CN110099642B

CN110099642B - Bilaterally asymmetrical nail forming pocket pair

Info

Publication number: CN110099642B
Application number: CN201780080006.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; G·J·巴克斯; J·L·哈里斯
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2016-12-21
Filing date: 2017-10-30
Publication date: 2022-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-30
Also published as: MX2019007428A; CN110099642A; JP7110198B2; BR112019012209A2; JP2020501755A

Abstract

In various embodiments, a suturing assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly includes an anvil or the like configured to deform staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, a medial axis including a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis and the medial axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.

Description

Bilaterally asymmetrical nail forming pocket pair

Background

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments designed to staple and cut tissue 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 side elevational view of a surgical system including a handle assembly and a plurality of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that may be used therewith;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies of FIG. 1 operably coupled to the handle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-6;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged top view of a portion of the elastic spine assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-7;

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective, side elevational, and front elevational view of a firing member embodiment that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated with the elongate channel of the surgical end effector;

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 wherein the surgical staple cartridge has been at least partially fired and its firing member has been retracted to a starting position;

FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 with the firing member fully retracted to a starting position;

FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion depicted in FIG. 15 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated with the elongate channel of the surgical end effector;

FIG. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 18 with a surgical staple cartridge at least partially fired mounted therein and showing the firing member held in a locked position;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and elongate channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is an exploded side elevational view of portions of the anvil and elongate channel of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of the anvil embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a distal end portion of the anvil body portion of the anvil of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a cut-away end perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a closure member embodiment including a distal closure tube segment;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the closure member embodiment of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing the anvil mounting portion of the anvil in a fully closed position and the firing member thereof in a starting position;

FIG. 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 36 at the beginning of the opening procedure;

FIG. 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the underside of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with the anvil of the surgical end effector thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 with the anvil of the surgical end effector thereof in a first closed position;

FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 at the beginning of the firing process with the anvil in the first closed position and the firing member of the surgical end effector thereof having moved distally out of the starting position;

FIG. 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 with the anvil in the second closed position and the firing member having been advanced distally into the surgical staple cartridge of its surgical end effector;

FIG. 55 is a graphical comparison of firing energy versus time for different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies;

FIG. 56 is a graphical depiction of force versus firing improvement and which compares firing load versus firing distance percentage that the firing member has traveled for four different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies;

FIG. 57 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of angled side walls and a forming surface;

FIG. 58 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57 taken along line 59-59 in FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57 taken along line 60-60 in FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57 taken along line 61-61 in FIG. 58;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57 taken along line 62-62 in FIG. 58;

FIG. 63 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a forming surface having an entrance zone and an exit zone formed with different radii of curvature;

FIG. 64 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63 taken along line 65-65 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63 taken along line 66-66 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63 taken along line 68-68 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 69 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a pair of major side walls extending from a planar anvil surface to the pocket at a first angle, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of pocket side walls extending from the major side walls to the forming surface of the pocket at a second angle different from the first angle;

FIG. 70 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69 taken along line 71-71 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69 taken along line 72-72 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69 taken along line 73-73 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69 taken along line 74-74 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 75 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a major sidewall, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls, and wherein each pocket sidewall comprises a discrete sidewall portion;

FIG. 76 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75 taken along line 77-77 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75 taken along line 78-78 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75 taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75 taken along line 80-80 in FIG. 76;

FIG. 81 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a major side wall, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of contoured side walls;

FIG. 82 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81 taken along line 83-83 in FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81 taken along line 84-84 in FIG. 82;

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81 taken along line 85-85 in FIG. 82;

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81 taken along line 86-86 in FIG. 82;

FIG. 87 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket includes a forming surface having a groove defined therein;

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 taken along line 88-88 in FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is an enlarged view of a proximal forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangement shown in FIG. 88;

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 taken along line 90-90 in FIG. 87;

FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 87;

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 taken along line 92-92 in FIG. 87;

FIG. 93 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a forming surface having a zoned groove defined therein;

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93 taken along line 94-94 in FIG. 93;

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 93;

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93 taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 93;

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93 taken along line 97-97 in FIG. 93;

fig. 98 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a forming surface having a groove defined therein, and wherein the pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to a bridge of the pocket pair;

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 taken along line 99-99 in FIG. 98;

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 taken along

line

100 and 100 in FIG. 98;

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 taken along line 101-101 in FIG. 98;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 taken along line 102-102 in FIG. 98;

FIG. 103 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a forming surface having an entrance zone and an exit zone formed with different radii of curvature, and wherein each forming surface comprises a groove defined therein;

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 taken along lines 104-104 in FIG. 103;

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 taken along line 105-105 in FIG. 103;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 taken along line 106-106 in FIG. 103;

FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 taken along line 107-107 in FIG. 103;

FIG. 108 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of contoured side walls and a forming surface having a groove defined therein, and wherein the pocket is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to a bridge of the pocket pair;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108 taken along line 109-109 in FIG. 108;

