contour (ie, a contour that extends inward towards the pocket axis), then the adjacent second pocket is toward the area adjacent to the inner contour and / Or may protrude into it. In addition to or instead, a portion of the second pocket, eg, the end of the second pocket, may be aligned with the narrowed area of the first pocket. As a result, if the end of the second pocket is aligned with the wider area of the first pocket, the second pocket may be located closer to the pocket axis of the first pocket.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 36-39C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 3906 of the anvil 3900 is shown. The anvil 3900 includes a staple forming surface 3902 and a longitudinal slot 3904. The longitudinal slot 3904 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 3900. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 3904 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 3906 is defined within the staple forming surface 3902. The staple forming surface 3902 also includes a non-forming portion 3908 extending around the pocket 3906. The non-formed portion 3908 extends entirely around each pocket 3906 in FIG. In other words, the non-formed portion 3908 surrounds the staple forming pocket 3906. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 3906 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 3908 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 3902 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 3908 of the anvil 3900 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 3906. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 3906 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 3902 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 3906 shown in FIG. 36 are arranged in the three rows 3914a, 3914b, 3914c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 3904. The first column 3914a is the inner column, the second column 3914b is the intermediate column, and the third column 3914c is the outer column. The inner pocket 3906a is located in the inner row 3914a, the middle pocket 3906b is located in the middle row 3914b, and the outer pocket 3906c is located in the outer row 3914c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 3906 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 3902 of the anvil 3900. Although not shown in FIG. 36, in at least one case, the pocket 3906 on the opposite side of the slot 3904 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 3906 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 3904. In other cases, the placement of pockets 3906 within the staple forming surface 3902 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 3904, and in certain cases the anvil 3900 may not have longitudinal slot 3904. good. In various cases, the pockets 3906 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 3904.

The pockets 3906 shown in FIG. 36 are identical. Each pocket 3906 defined on the staple forming surface 3802 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 3906 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 3900. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 3906 or part thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 3900.

An exemplary pocket 3906b is shown in FIGS. 37-39C. Pocket 3906b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 3910 and a second end (ie, distal end) 3912. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 37) extends between the proximal and distal ends 3910 of pocket 3906b. Pocket 3906b has a perimeter 3916, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 3906. Pocket 3906b also includes a proximal cup 3920, a distal cup 3922, and a neck portion 3924 extending between the proximal cup 3920 and the distal cup 3922. When the staples are driven in to form a point of contact with the staple forming surface 3902, the proximal cup 3920 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 3922 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 3920 and 3922 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 3906 (eg, neck portion 3924) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 38, each cup 3920, 3922 of pocket 3906b defines an inlet slope 3940 and an exit slope 3942. The slope of the exit 3942 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 3940. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 3920, 3922 along the entrance slope 3940 and exit the respective cups 3920, 3922 along the exit slope 3942. At the apex 3946 between the entrance slope 3940 and the exit slope 3942, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. The proximal cup 3920 at its apex 3946 defines _a proximal depth D1 measured relative to the non-formed portion 3908 of the staple forming surface 3902, and the distal cup 3922 at its apex 3946 the staple forming surface. The distal depth D2 measured for the non _- formed portion 3908 of 3902 is defined. In pocket 3906, the proximal depth D ₁ and the distal depth D ₂ are equal. In other cases, the proximal depth D ₁ and the distal depth D ₂ may be different. Pocket 3906b also defines a bridge portion 3944 within the neck portion 3924 between the proximal cup 3920 and the distal cup 3922. The bridge portion 3944 is displaced from the non-formed portion 3908 of the staple forming surface 3902. More specifically, the bridge portion 3944 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 3908.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 39A-39C, pocket 3906b includes a side wall 3950. The side wall 3950 is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 3908 of the staple forming surface 3902. The side wall 3950 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 3920, 3922 toward the neck portion 3924. As a result, the widest portions of the cups 3920, 3922 are at the proximal and distal ends 3910 and the distal end 3912 of pocket 3906b, respectively. Profile 3916 of pocket 3906b defines the perimeter of the bow tie shape. The widened area at the proximal and distal ends 3912 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. In various cases, the widened portions of the cups 3920 and 3922 define an extended landing zone for receiving staple tips. Since the cups 3920, 3922 are narrowed towards the neck portion 3924, the cups 3920, 3922 are stapled to a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip. The pocket 3906b defines a chamfered edge 3954 along the side surface of the pocket 3906b. The chamfered edge 3954 increases the mounting area of the pocket 3906b and helps guide the tip of the staple leg towards the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 37, the pocket 3906b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 3916 of the pocket 3906b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 3906b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 3924 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 3916 of pocket 3906b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 3920 has the same geometry as the distal cup 3922. In other cases, the proximal cup 3920 may be different from the distal cup 3922. For example, with reference to _FIG . 38 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 37, the width of the neck portion 3924 is smaller than the width of the cups 3920 and 3922. As a result, the central portion of pocket 3906b is narrower than the proximal cup 3920 and the distal cup 3922. A perimeter 3916 narrowed at the neck portion 3924 of pocket 3906b defines a receiving peninsula portion 3926 between a portion of the proximal cup 3920 and a portion of the distal cup 3922. Due to the symmetry of pocket 3906b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 3926 are placed on each side of pocket 3906b. The receiving peninsula 3926 is bounded by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the perimeter 3916 of pocket _3906b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 3920 and distal cup 3922 on one side of pocket _3906b . It is separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _3906b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _3906b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 are parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 36, each pocket 3906 extends towards the receiving peninsula 3926 of the adjacent pocket 3906. For example, the intermediate pocket 3906b is aligned with the neck portion 3924 of the inner pocket 3906a and the outer pocket 3906c. Further, the inner pocket 3906a and the outer pocket 3906b extend towards the receiving peninsula 3926, one of the intermediate pockets 3906b. More specifically, the pocket axis PA of the intermediate pocket 3906b is aligned with the neck portion 3924 of the adjacent inner pocket 3906a and the outer pocket 3906c, respectively, and the pocket axis PA of the inner pocket 3906a is the neck portion of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3906b. Aligned with 3924, the pocket axis PA of the outer pocket 3906c aligns with the neck portion 3924 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3906b. In certain cases, a portion of one or more pockets 3906 may extend into the receiving peninsula of the adjacent pocket 3906.

The geometry of the pocket 3906 facilitates the pocket 3906 to be closely placed within the staple forming surface 3902. For example, pocket 3906 has a narrowed neck portion 3924 between two expanded cups 3920 and 3922, so another pocket 3906 expanded cups 3920, 3922 has its narrowed neck portion 3924. Can be placed adjacent to. For example, the enlarged cups 3920, 3922 may be aligned with and / or be accepted by a portion of adjacent pockets 3906. As a result, the surface area of the staple forming surface 3902 covered by the pocket 3906 can be optimized. For example, the surface area of the staple forming surface 3902 covered by the pocket 3906 is maximized. The "formation ratio" is the ratio of the non-formation portion 3908 to the formation portion (ie, pocket 3906). In various cases, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1.

In certain cases, the pockets 3906 are placed very close to each other, but due to the narrow neck portion 3924, there is space for the non-formed portion 3908 between adjacent pockets 3906. For example, the non-formed portion 3908 may extend between the neck portion 3924 of the inner pocket 3906a and the distal cup 3922 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 3906b. The non-forming portion 3908 between the adjacent pockets 3906 can provide sufficient spacing between the pockets 3906 to strengthen and / or strengthen the anvil 3900.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 40-43C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4006 of the anvil 4000 is shown. The pocket 4006 and its arrangement within the anvil 4000 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 3906 and its arrangement within the anvil 3900. For example, the anvil 4000 includes a staple forming surface 4002 and a longitudinal slot 4004. The longitudinal slot 4004 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4000. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 4004 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4006 is defined within the staple forming surface 4002. The staple forming surface 4002 also includes a non-forming portion 4008 extending around the pocket 4006. The non-formed portion 4008 extends entirely around each pocket 4006 in FIG. 40. In other words, the non-formed portion 4008 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4006. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4006 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4008 is not placed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4002 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4008 of the anvil 4000 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 4006. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4006 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4002 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 4006 are arranged in the inner row 4014a, the middle row 4014b and the outer row 4014c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4004. The inner pocket 4006a is located in the inner row 4014a, the intermediate pocket 4006b is located in the intermediate row 4014b, and the outer pocket 4006c is located in the outer row 4014c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4006 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4002 of the anvil 4000. Although not shown in FIG. 40, in at least one case, the pocket 4006 on the opposite side of the slot 4004 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4006 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4004. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4006 within the staple forming surface 4002 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4004, and in certain cases the anvil 4000 may not include longitudinal slot 4004. good. In various cases, the pockets 4006 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4004.

The pockets 4006 shown in FIG. 40 are identical. Each pocket 4006 defined on the staple forming surface 4002 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4006 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4000. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4006 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4000.

An exemplary pocket 4006b is shown in FIGS. 41-43C. Pocket 4006b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 4010 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4012. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 41) extends between the proximal and distal ends 4010 of pocket 4006b. Pocket 4006b has a perimeter 4016, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4006b. Pocket 4006b also includes a proximal cup 4020, a distal cup 4022, and a neck portion 4024 extending between the proximal cup 4020 and the distal cup 4022. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 4002, the proximal cup 4020 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4022 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 4020 and 4022 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4006 (eg, neck portion 4024) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 42, each cup 4020, 4022 of pocket 4006b defines an inlet slope 4040 and an exit slope 4042. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4020, 4022 along the entrance slope 4040 and exit the respective cups 4020, 4022 along the exit slope 4042. At the apex 4046 between the entrance slope 4040 and the exit slope 4042, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4006b also defines a bridge 4044 between the proximal cup 4020 and the distal cup 4022. The bridge portion 4044 is displaced from the non-formed portion 4008. More specifically, the bridge portion 4044 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 4008.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 43A-43C, the pocket 4006b includes the side wall 4050, which is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 4008 of the staple forming surface 4002. The side wall 4050 narrows from the outer end of each cup 4020, 4022 toward the neck portion 4024. As a result, the widest portions of the cups 4020, 4022 are at the proximal and distal ends 4010 and the distal ends 4012 of pocket 4006b, respectively. The profile 4016 of pocket 4006b defines the perimeter of the bow tie shape. The widened area at the distal ends 4010, 4012 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. In various cases, the widened portion of the cups 4020, 4022 defines an extended landing zone for receiving staple tips. Since the cups 4020, 4022 are narrowed towards the neck portion 4024, the cups 4020, 4022 are stapled to a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

Pocket 4006b defines a chamfered edge 4054 along the sides of pocket 4006b. Further, the pocket 4006b includes a groove 4056 in its bottom surface 4058. The groove 4056 extends from the proximal cup 4020 over the bridge portion 4024 into the distal cup 4022. The groove 4056 is configured to constrain and guide the staple legs as they move into the deformed configuration.

In various cases, the diameter of the groove 4056 may be smaller than the diameter of the staple that engages the groove 4056. For example, the staples may be at least 0.0079 inches in diameter and the grooves 4056 may be less than 0.0079 inches in diameter. The diameter of the groove 4056 may be about 0.007 inches, about 0.005 inches, or less than 0.005 inches. In certain cases, the staples may be larger than 0.0079 inches in diameter, for example 0.0089 inches or about 0.0094 inches. In various cases, the staple diameter may be less than 0.0079 inches or more than 0.0094 inches. For end effectors where different staple geometry is utilized with the same staple forming pocket geometry, the width of the groove in the pocket may be smaller than the smallest staple diameter. In yet other cases, the width of the groove 4056 may vary from staple to staple in the row and / or from row to row.

Referring again to FIG. 41, the pocket 4006b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4016 of pocket 4006b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4006b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 4024 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4016 of pocket 4006b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4020 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4022. In other cases, the proximal cup 4020 may be different from the distal cup 4022. For example, with reference to _FIG . 42 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 41, the neck portion 4024 of pocket 4006b is narrower than the proximal cup 4020 and the distal cup 4022. The narrowed perimeter 4016 of pocket 4006b defines a receiving peninsula 4026 between a portion of the proximal cup 4020 and a portion of the distal cup 4022. Due to the symmetry of pocket 4006b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 4026 are placed on each side of pocket 4006b. The receiving peninsula 4026 is bounded by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the perimeter 4016 of pocket _4006b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 4020 and distal cup 4022 on one side of pocket _4006b . It is separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of pocket _4006b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of pocket _4006b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 41 are parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 40, each pocket 4006 extends towards the receiving peninsula 4026 of the adjacent pocket 4006. For example, the intermediate pocket 4006b is aligned with the neck portion 4024 of the inner pocket 4006a and the outer pocket 4006c. Further, the inner pocket 4006a and the outer pocket 4006b extend towards the receiving peninsula 4026 of one of the intermediate pockets 4006b. More specifically, the inner pocket 4006a aligns with the neck portion 4024 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4006b and the outer pocket 4006c aligns with the neck portion 4024 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4006b. In certain cases, a portion of pocket 4006 may extend into the receiving peninsula 4026 of adjacent pocket 4006. Similar to the pocket 3906 in the anvil 3900, the geometry of the pocket 4006 facilitates the pocket 4006 to be closely placed in the staple forming surface 4002. The "formation ratio" is the ratio of the non-formation portion 4008 to the formation portion (ie, pocket 4006). In various cases, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 44-47C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4106 of the anvil 4100 is shown. The pocket 4106 and its arrangement within the anvil 4100 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 4006 and its arrangement within the anvil 4000. For example, the anvil 4100 includes a staple forming surface 4102 and a longitudinal slot 4104. The longitudinal slot 4104 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4100. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 4104 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4106 is defined within the staple forming surface 4102. The staple forming surface 4102 also includes a non-forming portion 4108 extending around the pocket 4106. The non-formed portion 4108 extends entirely around each pocket 4106 in FIG. In other words, the non-formed portion 4108 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4106. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4106 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4108 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4102 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4108 of the anvil 4100 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 4106. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4106 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4102 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 4106 shown in FIG. 44 are arranged in the inner row 4114a, the middle row 4114b, and the outer row 4114c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4104. The inner pocket 4106a is located in the inner row 4114a, the middle pocket 4106b is located in the middle row 4114b, and the outer pocket 4106c is located in the outer row 4114c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4106 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4102 of the anvil 4100. Although not shown in FIG. 44, in at least one case, the pocket 4106 opposite the slot 4104 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4106 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4104. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4106 within the staple forming surface 4102 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4104, and in certain cases the anvil 4100 may not include longitudinal slot 4104. good. In various cases, the pockets 4106 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4104.

The pockets 4106 shown in FIG. 44 are identical. Each pocket 4106 defined on the staple forming surface 4102 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4106 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4100. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4106 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4100.

An exemplary pocket 4106b is shown in FIGS. 45-47C. Pocket 4106b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 4110 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4112. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 45) extends between the proximal and distal ends 4110 of pocket 4106b. Pocket 4106b has a perimeter 4116, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4106b. Pocket 4106 also includes a proximal cup 4120, a distal cup 4122, and a neck portion 4124 extending between the proximal cup 4120 and the distal cup 4122. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 4102, the proximal cup 4120 is aligned with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4122 is aligned with the distal staple leg. The cups 4120 and 4122 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4106 (eg, neck portion 4124) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 46, each cup 4120, 4122 of pocket 4106b defines an inlet slope 4140 and an exit slope 4142. The slope of the exit 4142 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 4140. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4120, 4122 along the entrance slope 4140 and exit the respective cups 4120, 4122 along the exit slope 4142. At the apex 4146 between the entrance slope 4140 and the exit slope 4142, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4106b also defines a bridge portion 4144 within the neck portion 4124 between the proximal cup 4120 and the distal cup 4122. The bridge portion 4144 is displaced from the non-formed portion 4108. More specifically, the bridge portion 4144 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 4108.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 47A-47C, the pocket 4106b includes the side wall 4150, which is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 4108 of the staple forming surface 4102. The side wall 4150 narrows from the outer end of each cup 4120, 4122 toward the neck portion 4124. As a result, the widest portions of the cups 4120 and 4122 are at the proximal and distal ends 4110 and 4112 of the pocket 4106b, respectively. Profile 4116 of pocket 4106b defines the perimeter of the bow tie pattern. The widened area at the distal ends 4110 and 4112 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. In various cases, the widened portion of the cups 4120, 4122 defines an extended landing zone for receiving staple tips. Since the cups 4120 and 4122 are narrowed towards the neck portion 4124, the cups 4120 and 4122 are stapled to a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

Referring again to FIGS. 47A-47C, pocket 4106b defines a chamfered edge 4154 along the side surface of pocket 4106b. Further, the pocket 4106b includes a groove 4156 in its bottom surface 4158. The groove 4156 is defined in the proximal cup 4120 and the distal cup 4122. In the embodiment shown, the groove 4156 does not extend across the bridge portion 4144 of pocket 4106b. The groove 4156 is configured to constrain and guide the staple legs as they move into the deformed configuration. For example, the staple legs may slide through the groove 4156 as the staples move along at least a portion of the inlet slope 4140 and the exit slope 4142. In various cases, the diameter of the groove 4156 may be smaller than the diameter of the staple that engages the groove 4156. For end effectors where different staple geometry is utilized with the same staple forming pocket geometry, the width of the groove in the pocket may be smaller than the smallest staple diameter. In various cases, the staple legs deform towards the staple base before the bridge 4144 arrives and therefore do not engage the bridge 4144 of pocket 4106b.

