CN109310430B - Nail bin with overdrive nails - Google Patents

Abstract

A staple cartridge assembly includes staples formed from one or more sheets of material. The staples are removably stored in a cartridge body that includes a deck configured to support tissue of a patient. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a sled configured to sequentially engage the staples and lift the staples between an unfired position and a fired position. The staples comprise tissue engaging surfaces that are deployed above the deck when the staples are moved to their fired positions.

Description

Nail bin with overdrive nails

Background

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith.

Drawings

Various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, may be understood from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wire staple removably stored in the staple cartridge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a staple driving device configured to eject the staples of FIG. 3 from the staple cartridge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of staples removably stored in the staple cartridge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting that the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 2 and the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4 can be aligned with the forming pockets of the anvil of the end effector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the nail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the nail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the nail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 depicts the sled of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4 directly engaging the staples of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4 showing the staples of FIG. 5 in an unfired position;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4 showing the staples of FIG. 5 in a fired position;

FIG. 13 includes perspective and front views of an alternative embodiment of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 includes perspective and front views of a version of the staple of FIG. 5 having non-parallel legs;

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of a sled for use with the staple cartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge body of the staple cartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of an anvil for use with the staple cartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment; and is

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a sled for use with the staple cartridge of FIG. 20;

corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed 2016, 24/6 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,834 entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING SAME";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS"; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,775 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

the applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. design patent applications filed 2016, 24/6 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,218 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,227 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and

U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,264 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed 2015, 8, 26 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,324 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,411 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES COMPLEMENTING HARDNESS VARITIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,058 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE STRIPS FOR PERMITTING VARYING STAPLE PROPERTIES AND ENABLING EASY CARTRIDGE LOADING";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATION FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,036 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY with a BOTTOM COVER";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,077 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY STAPLE CAVITIES FOR PROVIDING bearing platform guide";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,225 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY filing stage GUIDES";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,351 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE ALIGNMENT FEATURES ON A FIRING MEMBER";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,163 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY variation methods using composition GAPS AND STAPLE FORMING GAPS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,294 entitled "STAPLES CONFIRED TO SUPPORT AN IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,375 entitled "STAPLES COMPRISING A COVER";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/836,137 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE associating recording feeds FOR CONTROLLING THE recording OF THE recording material OF STAPLES WHEN recording imaged recording material; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,020 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING FEATURES FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 23.12.2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,554 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARangements"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173789;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/138,465 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173744;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,474 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND Distinguishing CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173745;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,485 entitled "Surgical CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT JAW CONTROL FEATURES"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173746;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/138,475 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173749;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/138,481 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173750;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,489 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES, STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173751;

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/477,488 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,505 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE composition AN EXTENDABLE filing Membrane"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173760;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,518 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE composition A dressing MEMBER constructed TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE AND Eject FASTENERS FROM THE FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173761;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,530 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE composition A framing MEMBER INCLUDING FASTENER TRANSFER SURFACES"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173762;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/138,507 entitled "modulated SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173747;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,497 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ARCULATABLE END EFFECTORS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173755; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,516 entitled "Surgical CUTTING AND STAPLING METHODS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173756.

Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples and that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

The term "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "containing" and "containing", are open-ended verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for simplicity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into a patient or may be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

A surgical stapling system may include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. A staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge is not removable or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to allow rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are possible.

The staples are supported by a staple driving device in the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between a first, or unfired position and a second, or fired position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The drive is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by the sled. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the drive device toward the anvil and lift the drive device, and the staples are supported on the drive device.

In addition to the above, the sled can be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and urge the sled toward the distal end. In one or more alternative embodiments, the sled is connected to the firing member. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first and second cams can control a distance or tissue gap between a deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the firing member has only one cam member or no cam member. Such embodiments may include other suitable means for holding the first and second jaws in place. In any case, the firing member further comprises a knife configured to incise tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially adjacent to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected prior to the knife.

An end effector 100 of a surgical stapling system is shown in fig. 1. The end effector 100 includes a frame 190, a cartridge jaw 110, and an anvil 120. The cartridge jaw 110 fixedly extends from the frame 190. The anvil 120 is movable relative to the cartridge jaw 110 between an open or undamped position and a closed or clamped position (fig. 1). In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge jaw 110 can be movable relative to the anvil 120 between an open or undamped position and a closed or clamped position. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil 120 fixedly extends from the frame 190.

For example, cartridge jaw 110 is configured to receive a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 130. Referring to FIG. 2, staple cartridge 130 comprises a cartridge body 132. The cartridge body 132 includes a deck 133 configured to support the tissue of a patient, a longitudinal slot 135, and six longitudinal staple cavities 134 defined therein. For example, the longitudinal slot 135 is configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member 270 (fig. 12). Each staple cavity 134 is configured to receive and removably store a staple 140 (fig. 3) therein. The staple cartridge 130 further includes a staple driving device, such as staple driving device 180 (fig. 3A), for example, which is configured to drive the staples 140 out of the staple cavities 134. Referring to fig. 3 and 3A, each staple driving device 180 includes a cradle 182 configured to support and/or engage the base or crown 142 of a staple 140. Other staple driving devices are contemplated wherein the driving device comprises, for example, two brackets, three brackets, or four brackets, for example, for supporting and engaging more than one staple.

In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises a sled configured to engage the staple driving device 180. More specifically, for example, the sled includes one or more ramps configured to engage one or more cams, such as cam 185, defined on the staple driver 180 and lift the staple driver 180 and staples 140 into the staple cavities 134 as the sled moves distally through the staple cartridge 130. The firing member 270 is configured to move the sled distally from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke. In at least one example, each staple 140 is positioned completely below the deck 133 of the cartridge body 132 when the staple 140 is in its unfired position. In such examples, the staple legs 144 of the staples 140 do not extend above the deck 133 when the staples 140 are in their unfired positions. In use, as the staples 140 are fired, the tips 146 of the staple legs 144 are exposed above the deck 133. Such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of staples 140 snagging a patient's tissue as staple cartridge 130 moves relative to the tissue.

In various other examples, in addition to the above, the tips 146 of the staple legs 144 extend above the deck 133 when the staples 140 are in their unfired positions. Referring primarily to fig. 2, the cartridge body 132 further comprises projections 136 extending above the deck 133 that are configured to at least partially surround the tips 146 when the staples 140 are in their unfired positions. The length of the staple legs 144 is selected such that the tips 146 are positioned below the top surface of the protrusions 136 when the staples 140 are in their unfired positions. The projections 136 are also configured to guide the staple legs 144 as the staples 140 are ejected from the staple cavities 134. In certain aspects, the protrusion 136 extends the staple cavity 134 above the platform 133. Such an arrangement may allow for larger or taller staples to be used while providing protection for the staples even if they extend above the deck 133.

In addition to the above, the nail 140 is composed of a wire. The wire has a circular or at least substantially circular cross-section; however, any suitable cross-section may be used. For example, a square cross-section and/or a cross-section with at least one flat side may be used. The wire is composed of a metal, such as titanium and/or stainless steel. That is, the wire may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic, for example.

Each staple 140 is constructed of bent wire that has been formed to include a crown 142 and legs 144 of the staple 140. As described in greater detail below, the anvil 120 is configured to deform the staples 140 between an unfired configuration (fig. 3) and a fired configuration. As shown in fig. 3, when the staples 140 are in their unfired configuration, the legs 144 of the staples 140 are not parallel to each other. In such examples, when the staples 140 are in their unfired configurations, the staples 140 comprise a substantially V-shaped configuration. In certain embodiments, staples having parallel, or at least substantially parallel, legs when the staples are in their unfired configurations can be utilized. In such examples, the staples comprise a substantially U-shaped configuration when the staples are in their unfired configurations.

Referring again to fig. 2, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises a retainer 160 attached to the cartridge body 132. The retainer 160 extends at least partially around the bottom of the cartridge body 132 and is configured to prevent the staples 140, staple drivers 180, and/or sled from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 132. The retainer 160 is configured to engage the cartridge body 132 in a snap-fit manner; however, the retainer 160 can be attached to the cartridge body 132 in any suitable manner. Moreover, the retainer 160 is configured to engage the cartridge jaw 110 in a snap-fit manner to releasably retain the staple cartridge 130 in the cartridge jaw 110. That is, staple cartridge 130 may be releasably retained to cartridge jaw 110 in any suitable manner.