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108 taken along line 110-110 in FIG. 108;

FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108 taken along line 111-111 in FIG. 108;

FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108 taken along line 112-112 in FIG. 108;

FIG. 113 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including proximal and distal forming pockets each including a forming surface having a groove defined therein, wherein the pockets are bilaterally symmetric with respect to a bridge of the pocket pair and rotationally asymmetric with respect to a central portion of the bridge;

FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113 taken along line 114 of FIG. 113;

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113 taken along line 115-115 in FIG. 113;

FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113 taken along line 116 of FIG. 113;

FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113 taken along line 117-117 in FIG. 113;

FIG. 118 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket different from the proximal forming pocket, wherein the pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to a bridge of a pocket pair, bilaterally symmetric with respect to a pocket axis of a pocket pair, and rotationally asymmetric with respect to a central portion of the bridge;

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 119 of FIG. 118;

FIG. 120 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 120-120 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 121 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 121-121 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 122-122 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 123-123 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 124-124 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 taken along line 125-125 in FIG. 118;

FIG. 126 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly in a fully clamped but non-parallel configuration;

FIG. 127 is a front view of a staple formed using the stapling assembly of FIG. 126;

FIG. 128 is a partial cross-sectional view of another suturing assembly in a fully clamped but non-parallel configuration;

FIG. 129 is a front view of a staple formed using the stapling assembly of FIG. 128;

FIG. 130 is a bottom view of an anvil comprising the same plurality of forming pockets;

FIG. 131 is a bottom view of an anvil including laterally varying pairs of forming pockets;

FIG. 132 is a bottom view of an anvil including longitudinally varying pairs of forming pockets;

FIG. 133 is a bottom view of an anvil including laterally and longitudinally varying pairs of forming pockets;

FIG. 134 is a table listing specific features of various shaped dimple arrangements;

FIG. 135 contains cross-sectional views of different shaped dimple arrangements corresponding to the various features listed in the table of FIG. 134;

FIG. 136 is a comparison of forming pocket arrangements, staples formed using those forming pocket arrangements, and the maximum force required to fire those staples against those forming pocket arrangements;

FIG. 137 is a table listing additional features of the shaped dimple arrangement shown in the table of FIG. 134;

FIG. 138 depicts staples in a fully formed configuration and an overdrive configuration formed utilizing a forming pocket arrangement in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 139 depicts staples in a fully formed configuration and an overdrive configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 140 depicts staples formed utilizing a forming pocket arrangement in a first stage and a second stage of a forming process in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 141 depicts the staple of FIG. 140 at a third stage and a fourth stage of the forming process formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 140;

FIG. 142 depicts staples formed utilizing a forming pocket arrangement in a first stage and a second stage of a forming process in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 143 depicts the staple of FIG. 142 at a third stage and a fourth stage of the forming process formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 142;

FIG. 144 depicts staples being formed at various stages of a forming process utilizing a forming pocket arrangement in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 145 depicts staples being formed at various stages of a forming process utilizing a forming pocket arrangement in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 146 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 147 is a comparison of a forming pocket arrangement with staples formed using a forming pocket arrangement;

FIG. 148 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 149 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 150 depicts staples formed in a fully formed configuration utilizing the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, wherein the staples contact the forming pockets in an aligned state;

FIG. 151 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 152 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in an aligned state;

FIG. 153 depicts staples in a fully formed configuration formed utilizing the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, wherein the staples contact the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 154 depicts staples formed utilizing the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57 in a fully formed configuration, wherein the staples contact the forming pockets in a misaligned state; and

FIG. 155 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state.

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 on even date herewith and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF"; attorney docket number END7980 USNP/160155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END7981 USNP/160156;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR minor END efffectors"; attorney docket number END7982 USNP/160157;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF"; attorney docket number END7983 USNP/160158;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES"; attorney docket number END7984 USNP/160159; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR"; attorney docket number END7985 USNP/160160.

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7986 USNP/160161;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END7987 USNP/160162;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7988 USNP/160163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES"; attorney docket number END7989 USNP/160164;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7990 USNP/160165;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7991 USNP/160166;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE"; attorney docket number END7992 USNP/160167;

U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "METHODS OF marking TISSUE"; attorney docket number END7993 USNP/160168;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; attorney docket number END7994 USNP/160169;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END7995 USNP/160170;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7996 USNP/160171;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END7997 USNP/160172;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT"; attorney docket number END7998 USNP/160173; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7999 USNP/160174;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; attorney docket number END8013 USNP/160175;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES"; attorney docket number END8014 USNP/160176;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL"; attorney docket number END8016 USNP/160178;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL comprisingwindows DEFINED THEREIN"; attorney docket number END8017 USNP/160179;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER"; attorney docket number END8018 USNP/160180;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT"; attorney docket number END8019 USNP/160181;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a locout"; attorney docket number END8020 USNP/160182;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY"; attorney docket number END8021 USNP/160183;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a FUSE"; attorney docket number END8022 USNP/160184; and

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE"; attorney docket number END8023 USNP/160185.