Referring again to FIG. 45, the pocket 4106b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4116 of the pocket 4106b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4106b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 4124 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4116 of pocket 4106b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4120 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4122. In other cases, the proximal cup 4120 may be different from the distal cup 4122. For example, with reference to _FIG . 42 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 45, the neck portion 4124 of pocket 4106b is narrower than the proximal cup 4120 and the distal cup 4122. The narrowed perimeter 4116 of pocket 4106b defines a receiving peninsula 4126 between a portion of the proximal cup 4120 and a portion of the distal cup 4122. Due to the symmetry of pocket 4106b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 4126 are located on each side of pocket 4106b. The receiving peninsula 4126 is bounded by a perimeter 4116 of pocket _4106b and a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the widest portion of the proximal cup 4120 and distal cup 4122 on one side of pocket _4106b . It is separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _4106b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _4106b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 45 are parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 44, each pocket 4106 extends towards the receiving peninsula 4126 of the adjacent pocket 4106. For example, the intermediate pocket 4106b is aligned with the neck portion 4124 of the inner pocket 4106a and the outer pocket 4106c. Further, the inner pocket 4106a and the outer pocket 4106b extend towards the receiving peninsula 4126, one of the intermediate pockets 4106b. More specifically, the inner pocket 4106a aligns with the neck portion 4124 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4106b and the outer pocket 4106c aligns with the neck portion 4124 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4106b. In certain cases, a portion of pocket 4106 may extend into the receiving peninsula 4126 of adjacent pocket 4106. Similar to the pocket 3906 in the anvil 3900, the geometry of the pocket 4106 facilitates close placement of the pocket 4106 in the staple forming surface 4102. The "formation ratio" is the ratio of the non-formation portion 4108 to the formation portion (ie, pocket 4106). In various cases, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 48-51C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4206 of the anvil 4200 is shown. The pocket 4206 and its arrangement within the anvil 4200 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 4106 and its arrangement within the anvil 4100. For example, the anvil 4200 includes a staple forming surface 4202 and a longitudinal slot 4204. The longitudinal slot 4204 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4200. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through longitudinal slot 4204 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4206 is defined within the staple forming surface 4202. The staple forming surface 4202 also includes a non-forming portion 4208 extending around the pocket 4206. The non-formed portion 4208 extends entirely around each pocket 4206 in FIG. 48. In other words, the non-formed portion 4208 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4206. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4206 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4208 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4202 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4208 of the anvil 4200 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 4206. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4206 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4202 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pocket 4206 shown in FIG. 48 is arranged in the inner row 4214a, the middle row 4214b, and the outer row 4214c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4204. The inner pocket 4206a is located in the inner row 4214a, the middle pocket 4206b is located in the middle row 4214b, and the outer pocket 4206c is located in the outer row 4214c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4206 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4202 of the anvil 4200. Although not shown in FIG. 48, in at least one case, the pocket 4206 on the opposite side of the slot 4204 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4206 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4204. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4206 within the staple forming surface 4202 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4204, and in certain cases the anvil 4200 may not include longitudinal slot 4204. good. In various cases, pockets 4206 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4204.

The pockets 4206 shown in FIG. 48 are identical. Each pocket 4206 defined on the staple forming surface 4202 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4206 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4200. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4206 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4200.

An exemplary pocket 4206b is shown in FIGS. 49-51C. Pocket 4206b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 4210 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4212. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 49) extends between the proximal and distal ends 4210 of each pocket 4206. Pocket 4206b has a perimeter 4216, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4206b. Pocket 4206b also includes a proximal cup 4220, a distal cup 4222, and a neck portion 4224 extending between the proximal cup 4220 and the distal cup 4222. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 4202, the proximal cup 4220 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4222 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 4220, 4222 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4206 (eg, neck portion 4224) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 50, each cup 4220, 4222 of pocket 4206b defines an inlet slope 4240 and an exit slope 4242. The slope of the exit 4242 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 4240. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4220, 4222 along the slope of the inlet 4240 and exit the respective cups 4220, 4222 along the slope of the exit 4242. At the apex 4246 between the entrance slope 4240 and the exit slope 4242, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4206b also defines a bridge portion 4244 between the proximal cup 4220 and the distal cup 4222. The bridge portion 4244 is displaced from the non-formed portion 4208. More specifically, the bridge portion 4244 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 4208.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 51A-51C, the pocket 4206b includes the side wall 4250, which is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 4208 of the staple forming surface 4202. The side wall 4250 narrows toward the neck portion 4224. As a result, the widest portions of the cups 4220, 4222 are at the proximal and distal ends of the side wall 4250. The wider area provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 4220, 4222 are narrowed towards the neck portion 4224, the cups 4220, 4222 are stapled into a preformed configuration towards the pocket axis PA and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

The cups 4220 and 4222 also have extended landing surface zones 4230 and 4232, respectively, which further expand the mounting area of the cups 4220 and 4222. The proximal extension landing zone 4230 extends proximally along the pocket axis PA, and the distal extension landing zone 4232 extends distally along the pocket axis PA. In pocket 4206b, the extended landing surface zones 4230 and 4232 substantially demarcate the perimeter of the triangle. Further, the extended landing surface zones 4230 and 4232 end at an angle along their respective pocket axis PAs. In other cases, the extended landing surface zones 4230 and 4232 may define, for example, a straight or undulating perimeter, extending laterally and / or longitudinally from, for example, the cups 4220 and 4222. May be good.

Further, the pocket 4206b has a valley portion 4256 on its bottom surface. The valley portion 4256 is configured to constrain and guide the staple legs as they move into the deformed configuration. In the embodiment shown, the valley portion 4256 extends between the side walls 4250 and defines the entire bottom surface of the pocket 4206b. The valley portion 4256 passes from the proximal cup 4220 over the bridge portion 4224 and extends into the distal cup 4222. In other cases, the valley portion 4256 may not extend across the bridge portion 4244 of pocket 4206b. The valley portion 4256 extends downward away from the non-forming portion 4208 and includes two inclined surfaces 4256a and 4256b that meet along the pocket axis PA (FIG. 49). As shown in FIGS. 51A-51C, the valley portion 4256 defines a steeper slope along the bridge portion 4244 than in the cups 4220, 4222. In other cases, the gradient may be uniform, for example, along the length of the valley portion 4256 and / or may be steeper in the cups 4220, 4222 than along the bridge portion 4244. ..

Again with reference to FIGS. 51A-51C, the pocket 4206b also defines a chamfered edge 4254 along the side surface of the pocket 4206b. In pocket 4206b, the chamfered edge 4254 defines the entire width of pocket 4206b. The entire width of pocket 4206b is uniform. For example, the width _WA (FIG. 51A) is equal to the width _WB (FIG. 51B) and the width _WC (FIG. 51C). In other cases, the widths _WA , _WB and / or _WC may not be equal. Since the side wall 4250 narrows towards the neck portion 4224, the width of the chamfered edge 4254 corresponds to this towards the neck portion 4224 to maintain the same overall pocket width. It will be expanded. The pocket 4206b also includes a protrusion or knob 4258 extending towards the pocket axis PA at the neck portion 4224 of the pocket 4206b. In the knob 4258, the neck portion ₄₂₂₄ is further narrowed to the width WN. The valley portion ₄₂₅₆ extends over the width WN to the bottom surface of the neck portion 4224.

Referring again to FIG. 49, the pocket 4206b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4216 of pocket 4206b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4206b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 4224 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4216 of pocket 4206b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4220 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4222. In other cases, the proximal cup 4220 may be different from the distal cup 4222. For example, with reference to _FIG . 50 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 48, each pocket 4206 extends towards the neck portion 4224 of the adjacent pocket 4206. For example, the intermediate pocket 4206b is aligned with the neck portion 4224 of the inner pocket 4206a and the outer pocket 4206c. More specifically, the proximal landing zone 4230 of the intermediate pocket 4206b is aligned with the neck portion 4224 of the adjacent outer staple 4206c, and the distal landing zone 4232 of the intermediate pocket 4206b is the adjacent inner surface. It is aligned with the neck portion 4224 of the staple 4206a. Further, the inner pocket 4206a and the outer pocket 4206b extend towards the neck portion 4224 of one of the intermediate pockets 4206b. More specifically, the distal landing zone 4232 of the inner pocket 4206a is aligned with the neck portion 4224 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4206b and the proximal landing zone 4230 of the outer pocket 4206c is adjacent intermediate. Aligned with the neck portion 4224 of pocket 4206b.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 52-55C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4306 of the anvil 4300 is shown. The pocket 4306 and its arrangement within the anvil 4300 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 3906 and its arrangement within the anvil 3900. For example, the anvil 4300 includes a staple forming surface 4302 and a longitudinal slot 4304. The longitudinal slot 4304 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4300. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 4304 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4306 is defined within the staple forming surface 4302. The staple forming surface 4302 also includes a non-forming portion 4308 extending around the pocket 4306. The non-formed portion 4308 extends entirely around each pocket 4306 in FIG. In other words, the non-formed portion 4308 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4306. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4306 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4308 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4302 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4308 of the anvil 4300 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 4306. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4306 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4302 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 4306 shown in FIG. 52 are arranged in the inner row 4314a, the middle row 4314b and the outer row 4314c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4304. The inner pocket 4306a is located in the inner row 4314a, the middle pocket 4306b is located in the middle row 4314b, and the outer pocket 4306c is located in the outer row 4314c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4306 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4302 of the anvil 4300. Although not shown in FIG. 52, in at least one case, the pocket 4306 opposite the slot 4304 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4306 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4304. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4306 within the staple forming surface 4302 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4304, and in certain cases the anvil 4300 may not include longitudinal slot 4304. good. In various cases, the pockets 4306 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4304.

The pockets 4306 shown in FIG. 52 are identical. Each pocket 4306 defined on the staple forming surface 4302 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4306 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4300. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4306 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4300.

An exemplary pocket 4306b is shown in FIGS. 53-55C. Pocket 4306b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 4310 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4312. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 53) extends between the proximal and distal ends 4310 of pocket 4306b. Pocket 4306b has a perimeter 4316, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4306b. The perimeter 4316 has rounded corners at the proximal and distal ends of pocket 4306. Pocket 4306b also includes a proximal cup 4320, a distal cup 4322, and a neck portion 4324 extending between the proximal cup 4320 and the distal cup 4322. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 4302, the proximal cup 4320 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4322 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 4320, 4322 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4306 (eg, neck portion 4324) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 54, each cup 4320, 4322 of pocket 4306b defines an inlet slope 4340 and an outlet slope 4342. The slope of the exit 4342 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 4340. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4320, 4322 along the slope of the inlet 4340 and exit the respective cups 4320, 4322 along the slope of the exit 4342. At the apex 4346 between the entrance slope 4340 and the exit slope 4342, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4306b also defines a bridge portion 4344 between the proximal cup 4320 and the distal cup 4322. The bridge portion 4344 is displaced from the non-formed portion 4308. More specifically, the bridge portion 4344 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 4308.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 55A-55C, the pocket 4306b includes the side wall 4350, which is oriented perpendicular to the non-formed portion 4308 of the staple forming surface 4302. The side wall 4350 narrows between the outer end of each cup 4320, 4322 and the neck portion 4324. More specifically, the sidewall 4350 extends along the medial contour to define the contour within the perimeter 4316 of the pocket 4306b. The widest portions of the cups 4320, 4322 are at the proximal and distal ends of the side wall 4350. The wider area provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 4320, 4322 are narrowed towards the neck portion 4324, the cups 4320, 4322 are stapled to a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

The pocket 4306b defines a chamfered edge 4354 along the side surface of the pocket 4306b. In pocket 4306b, the chamfered edge 4354 defines the entire width of pocket 4306b, which narrows towards the neck portion 4324. The pocket 4306b also defines a fillet 4352 (FIGS. 55A-55C) between the side wall 4350 and the bottom surface 4358 of the pocket 4306b. The fillet 4352 is configured to guide the staple legs along the desired path of pocket 4306b. For example, if the staple legs land along the chamfered portion 4352, the fillet corners 4352 can smoothly guide the staple legs towards the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 53, the pocket 4306b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4316 of pocket 4306b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4306b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 4324 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4316 of pocket 4306b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4320 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4322. In other cases, the proximal cup 4320 may be different from the distal cup 4322. For example, with reference to _FIG . 54 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 53, the neck portion 4324 of pocket 4306b is narrower than the proximal cup 4320 and the distal cup 4322. The narrowed perimeter 4316 of pocket 4306b defines a receiving peninsula 4326 between a portion of the proximal cup 4320 and a portion of the distal cup 4322. Due to the symmetry of pocket 4306b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 4326 are located on each side of pocket 4306b. The receiving peninsula 4326 is bounded by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the perimeter 4316 of pocket _4306b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 4320 and distal cup ₄₃₂₂ on one side of pocket 4306b. It is separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _4306b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _4306b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 53 are parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 52, each pocket 4306 extends towards the receiving peninsula 4326 of the adjacent pocket 4306. For example, the intermediate pocket 4306b is aligned with the neck portion 4324 of the inner pocket 4306a and the outer pocket 4306c. Further, the inner pocket 4306a and the outer pocket 4306b extend towards the receiving peninsula 4326 of one of the intermediate pockets 4306b. More specifically, the inner pocket 4306a is aligned with the neck portion 4324 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4306b, and the outer pocket 4306c is aligned with the neck portion 4324 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4306b. In certain cases, a portion of pocket 4306 may extend into the receiving peninsula 4326 of adjacent pocket 4306. Similar to the pocket 3906 in the anvil 3900, the geometry of the pocket 4306 facilitates the pocket 4306 to be tightly placed in the staple forming surface 4302. The "formation ratio" is the ratio of the non-formation portion 4308 to the formation portion (ie, pocket 4306). In at least one case, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 56-59C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4406 of the anvil 4400 is shown. The pocket 4406 and its arrangement within the anvil 4400 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 4306 and its arrangement within the anvil 4300. For example, the anvil 4400 includes a staple forming surface 4402 and a longitudinal slot 4404. The longitudinal slot 4404 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4400. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through longitudinal slot 4404 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4406 is defined within the staple forming surface 4402. The staple forming surface 4402 also includes a non-forming portion 4408 extending around the pocket 4406. The non-formed portion 4408 extends entirely around each pocket 4406 in FIG. In other words, the non-formed portion 4408 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4406. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4406 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4408 is not disposed between them. Further, the non-formed portion 4406 extends through each pocket 4406 as described herein.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4402 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4408 of the anvil 4400 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 4406. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4406 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4402 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pocket 4406 shown in FIG. 56 is arranged in the inner row 4414a, the middle row 4414b, and the outer row 4414c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4404. The inner pocket 4406a is located in the inner row 4414a, the middle pocket 4406b is located in the middle row 4414b, and the outer pocket 4406c is located in the outer row 4414c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4406 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4402 of the anvil 4400. Although not shown in FIG. 56, in at least one case, the pocket 4406 opposite the slot 4404 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4406 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4404. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4406 within the staple forming surface 4402 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4404, and in certain cases the anvil 4400 may not have longitudinal slot 4404. good. In various cases, pockets 4406 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4404.