In addition to the above, end effector 100 is also configured to be used with staple cartridges other than staple cartridge 130, such as staple cartridge 230 (FIG. 4), for example. In other words, staple cartridge 230 can be used in place of staple cartridge 130, for example, with end effector 100. In certain instances, the end effector 100 can be used with a staple cartridge 130, and after the staple cartridge 130 is at least partially fired, the staple cartridge 130 can be removed from the first jaw 110 and then replaced with an unfired staple cartridge 230. In various examples, the surgeon may selectively and interchangeably use one or more staple cartridges 130 and one or more staple cartridges 230 in any suitable order.

Referring to fig. 4, the staple cartridge 230 comprises a cartridge body 232 and a holder 260 attached to the cartridge body 232. The retainer 260 is similar in many respects to the retainer 160. The retainer 260 is configured to engage the cartridge body 232 in a snap-fit manner; however, the retainer 260 can be attached to the cartridge body 232 in any suitable manner. Moreover, the retainer 260 is configured to engage the cartridge jaw 110 in a snap-fit manner to releasably retain the staple cartridge 230 in the cartridge jaw 110. That is, staple cartridge 230 can be releasably retained to cartridge jaw 110 in any suitable manner.

The cartridge body 232 includes a deck 233 configured to support the tissue of a patient, a longitudinal slot 135, and longitudinal staple cavities defined therein. The platform 233 includes a first portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot 135 and a second portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot 135. The first and second portions of the platform 233 each include a first or inner longitudinal row staple cavity, a second or intermediate longitudinal row staple cavity, and a third or outer longitudinal row staple cavity. The first portion of deck 233 includes a first longitudinal row having staple cavities 234a, a second longitudinal row having staple cavities 234a, and a third longitudinal row having staple cavities 234 a'. The second portion of the deck 233 includes a first longitudinal row having staple cavities 234a ', a second longitudinal row having staple cavities 234a', and a third longitudinal row having staple cavities 234.

In addition to the above, staple cavities 234a and 234a' are similar in many respects, except that they are mirror images of each other. Staple cavity 234a may be referred to as a "left-hand" staple cavity, and staple cavity 234a' may be referred to as a "right-hand" staple cavity. Of course, left and right are perspective issues, and different, or even opposite, nomenclature may be utilized. Moreover, any suitable arrangement of left-hand staple cavities 234a and right-hand staple cavities 234a' may be utilized.

Referring to fig. 4,5 and 14, staples 240 are removably stored in each staple cavity 234 a. Referring to fig. 13, staples 240 are removably stored in each staple cavity 234 a. Staples 240 and 240a' are similar in many respects, except that they are mirror images of each other. Consistent with the nomenclature used above, staple 240 is a "left-handed" staple, and staple 240' is a "right-handed" staple.

Referring again to fig. 4, the second portion of the platform 233 is a mirror image of the first portion of the platform 233. Such an arrangement creates a symmetrical staple line relative to the tissue cut line, i.e., a longitudinal cut caused by a cutting edge 272 defined on the firing member 270 as the firing member 270 moves distally through the longitudinal slot 135 during the firing stroke. In other embodiments, the second portion of the platform 233 is not a mirror image of the first portion of the platform 233. Such an arrangement creates an asymmetric staple line in the tissue being stapled relative to the cutting line.

Referring primarily to fig. 7-10, staple 240 includes a crown 242, a proximal leg 244p joined to crown 242, and a distal leg 244d joined to crown 242. More specifically, staple 240 includes a proximal connector 248p connecting proximal staple leg 244p to crown 242 and a distal connector 248d connecting distal staple leg 244d to crown 242. Proximal connector 248p is integrally formed with proximal staple leg 244p and crown 242, and similarly distal connector 248d is integrally formed with distal staple leg 244d and crown 242. The nail 240 also includes a driver 246 integrally formed with and extending from the crown 242. The driver device 246 includes a cam surface 245 defined thereon that is configured to be directly engaged by a sled 250 of the staple cartridge 230 during a staple firing stroke, as shown in FIG. 10.

As can be seen in fig. 7-10, the crown 242 and the driver 246 collectively define a height that is higher than the proximal connector 248p and/or the distal connector 248 d. Moreover, the overall height of the crown 242 and driver 246 defines a dimension that is greater than any cross-sectional width of the legs 244p and 244 d.

As can also be seen in fig. 7-10, the proximal leg 244p, the proximal connector 248p, the distal leg 244d, and the distal connector 244d do not extend below the drive device 246. In other words, the driver 246 comprises the bottom of the nail 240. Also, the entire cam surface 245 is below the proximal leg 244p, proximal connector 248p, distal leg 244d, and distal connector 244 d. Such an arrangement helps to ensure that the sled 250 contacts the driver 246 of the staple 240, but not another portion of the staple 240.

In addition to the above, referring again to fig. 13, staple 240 'includes a crown 242', a proximal leg 244p 'connected to crown 242', a distal leg 244d 'connected to crown 242', and a driver 246 'integrally formed with and extending from crown 242'. The drive device 246 'includes a cam surface 245' defined thereon that is configured to be directly engaged by the sled 250 during a staple firing stroke. The teachings provided herein with respect to staple 240 apply to staple 240' unless otherwise noted. For the sake of brevity, a discussion addressing these adaptations may not be set forth in detail herein.

Each nail 240 is constructed of, for example, a single piece of metal, such as titanium and/or stainless steel. Other materials such as, for example, plastic may be utilized. In various examples, the pegs 240 are stamped from one or more sheets of material. In at least one example, a continuous flat strip of metal is fed into an advancement die that impacts or punches the strip of material and moves the crown 242 out of plane or away from the legs 244p and 244 d. Alternatively, legs 244p and 244d are moved or out of plane from crown 242. In various examples, the advancement die is further configured to form one or more radiused edges on staples 240, such as, for example, on staple legs 244p and 244 d. In some examples, the advancement die is also configured to cast the tips 246 of legs 244p and 244d and remove any excess material from the strip of material. Each of these forming steps may occur at one or more stations within the advancing mold and/or within the same forming station or station within the advancing mold-this arrangement will ultimately result in a strip of staples 240 attached to, for example, a continuous ribbon. The pin 240 is separated from the cartridge strip and then inserted into the pin chamber 234. In some instances, the strip of staples 240 is loaded into a loading block and the band is then removed from the staples 240. Thereafter, the loading block is used to insert staples 240 into the staple cavities 234a of the cartridge body 232. In at least one example, the loading block is also configured to receive staples 240 'such that the staples 240 and 240' are loaded into the cartridge body 232 at the same time.

In addition to the above, referring primarily to fig. 7, the driver 246 of each staple 240 is attached to the bandolier at a connection point 249 defined at the distal face of the driver 246. Such an arrangement reduces the likelihood of a burr or label, for example, extending downwardly from the drive device 246 and obstructing the longitudinal advancement of the slider 250. That is, any suitable attachment point or points may be utilized to retain the nail 240 to the belt. In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, the staples 240 may be formed using wire combustion or Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), operation, and/or any other suitable manufacturing process. Also, the nail 240' may be manufactured using any of the methods described herein.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, proximal leg 244p and distal leg 244d of staple 240 define a leg plane 241 s. In addition to the above, proximal staple leg 244p of staple 240 is positioned proximally relative to distal staple leg 244d when staple 240 is positioned in staple cavity 234 a. Moreover, proximal staple leg 244p and distal staple leg 244d of staple 240 are aligned with the firing axis. When staples 240 are positioned in longitudinal staple row cavities 234a, the firing axis is also aligned with staple legs 244p and 244d of other staples 240. As a result, the leg planes 241s of the staples 240 in the longitudinal staple row cavities 234a are aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with one another. It is to be understood that leg 244p and leg 244d can comprise a width or thickness and leg plane 241s can comprise a width of leg 244p and/or leg 244 d.