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements"; attorney docket number END8038 USNP/160186;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR minor stages"; attorney docket number END8039 USNP/160187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8041 USNP/160189;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8043 USNP/160191;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8044 USNP/160192;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; attorney docket number END8045 USNP/160193;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING bredths"; attorney docket number END8047 USNP/160195;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS"; attorney docket number END8048 USNP/160196;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS"; attorney docket number END8050 USNP/160198;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN ANGLE"; attorney docket number END8051 USNP/160199;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES"; attorney docket number END8052 USNP/160200;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES"; attorney docket number END8053 USNP/160201;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS"; attorney docket number END8054 USNP/160202;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8056 USNP/160204;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH"; attorney docket number END8057 USNP/160205;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8058 USNP/160206; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS"; attorney docket number END8059 USNP/160207.

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES"; attorney docket number END8000 USNP/160208;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING featurs"; attorney docket number END8001 USNP/160209;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER replacement patents"; attorney docket number END8002 USNP/160210;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8003 USNP/160211;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8004 USNP/160212; and

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "CONNECTION PORTION FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8005 USNP/160213.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT"; attorney docket number END8006 USNP/160214;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8007 USNP/160215;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SHAFT association summary active AND reliable SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8008 USNP/160216;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8009 USNP/160217;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO A ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8010 USNP/160218;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SHAFT association comprisinga locout"; attorney docket number END8011 USNP/160219; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS"; attorney docket number END8012 USNP/160220.

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8024 USNP/160221;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8025 USNP/160222;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8026 USNP/160223;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH Movable CAMMING MEMBER CONGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8027 USNP/160224;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8028 USNP/160225;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNFILES AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR"; attorney docket number END8029 USNP/160226;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8030 USNP/160227;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOBILE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8031 USNP/160228;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS"; attorney docket number END8032 USNP/160229;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "article subaltern minor END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT"; attorney docket number END8033 USNP/160230;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK"; attorney docket number END8034 USNP/160231;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8035 USNP/160232;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION"; attorney docket number END8036 USNP/160233; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8037 USNP/160234.

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. 15/191,775 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

-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 serial No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE comprisingoverdriven stamps"; and

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

-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 applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 1/4/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325 entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,263 entitled "minor entering HANDLE association WITH robust GRIP support";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,262 entitled "rolling POWERED minor inserting WITH manual active ballout SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,258 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE selection OF recording OF TISSUE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTING COMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,339 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO applied ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,331 entitled "artificial MODIFICATION machinery FOR minor platform";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,336 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH atraumatc featurs";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM compositional ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL".

The applicant of the present application also has the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,488 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,525 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CICUITS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 9/2/2016 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TESTIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,254 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,259 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,275 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 18/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,914 entitled "MOVABLE filing bed SUPPORT FOR easy maintenance letters";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED minor instroment," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795 entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE time composition testing FOR ADAPTIVE close circuit testing FOR MULTIPLE time property TYPES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935 entitled "OVERAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831 entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREASING OF MOTOR FOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STATIONITY, CREPE, AND VISCELATIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256187;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,817 entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844 entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837 entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON a rotable SHAFT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256161;

the applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on day 27 of month 2 of 2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLISING AN INSPECTION STATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIRORRED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560 entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249910;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,566 entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT energy EMERGENCY resolution FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548 entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249909;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,526 entitled "adaptive minor insert HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,541 entitled "MODULAR station association" and now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917;

the applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed on 12/18/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR article minor applications, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING argemenets FOR detecting short SHAFT electromagnetic assembly WITH incorporated END effects", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FILING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 3/1 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295 entitled "Integrated Surgical Instruments With reduced Pathways For Signal Communication," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "Rotary Power engineering Joints For scientific Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb Switch arrays For Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,499 entitled "electrochemical Device with Signal Relay Arrangement", now U.S. patent 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460 entitled "Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "journal Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "Sensor straight End Effect During Removal Through Trocar", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518 entitled "Control Methods for scientific Instruments with Removable implementation procedures", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "road Power Surgical Instruments With Multiple details of Freedom", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "Surgical Instrument Soft Stop", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/14 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193 entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210 entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148 entitled "Multi-functional Motor FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR ARTICULATE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159 entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",

now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 3/7/2014 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 26/3/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "serilization version CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF Battery improvements/Process COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093 entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272578;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272570;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126 entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,081 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED circui", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTT SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 5/9/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066910;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR' S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066909;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "polar OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066915;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066911;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR power MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108 entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TIMSSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 9/4/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0305987, entitled "Motor drive vehicle INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWER LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591 entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED minor platform," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 16.4.2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE functional electronic BY a SINGLE MOTOR";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,376 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,382 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND piston GRIP";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,372 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE functional PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

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, an element of a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having 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 envisioned 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. 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. The firing member also includes 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.