The pockets 4406 shown in FIG. 56 are identical. Each pocket 4406 defined on the staple forming surface 4402 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4406 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4400. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4406 or part thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4400.

An exemplary pocket 4406b is shown in FIGS. 57-59C. Pocket 4406b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 4410 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4412. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 57) extends between the proximal end 4410 and the distal end 4412 of pocket 4406b. Pocket 4406b has a perimeter 4416, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4406b. The perimeter 4416 has rounded corners at the proximal and distal ends 4410 and distal end 4412 of pocket 4406b. Pocket 4406b also includes a proximal cup 4420 and a distal cup 4422. A portion of the non-formed portion 4408 extends between the proximal cup 4420 and the distal cup 4422. In other words, pocket 4406b contains two separate separate cups 4420 and 4422 on the staple forming surface 4402. When the staple is driven in to form a point of contact with the staple forming surface 4402, the proximal cup 4420 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4422 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 4420, 4422 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4406 to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 58, each cup 4420, 4422 of pocket 4406b defines an inlet slope 4440 and an exit slope 4442. The slope of the exit 4442 is steeper than the slope of the entrance 4440. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4420, 4422 along the slope of the inlet 4440 and exit the respective cups 4420, 4422 along the slope of the exit 4442. At the apex 4446 between the entrance slope 4440 and the exit slope 4442, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4406b also defines a bridge portion 4444 between the proximal cup 4420 and the distal cup 4422. The bridge portion 4444 is aligned with the non-formed portion 4408. More specifically, the bridge portion 4444 is a flat extension of the non-formed portion 4408 that extends between the proximal cup 4420 and the distal cup 4422.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 59A-59C, the pocket 4406b includes a side wall 4450, which is oriented at an angle with respect to the non-formed portion 4408 of the staple forming surface 4402. More specifically, the side wall 4450 is oriented diagonally with respect to the non-formed portion 4408. Further, the angular orientation of the side wall 4450 is constant along the length of the cup. For example, the angles A, B, and C shown in FIGS. 59A, 59B, and 59C are equal, respectively. In other cases, one or more of the angles A, B and C may be different. The side wall 4450 narrows between the outer end of each cup 4420, 4422 and the inner end of the cup 4420, 4422. More specifically, the sidewall 4450 extends along the medial contour to define the contour within the perimeter 4416 of the pocket 4406b. The widest portion of the cups 4420, 4422 is at the proximal and distal ends of pocket 4406b. The wider area provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 4420, 4422 are narrowed towards the bridge portion 4444, the cups 4420, 4422 are stapled into a preformed configuration towards the pocket axis PA and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

The pocket 4406b defines a fillet 4452 (FIGS. 59A-59C) between the side wall 4450 and the bottom surface 4458 of the pocket 4406b. The fillet 4452 is configured to guide the staple legs along the desired path of pocket 4406b. For example, if the staple legs land along the fillet 4452, the fillets 4452 can smoothly guide the staple legs towards the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 57, the pocket 4406b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4416 of pocket 4406b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4406b is symmetrical about the central axis CA between the proximal cup 4420 and the distal cup 4422 and is perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4416 of pocket 4406b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4420 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4422. In other cases, the proximal cup 4420 may be different from the distal cup 4422. For example, with reference to _FIG . 58 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 57, the central portion of pocket 4406b is narrower than the proximal and distal ends 4410 and 4422 of the cups 4420 and 4422. The narrowed perimeter 4416 of pocket 4406b defines a receiving peninsula 4426 between a portion of the proximal cup 4420 and a portion of the distal cup 4422. Due to the symmetry of pocket 4406b, symmetric receiving peninsulas 4426 are placed on each side of pocket 4406b. The receiving peninsula 4426 is bounded by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the perimeter 4416 of pocket _4406b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 4420 and distal cup 4422 on one side of pocket _4406b . It is separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of pocket _4406b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of pocket _4406b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 57 are parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 56, each pocket 4406 extends towards the receiving peninsula 4426 of the adjacent pocket 4406. For example, the intermediate pocket 4406b is aligned with the central portion of the inner pocket 4406a and the outer pocket 4406c. Further, the inner pocket 4406a and the outer pocket 4406b extend towards the receiving peninsula 4426 of one of the intermediate pockets 4406b. More specifically, the inner pocket 4406a is aligned with the central portion of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4406b and the outer pocket 4406c is aligned with the central portion of the adjacent intermediate pocket 4406b. In certain cases, a portion of pocket 4406 may extend into the receiving peninsula 4426 of adjacent pocket 4406. Similar to the pocket 3906 in the anvil 3900, the geometry of the pocket 4406 facilitates the pocket 4406 to be tightly placed in the staple forming surface 4402. The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 4402 is the ratio of the non-forming portion 4408 to the forming portion (ie, pocket 4406). The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4402 is about 2.56: 1. In other cases, the formation ratio may be less than 2.56: 1 or greater than 2.56: 1. For example, in at least one case, more than 50% of the staple forming surface 4402 may be covered by the staple forming pocket 4406.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 60-63C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 4506 of the anvil 4500 is shown. The pocket 4506 and its arrangement within the anvil 4500 are, in many respects, similar to the pocket 3906 and its arrangement within the anvil 3900. For example, the anvil 4500 includes a staple forming surface 4502 and a longitudinal slot 4504. The longitudinal slot 4504 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 4500. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through longitudinal slot 4504 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 4506 is defined within the staple forming surface 4502. The staple forming surface 4502 also includes a non-forming portion 4508 extending around the pocket 4506. The non-formed portion 4508 extends generally around each pocket 4506 in FIG. In other words, the non-formed portion 4508 surrounds the staple forming pocket 4506. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 4506 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 4508 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 4502 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 4508 of the anvil 4500 may be minimized relative to the staple-forming pocket 4506. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 4506 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 4502 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 4506 shown in FIG. 60 are arranged in the inner row 4514a, the middle row 4514b, and the outer row 4514c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 4504. The inner pocket 4506a is located in the inner row 4514a, the intermediate pocket 4506b is located in the intermediate row 4514b, and the outer pocket 4506c is located in the outer row 4514c. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 4506 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 4502 of the anvil 4500. Although not shown in FIG. 60, in at least one case, the pocket 4506 on the opposite side of the slot 4504 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 4506 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 4504. In other cases, the placement of pockets 4506 within the staple forming surface 4502 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 4504, and in certain cases the anvil 4500 may not include longitudinal slot 4504. good. In various cases, pockets 4506 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 4504.

The pockets 4506 shown in FIG. 60 are identical. Each pocket 4506 defined on the staple forming surface 4502 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 4506 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 4500. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 4506 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 4500.

An exemplary pocket 4506b is shown in FIGS. 61-63C. Pocket 4506b includes a first end (ie, proximal end) 4510 and a second end (ie, distal end) 4512. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 61) extends between the proximal end 4510 and the distal end 4512 of pocket 4506b. Pocket 4506b has a perimeter 4516, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 4506b. Similar to pocket 4306, the perimeter 4516 has rounded corners at the proximal and distal ends 4510 and 4512 of pocket 4506b. Pocket 4506b also includes a proximal cup 4520, a distal cup 4522, and a neck portion 4524 extending between the proximal cup 4520 and the distal cup 4522. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 4502, the proximal cup 4520 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 4522 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 4520, 4522 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs toward the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 4506 (eg, neck 4524) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 62, each cup 4520, 4522 of pocket 4506b defines an inlet slope 4540 and an exit slope 4542. The slope of the entrance 4540 is steeper than the slope of the exit 4542. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 4520, 4522 along the entrance slope 4540 and exit the respective cups 4520, 4522 along the exit slope 4542. At the apex 4546 between the entrance slope 4540 and the exit slope 4542, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 4506b also defines a bridge portion 4544 between the proximal cup 4520 and the distal cup 4522. The bridge portion 4544 is displaced from the non-formed portion 4508. More specifically, the bridge portion 4544 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 4508.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 63A-63C, pocket 4506b includes an undulating wall surface or an arched wall surface 4550. The wall surface 4550 forms each cup 4520, 5422 into a wide round container for receiving and forming staple legs. Further, the pocket 4506b includes a groove 4556 along its bottom surface. The wall surface 4550 curves downward into the anvil 4500 between the non-formed surface 4508 and the groove 4556. For example, the side wall 4550 seamlessly transitions to the bottom surface of pocket 4506b. The groove 4556 extends from the proximal cup 4520 along the bottom surface over the bridge portion 4524 and into the distal cup 4522. The groove 4556 is configured to constrain and guide the staple legs as they move into the deformed configuration. In various cases, the diameter of the groove 4556 may be smaller than the diameter of the staple that engages the groove 4556. For end effectors where different staple geometry is utilized with the same staple forming pocket geometry, the width of the groove in the pocket may be smaller than the smallest staple diameter.

The undulating wall surface 4550 narrows between the outer edges of each cup 4520, 4522 and the neck portion 4524. More specifically, the wall surface 4550 extends along the inner contour so as to demarcate the contour within the perimeter 4516 of the pocket 4506b. The wider area provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 4520, 4522 are narrowed towards the bridge portion 4544, the cups 4520, 4522 are stapled into a preformed configuration towards the pocket axis PA and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide the tip.

Pocket 4506b also defines a chamfered edge 4554 along a portion of the side surface of pocket 4506b. As the side wall 4550 narrows towards the neck portion 4524, the width of the chamfered edge 4554 is correspondingly extended towards the neck portion 4224 to maintain the overall pocket width. ..

Referring again to FIG. 61, the pocket 4506b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4516 of pocket 4406b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 4506b is symmetrical about the central axis CA through the neck portion 4524 and perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 4516 of pocket 4506b is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 4520 has the same geometry as the distal cup 4522. In other cases, the proximal cup 4520 may be different from the distal cup 4522. For example, with reference to _FIG . 62 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1.

Referring again to FIG. 60, each pocket 4506 extends towards the neck portion 4524 of the adjacent pocket 4506. For example, the intermediate pocket 4506b is aligned with the neck portion 4524 of the inner pocket 4506a and the outer pocket 4506c. Further, the inner pocket 4506a and the outer pocket 4506b extend toward the neck portion 4524 of one of the intermediate pockets 4506b.

The staple forming pocket may include an extended landing zone for receiving the tips of the staple legs as the staples are fired to form contacts with the anvil. In certain cases, the extended landing surface zone may extend laterally and / or longitudinally from the cup of the staple forming pocket, as described herein. The staple-forming pocket profile (ie, perimeter) may be nested with the profile (ie, perimeter) of one or more adjacent staple-forming pockets. For example, at least a portion of the perimeter of a staple-forming pocket fits, follows, follows, and / or is along a parallel contour or path to a portion of the perimeter of one or more adjacent staple-forming pockets. It may be postponed. Such following or adjacent perimeters may define a concentric profile.

In various cases, the surface area of a staple-forming pocket with one or more extending landing zones is greater than the surface area of a staple-forming pocket without one or more extending landing zones. right. For example, the extended landing zone can increase the surface area of the staple forming pocket by at least 10%. The extended landing zone can increase the surface area of the staple forming pocket by 15% or 25%. In other cases, the extended landing surface zone can increase the surface area of the staple forming pocket by less than 10%, eg, 5%. The particular staple-forming pockets described herein have six rows of parallel staple-forming pockets, but otherwise there are six rows of angled-oriented staple-forming pockets herein. It may have a larger surface area than the staple forming pocket in the same anvil as the particular anvil described. In yet other cases, the staple-forming pocket with the extended landing zone also has a narrowed portion and / or otherwise reduced portion with a surface area greater than or equal to the surface area of the extended landing zone. You may.

In certain cases, the staple forming pockets may be asymmetric. For example, the staple-forming pocket may be asymmetric with respect to the pocket axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the pocket and / or extending perpendicular to the pocket axis and the pocket. It may be asymmetric with respect to the central axis across the central portion of. The asymmetry of the staple-forming pockets can, for example, facilitate pocket nesting and / or maximize the surface area of the pocket within the staple-forming surface.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 64-67C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 5006 of the anvil 5000 is shown. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 5006 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 5002 of the anvil 5000. The anvil 5000 includes a staple forming surface 5002 and a longitudinal slot 5004. The longitudinal slot 5004 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 5000. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 5004 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 5006 is defined within the staple forming surface 5002. The staple forming surface 5002 also includes a non-forming portion 5008 extending around the pocket 5006. The non-formed portion 5008 extends entirely around each pocket 5006. In other words, the non-formed portion 5008 surrounds the staple forming pocket 5006. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 5006 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 5008 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 5002 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 5008 of the anvil 5000 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 5006. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 5006 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 5002 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pockets 5006 shown in FIG. 64 are arranged in the inner row 5014a, the middle row 5014b, and the outer row 5014c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 5004. The inner pocket 5006a is located in the inner row 5014a, the middle pocket 5006b is located in the middle row 5014b, and the outer pocket 5006c is located in the outer row 5014c. Although not shown in FIG. 64, in at least one case, the pocket 5006 on the opposite side of the slot 5004 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 5006 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 5004. In other cases, the placement of pockets 5006 within the staple forming surface 5002 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 5004, and in certain cases the anvil 5000 may not include longitudinal slot 5004. good. In various cases, the pockets 5006 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 5004.

The inner pocket 5006a is the same, the middle pocket 5006b is the same, and the outer pocket 5006c is the same. However, the inner pocket 5006a is different from the middle pocket 5006b and the outer pocket 5006c, and the middle pocket 5006b is different from the outer pocket 5006c. In other words, the pockets 5006 in each row 5014a, 5014b and 5014c are different. The extended landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 of the pockets 5006a, 5006b and 5006c are described herein and contribute to their different geometry. The shape and size of the extension landing zones 5030 and 5032 are limited by the perimeter 5016 of the adjacent nested pockets 5006.

Although the pockets 5006 in each row 5014a, 5014b and 5014c are different, the pockets 5006 may be configured to form the staples in the same or substantially the same preformed shape. In other cases, the pocket 5006 may be configured to form the staples in different preformed shapes, eg, different heights and / or configurations. In certain cases, pockets 5006 may vary longitudinally within each row 5014a, 5014b and 5014c. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 5006 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 5000.

In certain cases, the pocket 5006 may be configured to engage staples of different geometry. For example, staples with different unformed heights and / or different diameters can be formed by pockets 5006 within the anvil 5000. In certain cases, the geometry of the staples may vary longitudinally and the pocket 5006 may be configured to form staples of different geometry. For example, the unformed height and / or wire diameter of the staples may vary along the length of the anvil 5000.

An exemplary intermediate pocket 5006b is shown in FIGS. 64-C. 67C. Pocket 5006b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 5010 and a second end (ie, distal end) 5012. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 65) extends between the proximal and distal ends 5010 of pocket 5006b. Pocket 5006b has a perimeter 5016, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 5006b. The perimeter 5016 includes a linear portion and an undulating portion. More specifically, the perimeter 5016 includes a linear portion and an undulating angle, between which the linear portion redirects. Referring again to FIG. 64, at least a portion of the perimeter 5016 of each pocket 5006 closely follows or is parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of one or more adjacent pockets 5006.

Pocket 5006b includes a proximal cup 5020, a distal cup 5022, and a neck portion 5024 extending between the proximal cup 5020 and the distal cup 5022. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 5002, the proximal cup 5020 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 5022 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 5020 and 5022 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 5006 (eg, neck portion 5024) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 66, each cup 5020, 5022 of pocket 5006b defines an inlet slope 5040 and an exit slope 5042. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective pockets 5020, 5022 along the entrance slope 5040 and exit the respective pockets 5020, 5022 along the exit slope 5042. At the apex 5046 between the entrance slope 5040 and the exit slope 5042, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 5006b also defines a bridge portion 5044 within the neck portion 5024 between the proximal cup 5020 and the distal cup 5022. The bridge portion 5044 is displaced from the non-formed portion 5008. More specifically, the bridge portion 5044 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 5008.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 67A-67C, pocket 5006b includes a side wall 5050, which extends from the non-formed portion 5008 to the bottom surface 5058. The side wall 5050 includes a linear portion and an undulating portion. The side wall 5050 widens toward the central region 5021 (FIG. 65) of each cup 5020, 5022 and narrows from the central region 5021 of each cup 5020, 5022 toward the neck portion 5024. The widened central area 5021 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 5020, 5022 are narrowed towards the neck portion 5024, the cups 5020, 5022 are stapled into a preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. It is configured to feed and / or guide its tip.