In addition to the above, referring to fig. 4 and 6, the left-handed staples 240 stored in the first interior longitudinal staple row cavities are removably stored therein such that the leg planes 241s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241 c. Accordingly, with continued reference to fig. 4 and 6, the right-hand staples 240 stored in the second interior longitudinal staple row cavities are also removably stored therein such that the staple leg planes 241s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241 c. Similarly, left-handed staples 240 stored in the first intermediate longitudinal row of staple cavities are removably stored therein such that the leg planes 241s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241 c. Likewise, right-hand staples 240 'stored in the second intermediate longitudinal staple row cavities are removably stored therein such that the leg planes 241s of the staples 240' are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241 c. On the other hand, referring again to fig. 4 and 6, the right-hand staples 240 stored in the first outer longitudinal row of staple cavities are removably stored therein such that the drive planes 241c of the staples 240' are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their leg planes 241 s. Likewise, the left-handed staples 240' stored in the second outer longitudinal staple row lumens are also removably stored therein such that the drive planes 241c of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their leg planes 241 s.

The legs 244p, 244d of the staples 240 comprise tissue engaging or gripping portions of the staples 240 and are configured to capture tissue of a patient within the staples 240 when the legs 244p, 244d of the staples 240 are deformed against the anvil 120, as described in more detail below. In various examples, proximal staple leg 244p and distal staple leg 244d are formed within staple leg plane 241 s. However, in other examples, one or both of legs 244p and 244d can be deformed from leg plane 241 s.

In addition to the above, proximal staple legs 244p of staples 240 are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to staple legs 244d when staples 240 are in their unfired configurations, as illustrated in fig. 7. As a result, staple legs 244p, 244d, and crowns 242 of staples 240 form a substantially U-shaped configuration when staples 240 are in their unfired configurations. In such configurations, the upward movement of legs 244p and 244d as staple 240 is ejected from staple cavity 234a can be more easily controlled than in other configurations. In various alternative embodiments, referring to fig. 14, proximal leg 244p and distal leg 244d of staple 240 extend outwardly away from each other and/or in directions that are non-parallel to each other. In at least one such example, staple legs 244p, staple legs 244d, and crowns 242 of staples 240 form a substantially V-shaped configuration when staples 240 are in their unfired configurations. In such configurations, legs 244p and 244d of staple 240 can be in contact with and resiliently biased inwardly from the sidewalls of staple cavity 234a, which can resiliently retain staple 240 in staple cavity 234 a.

In addition to the above, the retainer 260 extends at least partially around the bottom of the cartridge body 232 and is configured to prevent the staples 240, 240', and/or sled 250 from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 232.

Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the driver 246 of the staple 240 comprises a driver portion of the staple 240. The longitudinal ramps 255 of the sled 250 are configured to sequentially engage and slide under the drivers 246 of the staples 240 to lift the staples 240 upwardly within the staple cavities 234a toward the anvil 120. The cam surface 245 of each staple 240 is defined on the proximal face of the driver 246 and includes the point at which the sled 250 begins to contact the staple 240. The driver 246 of each staple 240 is defined within a drive plane 241c that is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the longitudinal ramp 255. A cam surface 245 is also defined within the drive plane 241 c. It should be understood that the cam surface 245 and/or the driver 246 include a width or thickness, and the drive plane 241c may include the width of the cam surface 245 and/or the driver 246.

Referring again to fig. 8 and 9, connectors 248p and 248d separate legs 244p and 244d, respectively, from crown 242 of staple 240. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the drive planes 241c of the staples 240 are laterally offset from the staple leg planes 241s of the staples 240. As also shown in fig. 8 and 9, the drive plane 241c of the staple 240 is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the staple leg plane 241s of the staple 240. In such examples, the drive planes 241c of the longitudinal rows of staples 240 are aligned with each other along the longitudinal drive axis. The longitudinal drive axis is parallel and adjacent to the longitudinal firing axis, which is aligned with the staple leg plane 241s, as described above.

Referring again to fig. 8-10, the longitudinal ramp 255 does not engage the proximal connector 248p or the distal connector of the nail 240. Similarly, longitudinal ramp 255 does not engage legs 244p and 244d of staple 240. Moreover, none of the slides 250 partially engage the proximal connector 248p, proximal legs 244p, distal connector 248p, and distal legs 244d of staple 240. Conversely, as sled 250 moves distally during the firing stroke, longitudinal ramps 255 directly engage cam surfaces 245 of staples 240. As the sled 250 moves distally, the longitudinal ramps 255 slide under the cam surfaces 245 and sequentially lift the staples 240 upward toward the anvil 120 between the unfired position (fig. 11) and the fired position (fig. 12). In other words, staples 240 slide longitudinal ramps 255 within staple cavities 234a upward toward their fired positions, as shown in FIG. 12.

In addition to the above, referring primarily to fig. 10, the drive surfaces 245 of the staples 240 do not extend into the proximal connector 248 p. The drive device 246 includes a notch or protrusion 247 that separates the drive surface 245 from the proximal connector 248 p. In various examples, the notch 247 is defined in the drive plane 241 c. In at least one example, the notch 247 extends into the proximal connector 248 p. Notch 247 is configured to ensure that sled 250 contacts driver 246 of staple 240, i.e., within drive plane 241c of staple 240, rather than proximal connector 248p and/or proximal leg 244 p. The notch 247 also provides a clear contour between the driver 246 and the proximal connector 248p so that the cam surface 245 does not distort out of the drive plane 241 c. Moreover, notches 247 separate drive plane 241c from a vertical plane that includes proximal staple leg 244 p.

Similar to the above, the drive surface 245 does not extend into the distal connector 248 d.

In addition to the above, the drive surface 245 of the staple 240 extends at an angle that matches, or at least substantially matches, the angle of the longitudinal ramp 255 of the sled 250. That is, any suitable angle may be used.

In at least one example, in addition to the above, each staple 240 is positioned completely below the deck 233 of the cartridge body 232 when the staple 240 is in its unfired position. In such examples, the staple legs 244 of the staples 240 do not extend above the deck 233 when the staples 240 are in their unfired positions. In use, when the staples 240 are fired, the tips 246 of the staple legs 244 are exposed above the deck 233. Such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of staples 240 snagging patient tissue as staple cartridge 230 moves relative to the tissue.

In various examples, in addition to the above, the tips 246 of staple legs 244p and/or 244d extend above deck 233 when staples 240 are in their unfired positions. Referring primarily to fig. 4 and 6, the cartridge body 232 further comprises projections 236 extending above the deck 233 that are configured to at least partially surround the tips 246 when the staples 240 are in their unfired positions. The length of staple legs 244p and 244d are selected such that when staples 240 are in their unfired positions, tips 246 are positioned below the top surface of protrusions 236. In certain aspects, the projections 236 extend the staple cavities 234 above the deck 233. Such an arrangement may allow for larger or taller staples to be used while providing protection for the staples even if they extend above the deck 233. The projections 236 are also configured to guide the staple legs 244 as the staple 240 is ejected from the staple cavity 234.

In addition to the above, the staples 240 reach their fully fired configuration as the top surfaces 253 of the longitudinal ramps 255 pass below the bottom surfaces of the staples 240. Turning now to fig. 12, the staples 240 have nearly reached the top surface 253 of the longitudinal ramps 255, and thus have nearly reached their fully fired configuration. Once the top surface 253 moves distally relative to the deformed staples 240 and disengages from the deformed staples 240, the elastic reaction force and/or potential energy stored within the deformed staples 240 may push a portion of the deformed staples 240 back into the staple cavities 234a from which the deformed staples are ejected.

Referring again to fig. 11 and 12, anvil 120 includes forming pockets configured to deform staples 240 and 240'. Each forming pocket includes, for example, a proximal forming cup 124p configured to receive proximal staple leg 244p of staple 240, and a distal forming cup 124d configured to receive distal staple leg 244d of staple 240. Proximal forming cup 124p is configured to deform proximal staple leg 244p inwardly toward distal staple leg 244 d. Similarly, distal forming cup 124d is configured to deform distal staple leg 244d inwardly toward proximal staple leg 244 p. Other embodiments are contemplated in which one or both of legs 244p and 244d are bent away from each other and/or outward in any other suitable direction. Referring again to fig. 12, staples 240 and 240' are deformed into a B-shaped configuration by anvil 120; however, the anvil 120 may be configured to deform the staples 240 and 240' into any suitable configuration.