Fig. 1 illustrates a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, one example of the surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300 and 1000, each adapted to be interchangeably used with the handle assembly 500. Each interchangeable

surgical tool assembly

100, 200, 300, and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, an interchangeable surgical tool assembly can be operatively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled surgical system or an automated surgical system. For example, the SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods disclosed in, such as but not limited to, U.S. patent No. 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL station inserting INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic station systems and methods," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 2 illustrates one form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. Fig. 3 illustrates the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500. The attachment arrangement and method depicted in fig. 3 may also be used in connection with the attachment of any of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and 1000 to the tool drive portion or tool driver housing of the robotic system. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 including a pistol grip portion 504 that may be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed briefly below, the handle assembly 500 operably supports a plurality of drive systems configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and/or 1000 operably attached thereto.

Referring now to fig. 3, the handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 may operably support a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 510, which may be used to impart closing and opening motions to interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and/or 1000 operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 pivotally supported by the frame 506. Such an arrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from the starting or "unactuated" position to the "actuated" position and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to or otherwise operably connected with the closure trigger 512. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system, the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTING A SENSOR SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to achieve a full closure stroke, the closure drive SYSTEM is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 in a fully depressed or fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates the closure release button assembly 518 which enables the closure trigger to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the configuration and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 can operably support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, that is configured to apply a firing motion to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly attached thereto. As described in detail in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in fig. 1-3) located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor may be, for example, a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of about 25,000 RPM. In other constructions, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor may be powered by a power source 522, which in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support multiple lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries, which may be connected in series, may be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. Further, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor is configured to axially drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor is driven in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly 500 may further include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. Actuation of the motor may be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (fig. 1) pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, the firing trigger may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 512 as discussed above. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent accidental actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is housed in the handle assembly 500, in which case the safety button is not readily accessible to the clinician and moved between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 may be fired. When the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivots downward, which may then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a rack gear (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor. Further details regarding these features can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575. At least one form further includes a manually actuatable "rescue" assembly configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 with the motor disabled. The rescue assembly may comprise a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 below the release door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member 540. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member 5400 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent application serial No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL stapling AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH manual retraction FIRING SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent 8,608,045, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses a rescue arrangement and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed WITH the various SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to fig. 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a surgical end effector 110 that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 112 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second jaw includes an anvil 114 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 112. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockable articulation joint 120 that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 110 in a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the various configurations and operations of the end effector 110, ARTICULATION joint 120 and ARTICULATION LOCK are set forth in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) entitled "ARTICULATION joint actuation assembly AN ARTICULATION LOCK". As can be further seen in fig. 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can include a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 114 of the end effector 110. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on a spine 145 that supports an articulation driver arrangement 147 for applying articulation motions to the surgical end effector 110. The ridge 145 is configured to: first, a firing bar 170 is slidably supported therein; second, the closure tube assembly 140, which extends around the spine 145, is slidably supported. In various instances, the spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported in the base 150. See fig. 3. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the base 150. This arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the ridge 145 to the base 150 such that the ridge 145 can be selectively rotated relative to the base 150 about the axis SA.

Still referring to fig. 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a closure shuttle 160 that is slidably supported within the base 150 such that it can move axially relative thereto. As can be seen in fig. 3, the closure shuttle 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured for attachment to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to a closure linkage assembly 514 in the handle assembly 500. The proximal closure tube segment 146 of the closure tube assembly 140 is coupled to the closure shuttle 160 for rotation relative thereto. Thus, when the hook 162 is hooked on the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will cause the closure shuttle 160, and ultimately the closure tube assembly 140 on the spine 145, to move axially. A closure spring (not shown) may also be journaled on the closure tube assembly 140 and serve to bias the closure tube assembly 140 in the proximal direction "PD," which may serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly 100 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 114, for example, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube segment 142 that is pivotally pinned to a distal end of a proximal closure tube segment 146. The distal closure tube segment 142 is configured to move axially with the proximal closure tube segment 146 relative to the surgical end effector 110. When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes a proximal surface or flange 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 pivots closed. Further details regarding the closing of the anvil 114 may be found in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, and will be discussed in further detail below. As also described in detail in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 is opened by proximally translating the distal closure tube segment 142. The distal closure tube segment 142 has a horseshoe-shaped aperture 143 therein defining a downwardly extending return tab (not shown) that cooperates with an anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of the anvil 114 to pivot the anvil 114 back to the open position. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its most proximal or unactuated position.