FIG. 67A is taken along the ALL plane of FIG. 65, which corresponds to the expected landing position (ALL) of the staple legs. For example, the tip of the staple leg can be expected to land in the proximal cup 5020 at and / or near the intersection of the ALL surface and the pocket axis PA. On the ALL surface, pocket _5006b defines a width WA and a depth _DA . The cross section of FIG. 67B is taken across the transition between the proximal cup 5020 and the neck 5024. FIG. 67B shows a pocket _5006b defining a width _WB and a depth DB. The width _WB is smaller than the width _WA and the depth _DB is larger than the depth _DA . In other words, the pocket 5006b narrows and deepens from the ALL surface in the proximal cup 5020 toward the neck 5024. The relatively large width _WA on the ALL surface is configured to provide a wide container or container to accommodate the staple legs. The cross section of FIG. 67C is taken across the neck portion 5024. FIG. 67C shows a pocket _5006b defining a width _WC and a depth DC. The width _WC is smaller than the width _WB and the depth _DC is smaller than the depth _DB . In other words, the pocket 5006b continues to narrow and becomes shallower within the neck 5024 across the bridge portion 5044.

The bottom surface 5058 of pocket 5006b is a flat surface, bounded by a bow-shaped fillet 5059 around it. In certain cases, the bottom surface 5058 may have a groove defined along at least a portion thereof. In other cases, the bottom surface 5058 may form a valley portion. In yet other cases, the bottom surface may include hemp or ridges, for example, along at least a portion (eg, across the bridge 5044).

Here, with reference primarily to FIG. 65, pocket 5006b includes a proximal extension landing surface zone 5030 and a distal extension landing surface zone 5032. The proximal extension landing zone 5030 is located in the proximal portion of the proximal cup 5020 and the distal extension landing zone 5032 is located in the distal portion of the distal cup 5022. More specifically, the extended landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 are located beyond the expected landing position of the staples. For example, the proximal extension landing surface zone 5030 is located proximal to the ALL plane, and if the tip of the staple leg touches beyond the ALL plane, the proximal extension landing surface zone 5030. Can capture the staple legs and point them at the pocket axis PA and / or at the neck portion 5024. The landing zones 5030 and 5032 define a nearly polygonal shape, more specifically a quadrilateral with rounded corners. In other cases, the landing zones 5030 and 5032 may be triangular or substantially triangular, and in other cases, for example, a bow-shaped or bulbous profile may be defined.

The geometry of the extending landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 is constrained by the perimeter 5016 of the adjacent staple forming pockets 5006. For example, the extending landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 may extend towards and / or in close contact with one or more adjacent staple forming pockets. Other portions of the extending landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 and / or the pocket 5006b may follow and / or extend parallel to the adjacent staple forming pocket 5006. In other cases, the extended landing surface zones 5030 and 5032 may be in contact with one or more adjacent staple forming pockets 5006.

Referring again to FIG. 65, the pocket 5006b is asymmetric about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5016 of pocket 5006b is asymmetric about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 5006b is asymmetric about the central axis CA through the neck portion 5024 and is perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5016 of pocket 5006b is asymmetric about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 5020 has a different geometry than the distal cup 5022. Although the proximal cup 5020 and the distal cup 5022 are different, the pocket 5006b can be configured to form symmetrical staples. For example, with reference to _FIG . 66 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1. The heights of formation of the proximal and distal legs of the staples may be the same. In other cases, the pocket 5006 may be configured to form an asymmetric staple.

Referring again to FIG. 65, the neck portion 5024 is narrower than the proximal cup 5020 and the distal cup 5022. A perimeter 5016 narrowed at the neck portion 5024 of pocket 5006b defines a receiving peninsula 5026 between a portion of the proximal cup 5020 and a portion of the distal cup 5022. The receiving peninsula 5026 is located on each side of pocket 5006b. The receiving peninsula 5026 is provided by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and _TB2 ) that is tangential to the perimeter 5016 of pocket _5006b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 5020 and distal cup 5022 on each side of pocket 5006. The boundaries are separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _5006b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _5006b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 67 are parallel to the pocket axis PA. In other cases, one or both of the tangential axes _TB1 and _TB2 may not be parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 64, the perimeter 5016 of the pocket 5006 is nested or intertwined along the staple forming surface 5002. In particular, each pocket 5006 extends into the receiving peninsula 5026 of the adjacent pocket 5006. For example, the intermediate pocket 5006b is nested between the inner pocket 5006a and the outer pocket 5006c. In other words, the intermediate pocket 5006b extends into the receiving peninsula 5026 of the adjacent inner pocket 5006a and into the receiving peninsula 5026 of the adjacent outer pocket 5006c. Further, the inner pocket 5006a and the outer pocket 5006b are nested together with the intermediate pocket 5006b. More specifically, the inner pocket 5006a extends into the receiving peninsula 5026 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 5006b, and the outer pocket 5006c extends into the receiving peninsula 5026 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 5006b. In various cases, the distal extension landing zone 5032 of the intermediate pocket 5006b is located within the receiving peninsula 5026 of the inner pocket 5006a and the proximal extension landing zone 5030 of the intermediate pocket 5006b is the outer pocket 5006c. The distal extension landing zone 5032 of the inner pocket 5006a is located within the receiving peninsula 5026 of the intermediate pocket 5006b and the proximal extension landing zone 5030 of the outer pocket 5006c is located within the receiving peninsula 5026. It is located in the receiving peninsula 5026 of the intermediate pocket 5006b.

The geometry of the pocket 5006 makes it easier for the pocket 5006 to nest within the staple forming surface 5002. For example, pocket 5006 has a narrowed neck portion 5024 between two expanded cups 5020 and 5022, so one of the expanded cups 5020, 5022 of another pocket 5006 is narrowed thereof. It may be placed adjacent to the neck portion 5024. For example, one of the enlarged cups 5020, 5022 may be aligned with and / or be accepted by a portion of adjacent pockets 5006. In such cases, the surface area of the staple forming surface 5002 covered by the pocket 5006 can be optimized. The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 5002 is the ratio of the non-forming portion 5008 to the forming portion (that is, the pocket 5006). The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 5002 is about 1: 1. In other cases, the formation ratio may be less than 1: 1 or greater than 1: 1. For example, in at least one case, more than 50% of the staple forming surface 5002 may be covered with the staple forming pocket 5006. In other cases, more than 60%, or more than 75%, of the staple forming surface 5002 may be covered with the staple forming pocket 5006.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 68-71C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 5106 of the anvil 5100 is shown. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 5106 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 5102 of the anvil 5100. The anvil 5100 includes a staple forming surface 5102 and a longitudinal slot 5104. The longitudinal slot 5104 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 5100. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 5104 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 5106 is defined within the staple forming surface 5102. The staple forming surface 5102 also includes a non-forming portion 5108 extending around the pocket 5106. The non-formed portion 5108 extends globally around each pocket 5106. In other words, the non-formed portion 5108 surrounds the staple forming pocket 5106. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 5106 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 5108 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 5102 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 5108 of the anvil 5100 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 5106. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 5106 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 5102 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pocket 5106 shown in FIG. 68 is arranged in the inner row 5114a, the middle row 5114b, and the outer row 5114c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 5104. The inner pocket 5106a is located in the inner row 5114a, the middle pocket 5106b is located in the middle row 5114b, and the outer pocket 5106c is located in the outer row 5114c. Although not shown in FIG. 68, in at least one case, the pocket 5106 opposite the slot 5104 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 5106 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 5104. In other cases, the placement of pockets 5106 within the staple forming surface 5102 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 5104, and in certain cases the anvil 5100 may not include longitudinal slot 5104. good. In various cases, the pockets 5106 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 5104.

The inner pocket 5106a is the same, the middle pocket 5106b is the same, and the outer pocket 5106c is the same. However, the inner pocket 5106a is different from the middle pocket 5106b and the outer pocket 5106c, and the middle pocket 5106b is different from the outer pocket 5106c. In other words, the pockets 5106 in each row 5114a, 5114b and 5114c are different. In other cases, the pockets 5106 in two or more rows may be the same. For example, the inner pocket 5106a may be the same as the outer pocket 5106c. The extended landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 of the pockets 5106a, 5106b and 5106c are described herein and may contribute to their different geometry. Further, the shape and size of the extended landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 are limited by the perimeter 5116 of the adjacent nested pockets 5106. The landing zones 5130 and 5132 define a bow-shaped profile. In other cases, the landing zones 5030 and 5032 may be polygonal and / or may include one or more linear and / or undulating portions.

Although the pockets in each row 5114a, 5114b and 5114c are different, the pocket 5106 may be configured to form the staples in the same or substantially the same preformed shape. In other cases, the pocket 5106 may be configured to form the staples in different preformed shapes, eg, different heights and / or configurations. In certain cases, the pocket 5106 may vary longitudinally within each row 5114a, 5114b and 5114c. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 5106 or a portion thereof may vary along the length of the anvil 5100.

An exemplary intermediate pocket 5106b is shown in FIGS. 68-71C. Pocket 5106b has a first end (ie, proximal end) 5110 and a second end (ie, distal end) 5112. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 69) extends between the proximal end 5110 and the distal end 5112 of pocket 5106b. The pocket 5106b has a perimeter 5116, which demarcates the boundaries of the pocket 5106b. The perimeter 5116 includes a linear portion and an undulating portion. More specifically, the perimeter 5116 includes a linear portion and an undulating angle, between which the linear portion redirects. Referring again to FIG. 68, at least a portion of the perimeter 5116 of each pocket 5106 closely follows or is parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of one or more adjacent pockets 5106. The rounded perimeter 5116 of the pocket 5106b can provide a smooth profile and can be easier to cast and / or stamp within the staple forming surface 5102 than, for example, a pocket with sharp corners.

Pocket 5106b includes a proximal cup 5120, a distal cup 5122, and a neck portion 5124 extending between the proximal cup 5120 and the distal cup 5122. When the staples are driven in to form contacts with the staple forming surface 5102, the proximal cup 5120 is aligned with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 5122 is aligned with the distal staple leg. The cups 5120 and 5122 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 5106 (eg, neck portion 5124) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 70, each cup 5120, 5122 of pocket 5106b defines an inlet slope 5140 and an exit slope 5142. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs may enter the respective pockets 5120 and 5122 along the entrance slope 5140 and exit the respective pockets 5120 and 5122 along the exit slope 5142. At the apex 5146 between the entrance slope 5140 and the exit slope 5142, the tip of the staple leg towards the staple base to take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). transform. Pocket 5106b also defines a bridge portion 5144 within the neck portion 5124 between the proximal cup 5120 and the distal cup 5122. The bridge portion 5144 is displaced from the non-formed portion 5108. More specifically, the bridge portion 5144 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 5108.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 71A-71C, the pocket 5106b includes the side wall 5150, which extends from the non-formed portion 5108. The side wall 5150 includes a linear portion and an undulating portion. The side wall 5150 widens toward the central region 5121 (FIG. 69) of each cup 5120 and 5122 and narrows from the central region 5121 of each cup 5120 and 5122 toward the neck portion 5124. The widened central area 5121 provides an expanded mounting area to accommodate the tips of the staple legs. Since the cups 5120 and 5122 are narrowed towards the neck 5124, the cups 5120 and 5122 are stapled and / or along the pocket axis PA into a preformed configuration. It is configured to feed and / or guide its tip.

FIG. 71A is taken along the ALL plane of FIG. 69, which corresponds to the expected landing position of the staple legs. For example, the tip of the staple leg can be expected to land in the proximal cup 5120 at and / or near the intersection of the ALL surface and the pocket axis PA. On the ALL surface, pocket _5106b defines a width WA and a depth _DA . The cross section of FIG. 71B is taken across the transition between the proximal cup 5120 and the neck 5124. FIG. 71B shows a pocket _5106b defining a width _WB and a depth DB. The width _WB is smaller than the width _WA and the depth _DB is larger than the depth _DA . In other words, the pocket 5106b narrows and deepens from the ALL surface in the distal cup 5120 toward the neck 5124. The relatively large width _WA on the ALL surface is configured to provide a wide container or container to accommodate the staple legs. The cross section of FIG. 71C is taken across the neck portion 5124. FIG. 71C shows a pocket _5106b defining a width _WC and a depth DC. The width _WC is smaller than the width _WB and the depth _DC is smaller than the depth _DB . In other words, the pocket 5106b continues to narrow and becomes shallower within the neck 5124 across the bridge portion 5144.

The bottom surface 5158 of the pocket 5106b is a flat surface. In other cases, the bottom surface 5158 may have a groove defined along at least a portion thereof. Further, the bottom surface 5158 may form, for example, a valley portion and / or includes a hemp portion or a ridge portion along at least a portion thereof (eg, across the bridge portion 5144). May be good.

Here, with reference primarily to FIG. 69, pocket 5106b includes a proximal extension landing surface zone 5130 and a distal extension landing surface zone 5132. The proximal extension landing zone 5130 is located in the proximal portion of the proximal cup 5120 and the distal extension landing zone 5132 is located in the distal portion of the distal cup 5122. More specifically, the extended landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 are located beyond the expected landing position of the staples. For example, the proximal extension landing surface zone 5130 is located proximal to the ALL surface, and if the tip of the staple leg touches beyond the ALL surface, the proximal extension landing surface zone 5130. Can capture the staple legs and direct them towards the pocket axis PA and / or towards the neck portion 5124.

The geometry of the extending landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 is constrained by the perimeter 5016 of the adjacent staple forming pockets 5106. For example, the extending landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 may extend towards and / or in close contact with one or more adjacent staple forming pockets. Other portions of the extending landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 and / or the pocket 5106b may extend parallel to the adjacent staple forming pocket 5106. In other cases, the extended landing surface zones 5130 and 5132 may be in contact with one or more adjacent staple forming pockets 5106.

Referring again to FIG. 69, the pocket 5106b is asymmetric about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5116 of the pocket 5106b is asymmetric about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 5106b is asymmetric about the central axis CA through the neck portion 5124 and is perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5116 of the pocket 5106b is asymmetric about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 5120 has a different geometry than the distal cup 5122. Although the proximal cup 5120 and the distal cup 5122 are different, the pocket 5106b can be configured to form symmetrical staples. For example, with reference to _FIG . 70 again, as described herein, the distal depth D2 to adjust for gap distances between anvils and staple cartridges and / or variations in tissue flow. May be _less than the proximal depth D1. Therefore, the heights of formation of the proximal and distal legs of the staples may be the same. In other cases, the pocket 5106 may be configured to form an asymmetric staple.

Referring again to FIG. 69, the neck portion 5124 is narrower than the proximal cup 5120 and the distal cup 5122. A perimeter 5116 narrowed at the neck portion 5124 of pocket 5106b defines a receiving peninsula 5126 between a portion of the proximal cup 5120 and a portion of the distal cup 5122. The receiving peninsula 5126 is located on each side of the pocket 5106b. The receiving peninsula 5126 is provided by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 or _TB2 ) that is tangential to the perimeter 5116 of pocket _5106b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 5120 and distal cup 5122 on each side of pocket 5106. The boundaries are separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _5106b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _5106b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 69 are distorted with respect to the pocket axis PA. In other cases, one or both of the tangential axes _TB1 and _TB2 may be parallel to the pocket axis PA.

Referring again to FIG. 68, the perimeter 5116 of the pocket 5106 is nested or intertwined along the staple forming surface 5102. In particular, each pocket 5106 extends into the receiving peninsula 5126 of the adjacent pocket 5106. For example, the intermediate pocket 5106b is nested between the inner pocket 5106a and the outer pocket 5106c. In other words, the intermediate pocket 5106b extends into the receiving peninsula 5126 of the adjacent inner pocket 5106a and into the receiving peninsula 5126 of the adjacent outer pocket 5106c. Further, the inner pocket 5106a and the outer pocket 5106b are nested together with the intermediate pocket 5106b. More specifically, the inner pocket 5106a extends into the receiving peninsula 5126 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 5106b and the outer pocket 5106c extends into the receiving peninsula 5126 of the adjacent intermediate pocket 5106b. In various cases, the distal extension landing zone 5132 of the intermediate pocket 5106b is located within the receiving peninsula 5126 of the inner pocket 5106a and the proximal extension landing zone 5130 of the intermediate pocket 5106b is the outer pocket 5106c. The distal extension landing zone 5132 of the inner pocket 5106a is located within the receiving peninsula 5126 of the intermediate pocket 5106b and the proximal extension landing zone 5130 of the outer pocket 5106c is located within the receiving peninsula 5126. It is located in the receiving peninsula 5126 of the intermediate pocket 5106b.