As noted above, the end effector 100 can be used with the staple cartridge 100, or alternatively, the staple cartridge 200 can be used. As a result, the anvil 120 is configured to deform the staples 140 of the staple cartridge 100 and the staples 240, 240' of the additional staple cartridge 200. In other words, each forming pocket defined in the anvil 120 is configured to deform staples 140 made of bent wire and staples 240 or 240' stamped from, for example, a flat strip of material. For example, referring primarily to fig. 6, proximal forming cup 124p of the forming pocket is configured to deform proximal leg 144 of staple 140 and proximal leg 244p of staple 240. The proximal forming cups 124p of the forming pockets are also configured to deform the proximal staple legs 244p 'if the staples 240' are aligned with the forming pockets instead of the staples 240. Similar to the above, distal forming cup 124d of the forming pocket is configured to deform distal staple leg 144 of staple 140 and distal staple leg 244d of staple 240. Likewise, if staple 240 'is aligned with a forming pocket other than staple 240, distal forming cup 124d of the forming pocket is also configured to deform distal staple leg 244 d'.

In addition to the above, staple cavities 134, 234a of staple cartridge 130 and staple cavities 230 can be aligned with the forming pockets of anvil 120 such that tips 146, 246 of staples 140 and 240 strike the same points or targets within forming cups 124p, 124d, depending on which staple cartridge is attached to end effector 100. It should be appreciated that due to variations in tissue composition, for example, the tip 146 and the tip 246 may not actually strike the same target in the forming cup 124p and the forming cup 124 d. That is, the forming cavities of anvil 120 are configured to guide legs 144 of staples 140 and legs 244p, 244d of staples 240 into a desired alignment. To this end, the proximal forming cup 124p includes guide walls 126p and the distal forming cup 124d includes guide walls 126d configured to guide and form the legs of the staples 140, 240, and 240' into a desired configuration.

Referring again to fig. 7, the staple 240 includes a tissue engaging surface 243 defined on the top surface of the crown 242. Surfaces 243 of staples 240 are configured to support and/or apply pressure to tissue captured within staples 240 when staples 240 are formed into their fired configurations. Referring now to fig. 11, when the staples 240 are in their unfired positions, the surfaces 243 of the staples 240 are positioned below the deck 233 of the cartridge body 232. When the staples 240 are moved to their fired positions, turning now to FIG. 12, the surface 243 is at least partially exposed above the deck 233. In other words, the sled 250 at least partially overdrives the staples 240. In such examples, as the staples 240 deform, the surfaces 243 of the staples 240 can abut and apply pressure to the tissue. In certain examples, only a portion of the surface 243 above the deck 233 is overdriven when the staples 240 are in their fully fired positions. In other examples, the entire surface 243 above the deck 233 is overdriven when the staples 240 are in their fully fired positions. Such an arrangement may apply a substantial amount of clamping pressure to the tissue, which may reduce bleeding therein.

In various examples, in addition to the above, the driver 246 of the staple 240 remains at least partially below the deck 233 when the surface 243 of the staple 240 has been overdriven above the deck 233. In some examples, the staples 240 are configured such that the driver 246 is not exposed above the platform 233 regardless of the amount that the surface 243 is overdriven above the platform 233. In such examples, the entire drive device 246 remains below the deck 233 during the staple firing process. In at least one example, the cam surface 245 of the staple 240 is not exposed above the deck 233 when the staple 240 is overdriven. In various examples, the top surface 253 of the longitudinal ramp 255 does not extend above the deck 233, meaning that the sled 250 does not drive the entire staple 240 above the deck 233 during the staple firing process.

In addition to the above, it should be understood that the projection 236 extends above the platform 233. As shown in fig. 12, slide 250 is configured to at least partially overdrive surface 243 of staple 240 above tab 236. In such examples, surface 243 is at least partially raised above protrusion 236 when staples 240 are moved to their fully fired positions. In certain examples, only a portion of the surface 243 above the protrusions 246 is overdriven when the staples 240 are in their fully fired positions. In other examples, the entire surface 243 above the protrusions 246 is overdriven when the staples 240 are in their fully fired positions. Such an arrangement may apply a substantial amount of clamping pressure to the tissue, which may reduce bleeding therein.

In addition to the above, tissue engaging surface 243 may directly engage or contact tissue. In other examples, adjunct material, such as a sheet of buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator, for example, can be positioned on deck 233 of staple cartridge 230 and tissue engaging surface 243 can directly engage or contact the adjunct material. References to the adjunct materials disclosed herein are incorporated by reference elsewhere in this application.

Referring again to fig. 7, the tissue engaging surface 243 includes a flat portion, a first beveled portion on a first side of the flat portion, and a second beveled portion on a second side of the flat portion. Such an arrangement can apply pressure to tissue captured within the staples 240 from three directions. That is, tissue engaging surface 243 may comprise any suitable configuration, such as, for example, a completely flat configuration or a rounded configuration.

As noted above, referring again to fig. 6, staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are selectively and interchangeably usable with end effector 100. As also described above, staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are removably attached to jaw 110. In various alternative embodiments, staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 each comprise a complete jaw that is attachable to and detachable from frame 190 of end effector 110. In such instances, the clinician can remove the entire staple cartridge jaw from the end effector 110 and replace it with another entire staple cartridge jaw — which has not been fired and includes, for example, the type of staples and/or the pattern of staples desired by the clinician.

In addition to the above, it should be understood that FIG. 6 is an illustration intended to demonstrate that end effector 100 can be used with staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230. Although both staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are shown in FIG. 6, it should be understood that staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are not used simultaneously within the same end effector 100. That is, various embodiments are contemplated in which staple cartridges utilize wire staples, as well as additional staples formed, for example, from one or more sheets of material. In at least one embodiment, for example, a staple cartridge comprises staples 140 and staples 240 removably stored therein. Other embodiments are contemplated in which staple cartridges include, for example, staples 140, staples 240, and staples 240'.

Referring to fig. 20, in addition to the above, the staple cartridge 430 includes a cartridge body 432 that includes a deck 433 and a longitudinal slot 135 defined therein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines a longitudinal slot axis 139 extending through a center thereof. The staple cartridge 430 further includes a first or inner longitudinal row of staple cavities 434a, a second or middle longitudinal row of staple cavities 434b, and a third or outer longitudinal row of staple cavities 434c on one side of the longitudinal slot 135. The staple cartridge 430 further includes a first or inner longitudinal row of staple cavities 434a ', a second or intermediate longitudinal row of staple cavities 434b ', and a third or outer longitudinal row of staple cavities 434c ' on the other side of the longitudinal slot 135. In many respects, staple cavities 434a, 434a ', 434b, and 434b' are similar to left-handed staple cavity 234a (fig. 4 and 6). The staple cavities 434c and 434c' are similar in many respects to the staple cavities 134 (fig. 2 and 6). Staples 240 are removably stored in staple cavities 434a, 434a ', 434b, and 434 b'. Staples 140 are removably stored in staple cavities 434c and 434 c'.

Referring to fig. 21, the staple cartridge 430 further comprises a sled 450 configured to eject the staples 140 and 240 from the cartridge body 432. The sled 450 includes a longitudinal ramp 455a configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434a, a longitudinal ramp 455a 'configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434a', a longitudinal ramp 455b configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434b, and a longitudinal ramp 455b 'configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434 b'. The sled 450 also includes a longitudinal ramp 455c configured to eject the staples 140 from the staple cavities 434c, and a longitudinal ramp 455c 'configured to eject the staples 140 from the staple cavities 434 c'. More specifically, the staple cartridge 430 includes a row of staple drivers configured to support and/or engage the staples 140 stored in the staple cavities 434c and a row of staple drivers configured to support and/or engage the staples 140 stored in the staple cavities 434c ', and, as the sled 450 is advanced distally, the longitudinal ramps 455c and 455c ' of the sled 450 engage the staple drivers to lift the staples 140 upwardly within the staple cavities 434c and the longitudinal ramps 434c ' and deform the staples 140 against an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge 430. For example, these staple driving devices may be similar in many respects to the staple driving device shown in FIG. 3A.