Also as described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 145. The firing bar 170 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar configured for axial advancement through the surgical end effector 110. In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly (not shown) that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple an articulation driver to the firing bar 170. Further details regarding the features and operation of the clutch assembly may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, when the clutch assembly is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the articulation driver arrangement 147 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the articulation driver arrangement 147 proximally. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transferred to the articulation driver arrangement 147, and thus, the firing bar 170 may move independently of the articulation driver arrangement 147. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can further include a slip ring assembly (not shown) that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 110 and/or transmit signals to and/or from end effector 110. More details regarding slip ring assemblies may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent 9,345,481 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Still referring to fig. 3, the base 150 has formed thereon at least one and preferably two tapered attachment portions 152 adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506. Each dovetail slot 507 may be tapered or, in other words, may be slightly V-shaped to seatingly receive the tapered attachment portion 152 therein. As can be further seen in fig. 3, a shaft attachment ear 172 is formed on the proximal end of the firing shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment ears 172 are received in firing shaft attachment brackets 542 formed in the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also employs a latch system 180 for releasably locking the shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the latch system 180 includes a locking member or yoke 182 movably coupled to the base 150. The lock yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting lock ears 184 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal attachment flange of the frame 506. In various forms, the lock yoke 182 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member. Actuation of the lock yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted to the base 150. The latch button 186 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 182. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 182 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 186 in the distal direction DD, which also pivots the lock yoke 182 out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 182 is "held in engagement" with the distal attachment flange of the frame 506, the lock ears 184 remain seated within corresponding lock pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506. More details regarding the latching system can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541.

The attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to fig. 3. To begin the coupling process, the clinician may position the base 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 over or near the distal end of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portion 152 formed on the base 150 is aligned with the dovetail slot 507 in the frame 506. The clinician may then move the surgical tool assembly 100 along the mounting axis IA, which is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA, to place the tapered attachment portion 152 in "operable engagement" with a corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, the shaft attachment ears 172 on the firing shaft 170 will also seat in the brackets 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540, and the portion of the pin 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in the corresponding hook 162 in the closure shuttle 160. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with one another such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may perform their intended action, function, and/or procedure.

Returning now to fig. 1, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and 1000, each of which may be effectively used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform a different surgical procedure. The construction of an exemplary form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is briefly discussed above and is discussed in further detail in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. Various details regarding interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

200 and 300 may be found in various U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 will be discussed in further detail below.

As shown in fig. 1, each of the

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and 1000 includes a pair of jaws, wherein at least one of the jaws is movable between an open position, in which tissue can be captured or manipulated between the two jaws, and a closed position; in the closed position, tissue is securely held between the jaws. The movable jaw or jaws move between an open position and a closed position upon application of closing and opening motions thereto by a robotic or automated surgical system to which the handle assembly or surgical tool assembly is operably coupled. In addition, each of the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assemblies includes a firing member configured to cut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge supported in one jaw in response to a firing motion applied thereto by the handle assembly or robotic system. Each surgical tool assembly may be uniquely designed to perform a particular procedure, e.g., for cutting and fastening a particular type and thickness of tissue within a particular region of the body. The closure, firing, and articulation control systems in the handle assembly 500 or robotic system may be configured to generate axial control motions and/or rotational control motions depending on the type of closure, firing, and articulation system configuration employed in the surgical tool assembly. In one arrangement, when a closure control system in a robotic system or handle assembly is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components (e.g., which may include a closure tube assembly as described above) moves axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance that the closure tube assembly moves when moving from its unactuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its "closure stroke length". Similarly, when the firing system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system control components (e.g., which may include a longitudinally movable drive member as described above) moves axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves when moving from its unactuated position to its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its "firing stroke length". For those surgical tool assemblies employing articulatable end effector arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ articulation control components that move axially through an "articulation drive stroke length". In many instances, the closure stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Thus, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be able to accommodate the closing, firing, and/or controlled movement of the articulation components through each of their all stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components as this may result in damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical tool components.

Turning now to fig. 4-10, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 that includes an elongate channel 1102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. End effector 1100 may also include an anvil 1130 pivotally supported relative to elongate channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (fig. 5 and 8-10) that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1100 in a desired articulated position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the construction and operation of the ARTICULATION LOCK 1210 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION motor locking system on exercise LOCK" (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). Additional details regarding ARTICULATION locks may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As seen in fig. 7, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 comprised of

nozzle portions

1302, 1304 and an actuator wheel portion 1306 configured to couple to the assembled

nozzle portions

1302, 1304 by snaps, ears, screws, or the like. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include a closure tube assembly 1400 that may be used to close and/or open an anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100, as will be discussed in further detail below. Referring now primarily to fig. 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can include a spine assembly 1500 that can be configured to support an articulation lock 1210. In the illustrated arrangement, the spine assembly 1500 includes a "resilient" spine or frame member 1510 that will be described in further detail below. The distal end portion 1522 of the resilient spine member 1510 is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operably supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As seen in fig. 7 and 8, the spine assembly 1500 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 1600 slidably supported therein; second, the closure tube assembly 1400 is slidably supported extending around the spine assembly 1500. The spine assembly 1500 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 1700.