The geometry of the pocket 5106 makes it easier for the pocket 5106 to nest within the staple forming surface 5102. For example, the pocket 5106 has a narrowed neck portion 5124 between the two expanded cups 5120 and 5122, so that one of the expanded cups 5120, 5122 of another pocket 5106 is narrowed thereof. It may be placed adjacent to the neck portion 5124. For example, one of the enlarged cups 5120 and 5122 may be aligned with and / or accepted by a portion of adjacent pockets 5106. In such cases, the surface area of the staple forming surface 5102 covered by the pocket 5106 can be optimized. For example, the surface area of the staple forming surface 5102 covered by the pocket 5106 is maximized. The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 5102 is the ratio of the non-forming portion 5108 to the forming portion (ie, the pocket 5106). In at least one case, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1. In certain cases, more than 60%, or more than 75%, of the staple forming surface 5102 may be covered by the staple forming pocket 5106.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 72-76C, a portion of the staple forming pocket 5206 of the anvil 5200 is shown. Similar to the anvil 3800, the pockets 5206 are arranged in a herringbone arrangement along the staple forming surface 5202 of the anvil 5200. The anvil 5200 includes a staple forming surface 5202 and a longitudinal slot 5204. The longitudinal slot 5204 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 5200. In certain cases, the firing element and / or the cutting element can be translated through the longitudinal slot 5204 for at least a portion of the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket 5206 is defined within the staple forming surface 5202. The staple forming surface 5202 also includes a non-forming portion 5208 extending around the pocket 5206. The non-formed portion 5208 extends entirely around each pocket 5206. In other words, the non-formed portion 5208 surrounds the staple forming pocket 5206. In other cases, at least a portion of the two or more adjacent pockets 5206 may be in abutment contact so that the non-formed portion 5208 is not disposed between them.

The formation ratio of the staple forming surface 5202 can be optimized. By optimizing the formation ratio, more staples can be formed and / or formed to the desired configuration. In certain cases, the surface area of the non-formed portion 5208 of the anvil 5200 may be minimized relative to the staple forming pocket 5206. In addition to or instead, the mounting area of the staple forming pocket 5206 may be extended or expanded to maximize a portion of the staple forming surface 5202 designed to capture and form the staples. good.

The pocket 5206 shown in FIG. 72 is arranged in the inner row 5214a, the middle row 5214b, and the outer row 5214c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 5204. The inner pocket 5206a is located in the inner row 5214a, the middle pocket 5206b is located in the middle row 5214b, and the outer pocket 5206c is located in the outer row 5214c. Although not shown in FIG. 72, in at least one case, the pocket 5206 opposite the slot 5204 may form a specular reflection of the pocket 5206 on the first side surface of the longitudinal slot 5204. In other cases, the placement of pockets 5206 within the staple forming surface 5202 may be asymmetric with respect to slot 5204, and in certain cases the anvil 5200 may not include longitudinal slot 5204. good. In various cases, pockets 5206 may be arranged in less than three rows, or more than three rows, on each side of slot 5204.

The pockets 5206 shown in FIG. 72 are identical. Each pocket 5206 defined on the staple forming surface 5202 has the same geometry. In other cases, the geometry of the pocket 5206 may vary from column to column and / or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 5200. For example, in certain cases, as described herein, to adjust the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and / or the variation in tissue flow. The depth of pocket 5206 may vary along the length of the anvil 5200.

Pocket 5206 may be configured to form the staples in the same or substantially the same preformed shape. As described herein, the pocket 5206 may be configured to form each staple in the same asymmetric shape. In other cases, the pocket 5206 may be configured to form the staples in different preformed shapes, eg, different heights and / or configurations.

An exemplary intermediate pocket 5206b is shown in FIGS. 73-76C. Pocket 5206b includes a first end (ie, proximal end) 5210 and a second end (ie, distal end) 5212. The pocket axis PA (FIG. 72) extends between the proximal and distal ends 5210 of pocket 5206b. Pocket 5206b has a perimeter 5216, which demarcates the boundaries of pocket 5206b. The perimeter 5216 includes a linear portion and an undulating portion.

Pocket 5206b includes a proximal cup 5220, a distal cup 5222, and a neck portion 5224 extending between the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222. When the staples are driven in to form a point of contact with the staple forming surface 5202, the proximal cup 5220 aligns with the proximal staple leg and the distal cup 5222 aligns with the distal staple leg. The cups 5220 and 5222 are configured to direct or feed the staple legs towards the central portion of the pocket shaft PA and pocket 5206 (eg, neck portion 5224) to deform the staple legs into a preformed configuration. ing. In other cases, the cup 5222 may be proximal to the cup 5220.

Primarily with reference to FIG. 70, the respective cups 5220, 5222 of the pocket 5206b define an inlet slope 5240a and 5240b, respectively, and an outlet slope 5242a and 5242b, respectively. When forming the staples, the tips of the staple legs enter the pockets 5220, 5222 along the slopes 5240a and 5240b at the entrance and exit the pockets 5220, 5222 along the slopes 5242a and 5242b at the exit, respectively. You may. At each of the vertices 5246a, 5246b between the entrance slopes 5240a, 5240b and the exit slopes 5242a, 5246b, the tips of the staple legs should take a preformed configuration (eg, B-shape or modified B-shape). , Deforms toward the staple base. Pocket 5206b also defines a bridge portion 5244 between the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222. The bridge portion 5244 is displaced from the non-formed portion 5208. More specifically, the bridge portion 5244 is arranged at a position below or recessed with respect to the non-formed portion 5208.

Referring again to FIG. 73, the pocket 5206b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5216 of pocket 5206b is symmetrical about the pocket axis PA. Further, the pocket 5206b is asymmetric about the central axis CA through the neck portion 5224 and is perpendicular to the pocket axis PA. For example, the perimeter 5216 of pocket 5206b is asymmetric about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 5220 has a different geometry than the distal cup 5222. The asymmetry of the cups 5220 and 5222 is configured to form an asymmetric staple. For example, referring again to FIG. 74, the distal depth D ₂ forms a staple that is smaller than the proximal depth D ₁ and has a higher formation height at the proximal leg than at the distal leg. It is configured as follows. The distal depth D ₂ may be about 0.002 inches smaller than the proximal depth D ₁ . In other cases, the difference between the distal depth D ₂ and the proximal depth D ₁ may be greater than and / or less than 0.002 inches. In certain cases, this difference may be between 1% and 10% of the staple diameter. For example, this difference may be about 2% of the staple diameter. In other cases, the staple formation height may be greater at the distal leg than at the proximal leg. The lengths of the cups 5220 and 5222 are also different. For example, the distal length D ₂ is longer than the proximal length D ₁ in FIG. Further, the slopes of the inlets 5240a and 5240b in the pocket 5206b are different, and the slopes of the exits 5242a and 5242b in the pocket 5206b are also different.

In various cases, the smaller depth in some of the pockets 5206b can improve the rigidity of the anvil. For example, because the distal depth D ₂ is smaller than the proximal depth D ₁ , the anvil 5200 is composed of additional materials that can increase its rigidity. Further, since the increased material is in the distal portion of the anvil 5200, such portion may be stiffer and can limit bending or deformation of the anvil towards the distal end.

The difference in geometry between the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222 can be adapted to the movement or flow of tissue, respectively. More specifically, when the tissue is clamped to the anvil 5200, the fluid in the clamped tissue may flow or move towards the adjacent unclamped tissue. good. Tissue can flow laterally towards the longitudinal side of the anvil 5200, distally towards the distal end of the anvil 5200, and / or proximally towards the proximal end of the anvil 5200. In certain cases, if the cutting edge travels distally through the tissue, the tissue can flow against the anvil 5200. In such an example, the tissue can flow laterally, distally, and / or proximally, but primarily due to the distal movement of the cutting edge. If the cutting edge moves proximally to make an incision in the tissue, the movement or flow of tissue will generally be in the proximal direction during the cutting stroke. The different geometries of the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222 allow them to adapt to the movement or flow of tissue, respectively, which allows the embedded staple legs to be moved or distorted.

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 75A-76C, pocket 5206b includes side wall 5250, which extends from non-forming portion 5208. The cups 5220, 5222 are configured to feed and / or guide the staple legs and their tips into the preformed configuration towards and / or along the pocket axis PA. Due to the different geometry of the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222, the path of the proximal staple leg is different from the path of the distal staple leg when driven to form a point of contact with the pocket 5206b. May be. In certain cases, the asymmetric staple pocket 5206b may form an asymmetric staple from a symmetric unformed staple. In addition to or instead, from asymmetric unformed staples, staple pockets 5206b can form asymmetric preformed staples.

FIG. 75A is taken along _one ALL plane of FIG. 73, which corresponds to the expected landing position of the proximal staple leg. For example, the tip of the proximal staple leg can be expected to land in the proximal cup 5220 at and / or near the intersection of _one ALL surface and the pocket axis PA. _{On one} ALL surface, the proximal cup 5220 defines a width W1 _A and a depth D1 _A. The cross section of FIG. 75B is taken across the transition between the proximal cup 5220 and the neck 5224. FIG. 75B shows the proximal cup 5220 defining the width W1 _B and the depth D1 _B. The width W1 _B is greater than the width W1 _A and the depth D1 _B is greater than the depth D1 _A. In other words, the proximal cup 5220 widens and deepens from _one ALL side of the proximal cup 5220 toward the neck 5224. The cross section of FIG. 75C is taken across the proximal end of the neck portion 5224. FIG. 75C shows a pocket 5206b defining a width W1 _C and a depth D1 _C. The width W _1C is smaller than the width W1 _B and the depth D1 _C is smaller than the depth D1 _B. In other words, the pocket 5206b continues to narrow and becomes shallower within the neck 5224 that crosses the bridge portion 5244.

FIG. 76A is taken along the ALL ₂ plane of FIG. 73, which corresponds to the expected landing position of the distal staple leg. For example, the tip of the distal staple leg can be expected to land within the distal cup 5222 at and / or near the intersection of the ALL ₂ plane and the pocket axis PA. _{On two} ALL sides, the distal cup 5222 defines a width W2 _A and a depth D2 _A. The width W2 _A is different from the width W1 _A and the depth D2 _A is different from the depth D1 _A. The cross section of FIG. 76B is taken across the transition between the distal cup 5222 and the neck 5224. FIG. 76B shows a distal cup 5222 defining width W2 _B and depth D2 _B. The width W2 _B is different from the width W1 _B , and the depth D2 _B is different from the depth D1 _B. The width W2 _B is smaller than the width W2 _A and the depth D2 _B is larger than the depth D2 _A. In other words, the distal cup 5222 narrows and deepens from ALL ₂ sides in the distal cup 5222 towards the neck 5224. The cross section of FIG. 76C is taken across the distal end of the neck portion 5224. FIG. 76C shows a pocket _5206b defining a width _W2C and a depth D2C. The width W2 _C is different from the width W1 _C and the depth D2 _C is different from the depth D1 _C. The width W2 _C is smaller than the width W2 _B and the depth D2 _C is smaller than the depth D2 _B. In other words, the pocket 5206b continues to narrow and becomes shallower within the neck 5224 that crosses the bridge portion 5244.

The bottom surface 5258 of pocket 5206b is a flat surface. In other cases, the bottom surface 5258 may have a groove defined along at least a portion thereof. In yet other cases, the bottom surface 5258 may form, for example, a valley portion and / or includes a hemp portion or a ridge portion along at least a portion thereof (eg, across the bridge portion 5244). You may.

Here, with reference primarily to FIG. 73, pocket 5206b includes a proximal extension landing surface zone 5230 and a distal extension landing surface zone 5232. The proximal extension landing zone 5230 is located in the proximal portion of the proximal cup 5220 and the distal extension landing zone 5232 is located in the distal portion of the distal cup 5222. More specifically, the extended landing surface zones 5230 and 5232 are located beyond the expected landing position of the staples. For example, the proximal extension landing zone 5230 is located proximal to _one ALL surface, and if the tip of the staple leg lands beyond _one ALL surface, the proximal extension landing surface. Zone 5230 can capture the staple legs and direct them towards the pocket axis PA and / or towards the neck portion 5224. The distal extended landing surface zone 5232 is located distal to the ALL ₂ planes and is located distal to the ALL 2 planes when the tip of the staple leg lands beyond the ALL ₂ planes. Can capture the staple leg and point it at the pocket axis PA and / or at the neck portion 5224. In certain cases, the geometry of the extended landing surface zones 5230, 5232 may be constrained or constrained by the geometry of the adjacent nested staple forming pockets 5206.

Referring again to FIG. 73, the neck portion 5224 is narrower than the proximal cup 5220 and the distal cup 5222. A perimeter 5216 narrowed at the neck portion 5224 of pocket 5206b defines a receiving peninsula 5226 between a portion of the proximal cup 5220 and a portion of the distal cup 5222. The receiving peninsula 5226 is located on each side of the pocket 5206b. The receiving peninsula 5226 is provided by a tangential axis (eg, TB1 and TB2) that is tangential to the perimeter ₅₂₁₆ of pocket _5206b and the widest portion of the proximal cup 5220 and distal cup 5222 on each side of pocket 5206. The boundaries are separated. The first tangential axis TB1 is located on the first side of the pocket _5206b and the second tangential axis TB2 is located on the opposite side of the pocket _5206b . The first tangent axis _TB1 and the second tangent axis _TB2 shown in FIG. 73 are distorted with respect to the pocket axis PA. In other cases, one or both of the tangential axes _TB1 and _TB2 may be parallel to the pocket axis PA.

In various cases, the geometry of the pocket 5206 allows the pocket 5206 to be nested within the staple forming surface 5202 and / or facilitate tight placement. For example, the surface area of the staple forming surface 5202 covered by the pocket 5206 can be optimized. The "formation ratio" of the staple forming surface 5202 is the ratio of the non-forming portion 5208 to the forming portion (ie, pocket 5206). In at least one case, the formation ratio may be, for example, at least 1: 1.

As described herein, the placement of the staple cavities and staples in the staple cartridge for the end effector may correspond to, or one with, the placement of the staple forming pockets in the anvil of the end effector. You may do it. More specifically, the angular orientation and spacing of each staple cavity may match the angular orientation and spacing of the respective staple forming pockets. For example, if the staple cavities are arranged in a herringbone pattern, the staple forming pockets may be arranged in a corresponding herringbone pattern.

In certain cases, the end effector may include a staple cartridge with a staple cavity arrangement and an anvil with a non-corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets. For example, the staple cavities may be oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the staple forming pockets may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. In certain cases, the end effector can be configured to accept different staple cartridges with different arrangements of staple cavities, for example, the anvil of the end effector can be a variant of the different staple cartridges and internal staple cavities. It does not have to be compatible with all. In such cases, the anvil may be modified or adapted with an accessory (eg, anvil plate) having the proper arrangement of staple forming pockets.

The surgical end effector 5500 is shown in FIGS. 77-79. Similar to the end effector 1100 (FIGS. 1-4), the end effector 5500 comprises an elongated channel 1102, which is configured to operably support an internal staple cartridge 5510. The staple cartridge 5510 is, in many respects, similar to the staple cartridge 1110. For example, the staple cartridge includes a staple cartridge body 5511 having a deck portion 5515. The longitudinal slot 5514 passes through the deck portion 5515 and extends from the proximal end portion 5512 of the body 5511 towards the distal end portion 5513 of the body 5511. Angled and oriented staple cavities 5516 are defined within the cartridge body 5511, and each staple cavity 5516 defines an opening within the deck portion 5515. The openings in each staple cavity 5516 are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal slot 5514. The staple cavities 5516 are arranged in a herringbone pattern. The staples are detachably arranged in the staple cavity.