In addition to the above, staple cavities 434a are located along longitudinal axis 437a, staple cavities 434b are located along longitudinal axis 437b, and staple cavities 434c are located along longitudinal axis 437 c. Similarly, staple cavities 434a 'are located along longitudinal axis 437a', staple cavities 434b 'are located along longitudinal axis 437b', and staple cavities 434c 'are located along longitudinal axis 437 c'. The distance between the longitudinal axis 437a and the longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 437a' and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 437a' is staggered or laterally offset compared to the longitudinal axis 437 a. Similarly, the distance between longitudinal row staple cavities 434a and longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal row staple cavities 434a' and longitudinal slot 135. Additionally, the distance between the longitudinal axis 437b and the longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 437b' and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 437b' is staggered or laterally offset compared to the longitudinal axis 437 b. Similarly, the distance between longitudinal row staple cavities 434b and longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal row staple cavities 434b' and longitudinal slot 135. In contrast, longitudinal axis 437c and longitudinal axis 437c' are equidistant from longitudinal slot axis 139. Accordingly, longitudinal rows of staple cavities 343c and staple cavities 343c' are equidistant from longitudinal slot 135.

The longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in staple cartridge 430 are not evenly spaced. In many aspects, the spacing between longitudinal rows is different. As shown in fig. 20, the spacing of longitudinal staple row lumens 434a, 434b, and 434c on one side of longitudinal slot 135 is different than the spacing of longitudinal staple row lumens 434a ', 434b ', and 434c ' on the other side of longitudinal slot 135.

In addition to the above, the longitudinal axis 437a ', the longitudinal axis 437b ', the longitudinal axis 437c, and the longitudinal axis 437c ' comprise drive axes. These drive axes are aligned with the drive portions of the staples 240 and the cam surfaces of the staple driving device that support the staples 140, as the case may be. The longitudinal slope of the slide 450 is aligned with these drive axes. For example, referring to fig. 20 and 21, the longitudinal ramp 455a of the slider 450 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437 a. Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 455b is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437b, and the longitudinal ramp 455c is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437 c. Likewise, the longitudinal ramps 455a 'are aligned with the longitudinal axis 437a', the longitudinal ramps 455b 'are aligned with the longitudinal axis 437b', and the longitudinal ramps 455c 'are aligned with the longitudinal axis 437 c'. To this end, the longitudinal slope 455a and longitudinal axis 437a are a distance 457a from the longitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal slope 455b and longitudinal axis 437b are a distance 457b from the longitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinal slope 455c and longitudinal axis 437c are a distance 457c from the longitudinal slot axis 139. Similarly, the longitudinal slope 455a ' and longitudinal axis 437a ' are a distance 457a from the longitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal slope 455b ' and longitudinal axis 437b ' are a distance 457b from the longitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinal slope 455c ' and longitudinal axis 437c ' are a distance 457c ' from the longitudinal slot axis 139.

As can be seen in fig. 21, distance 457a ', distance 457b, and distance 457b' are all unequal. They are all different. As a result, the rails of slider 450 are asymmetrically spaced.

Referring to fig. 21, the sled 450 includes a central portion 451 that is configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridge body 432. The central portion 451 is sized and configured to be closely received within the slot 135 such that little, if any, lateral movement is permitted between the sled 450 and the cartridge body 432 so that the longitudinal ramps of the sled 450 remain properly aligned with the staples 240 and the staple driving device configured to drive the staples 140.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the outer rows of staples deployed from staple cartridge 430 are wire staples while the inner and middle rows of staples deployed from staple cartridge 430 are formed from flat stock and/or stamping. That is, other arrangements are contemplated. In at least one example, the middle and outer rows of staples deployed from the staple cartridge are wire staples, while the inner row of staples deployed from the staple cartridge are stamped staples, for example. In other examples, for example, the inner and middle rows of staples deployed from the staple cartridge are wire staples while the outer rows of staples deployed from the staple cartridge are stamped staples. When the staple cartridge deploys two or more linear rows of staples on one side of the longitudinal slot, two or more rows of staple drivers may be utilized to deploy staples from the staple cartridge. In various examples, the staple cartridge can utilize, for example, dual drive devices configured to deploy the wire staples from two longitudinal rows while the longitudinal rows comprising the wire staples are adjacent to each other. Other drive arrangement arrangements configured to be able to deploy more than two staples may be utilized, such as, for example, three staples and/or four staples.

As a result of the above, staple cartridge 430 produces an asymmetric pattern of staples in the tissue. In addition, staple cartridge 430 produces a first staple pattern in tissue on a first side of the cutting line and a second or different staple pattern in tissue on a second side of the cutting line.

Turning now to fig. 15-19, the staple cartridge 330 comprises a cartridge body 332 comprising a deck 333 and a longitudinal slot 135 defined therein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines a longitudinal slot axis 139 extending through a center thereof. Staple cartridge 330 further includes a first or inner longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a, a second or middle longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b, and a third or outer longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c on one side of longitudinal slot 135. Staple cartridge 330 also includes a first or inner longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a ', a second or intermediate longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b ', and a third or outer longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c ' on the other side of longitudinal slot 135. In many respects, staple cavities 334a, 334a ', 334b ', 334c and 334c ' are similar to left-hand staple cavity 234a (fig. 4 and 6). Staples 240 are removably stored in staple cavities 334a, 334a ', 334b ', 334c, and 334c '.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, staple cartridge 330 further comprises a sled 350 configured to eject staples 240 from cartridge body 332. The sled 350 includes a longitudinal ramp 355a configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334a, a longitudinal ramp 355a 'configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334a', a longitudinal ramp 355b configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334b, and a longitudinal ramp 355b 'configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334 b'. The sled 350 further includes a longitudinal ramp 355c configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334c and a longitudinal ramp 355c 'configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334 c'.

In addition to the above, staple cavities 334a are located along longitudinal axis 337a, staple cavities 334b are located along longitudinal axis 337b, and staple cavities 334c are located along longitudinal axis 337 c. Similarly, staple cavity 334a 'is located along longitudinal axis 337a', second staple cavity 334b 'is located along longitudinal axis 337b', and staple cavity 334c 'is located along longitudinal axis 337 c'. The distance between longitudinal axis 337a and longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal axis 337a' and longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337a' is staggered or laterally offset compared to the longitudinal axis 337 a. Similarly, the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a and longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a' and longitudinal slot 135.

Additionally, the distance between longitudinal axis 337b and longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal axis 337b' and longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337b' is staggered or laterally offset compared to the longitudinal axis 337 b. Similarly, the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b and longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b' and longitudinal slot 135. Also, the distance between longitudinal axis 337c and longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal axis 337c' and longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337c' is staggered or laterally offset compared to the longitudinal axis 337 c. Similarly, the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c and longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c' and longitudinal slot 135.

In addition to the above, longitudinal axis 337a ', longitudinal axis 337b ', longitudinal axis 337c, and longitudinal axis 337c ' comprise a drive axis. These drive axes are aligned with the drive portions of the staples 240. The longitudinal slope of the slider 350 is aligned with these drive axes. For example, the longitudinal ramp 355a of the slider 350 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337 a. Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 355b is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337b, and the longitudinal ramp 355c is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337 c. Likewise, the longitudinal ramp 355a 'is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337a', the longitudinal ramp 355b 'is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337b', and the longitudinal ramp 355c 'is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337 c'. To this end, longitudinal slope 355a and longitudinal axis 337a are a distance 357a from longitudinal slot axis 139, longitudinal slope 355b and longitudinal axis 337b are a distance 357b from longitudinal slot axis 139, and longitudinal slope 355c and longitudinal axis 337c are a distance 357c from longitudinal slot axis 139. Similarly, longitudinal slope 355a ' and longitudinal axis 337a ' are a distance 357a ' from longitudinal slot axis 139, longitudinal slope 355b ' and longitudinal axis 337b ' are a distance 357b ' from longitudinal slot axis 139, and longitudinal slope 355c ' and longitudinal axis 337c ' are a distance 357c ' from longitudinal slot axis 139.

Referring primarily to fig. 17, the sled 350 includes a central portion 351 that is configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridge body 332. The central portion 351 is sized and configured to be closely received within the slot 135 such that little, if any, lateral movement is permitted between the sled 350 and the cartridge body 332 so that the longitudinal ramps of the sled 350 remain properly aligned with the staples 240 and staple driving device.