As can be seen in fig. 10, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an end effector mounting assembly 1230. For example, in one arrangement, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame segment 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 4. This arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the end effector 1100 relative to the spine assembly 1500 about an articulation axis B-B.

Still referring to fig. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 that is adapted to operably engage a drive pin 1238 on a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. In addition, a cross-link 1237 may be connected to the drive pin 1238 and the articulation frame 1212 to assist in articulation of the end effector 1100. As mentioned above, more details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame 1212 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541). Additional details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-connect may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In various instances, the resilient spine member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 rotatably supported in the base 1800. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the resilient spine member 1510 has threads 1516 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the base 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of resilient spine member 1510 to base 1800 such that spine assembly 1500 may be selectively rotated relative to base 1800 about axis SA.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 that is slidably supported within the base 1800 in an axially movable manner relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 configured for attachment to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500, as discussed above. The proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for rotation relative thereto. For example, the U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into the annular slot 1414 in the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and is retained within the vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See fig. 7. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure tube segment 1410 to the closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring (not shown) is journaled on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 3) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500.

As noted above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. However, other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in fig. 10, the superior and

inferior tangs

1415, 1416 project distally from the distal end of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 for movable coupling to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 1430 of the closure tube assembly 1400. As can be seen in fig. 10, the distal closure tube segment 1430 includes upper and

lower tangs

1434, 1436 that project proximally from a proximal end thereof. The upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the

upper tangs

1415, 1434 of the proximal and distal

closure tube segments

1410, 1430, respectively. Similarly, the lower double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the

inferior tangs

1416 and 1436 of the proximal and distal

closure tube segments

1410 and 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 will cause the anvil 1130 to close and open relative to the elongate channel 1102.

As described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1500. In the exemplified embodiment, the firing member 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 7-10, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 in a distal end thereof, which may be configured to receive a tab (not shown) on a proximal end of the knife bar 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the knife bar 1610 may be sized and configured such that they allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 1612. The slide joint 1612 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 to move to articulate the end effector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 1610. Once the end effector 1100 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may be advanced distally until the proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 comes into contact with a tab on the knife bar 1610 in order to advance the knife bar 1610 and fire a staple cartridge 1110 positioned within the elongate channel 1102. As can be further seen in fig. 8 and 9, the resilient spine member 1520 has an elongated opening or window 1525 therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 into the resilient spine member 1520. Once the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 has been inserted into the resilient spine member 1520, the top frame segment 1527 may be engaged with the resilient spine member to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 and the knife bar 1610 therein. Further description of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a clutch assembly 1620, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1800 to the firing member assembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 1622 positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, wherein the lock sleeve 1622 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 1622 couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600 and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 proximally. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transferred to the articulation driver 1700, and thus, the firing member assembly 1600 may move independently of the articulation driver 1700. In various circumstances, when the firing member assembly 1600 does not move the articulation driver 1700 in the proximal or distal direction, the articulation driver 1700 can be held in place by the articulation lock 1210.

Referring primarily to fig. 7, the lock sleeve 1622 may include a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore 1624 defined therein and configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600. The locking sleeve 1622 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking

tabs

1626, 1628 and an outward facing locking member 1629. The locking

tabs

1626, 1628 can be configured to selectively engage the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. More specifically, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the

lock protrusions

1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive notch 1605 defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may be transferred from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received within a drive notch 1704 defined in the articulation driver 1700 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force applied to the locking sleeve 1622 may be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. Indeed, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the firing member assembly 1600, the lock sleeve 1622, and the articulation driver 1700 will move together. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the locking

tabs

1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600; and, as such, distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. Accordingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. In such instances, the firing member assembly 1600 can slide proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve 1622 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. The clutch assembly 1620 also includes a shift barrel 1630 engaged with the locking sleeve 1622. Additional details regarding the operation of the switch drum and locking sleeve 1622 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541 and serial No. 15/019,196). The switch barrel 1630 may also include at least partially

circumferential openings

1632, 1634 defined therein that may receive the circumferential mount 1305 extending from the

nozzle halves

1302, 1304 and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch barrel 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300. See fig. 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1300 to the point where the mounting bracket reaches the end of its

respective slot

1632, 1634 in the switch drum 1630 will cause the switch drum 1630 to rotate about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 will eventually cause the locking sleeve 1622 to move between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle 1300 may be used to operably engage and disengage an articulation drive system from a firing drive system in a variety of ways described in more detail in the following patent applications: U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541; and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196; each of these patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In the illustrated arrangement, the switching barrel 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switching barrel 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 of the moving plate 1638. In one example, the moving plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) provided in the locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with the articulation driver 1700. Further details regarding the operation of the moving plate and moving cylinder arrangement may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/868,718 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWER ARTICULATION," filed on 28.9.2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As also shown in fig. 7 and 8, interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a slip ring assembly 1640 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 1100 and/or to transmit signals to and/or from end effector 1100 back to, for example, a microcontroller or robotic system controller in the handle assembly. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 1640 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thinhouse SENSOR SYSTEM". As also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch barrel 1630.