The end effector 5500 also comprises an anvil 5530 that is pivotally supported for elongated channel 1102. The anvil 5530 is, in many respects, similar to the anvil 1130. For example, the anvil 5530 includes a staple forming surface 5502 and a longitudinal slot 5504. In certain cases, the launching element and / or the cutting element, eg, the thread assembly 1120 and / or the launching member 1760 (FIG. 4), translates through the longitudinal slot 5504, eg, for at least a portion of the firing stroke. can do. The tissue stop 5531 extends downward toward the staple cartridge 5510 to control the positioning of the tissue between the proximal end portion 5512 of the cartridge body 5511 and the anvil 5530. The staple forming pocket 5506 is defined by a staple forming surface 5502, which also comprises a non-forming portion 5508 extending around the pocket 5506. The staple forming pocket 5506 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal slot 5504. In other words, the arrangement of the staple forming pockets 5506 does not fit or correspond to the arrangement of the staple cavities 5516. If the staples are fired from the staple cartridge 5510 and form contacts with the anvil 5530, the majority of such staples appear to be unformed and / or not formed correctly.

The end effector 5500 comprises an adapter assembly 5540, which is configured to adapt the anvil 5530 to a suitable arrangement for staple forming pockets. The staple cartridge 5510 is part of the adapter assembly 5540. The adapter assembly 5540 also comprises an anvil plate 5550 and a connecting material 5570. The proximal portion of the anvil plate 5550 forms a spring 5551, at which the anvil plate 5550 is attached to the staple cartridge 5510. Thus, for example, by anvil 5530, when a closing motion is applied to the anvil plate 5550, the anvil plate 5550 is configured to pivot downward toward the staple cartridge 5510 with a proximal spring 5551. The spring 5551 can urge the anvil plate 5550 towards the configuration shown in FIG. 77, which will facilitate the detachable attachment of the adapter assembly 5540 to the anvil 5530.

The placement of the staple forming pockets in the anvil plate 5550 corresponds to the placement of the staple cavities 5516 in the staple cartridge. The anvil plate 5550 includes a staple forming surface 5502 and a longitudinal slot 5554, the longitudinal slot 5554 and the longitudinal slot 5504 in the anvil 5530 when the adapter assembly 5540 is installed in the end effector 5500. Aligns with longitudinal slot 5514 in staple cartridge 5510. The staple forming pocket 5556 is defined on the staple forming surface 5502 and the non-formed portion 5558 (FIG. 77) extends around the staple forming pocket 5556. In the embodiment shown, the staple forming pocket 5556 is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal slot 5554. More specifically, the staple forming pockets 5556 are arranged in a herringbone pattern, which corresponds to the herringbone pattern of the staple cavity 5516. The anvil plate 5550 may be a material sheet with stamped staple forming pockets.

The placement of the staple forming pockets 5556 within the anvil plate 5550 corresponds to the placement of the staple cavities 5516 within the staple cartridge. In other words, each staple forming pocket 5556 within the anvil plate 5550 corresponds to the angle and position of the staple cavity 5516. The reader will understand that the staple cartridge may contain a variety of different arrangements of staple cavities and that various exemplary arrangements of staple cavities are described herein. For example, the staple cartridge may include a diagonally oriented staple cavity and / or a longitudinal repeating pattern of one or more parallel and / or angularly offset staple cavities. In addition to, or in lieu of, the staple cartridge may include multiple distinct patterns of staple cavities. In yet other cases, the placement of the staple cavities may vary laterally and / or longitudinally along the cartridge body. Whatever the placement of the staple cavities within the staple cartridge, the corresponding placement of staple forming pockets can be provided by the complementary anvil plate 5550 of the adapter assembly 5540.

The anvil plate 5500 is connectable to the staple cartridge 5510 and the connecting material 5570 is attached to the anvil plate 5500. When the staple cartridge 5510 is inserted into the elongated channel 1102 during use, the anvil plate 5500 and connecting material 5570 of the adapter assembly 5540 are also placed between the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 5530. In certain cases, the anvil plate 5550 is secured to the staple forming surface 5502 of the anvil 5530 using the connecting material 5570, or the anvil 5530 is mounted downward toward the elongated channel 1102 in order to attach it in another manner. It may be pivoted. In addition to or instead, the spring member 5551 may urge the anvil plate 5550 and the connecting material 5570 on it to and / or towards the connection with the anvil 5530. When the adapter assembly 5540 is installed within the end effector 5500, the anvil 5530 is effectively modified or adapted for use with the staple cartridge 5510.

The staple cartridge 5510 and the anvil plate 5550 may include an alignment feature for aligning the staple cavity 5516 in the staple cartridge 5510 with the corresponding staple forming pocket 5556 in the anvil plate 5500. For example, the staple cartridge 5510 includes an alignment opening 5520 (FIG. 77), and the anvil plate 5550 includes an alignment post or pin 5562. The alignment pin 5562 is received in the alignment opening 5520 and positions the anvil plate 5550 with respect to the staple cartridge 5510. For example, the alignment pin 5562 may be snapped into the alignment opening 5520. The connection between the alignment opening 5520 and the alignment pin 5562 is configured, for example, to align the staple cartridge 5510 and the anvil plate 5550 longitudinally.

In certain cases, the manufacturer and / or distributor may provide the assembly 5540 in a pre-assembled state. For example, the anvil plate 5550 can be snapped into engagement with the staple cartridge 5510 before the surgeon or his assistant obtains the assembly 5540 for the surgical procedure. In other cases, the surgeon and / or his assistant may assemble assembly 5540.

The anvil plate 5550 also includes an alignment feature for aligning the anvil plate 5550 with the anvil 5530. For example, the anvil plate 5550 comprises a distal alignment flange 5564. The distal alignment flange 5564 is received in the longitudinal slot 5504 within the anvil 5530 and positions the anvil plate 5550 with respect to the anvil 5530. For example, the distal alignment flange 5564 may be snapped into the longitudinal slot 5504. The connection between the alignment flange 5564 and the longitudinal slot 5504 is configured, for example, to align the anvil plate 5550 and the anvil 5530 laterally.

The connecting material 5570 is a flexible material. For example, the connecting material 5570 may contain an elastomer and / or low density polyethylene. In various cases, the connecting material 5570 may be overmolded onto the anvil plate 5550. When adhered to or otherwise secured to the anvil 5530, the connecting material 5570 is configured to have a modified configuration that conforms to the profile of the staple forming surface 5502. For example, the unformed connection material 5570 is shown in FIG. 77, and the formed connection material 5570 is shown in FIG. 78. Primarily with reference to FIG. 78, the connecting material 5570 flows into and fills the staple forming pocket 5506. In other words, the staple forming pocket 5506 is fitted into the connecting material 5570. In such cases, the connecting material 5570 can reinforce the anvil plate 5550 during the forming process. For example, if the anvil plate 5550 is impacted or subject to other forces during use, the connecting material 5570 between the anvil plate 5550 and the anvil 5530 provides a backing for the anvil plate 5550 and against the anvil 5530. Deformation of the anvil plate 5550 can be prevented and / or restricted.

The connection material 5570 comprises a channel 5572. Channel 5571 extends along a portion of its length. Although not shown in FIG. 77, a similar channel 5571 may be defined in the connecting material 5570 along the opposite side of the adapter assembly 5540. The lip portion 5566 of the anvil plate 5550 is located within the channel 5571. The lip portion 5566 is substantially U-shaped. In other cases, the lip portion 5566 may be L-shaped, straight, and / or undulating. The anvil plate 5500 also has an inner ridge 5568 aligned with a longitudinal slot 5574 (FIG. 77) in the connecting material 5570 and a longitudinal slot 5504 in the anvil 5530. The ridge 5568 is configured to facilitate alignment of the adapter assembly 5540 along the length of the end effector 5500. In various cases, the connecting material 5570 may be molded onto the anvil plate 5550. For example, the connecting material 5570 may be molded around the lip 5566 and / or the ridge 5568.

A part of the end effector 5500 is also shown in FIG. 79. The adapter assembly 5640 is installed in the end effector 5500 in FIG. 79. The adapter assembly 5640 is, in many respects, similar to the adapter assembly 5540. For example, the adapter assembly 5640 comprises an anvil plate 5650 with staple forming surfaces 5652 and longitudinal slots 5654, aligned with longitudinal slots 5504 within the anvil 5530. The staple forming pocket 5656 is defined on the staple forming surface 5652 and the non-forming portion 5658 extends around the staple forming pocket 5656. The staple forming pocket 5656 is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal slot 5654. More specifically, the staple forming pockets 5656 are arranged in a herringbone pattern, which corresponds to the herringbone pattern of the staple cavity 5516 (FIG. 77). The anvil plate 5650 may be a material sheet with stamped staple forming pockets.

Adapter assembly 5640 does not include deformable material (eg, deformable unmaterial 5570). Rather, the anvil plate 5650 is configured to engage directly with the anvil 5530. The anvil plate 5650 comprises a lip portion 5666, which is disposed with respect to the staple forming surface 5502. The lip portion 5666 is substantially U-shaped. In other cases, the lip portion 5666 may be L-shaped, straight, and / or undulating. The anvil plate 5600 also has an inner ridge 5668 aligned with the longitudinal slot 5504 in the anvil 5530. The ridge 5668 is configured to facilitate alignment of the adapter assembly 5640 along the length of the end effector 5600.

In other cases, the anvil plate 5650 may be embedded in the staple forming surface 5502 of the anvil 5530. For example, the staple forming pocket 5656 of the anvil plate 5650 may be at least partially nested within the staple forming pocket 5506 in the anvil 5530. The arrangement, quantity and / or geometry of the staple forming pocket 5656 is different from the arrangement, quantity and / or geometry of the staple forming pocket 5506, but a portion of the staple forming pocket 5656 is within a portion of the staple forming pocket 5506. It may be arranged.

While many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are powered by electric motors, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument system described herein can be operated, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain embodiments, the motors disclosed herein may include parts of a robotic control system. In addition, any of the end effectors and / or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be used with robotic surgical instrument systems. US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", current US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/02987719 is, for example, some examples of robotic surgical instrument systems. Is disclosed in more detail.

Example 1-A staple cartridge, a longitudinal axis, and a cartridge body, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body, and most of the plurality of staple cavities have a longitudinal repeating pattern. The cartridge body and staples are arranged in, with multiple staple cavities further including irregular staple cavities, with the irregular staple cavities being angularly offset from the staple cavities in the longitudinal repeating pattern. A staple cartridge with multiple staples placed in the cavity.

Example 2-A firing element configured to translate between a proximal position and a distal position within the cartridge body is further comprising a longitudinal repeating pattern beyond the distal position of the firing element. The staple cartridge according to Example 1, which extends distally.

Example 3-The staple cartridge according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the repeating pattern in the longitudinal direction comprises a pattern of staple cavities oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Example 4-In Examples 1, 2 or 3, the cartridge body comprises a deck portion, the staple cavities each define an opening in the deck portion, and the staple cavity opening in the pattern forms a herringbone pattern. The listed staple cartridge.

Example 5-The opening of the irregular staple cavity has proximal and distal ends, the staple cavity axis extends between the proximal and distal ends, and the staple cavity. The staple cartridge according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Example 6-In the staple cartridge, the longitudinal axis and the cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities are defined in the cartridge body, and a plurality of staple cavities are arranged in a plurality of patterns. , A first pattern in which a plurality of patterns include a longitudinal repeating pattern of staple cavities oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and a first pattern laterally aligned with the first pattern. A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, including a second pattern, which is longitudinally offset from the first pattern and is different from the first pattern. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples arranged within the staple cavity.

Example 7-A cartridge body comprising a deck portion, a longitudinal repeating pattern defining a first staple cavity defining a first opening in the deck portion and a second opening defining a second opening in the deck portion. 6. The staple cartridge according to Example 6, comprising a second staple cavity, wherein the second opening is obliquely oriented with respect to the first opening.

Example 8-The staple cartridge of Example 6 or 7, wherein the longitudinal repeat pattern comprises a herringbone pattern.

Example 9-The second pattern comprises a third staple cavity defining a third opening in the deck portion, the third opening relative to the first opening and the second opening. The staple cartridge according to Example 6, 7 or 8, which is obliquely oriented.

Example 10-The second pattern further comprises a fourth staple cavity defining a fourth opening in the deck, wherein the fourth opening is parallel to the third opening, Example 6. , 7, 8 or 9, wherein the staple cartridge.

Example 11-A plurality of staple drivers are further provided, the plurality of staple drivers are arranged in a third staple cavity, the first driver including the first tilt profile, and the fourth staple driver. A second driver is included, including a second tilt profile, the first driver is connected to the second driver, and the first tilt profile is different from the second tilt profile. , The staple cartridge according to the tenth embodiment.

The staple cartridge according to Example 10 or 11, wherein the fourth openings are arranged in a longitudinal direction with respect to the third opening.

Example 13-The staple cartridge according to Example 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the second pattern comprises a proximal pattern.

Example 14-A plurality of patterns are laterally aligned with the first pattern, further comprising a third pattern that is longitudinally offset from the first pattern, the third pattern being the first pattern. Is different, the staple cartridge according to Example 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13.

Example 15-The staple cartridge of Example 14, wherein the first pattern is located between the second and third patterns.

Example 16-The cutting edge is further configured to move relative to the cartridge body during the firing stroke, and the cutting edge is configured to move between the proximal and distal positions. The staple cartridge according to Example 14 or 15, wherein the third pattern is located distal to the distal position of the cutting edge.

Example 17-An end effector for stapling tissue, a staple cartridge, comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities defined within the cartridge body, and a plurality of staple cavities. End effector with staple cartridges arranged in the pattern of. The plurality of patterns are a first pattern including a longitudinal repeating pattern of staple cavities oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a first pattern that is longitudinally offset from the first pattern. Includes a second pattern that is different from. The end effector is a tissue stop with a cutting edge configured to move between the proximal and distal positions, the first pattern of which is between the tissue stop and the distal position of the cutting edge. It is further provided with an tissue stop that extends to.

Example 18-The end effector according to Example 17, wherein the second pattern comprises a plurality of parallel staple cavities.

Example 19-The end effector according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the parallel staple cavities are oriented diagonally with respect to the staple cavities in the first pattern.

20-The end effector according to Example 17, 18 or 19, further comprising an anvil, wherein the tissue stop is provided with a pair of side walls extending from the anvil towards the staple cartridge.

Example 21-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples, wherein the staples include a first staple and the first staple is a proximal leg. A staple cartridge having a stapler and a distal leg, and an anvil comprising a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined within the staple forming surface and the plurality of pockets include a first pocket. End effector with,. The first pocket contains a proximal cup aligned with the proximal leg and a distal cup aligned with the distal leg, the first pocket is equal between the proximal cup and the distal cup. It is asymmetric with respect to the central axis across the first pocket at intervals.

22. The end effector according to Example 21, wherein the first pocket is oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the end effector.

Example 23-Each pocket has its own perimeter, multiple pockets include a second pocket, and a portion of the perimeter of the first pocket is nested adjacent to a portion of the perimeter of the second pocket. 21 or 22. The end effector according to the embodiment.

Example 24-The end effector of Example 21, 22 or 23, wherein the first pocket is configured to form staples in an asymmetrical configuration.

Examples 25-The first pocket is asymmetric with respect to the first pocket axis extending between the proximal cup and the distal cup perpendicular to the central axis, Examples 21, 22, 23. Or the end effector according to 24.

Example 26-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the staples include a first staple and the first staple is a first near. An anvil containing a staple cartridge and a staple forming surface having a staple and a first distal leg, with multiple pockets defined within the staple forming surface and a plurality of pockets being the first pocket. Including, anvil, and equipped with end effectors. The first pocket comprises a first proximal cup aligned with the first proximal leg and a first distal cup aligned with the first distal leg, the first distal cup. Is laterally offset from the first proximal cup, with the first pocket relative to the first pocket axis extending between the first proximal cup and the first distal cup. It is asymmetric.

Example 27-A plurality of pockets include a second pocket, a second pocket comprises a second proximal cup and a second distal cup, and a second distal cup is a second. Conducted laterally offset from the proximal cup and the second pocket is asymmetric with respect to the second pocket axis extending between the second proximal cup and the second distal cup. The end effector according to Example 26.

Example 28-The end effector according to Example 27, wherein the second pocket axis is oriented at an angle with respect to the first pocket axis.

Example 29-The end effector according to Example 27 or 28, wherein the first pocket axis and the second pocket axis are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the end effector.