Referring again to fig. 17, a gap 359a is defined between the central portion 351 of the slider 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355 a. Similarly, a gap 359b is defined between longitudinal ramp 355a and longitudinal ramp 355b, and a gap 359c is defined between longitudinal ramp 355b and longitudinal ramp 355 c. Gap 359a is smaller than gap 359b, and similarly, gap 359b is smaller than gap 359 c. Likewise, a gap 359a 'is defined between the central portion 351 of the slider 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355 a'. Similarly, a gap 359b 'is defined between longitudinal ramp 355a' and longitudinal ramp 355b ', and a gap 359c' is defined between longitudinal ramp 355b 'and longitudinal ramp 355 c'. Gap 359a 'is smaller than gap 359b', and similarly, gap 359b 'is smaller than gap 359 c'. Other arrangements are possible.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge body 332 showing the longitudinal channels defined therein which connect the staple cavities in the row of staple cavities and permit the longitudinal ramps of the sled 350 to pass through the cartridge body 332. For example, the channel 338a connects longitudinally with the staple cavity 334a and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355a of the sled 350. Similarly, the channel 338b is longitudinally connected to the staple cavity 334b and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355b of the sled 350, and further, the channel 338c is longitudinally connected to the staple cavity 334c and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355c of the sled 350. Moreover, the channel 338a ' is longitudinally connected to the staple cavity 334a ' and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355a ' of the sled 350, the channel 338b ' is longitudinally connected to the staple cavity 334b ' and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355b ' of the sled 350, and the channel 338c ' is longitudinally connected to the staple cavity 334c ' and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355c ' of the sled 350.

Turning now to FIG. 19, the anvil 320 is configured for use with a staple cartridge 330. The anvil 320 includes forming pockets 324 configured to deform staples 240 removably stored in the staple cartridge 330 as the staples 240 are ejected from the staple cartridge 330. The forming pockets 324 are arranged in six longitudinal rows that can be registered with the six longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge 330. For example, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327a that is configured to align with the staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 a. Similarly, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327b that may be aligned with the staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b, and further, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327c that may be aligned with the staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 c. Further, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327a 'configured to align with the leg planes of staples 240 stored in longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a', a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327b 'configured to align with the leg planes of staples 240 stored in longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b', and a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327c 'configured to align with the leg planes of staples 240 stored in longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 c'.

Examples

Embodiment 1-a surgical stapling system, comprising: a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and an end effector extending from the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end effector includes a frame, an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvil includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the end effector. The first staple cartridge assembly includes a first cartridge body including a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and an additional plurality of first staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first staple is comprised of a bent wire and is aligned with a forming pocket when the end effector is in the closed configuration. The surgical stapling system also includes a second cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the end effector in place of the first cartridge assembly. The second staple cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body comprising a second longitudinal row of staple cavities and an additional plurality of second staples removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each second staple is formed from a flat stock and is aligned with a forming pocket when the end effector is in the closed configuration.

Example 2-the surgical stapling system of example 1, wherein each forming pocket comprises a proximal forming cup and a distal forming cup.

Example 3-the surgical stapling system of examples 1 and 2, wherein each first staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a proximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a distal forming cup.

Example 4-the surgical stapling system of examples 1, 2, and 3, wherein each second staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a proximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a distal forming cup.

Example 5-the surgical stapling system of examples 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the end effector further comprises a jaw configured to receive a first cartridge assembly and a second cartridge assembly in place of the first cartridge assembly.

Example 6-the surgical stapling system of example 5, wherein the jaws are rotatable relative to the anvil to place the end effector in a closed configuration.

Example 7-the surgical stapling system of examples 5 and 6, wherein the anvil is rotatable relative to the jaws to place the end effector in a closed configuration.

Example 8-the surgical stapling system of example 1, wherein the first cartridge assembly comprises a first jaw configured to be attached to a frame, and wherein the second cartridge assembly comprises a second jaw configured to be attached to the frame.

Example 9-the surgical stapling system of example 8, wherein the anvil is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in a closed configuration.

Example 10-the surgical stapling system of examples 8 and 9, wherein when the first jaw is attached to the frame, the first jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the closed configuration, and wherein when the second jaw is attached to the frame, the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the closed configuration.

EXAMPLE 11-the surgical stapling system of examples 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6, 7,8, 9, and 10, wherein the first staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple drive device configured to push the first staple out of the first staple cavity, and wherein each second staple comprises an integrally formed staple drive device.

Example 12-a surgical stapling system, comprising: a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and an end effector extending from the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an undamped configuration and a clamped configuration. The end effector includes a frame, an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvil includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the end effector. The first staple cartridge assembly includes a first cartridge body including a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and an additional plurality of first staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first staple is comprised of a bent wire and is aligned with a forming pocket when the end effector is in a clamped configuration. The surgical stapling system also includes a second cartridge assembly that is attachable to the end effector as an alternative to the first cartridge assembly. The second staple cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body comprising a second longitudinal row of staple cavities and an additional plurality of second staples removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second staple is stamped from one or more flat pieces of material and is aligned with the forming pocket when the end effector is in the clamped configuration.

Example 13-the surgical stapling system of example 12, wherein each forming pocket comprises a proximal forming cup and a distal forming cup.

Example 14-the surgical stapling system of examples 12 and 13, wherein each first staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a proximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a distal forming cup.

Example 15-the surgical stapling system of examples 12, 13, and 14, wherein each second staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a proximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a distal forming cup.

Example 16-the surgical stapling system of examples 12, 13, 14, and 15, wherein the end effector further comprises a jaw configured to receive a first cartridge assembly and a second cartridge assembly that is an alternative to the first cartridge assembly.

Example 17-the surgical stapling system of example 16, wherein the jaws are rotatable relative to the anvil to place the end effector in a clamped configuration.

Example 18-the surgical stapling system of examples 16 and 17, wherein the anvil is rotatable relative to the jaws to place the end effector in a clamped configuration.

Example 19-the surgical stapling system of example 12, wherein the first cartridge assembly comprises a first jaw configured to be attached to the frame, and wherein the second cartridge assembly comprises a second jaw configured to be attached to the frame.

Example 20-the surgical stapling system of example 19, wherein the anvil is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in a clamped configuration.

Example 21-the surgical stapling system of examples 19 and 20, wherein when the first jaw is attached to the frame, the first jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the clamped configuration, and wherein when the second jaw is attached to the frame, the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the clamped configuration.

Example 22-the surgical stapling system of examples 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, wherein the first staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple drive device configured to push the first staple out of the first staple cavity, and wherein the second staple comprises an integrally formed staple drive device.

Example 23-a surgical fastening system, comprising: a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and an end effector extending from the distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end effector includes a frame and an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvil includes a forming pocket. The surgical fastening system also includes a first fastener cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the end effector. The first fastener cartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body comprising a first fastener cavity and an additional plurality of first fasteners removably stored in the first fastener cavity. Each first fastener is comprised of a bent wire and the first fastener cavity is aligned with the forming pocket when the end effector is in the closed configuration. The surgical fastening system also comprises a second fastener cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the end effector in place of the first fastener cartridge assembly, wherein the second fastener cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body comprising a second fastener cavity, and further wherein the plurality of second fasteners are removably stored in the second fastener cavity. Each second fastener is formed from a flat stock, and the second fastener cavities are aligned with the forming pockets when the end effector is in the closed configuration.

Example 24-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and staple cavities extending between the proximal and distal ends, the staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each staple is formed from a flat stock. Each staple includes a crown, a proximal leg, a distal leg (wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg define a staple leg plane), and an angled cam surface extending from the crown and integrally formed with the crown, wherein the angled cam surface defines a cam plane different from the staple leg plane. Each staple also includes a proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the proximal leg and the crown and a distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the distal leg and the crown, wherein the ramped cam surface does not extend from the proximal connector, and wherein the ramped cam surface does not extend from the distal connector. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a sled configured to engage the sloped cam surfaces of the staples and eject the staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

Example 25-the staple cartridge assembly of example 24, wherein the sloped cam surfaces are planar, and wherein the proximal and distal connectors are bent out of the cam planes toward the staple leg planes.