Referring again to fig. 7, the base 1800 includes at least one and preferably two tapered attachment portions 1802 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formed within the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500, as discussed above. As can be further seen in fig. 7, a shaft attachment ear 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1602. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment ears 1605 are received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 542 formed in the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See fig. 3.

Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As seen in fig. 7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1812 movably coupled to the base 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 is U-shaped with two spaced apart downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have pivot ears (not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the base 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of lock yoke 1812 to base 1800. The locking yoke 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking ears 1818 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See fig. 3. In various forms, a spring or biasing member 1819 biases the lock yoke 1812 in a proximal direction. Actuation of the locking yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 that is mounted to the base 1800. The latch button 1820 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 1812. The locking yoke 1812 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1820 in a distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1812 out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 1812 is "held in engagement" with the distal end of the frame 506, the lock ears 1818 remain seated within the corresponding lock pawl or groove 509 in the distal end of the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the locking yoke 1812 includes at least one and preferably two locking hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding locking ear portions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the unactuated position, the lock yoke 1812 may be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the locking hook 1824 does not contact the locking ear portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closure shuttle 1420 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the lock yoke 1812 is accidentally bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 will contact the lock ears 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and prevent the lock yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position.

Still referring to fig. 10, the knife bar 1610 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected by welding or pinning together, for example, at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along their lengths. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminate or bands to expand relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows knife bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in fig. 10, intermediate support member 1614 is used to provide lateral support to knife bar 1610 as it bends to accommodate articulation of surgical end effector 1100. Further details regarding the intermediate support member and alternative knife bar support arrangement are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245. As also seen in fig. 10, a firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 1610.

FIG. 11 illustrates one form of a firing member 1660 that may be used with the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, the firing member 1660 includes a body portion 1662 that includes a proximally extending connector member 1663 configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 in the distal end of the knife bar 1610. See fig. 10. The connector 1663 may be retained within the connector opening 1614 by friction and/or welding or a suitable adhesive or the like. The body portion 1662 protrudes through an elongate slot 1104 in the elongate channel 1102 and terminates in foot members 1664 that extend laterally on each side of the body portion 1662. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot member 1664 rides in the elongate channel 1102 within the passageway 1105 positioned below the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As seen in fig. 11, one form of the firing member 1660 may also include a laterally protruding central tab, pin, or retainer feature 1680. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central retainer feature 1680 rides on the inner surface 1106 of the elongate channel 1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 also includes a tissue cutting edge or feature 1666 disposed between the distally projecting hook feature 1665 and the distally projecting top nose portion 1670. As can be further seen in fig. 11, the firing member 1660 can also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 1665. When the firing member 1660 is driven distally, a top portion of the body 1662 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 and the top anvil engagement features 1672 ride over corresponding bosses 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1134. See fig. 13 and 14.

Returning to FIG. 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operably connect with a sled assembly 1120 that is operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an ending position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. The cartridge body 1111 operably supports a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1114. The centrally disposed slot 1114 enables a firing member 1660 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers are associated with corresponding dimples 1116 which pass through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each staple driver supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of ramped or wedge-shaped cams 1122, wherein each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular row of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 1114. In the illustrated example, one cam 1122 is aligned with a row of "double" drivers that each support two staples or fasteners thereon, and the other cam 1122 is aligned with another row of "single" drivers on the same side of the slot 1114 that each operably supports a single surgical staple or fastener thereon. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired," there will be three rows of staples on each side of the tissue cut line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations can be employed to fire other staple/fastener arrangements. The sled assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 configured to be engaged by a hook portion 1665 of a firing member 1660. Thus, when the firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1660 also drives the sled assembly 1120 distally. As the firing member 1660 is moved distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting features 1666 cut tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and the sled assembly 1120 drives the drivers in the cartridge upward that drive the corresponding staples or fasteners into contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

In those embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it is desirable that the elongate shaft assembly be configured in such a way that: unless an unused staple cartridge is properly supported in the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100, the firing member is prevented from being accidentally advanced. For example, if a staple cartridge were not present at all and the firing member was advanced distally through the end effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if there is a spent staple cartridge in the end effector (i.e., a staple cartridge from which at least some staples have been fired) and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but may not be fully stapled. It will be appreciated that this situation may lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. U.S. patent 6,988,649 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", U.S. patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", U.S. patent 7,380,695 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCUT KOMECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING TRENCS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT MISSING" each disclose various FIRING member LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS. Each of those references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