Example 30-A plurality of staples further comprising a second staple, the second staple having a second proximal leg and a second distal leg, the second proximal leg. 27, 28 or 29 of Example 27, wherein is aligned with the second proximal cup and the second distal leg is aligned with the second distal cup.

Examples 31-The second distal cup is nested adjacent to the first pocket between the first proximal cup and the first distal cup, Examples 27, 28, 29. Or the end effector according to 30.

Example 32-The end effector according to Example 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein the plurality of pockets comprises a plurality of nested pockets.

Example 33-The first proximal cup has a first geometry, the first distal cup has a second geometry, and the second geometry is different from the first geometry. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 or 32.

Example 34-The staple forming surface comprises a non-forming plane surrounding at least a portion of the pocket, the first proximal cup has a depth proximal to the non-forming plane and the first distal. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the cup has a depth distal to the non-formed plane and the distal depth is different from the proximal depth. End effector.

Example 35-The end effector according to Example 34, wherein the proximal depth is greater than the distal depth.

Example 36-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the plurality of staples include a first staple and the first staple is a first near. Anvil including a staple cartridge and a staple forming surface having a staple and a first distal leg, the first distal leg laterally offset from the first proximal leg. An end effector comprising an anvil, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in a staple forming surface, wherein the plurality of pockets include a first pocket. The first pocket has a proximal geometry with a first proximal cup aligned with the first proximal leg and a distal geometry with a first distal leg. It has an aligned first distal cup and the distal geometry is different from the proximal geometry.

Example 37-The first proximal cup is configured to form the first proximal leg up to the first height and the first distal cup is the first distal to the second height. The end effector according to Example 36, which is configured to form a leg and has a second height different from the first height.

Example 38-The first proximal cup has a first depth, the second distal cup has a second depth, and the first depth is different from the second depth. The end effector according to Example 36 or 37.

Example 39-The first proximal cup has a first inlet angle and a first exit angle, and the first distal cup has a second inlet angle and a second outlet angle. The end effector according to Example 36, 37 or 38, wherein the first inlet angle is different from the second inlet angle and the first exit angle is different from the second exit angle.

Example 40-The first proximal cup has a first width, the second distal cup has a second width, and the first width is different from the second width, Example 36. , 37, 38 or 39.

Example 41-The end effector according to Example 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40, wherein the plurality of pockets include a second pocket and the second pocket is different from the first pocket.

Example 42-A plurality of pockets are arranged in a plurality of rows including a first row including a first pocket and a second row including a second pocket, the second pocket being the second. The end effector according to Example 41, which is not parallel to the pocket of 1.

Example 43-An end effector comprising a staple cartridge and an anvil comprising a longitudinal axis and a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined within the staple forming surface. Effector. The plurality of staple forming pockets are a first pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a second pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the first pocket, and a longitudinal axis. Includes a first pocket and a third pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the second pocket.

Example 44-The slot is defined at least partially through the anvil along the longitudinal axis, the first pocket is separated from the slot by a first distance, and the second pocket is the slot. 23. Example 43, wherein the third pocket is separated from the slot by a second distance, the third pocket is separated from the slot by a third distance, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are different. End effector.

Example 45-The first pocket is arranged in the inner row, the second pocket is arranged in the middle row, the third pocket is arranged in the outer row, and the first pocket is longitudinally from the third pocket. The end effector according to Example 43 or 44, which is staggered and longitudinally overlaps the third pocket.

Example 46-The second pocket is laterally separated from the first pocket by the first lateral distance, and the second pocket is laterally separated by the second lateral distance from the third pocket. The end effector according to Example 43, 44 or 45, which is separated and the second lateral distance is different from the first lateral distance.

Example 47-A staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples, the plurality of staples forming a contact with a second pocket with a first staple arranged such that the staples form a contact with the first pocket. The first staple is arranged so as to form a contact point between the second staple and the third pocket, which overlaps the first staple laterally by the first distance. The end effector according to Example 43, 44, 45 or 46, comprising a third staple that laterally overlaps the staple by a second distance and the second distance is different from the first distance.

Example 48-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body and the staple cavities are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slot. The staple cavities are the first row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot and the second row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot in the first row. A second row in which the staple cavities laterally overlap the staple cavities in the second row by a first distance, and a third row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot. A plurality of staple cavities in the second row, including a third row, in which the staple cavities in the third row overlap laterally by a second distance and the second distance is different from the first distance. Staple cartridge with cartridge body, arranged in a row of.

Example 49-The staple cavities in the first row are oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot and the staple cavities in the second row are at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. Aligned with, the staple cavities in the third row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, the first angle, the second angle, the third angle are different, implementation. The staple cartridge according to Example 48.

20. The staple cartridge according to Example 49, wherein the second angle is complementary to the first angle.

Example 51-The staple cartridge according to Example 49 or 50, wherein the third angle is greater than the first angle.

Example 52-The staple cartridge according to Example 48, 49 or 50, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Example 53-The staple cartridge according to Example 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, further comprising a plurality of staples disposed within the plurality of staple cavities.

Example 54-The staple cartridge according to Example 53, wherein the staple has a staple length and the first and second distances are less than one-third of the staple length.

Example 53-The staple cartridge according to Example 53 or 54, wherein the staple has a diameter and the first and second distances are greater than this diameter.

Example 56-1 55. The staple cartridge.

Example 57-The staple cartridge of Example 56, wherein the staple cavities in the inner row are at least partially staggered longitudinally with respect to the staple cavities in the outer row.

Example 58-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined in the cartridge body, and a plurality of staple bodies arranged in the plurality of staple cavities. Staples, in which the staples are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slots, with a first group of staples arranged in the first row and a second group of staples arranged in the second row. There, the first staple group in the first row is laterally overlapped with the second staple group in the second row by the first distance, in the second staple group and the third row. A third group of staples arranged, wherein the second staple group in the second row overlaps the third staple group in the third row laterally by a second distance. A staple cartridge comprising a set of staples, the second distance of which is different from the first distance, and a plurality of staples.

Example 59-The staples in the first row are oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot and the staples in the second row are oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. 58, wherein the staples in the third row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, with different first, second, and third angles. The listed staple cartridge.

Example 60-The staple cartridge according to Example 58 or 59, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Example 61-The staple cartridge of Example 58, 59 or 60, wherein the staple has a staple length and the first and second distances are less than one-third of the staple length.

Example 62-The staple cartridge of Example 58, 59, 60 or 61, wherein the staple has a diameter and the first and second distances are greater than this diameter.

Example 63-The staple cartridge according to Example 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62, wherein the first row comprises an inner row, the second row comprises an intermediate row, and the third row comprises an outer row. ..

Example 64-The staple cartridge of Example 63, wherein the staple cavities in the inner row are at least partially staggered longitudinally with respect to the staple cavities in the outer row.

Example 65-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined in the cartridge body, and a plurality of staple bodies arranged in the plurality of staple cavities. Staples, the staples are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slot, the first staple group arranged in the inner row and the middle row, the inner row from the middle row to the first. Includes a second staple group that is laterally offset by a distance and a third staple group that is located in the outer row and whose outer row is laterally offset by a second distance from the middle row. A staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, the second distance of which is different from the first distance.

Example 66-The staples in the inner row are oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slots and the staples in the middle row are oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slots. The staple cartridge according to Example 65, wherein the staples in the outer row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, with different first, second, and third angles.

Example 67-Each staple in the first group is longitudinally offset by a first longitudinal distance from adjacent staples in the second group, and each staple in the third group is a third. 65 or 66. The staple cartridge according to Example 65 or 66, wherein the staple cartridge is displaced longitudinally by a second longitudinal distance from adjacent staples in the group, and the second longitudinal distance is different from the first longitudinal distance. ..

Example 68-An adapter for use with an end effector comprising an anvil comprising a first arrangement of staple forming pockets, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and an anvil plate comprising a second arrangement of staple forming pockets. And, the second arrangement of the staple forming pocket is different from the first arrangement of the staple forming pocket, the adapter.

Example 69-The adapter according to Example 68, wherein the anvil plate further comprises an alignment feature configured to engage the anvil.

Example 70-The adapter according to Example 68 or 69, wherein the anvil plate further comprises an alignment post placed in the alignment opening in the staple cartridge.

Example 71-The adapter according to Example 68, 69 or 70, wherein the anvil plate further comprises an aligned ridge that aligns with the longitudinal slot within the anvil.

Example 72-The adapter according to Example 68, 69, 70 or 71, further comprising a spring connection between the staple cartridge and the anvil plate.

Example 73-The adapter according to Example 68, 69, 70, 71 or 72, further comprising a deformable material.

Example 74-The adapter according to Example 73, wherein the deformable material comprises an overmolded portion on an anvil plate.

Example 75-The adapter according to Example 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 or 74, wherein the anvil plate comprises a stamped metal sheet.

Example 76-Example 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, where the second arrangement of staple forming pockets is partially nested within the first arrangement of staple forming pockets. The adapter described in.

Example 77-A first arrangement of staple forming pockets comprises a plurality of rows of parallel staple forming pockets and a second arrangement of staple forming pockets comprises a plurality of rows of angled staple forming pockets. , The adapter according to Example 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 76.

Example 78-A staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body, and the staple cavities are angled to accommodate multiple rows of angled staple forming pockets. The adapter according to Example 77, which is arranged in a plurality of rows.

Example 79-A staple cartridge for use with an end effector having a staple forming anvil, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities and a plurality of staples disposed within the staple cavities. Prepare, adapter. The adapter further comprises an anvil plate, which is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the staple cartridge. The anvil plate is a plurality of staple forming pockets so that when the anvil plate is in the closed position, each staple aligns with the corresponding staple forming pocket and engages with the staple forming anvil. Includes configured staples.

Example 80-The adapter according to Example 79, further comprising a deformable overmolded portion on an anvil plate.

Example 81-The adapter according to Example 79 or 80, wherein the anvil plate comprises a stamped metal sheet.

Example 82-The adapter according to Example 79, 80 or 81, wherein the staple cavities are arranged in a herringbone pattern and the staple forming pockets are arranged in a corresponding herringbone pattern.

Example 83-An adapter for use with an end effector having an anvil including a plurality of first staple forming pockets, a staple cartridge, a plurality of staple cavities and a plurality of located within the staple cavities. Adapter with staples, with multiple staples not aligned with the first staple forming pocket, with staple cartridges. The adapter is an anvil plate containing a plurality of second staple forming pockets, further comprising an anvil plate in which the staples are aligned with the second staple forming pockets.

Example 84-The adapter according to Example 83, further comprising a deformable overmolded portion on an anvil plate.

Example 85-The adapter according to Example 83 or 84, wherein the anvil plate comprises a stamped metal sheet.

Example 86-The adapter according to Example 83, 84 or 85, wherein the second staple forming pocket is partially nested within the first staple forming pocket.

Example 87-A first staple forming pocket is arranged in a plurality of rows of parallel staple forming pockets and a second staple forming pocket is arranged in a plurality of rows of angled staple forming pockets. The adapter according to Example 83, 84, 85 or 86.

Example 88-To obtain a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples, each staple having a base portion and a leg portion extending from the base portion, and firing staples from the staple cartridge. A method of doing, including, in which the staples are fired into the tissue within the staple line. The staple line includes a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion longitudinally offset from the first portion, the second portion having a second flexibility. However, the second flexibility is different from the first flexibility.

Example 89-The method of Example 88, further comprising selecting staple cartridges from at least two different staple cartridges.

Example 90-The method of Example 89, wherein at least two different staple cartridges include different arrangements of staple cavities.

Example 91-The method of Example 88, 89 or 90, wherein the first portion comprises a distal portion.

Example 92-The method of Example 88, 89, 90 or 91, wherein the first portion is laterally offset from the second portion.

Example 93-The method of Example 88, 89, 90, 91 or 92, wherein the first portion comprises a first row of staples and the second portion comprises a second row of staples.

Example 94-To obtain a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples, each staple has a base portion and a leg portion extending from the base portion, and firing staples from the staple cartridge. A method of doing, including, in which the staples are fired into the tissue within the staple line. The staple line is the first length including the first staple group, the first length and the second staple group in which the base portions of the staples in the first group are arranged in a herringbone pattern. The bases of the staples in the first group are arranged in parallel, including the second length including the second length, which is longitudinally offset from the first length.

Example 95-The first length has the first flexibility, the second length has the second flexibility, and the second flexibility is the first flexibility. Is different, the method according to Example 94.

Example 96-The method of Example 94 or 95, wherein the first length is more flexible than the second length.

Example 97-The method of Example 94, 95 or 96, further comprising selecting staple cartridges from at least two different staple cartridges.

Example 98-The method of Example 97, wherein at least two different staple cartridges include different arrangements of staple cavities.

Example 99-To obtain an adapter assembly comprising a staple cartridge and an anvil plate, the anvil plate comprises a plurality of first staple forming pockets and a plurality of first staple forming pockets in a first arrangement. Being placed and installing the adapter assembly inside the end effector, the end effector comprises an anvil containing multiple second staple forming pockets, the second staple forming pocket being second. A method comprising: being arranged in an arrangement and the second arrangement being different from the first arrangement.

Example 100-The method of Example 99, wherein the first arrangement comprises a herringbone pattern of pockets.

Example 101-The method of Example 99 or 100, wherein the second arrangement comprises a parallel pattern of pockets.

Example 102-The method of Example 99, 100 or 101, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a corresponding herringbone pattern.

Example 103-The method of Example 99, 100, 101 or 102, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples arranged in a corresponding herringbone pattern.

Example 104-The method of Example 103, further comprising driving staples to form contacts with a second staple forming pocket in the adapter assembly.

Example 105-The step of installing the adapter assembly comprising the deformable material further comprises forming the deformable material into a deformable configuration corresponding to the profile of the anvil, Examples 99, 100, 101, 102. , 103 or 104.

Example 106-The method of Example 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105, wherein the step of installation further comprises aligning the features on the anvil plate with the features on the anvil.

Example 107-The method of Example 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 or 106, further comprising clamping tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil plate.

Example 108-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the plurality of staples include a first staple and a second staple, a second staple. Is an anvil including a staple cartridge and a staple forming surface, which is obliquely oriented with respect to the first staple, and a plurality of pockets are defined in the staple forming surface, and the pockets are the staple forming surface. An end effector, with anvil, covering more than 50% of.

Example 109-The end effector of Example 108, wherein each pocket has a perimeter and the perimeter is adjacent and nested along a staple forming surface.

Example 110-The end effector according to Example 108 or 109, wherein each pocket comprises a proximal cup, a distal cup, and a neck extending between the proximal cup and the distal cup.

Example 111-A plurality of pockets include a first pocket in a first row, a second pocket in a second row, and a third pocket in a third row, the second. The end effector according to Example 110, wherein the pocket comprises a proximal extended landing zone extending towards the neck of the first pocket.

Example 112-The end effector according to Example 110 or 111, wherein the second pocket further comprises a distal extended landing zone extending towards the neck of the third pocket.

Example 113-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the plurality of staples include a first staple and a second staple, a second staple. Is an anvil that includes a staple cartridge and a staple forming surface that is oriented at an angle to the first staple, with multiple pockets defined within the staple forming surface and multiple pockets. , Aligned with the first staple, including the first proximal cup and the first distal cup, the first pocket, aligned with the second staple, the second proximal cup and the second A staple that includes a second pocket, including a distal cup, and a first distal cup is defined between a portion of the second proximal cup and a portion of the second distal cup. An end effector equipped with anvils that extend into the peninsula.

Example 114-The end effector according to Example 113, wherein the staple forming surface comprises a non-forming portion extending around a pocket, the non-forming portion covering less than 50% of the staple forming surface.

Example 115-The first pocket further has a first neck extending between the first proximal cup and the first distal cup, and the second pocket is the second near. The end effector according to Example 113 or 114, further comprising a second neck extending between the position cup and the second distal cup.

Example 116-The first neck is narrower than the first proximal cup and the first distal cup, and the second neck is narrower than the second proximal cup and the second distal cup. The end effector according to Example 115.

Example 117-The end effector of Example 113, 114, 115 or 116, wherein the first distal cup extends laterally towards the second pocket.

Example 118-The end effector according to Example 113, 114, 115, 116 or 117, wherein the first distal cup extends longitudinally towards the second pocket.

Example 119-The end effector according to Example 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 or 118, wherein the first distal cup comprises an extended landing zone located within the receiving peninsula.