Example 26-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24 and 25, wherein the ramped cam surface comprises a proximal lead-in a cam plane.

Example 27-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, and 26, wherein each staple further comprises a gap notch between the proximal introduction end and the proximal connector, and wherein the gap notch is defined in the cam plane.

Example 28-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, 26, and 27, wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg of each staple extend outwardly from the crown in non-parallel directions when the staples are in an unfired configuration.

Example 29-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28, wherein when the staples are stored in the staple cavities, the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inwardly by the sidewalls of the staple cavities.

Example 30-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, wherein the sled does not engage the proximal and distal connectors of the staples during the staple firing stroke.

Example 31-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, wherein the entire ramped cam surface is positioned below the proximal and distal staple legs.

Example 32-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, wherein the sloped cam surface comprises an initial pickup point for the sled.

Example 33-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, staple cavities extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and additional staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein the staples are formed from one or more metal sheets. Each staple includes a crown, a proximal leg, a distal leg, and a cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the crown, wherein the cam surface defines a cam plane, and wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg are not in the cam plane. Each staple also includes a proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the proximal leg and the crown and a distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the distal leg and the crown, wherein the cam surface does not extend from the proximal connector. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a sled configured to engage the camming surfaces of the staples and eject the staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

Example 34-the staple cartridge assembly of example 33, wherein the cam surface is planar, and wherein the proximal and distal connectors are bent out of the cam plane.

Example 35-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33 and 34, wherein the camming surface comprises a proximal lead-in a cam plane.

Example 36-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, and 35, wherein each staple further comprises a gap notch between the proximal introduction end and the proximal connector, and wherein the gap notch is defined in the cam plane.

Example 37-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, 35, and 36, wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg of each staple extend outwardly from the crown in non-parallel directions when the staples are in an unfired configuration.

Example 38-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37, wherein when the staples are stored in the staple cavities, the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inwardly by the sidewalls of the staple cavities.

Example 39-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, 35, 36,37, and 38, wherein the sled does not engage the proximal connectors of the staples during the staple firing stroke.

Example 40-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, and 39, wherein the entire camming surface is positioned below the proximal and distal staple legs.

Example 41-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, and 40, wherein the cam surface comprises an initial pickup point for the sled.

Example 42-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a deck comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a firing member, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further includes a sled movable by the firing member toward the distal end during a firing stroke and a plurality of first staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each first staple is comprised of a bent wire. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a plurality of staple drivers configured to support the first staples, wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities during a firing stroke, and a plurality of second staples removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each second staple is formed from a flat stock and comprises an integrally formed driver, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the integrally formed driver of the second staple and eject the second staples from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

EXAMPLE 43A staple cartridge assembly of example 42, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 44-the staple cartridge assembly of example 42, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 45-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 42, 43, and 44, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a plurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each third staple is comprised of a bent wire.

Example 46-the staple cartridge assembly of example 45, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple driver is configured to support the third staples, and wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple driver during the firing stroke to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 47-the staple cartridge assembly of example 45, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers configured to support a third staple and be engaged by the sled to eject the third staple from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 48-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 42, 43, and 44, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a plurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each third staple is formed from a flat stock and comprises an integrally formed drive, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the integrally formed drive of the third staple and eject the third staple from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 49-the staple cartridge assembly of example 48, wherein a third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, wherein a second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the first longitudinal row of staple cavities and the third longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 50-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cutting member and a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body comprises a deck comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive the cutting member, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further includes a sled movable by the cutting member toward the distal end during a firing stroke and a plurality of first staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each first staple is comprised of a bent wire. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a plurality of staple drivers configured to support the first staples and an additional plurality of second staples, wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the first longitudinal staple cavities during a firing stroke and the plurality of second staples are removably stored in the second longitudinal staple cavities, wherein the second staples are stamped from one or more metal sheets, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the second staples and eject the second staples from the second longitudinal staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 51-the staple cartridge assembly of example 50, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities.

EXAMPLE 52-the staple cartridge assembly of example 50, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 53-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 50, 51, and 52, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a plurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each third staple is comprised of a bent wire.

Example 54-the staple cartridge assembly of example 53, wherein a third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple drive device is configured to support third staples, and wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drive device during a firing stroke to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 55-the staple cartridge assembly of example 53, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers configured to support a third staple and be engaged by the sled to eject the third staple from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 56-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a plurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the third staples are formed from one or more pieces of sheet metal, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the third staples and eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 57-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 50, 51, and 52, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slots, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the first longitudinal row of staple cavities and the third longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 58-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a deck comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a firing member and a plurality of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a sled movable by the firing member toward the distal end during a firing stroke, a first plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each first staple is comprised of a bent wire, and an additional plurality of staple drivers, wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the staple cavities during the firing stroke. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a plurality of second staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each second staple is formed from a flat stock and includes an integrally formed drive arrangement, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the integrally formed drive arrangement of the second staple and eject the second staples from the staple cavities during a firing stroke.

Example 59-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support tissue of a patient, and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a plurality of metal staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each metal staple includes a crown having a tissue contacting surface, a first leg connected to the crown, a second leg connected to the crown, and a drive device integrally formed with the crown. In addition, the staple cartridge assembly comprises a sled movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the drive of the metal staples and move each metal staple between an unfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the tissue contacting surface of the crown is positioned above the deck when the metal staples are in the fired position, and wherein the drive of the metal staples is at least partially positioned below the deck when the metal staples are in the fired position.

Example 60-the staple cartridge assembly of example 59, wherein the cartridge body further comprises guides extending from the deck, the guides configured to support and guide the staple legs above the deck when the metal staples are moved to the fired position, and wherein the tissue contacting surface of the crown is at least partially positioned above the guides when the metal staples are in the fired position.

Example 61-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 59 and 60, wherein the sled comprises one or more drive surfaces configured to engage a drive arrangement of metal staples, wherein each drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein the top surface of each drive surface is completely below the deck.

Example 62-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support tissue of a patient, and staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein the staples comprise crowns comprising a tissue-engaging surface, a first leg extending from the crowns, a second leg extending from the crowns, and a drive device integrally formed with the crowns. In addition, the staple cartridge assembly comprises a sled movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the drive arrangement of the staples and move the staples between an unfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the tissue engaging surface of the crown is at least partially positioned above the deck when the staples are in the fired position, and wherein the drive arrangement is at least partially positioned below the deck when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 63-the staple cartridge assembly of example 62, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a guide extending from the deck, the guide configured to support and guide the first staple leg above the deck as the staples are moved to the fired position, and wherein the tissue contacting surface of the crown is at least partially positioned above the guide when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 64-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 62 and 63, wherein the sled comprises a drive surface configured to engage a drive device of the staples, wherein the drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein the top surface is completely below the deck.

Example 65-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support tissue of a patient, and staple cavities defined in the deck. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein the staples comprise crowns comprising a tissue-engaging surface, a first leg extending from the crowns, a second leg extending from the crowns, and a drive device integrally formed with the crowns. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a firing member movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the firing member is configured to directly engage the drive arrangement of the staples and move the staples between an unfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the tissue engaging surface of the crown is positioned entirely above the deck when the staples are in the fired position, and wherein the drive arrangement is positioned entirely below the deck when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 66-the staple cartridge assembly of example 65, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a guide extending from the deck, the guide configured to support and guide the first staple leg above the deck as the staples are moved to the fired position, and wherein the tissue contacting surface of the crown is positioned fully partially above the guide when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 67-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 65 and 66, wherein the firing member comprises a drive surface configured to engage a drive arrangement of the staples, wherein the drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein the top surface is completely below the deck.

Example 68-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a deck comprising a tissue configured to support a patient, a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal slot axis, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a cutting member, and wherein the deck comprises a first deck portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second deck portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body also includes a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the first row of staple cavities is defined along a first longitudinal axis, and wherein a first distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis. The cartridge body also includes a second row of staple cavities defined in a second deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the second row of staple cavities is defined along a second longitudinal axis, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis, and wherein the second distance is different than the first distance. The staple cartridge assembly also includes staples removably stored in the first row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

Example 69-the staple cartridge assembly of example 68, further comprising a sled, wherein the sled comprises a first longitudinal ramp configured to eject staples from the first row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal ramp configured to eject staples from the second row of staple cavities.

Example 70-the staple cartridge assembly of example 69, wherein a first distance is defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot axis, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot axis.

Example 71-a fastener cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising a deck comprising tissue configured to support a patient, and a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal slot axis, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a cutting member, and wherein the deck comprises a first deck portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second deck portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body also includes a first row of fastener cavities defined in the first deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the first row of fastener cavities is defined along a first longitudinal axis, and wherein a first distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis. The cartridge body also includes a second row of fastener cavities defined in a second deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the second row of fastener cavities is defined along a second longitudinal axis, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis, and wherein the second distance is different than the first distance. The fastener cartridge assembly also includes fasteners removably stored in the first row of fastener cavities and the second row of fastener cavities, wherein the fasteners are formed from one or more sheets of material.

Example 72-the fastener cartridge assembly of example 71, wherein the first row of fastener cavities is closer to the longitudinal slot than the second row of fastener cavities.

Example 73-the fastener cartridge assembly of example 71, wherein the second row of fastener cavities is closer to the longitudinal slot than the first row of fastener cavities.

Example 74-the fastener cartridge assembly of examples 71, 72, and 73, further comprising a slide, wherein the slide comprises a first longitudinal ramp configured to eject fasteners from the first row of fastener cavities and a second longitudinal ramp configured to eject fasteners from the second row of fastener cavities.

Example 75-the fastener cartridge assembly of example 74, wherein the first longitudinal ramp is positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the second longitudinal ramp.

Example 76-the fastener cartridge assembly of example 74, wherein the second longitudinal ramp is positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the first longitudinal ramp.

EXAMPLE 77A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body comprising

A platform configured to support tissue of a patient, and a longitudinal slot defined in the platform, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a cutting member, and wherein the platform comprises a first platform portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second platform portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body also includes a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, and wherein a first distance is defined between the first row of staple cavities and the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body also includes a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second row of staple cavities and the longitudinal slot, and wherein the second distance is different than the first distance. The staple cartridge assembly also includes staples removably stored in the first row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

Example 78-the staple cartridge assembly of example 77, further comprising a sled, wherein the sled comprises a first longitudinal ramp configured to eject staples from the first row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal ramp configured to eject staples from the second row of staple cavities.

Example 79-the staple cartridge assembly of example 78, wherein a first distance is defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot.

Example 80-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 78 and 79, wherein each staple comprises a crown, a cam portion integrally formed with the crown, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the cam portion, and the tissue engaging portion is offset from the cam portion.

Example 81-the staple cartridge assembly of example 80, wherein the cam portions of the staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the tissue engaging portion.

EXAMPLE 82-the staple cartridge assembly of example 80, wherein the tissue engaging portions of the staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the cam portions.

Example 83-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

Example 84-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82, wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Moreover, various embodiments are also contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. In addition, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated by reference:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/822,970, now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0342603, entitled "ADAPTER ASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTION OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICES AND SURGICAL LOADING UNIT, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF", filed on 11/8/2015;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/921,890 entitled "appatus FOR endiscopic PROCEDURES" filed on 19/6/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2013/0282052;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/924,054 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING APPATUS" filed on 21.6.2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263545;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/257,063, now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0297199, entitled "ADAPTER ASSEMBLY WITH GIMBAL FOR INTERCONNECTION ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICES AND SURGICAL LOADING UNIT, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF", filed 4, 21/4/2014;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/674,152 entitled "DISPOSABLE HOUSINGS FOR ENCASING HANDLE ASSEMBLIES BLIES AND METHOD OF USE" filed 3/31/2015, now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0366560;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/672,973, now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0374366, entitled "ADAPTER ASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTION OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICES AND SURGICAL LOADING UNIT, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF", filed 3, 30/2015;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/672,731 entitled "ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES FOR INTERCONNECTION ELECTRICAL CHANNICAL HANDLEASSEMBLIES AND SURGICAL LOADING UNIT", filed 3, 30/2015, now U.S. patent application 2015/0374449; and

european patent application publication EP 3005956a1 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH SHIPPING WEDGE" published at 4/13/2016; and

PCT publication WO 2016/057225A1 entitled "HANDHELD ELECTRICAL CHARACTALIC SURGICAL SYSTEM" published at 4, 14, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated by reference:

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U.S. patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" published on 16.12.2008;

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U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

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U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040.

While various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, many modifications and variations to these embodiments may be implemented. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may also be replaced with a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The device disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or it may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the repair facility and/or surgical team may remove the device and, after cleaning and/or replacing certain components of the device, may reassemble the device for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the finishing assembly may be disassembled, cleaned/replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

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

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims (12)

1. A staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body, said cartridge body comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a platform configured to support tissue of a patient; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined in the deck;

a plurality of metal staples removably stored in said staple cavities, wherein each said metal staple comprises:

a crown comprising a tissue-contacting surface;

a first leg connected to the crown;

a second leg connected to the crown; and

a drive means integrally formed with the crown; and

a sled configured to move toward the distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the drive of the metal staples and move each of the metal staples between an unfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the first and second legs are configured to simultaneously deform toward the tissue contacting surface of the crown during the firing stroke, wherein the tissue contacting surface of the crown is positioned above the deck when the metal staples are in the fired position, and wherein the drive of the metal staples is positioned at least partially below the deck when the metal staples are in the fired position.

2. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said cartridge body further comprises a guide extending from said deck, said guide configured to support and guide said first and second legs above said deck when said metal staples are moved to said fired position, and wherein said tissue contacting surface of said crown is at least partially positioned above said guide when said metal staples are in said fired position.

3. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said sled comprises one or more drive surfaces configured to engage said drive means of said metal staples, wherein each said drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein said top surface of each said drive surface is entirely below said deck.

4. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said metal staples are manufactured using a stamping process.

5. A staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body, said cartridge body comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a platform configured to support tissue of a patient; and

a staple cavity defined in the deck;

a staple removably stored in the staple cavity, wherein the staple comprises:

a crown comprising a tissue engaging surface;

a first leg extending from the crown;

a second leg extending from the crown; and

a drive means integrally formed with the crown; and

a sled movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the drive of the staples and move the staples between an unfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the first and second legs are configured to simultaneously deform toward the tissue engaging surface of the crown during the firing stroke, wherein the tissue engaging surface of the crown is at least partially positioned above the deck when the staples are in the fired position, and wherein the drive is at least partially positioned below the deck when the staples are in the fired position.

6. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said cartridge body further comprises a guide extending from said deck, said guide configured to support and guide said first legs of said staples above said deck when said staples are moved to said fired position, and wherein said tissue engaging surfaces of said crowns are at least partially positioned above said guide when said staples are in said fired position.

7. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said sled comprises a drive surface configured to engage said drive means of said staples, wherein said drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein said top surface is entirely below said deck.

8. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said staples are stamped from a sheet of material.

9. A staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body, said cartridge body comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a platform configured to support tissue of a patient; and

a staple cavity defined in the deck;

a staple removably stored in the staple cavity, wherein the staple comprises:

a crown comprising a tissue engaging surface;

a first leg extending from the crown;

a second leg extending from the crown; and

a drive means integrally formed with the crown; and

a firing member movable toward said distal end during a firing stroke, wherein said firing member is configured to directly engage said drive of said staples and move said staples between an unfired position and a fired position during said firing stroke, wherein said first and second legs are simultaneously deformed when said staples are moved to said fired position, wherein said tissue engaging surface of said crown is positioned entirely above said deck when said staples are in said fired position, and wherein said drive is positioned entirely below said deck when said staples are in said fired position.

10. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 9, wherein said cartridge body further comprises a guide extending from said deck, said guide configured to support and guide said first legs of said staples above said deck when said staples are moved to said fired position, and wherein said tissue engaging surface of said crown is partially positioned above said guide when said staples are in said fired position.

11. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 9, wherein said firing member comprises a drive surface configured to engage said drive arrangement of said staples, wherein said drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein said top surface is entirely below said deck.

12. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 9, wherein said staples are formed using a stamping technique.

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