Example 120-A plurality of pockets further include a third pocket aligned with a third staple, a third pocket comprising a third proximal cup and a third distal cup, the second. Examples 113, 114, 115, 116, wherein the proximal cup extends into a second receiving peninsula between a portion of the third proximal cup and a portion of the third distal cup. 117, 118 or 119.

Example 121-Pockets are arranged in a plurality of rows, the plurality of rows include an inner row containing the first pocket and a second pocket, with the second pocket displaced from the first pocket. The end effector according to Example 120, comprising an intermediate row and an outer row comprising a third pocket, wherein the third pocket is aligned with the first pocket.

Example 122-An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the plurality of staples include a first staple and a second staple, a second staple. Is an anvil that includes a staple cartridge and a staple forming surface that is oriented at an angle to the first staple, with multiple pockets defined within the staple forming surface and multiple pockets. Arranged in a plurality of rows, the first row and the second staple contain the first pocket aligned with the first staple, the first pocket containing the narrowest area. The second pocket has a proximal and a distal end, and the pocket axis extending between the proximal and the distal ends is the first pocket. An end effector, including an anvil, including a second row, across the narrowest area of the.

Example 123-The end effector according to Example 122, wherein the first pocket has a perimeter and the second pocket is nested around the first pocket.

Example 124-The end effector according to Example 122 or 123, wherein the staple forming surface comprises a non-forming portion extending around the pocket and the non-forming portion comprises less than 50% of the staple forming surface.

Example 125-The end effector according to Example 122, 123 or 124, wherein the second pocket comprises a groove extending along the pocket axis.

Example 126-A staple forming portion comprises a non-forming portion extending around a pocket, a second pocket comprising a side wall extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the side wall is near. The end effector according to Example 122, 123, 124 or 125, which is oriented at a constant angle with respect to the non-formed portion from the staple end to the distal end.

Example 127-The end effector according to Example 122, 123, 124, 125 or 126, wherein the second pocket has a chamfered perimeter.

Example 128-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body and the staple cavities are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slots. A staple cartridge that comprises a cartridge body and a plurality of staples arranged in a staple cavity, and the staple cavities in the cartridge body are arranged in a plurality of rows. The plurality of rows are a first row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot and a second row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot, the staples in the first row. The staples placed in the cavity are longitudinally separated by a first distance from the staples placed in the staples cavity in the second row, the second row and the first side of the longitudinal slot. A third row located in the third row, in which the staples placed in the staple cavities in the third row are longitudinal by a second distance from the staples placed in the staple cavities in the second row. Includes a third row that is distant in the direction and the second distance is different from the first distance.

The staple cartridge according to Example 128, wherein the second row is arranged between the first row and the third row.

Example 130-The staples in the staple cavities in the first row overlap longitudinally with the staples in the staple cavities in the second row by a first distance and in the staple cavities in the third row. 128 or 129. The staple cartridge according to Example 128 or 129, wherein the staples of the staple overlap the staples in the staple cavity in the second row in the longitudinal direction by a second distance.

The staple cartridge according to Example 128, 129 or 130, wherein the second distance is zero.

Example 132-A first staple and a third row, wherein the staples are placed in one of the staple cavities in the first row and include a first base having a first length. Includes a third staple, which is located within one of the staple cavities within and contains a third base portion having a third length, the third length of which is different from the first length. The staple cartridge according to Example 128, 129, 130 or 131.

Example 133-Multiple staples further include a second staple placed in one of the staple cavities in the second row, the second staple having a second length and a second base. 13. The staple cartridge according to Example 132, comprising a portion, wherein the second length is different from the first and third lengths.

Example 134-The staple cavities in the first row are oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot and the staple cavities in the second row are oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. The staple cartridge according to Example 128, 129, 130, 131, 132 or 133, which is oriented with and the staple cavities in the third row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. ..

Example 135-The staple cartridge of Example 134, wherein the second angle is different from the first and third angles.

Example 136-The staple cartridge according to Example 134 or 135, wherein the second angle deviates 180 degrees from the first angle.

Example 137-The staple cartridge according to Example 134, 135 or 136, wherein the third angle is different from the first angle.

Example 138-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body and the staple cavities are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slots. Each staple cavity has a proximal end and a distal end, and the plurality of staple cavities are arranged in multiple rows, comprising a cartridge body, a staple cartridge. The plurality of rows are a first row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot and a second row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot, the staples in the second row. The second row and the first of the longitudinal slots, where the proximal and distal ends of the cavity are longitudinally offset relative to the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavity in the first row. A third row located on the side, with the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavities in the third row being the proximal ends of the staple cavities in the first and second rows. Includes a third row, offset longitudinally with respect to the distal end.

Example 139-The staple cartridge of Example 138, wherein the staple cavities in the third row overlap at least partially longitudinally with the staple cavities in the first row.

Example 140-The staple cartridge according to Example 138 or 139, wherein the staple cavities in the second row overlap at least partially longitudinally with the staple cavities in the third row.

Example 141-The staple cartridge according to Example 138, 139 or 140, wherein the staple cavities in the second row overlap at least partially longitudinally with the staple cavities in the first row.

Example 142-A first base further comprising a plurality of staples disposed within a staple cavity, wherein the plurality of staples are disposed within one of the staple cavities in the first row and have a first length. A first staple containing a portion and a third base portion located in one of the staple cavities in a third row and having a third length, the third length being the first. The staple cartridge according to Example 138, 139, 140 or 141, comprising a third staple, which is larger than the length.

Example 143-A plurality of staples further include a second staple placed in one of the staple cavities in the second row, the second staple having a second length and a second base. The staple cavity according to Example 142, comprising a portion and having a second length different from the first and third lengths.

Example 144-The staple cavities in the first row are oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot and the staple cavities in the second row are oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 or 143 of the staple cartridge of Example 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 or 143, wherein the staple cavities in the third row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. ..

Example 145-The staple cartridge according to Example 144, wherein the second angle is different from the first angle and the third angle.

Example 146-The staple cartridge according to Example 144 or 145, wherein the third angle is different from the first angle.

Example 147-A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body and the staple cavities are oriented at an angle to the longitudinal slot. Staple cartridges, with staple cavities arranged in multiple rows, with a cartridge body. The plurality of rows are a first row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot and a second row arranged on the first side of the longitudinal slot, the staples in the first row. Is the second row, which overlaps the staples in the second row in the longitudinal direction by the first distance, and the third row, which is located on the first side of the longitudinal slot. Includes a third row in which the staples in the second row overlap with the staples in the second row longitudinally by a second distance and the second distance is different from the first distance. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples arranged within the staple cavity.

While many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are powered by electric motors, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument system described herein can be operated, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain embodiments, the motors disclosed herein may include parts of a robotic control system. In addition, any of the end effectors and / or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be used with robotic surgical instrument systems. For example, US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS" (currently US Pat. The example is disclosed in more detail.

The surgical instrument system described herein has been described in connection with the deployment and modification of staples, but the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. Various embodiments are also conceivable, such as deploying fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. In addition, various embodiments are conceived that utilize any suitable means for sealing the tissue. For example, end effectors according to various embodiments may include electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for example, the end effector according to a particular embodiment can apply vibration energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosure below is incorporated herein by reference.
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Although various instruments have been described herein with specific embodiments, modifications and modifications may be made to those embodiments. Specific features, structures or properties may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, without limiting the particular features, structures or properties shown or described in connection with one embodiment, the features, structures or properties of one or more other embodiments as a whole. Or may be partially combined. Also, although the material is disclosed for a particular component, other materials may be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components to perform a given function (s), and multiple components may be combined into a single component. You may replace it. The above description and the following claims are intended to include all such modifications and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or can be designed to be used multiple times. However, in either case, the device may be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. The readjustment can include, but is not limited to, a device disassembly step, a subsequent cleaning or replacement step of a particular part of the device, and a subsequent device reassembly step. Specifically, the readjustment facility and / or the surgical team may disassemble the device, clean and / or replace certain parts of the device, and then reassemble the device for subsequent use. Can be done. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that readjustment of the device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques and the resulting readjustment devices are all within the scope of the present invention.

The devices disclosed herein can be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used utensils may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or TYVEK bag. The vessel and instrument can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the vessel, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and / or high energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on instruments and in containers. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterilized container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. Devices can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to β-rays, gamma-rays, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and / or water vapor.

Although the present invention has been described as having a representative design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this application shall include any modification, use, or adaptation of the invention that uses its general principles.

All patents, publications, or other disclosures that are incorporated herein by reference in whole or in part are existing definitions, statements, or other disclosures in which the incorporated material is described in this disclosure. Incorporated herein only to the extent that it is consistent with the content. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly set forth herein shall supersede any contradictory statements incorporated herein by reference. Any document that is incorporated herein by reference, but is inconsistent with existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosed documents described herein, or parts thereof, is incorporated and existing. It shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no contradiction with the disclosed content.

[Implementation mode]
(1) It is an end effector
Staple cartridge and
An anvil including a longitudinal axis and a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined in the staple forming surface, and the plurality of staple forming pockets are formed.
A first pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis,
A second pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the first pocket,
An end effector comprising an anvil comprising said longitudinal axis, said first pocket and a third pocket oriented obliquely with respect to said second pocket.
(2) The slot is defined along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the anvil, the first pocket is separated from the slot by a first distance, and the second. The pocket is separated from the slot by a second distance, the third pocket is separated from the slot by a third distance, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third The end effector according to embodiment 1, which has a different distance.
(3) The first pocket is arranged in the inner row, the second pocket is arranged in the middle row, the third pocket is arranged in the outer row, and the first pocket is the third pocket. The end effector according to the second embodiment, which is staggered in the longitudinal direction from the pocket and overlaps the third pocket in the longitudinal direction.
(4) The second pocket is laterally separated from the first pocket by a first lateral distance, and the second pocket is laterally separated from the third pocket by a second lateral distance. The end effector according to embodiment 2, which is laterally separated and the second lateral distance is different from the first lateral distance.
(5) The staple cartridge contains a plurality of staples, and the plurality of staples are composed of a plurality of staples.
A first staple arranged to form a contact point with the first pocket,
A second staple, which is arranged so as to form a contact point with the second pocket, and the first staple is laterally overlapped with the first staple by a first distance.
A third, which is arranged to form a contact point with the third pocket, laterally overlaps the second staple by a second distance, and the second distance is different from the first distance. The end effector according to embodiment 1, comprising staples.

(6) Staple cartridge,
A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body, the staple cavities are oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal slots, and the staple cavities are:
A first row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot,
A second row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot, wherein the staple cavities in the first row are only the first distance from the staple cavities in the second row. The second row, which overlaps horizontally,
A third row located on the first side of the longitudinal slot, wherein the staple cavity in the second row is only a second distance from the staple cavity in the third row. A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body that overlaps laterally and is arranged in a plurality of rows, including a third row, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance.
(7) The staple cavity in the first row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, and the staple cavity in the second row is oriented with respect to the longitudinal slot. The staple cavity in the third row is oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, the first angle, the second angle. The staple cartridge according to embodiment 6, wherein the staples have different angles and the third angle.
(8) The staple cartridge according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the second angle is a complementary angle to the first angle.
(9) The staple cartridge according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the third angle is larger than the first angle.
(10) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 6, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance.

(11) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 6, further comprising a plurality of staples arranged in the plurality of staple cavities.
(12) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 11, wherein the staple has a staple length, and the first distance and the second distance are shorter than one-third of the staple length.
(13) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 12, wherein the staple has a diameter, and the first distance and the second distance are larger than the diameter.
(14) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 6, wherein the first row comprises an inner row, the second row comprises an intermediate row, and the third row comprises an outer row.
(15) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 14, wherein the staple cavities in the inner row are at least partially staggered in the longitudinal direction with respect to the staple cavities in the outer row.

(16) Staple cartridge,
A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body.
A plurality of staples arranged in the plurality of staple cavities, wherein the staples are oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal slot.
The first staple group placed in the first row,
A second staple group arranged in the second row, wherein the first staple group in the first row is the first distance from the second staple group in the second row. With the second staple group, which only overlaps laterally,
A third staple group arranged in the third row, wherein the second staple group in the second row is a second distance from the third staple group in the third row. A staple cartridge comprising a third group of staples that only laterally overlap, with a plurality of staples, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance.
(17) The staple in the first row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, and the staple in the second row is second with respect to the longitudinal slot. Oriented at an angle of 2, the staple in the third row is oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, said first angle, said second angle, said. The staple cartridge according to embodiment 16, wherein the third angle is different.
(18) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 16, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance.
(19) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 16, wherein the staple has a staple length, and the first distance and the second distance are shorter than one-third of the staple length.
(20) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 19, wherein the staple has a diameter, and the first distance and the second distance are larger than the diameter.

(21) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 16, wherein the first row comprises an inner row, the second row comprises an intermediate row, and the third row comprises an outer row.
(22) The staple cartridge according to embodiment 21, wherein the staple cavities in the inner row are at least partially staggered in the longitudinal direction with respect to the staple cavities in the outer row.
(23) Staple cartridge,
A cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined within the cartridge body.
A plurality of staples arranged in the plurality of staple cavities, wherein the staples are oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal slot.
The first staple group placed in the inner row,
A second staple group, which is arranged in an intermediate row and whose inner row is laterally displaced by a first distance from the intermediate row.
The second distance is different from the first distance, including a third staple group that is located in the outer row and the outer row is laterally offset by a second distance from the middle row. , With multiple staples, and a staple cartridge.
(24) The staple in the inner row is oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, and the staple in the intermediate row is oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal slot. Oriented, the staples in the outer row are oriented at a third angle with respect to the longitudinal slot, with the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle being different. , The staple cartridge according to embodiment 23.
(25) Each of the staples in the first group is longitudinally displaced by a first longitudinal distance from the adjacent staple in the second group, and each of the staples in the third group. The staple is longitudinally offset by a second longitudinal distance from the adjacent staple in the third group, and the second longitudinal distance is different from the first longitudinal distance. The staple cartridge according to aspect 23.

Claims (3)

It ’s an end effector,
Staple cartridge and
An anvil including a longitudinal axis and a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined in the staple forming surface, and the plurality of staple forming pockets are formed.
A first pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis,
A second pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the first pocket,
The anvil comprises the longitudinal axis, the first pocket and a third pocket oriented obliquely with respect to the second pocket.
The slot is defined along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the anvil, the first pocket is separated from the slot by a first distance, and the second pocket is: The third pocket is separated from the slot by a second distance, the third pocket is separated from the slot by a third distance, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are different. ,
The first pocket is arranged in the inner row, the second pocket is arranged in the middle row, the third pocket is arranged in the outer row, and the first pocket is longitudinally from the third pocket. End effectors that are staggered and overlap the third pocket in the longitudinal direction . It ’s an end effector,
Staple cartridge and
An anvil including a longitudinal axis and a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined in the staple forming surface, and the plurality of staple forming pockets are formed.
A first pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis,
A second pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the first pocket,
The anvil comprises the longitudinal axis, the first pocket and a third pocket oriented obliquely with respect to the second pocket.
The slot is defined along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the anvil, the first pocket is separated from the slot by a first distance, and the second pocket is: The third pocket is separated from the slot by a second distance, the third pocket is separated from the slot by a third distance, and the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are different. ,
The second pocket is laterally separated from the first pocket by a first lateral distance, and the second pocket is laterally separated by a second lateral distance from the third pocket. End effectors that are separated and whose second lateral distance is different from the first lateral distance. It ’s an end effector,
Staple cartridge and
An anvil including a longitudinal axis and a staple forming surface, wherein a plurality of staple forming pockets are defined in the staple forming surface, and the plurality of staple forming pockets are formed.
A first pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis,
A second pocket oriented diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis and the first pocket,
The anvil comprises the longitudinal axis, the first pocket and a third pocket oriented obliquely with respect to the second pocket.
The staple cartridge contains a plurality of staples, and the plurality of staples may be composed of a plurality of staples.
A first staple arranged to form a contact point with the first pocket,
A second staple, which is arranged so as to form a contact point with the second pocket and laterally overlaps the first staple by a first distance.
A third, which is arranged to form a contact point with the third pocket, laterally overlaps the second staple by a second distance, and the second distance is different from the first distance. End effectors , including with staples.

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