An "unfired," "unused," "fresh," or "new" cartridge 1110 herein means that all of the fasteners of the cartridge 1110 are in their "ready to fire" positions. When in this position, the slider assembly 1120 is in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongate channel 1102 and can be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body that are configured to remain engaged with corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102. Fig. 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 disposed therein. As can be seen in those figures, the slider assembly 1120 is in a starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated, and more specifically, to prevent the firing member 1660 from being driven distally through the end effector 1110 in the event that an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has not been properly seated within the elongate channel 1102, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing member lockout system, generally designated 1650.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 15-19, in one form, the firing member lockout system 1650 includes a movable lock member 1652 configured to remain engaged with the firing member 1660 when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. The lock member 1652 comprises at least one laterally moving lock portion 1654 configured to remain engaged with a corresponding portion of the firing member when the sled assembly 1120 is not present within the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the lock member 1652 employs two laterally moving lock portions 1654, wherein each lock portion 1654 engages a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member with each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extending from the central spring portion 1653 and configured to be movable in a lateral direction indicated by "L" in fig. 18 and 19. It should be understood that the term "lateral" refers to a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. The spring or locking member 1652 may be made of high strength spring steel or similar material. Center spring portion 1653 can be seated within a slot 1236 in end effector mounting assembly 1230. See fig. 10. As seen in fig. 15-17, each of the laterally movable legs or locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 having a locking window 1658 therein. When the lock member 1652 is in the locked position, the central retainer feature 1680 on each side extends into the corresponding lock window 1658 to retain the firing member from being advanced axially distally.

The operation of the firing member lockout system will be described with reference to FIGS. 15-19. Fig. 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As can be seen in those figures, the slider assembly 1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 corresponding to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the illustrated arrangement, an unlocking feature 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each central wedge cam 1122. In an alternative arrangement, the unlocking feature 1126 may include a corresponding proximally projecting portion of the wedge cam 1122. As can be seen in fig. 18, when the slider assembly 1120 is in its home position, the unlocking features 1124 laterally engage and bias the corresponding locking portions 1654 in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. When the locking portion 1654 is in those unlocked orientations, the central retainer feature 1680 does not remain engaged with its corresponding locking window 1658. When in those orientations, firing member 1660 may be advanced (fired) axially distally. However, when the cartridge is not present in the elongate channel 1102 or the sled assembly has moved out of its starting position (which means that the cartridge is partially or fully fired), the lock portion 1654 remains laterally resiliently engaged with the firing member 1660. When in this position, as shown in fig. 19, the firing member 1660 cannot be moved distally.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate retraction of the firing member 1660 to a starting position after firing the cartridge 1110 and driving the sled assembly 1120 distally. Fig. 16 depicts the initial re-engagement of a retention feature 1680 with its corresponding locking window 1658. Fig. 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660 has been fully retracted to its starting position. To assist in locking the lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654 when each is initially in contact with a proximally moving retention feature 1680, each of the retention features 1680 may be provided with a proximally facing, laterally tapered end portion. Such lockout systems prevent the firing member 1660 from being actuated when a new unfired cartridge is not present or when a new unfired cartridge is present but not properly positioned in the elongate channel 1102. In addition, the lockout system may prevent the clinician from advancing the firing member distally if a used or partially fired cartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongate channel. Another advantage that the lockout system 1650 can provide is that the firing member 1660 remains aligned with the cartridge passage when in the locked and unlocked positions, unlike other firing member lockout arrangements that require moving the firing member to align and misalign with a corresponding slot/passage in the staple cartridge. The lock portion 1654 is designed to be laterally movable into and out of engagement with a corresponding side surface of the firing member. Such lateral movement of one or more lockout portions may distinguish it from other lockout arrangements that move in a vertical direction to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

Returning to fig. 13 and 14, in one form, anvil 1130 includes an elongate anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongate anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 adjacent the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongate anvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 that defines an elongate anvil slot 1138. In the example arrangement shown in fig. 14, the anvil slot 1138 is centrally disposed in the lower side 1135. The underside 1135 includes three

rows

1140, 1141, 1142 of

staple forming pockets

1143, 1144, and 1145 positioned on each side of the anvil slot 1138. Adjacent each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. See fig. 13. As the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the top anvil engagement features 1632 initially enter the corresponding proximal ramp portion 1148 and enter the corresponding elongate anvil passageway 1146.

Turning to fig. 12 and 13, the anvil slot 1138 and the proximal ramp portion 1148 extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150. In other words, the anvil slot 1138 divides or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil attachment flanges 1151. Anvil attachment flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends by connecting bridge 1153. The connecting bridge 1153 serves to provide support for the anvil attachment flanges 1151, which are not connected together at their proximal ends, and may serve to make the anvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil arrangements. As can also be seen in fig. 12 and 14, the anvil slot 1138 has a wider portion 1139 to accommodate the top portion of the firing member 1660 and the top anvil engagement feature 1632.

As seen in fig. 13 and 20-24, each of anvil attachment flanges 1151 includes a transverse mounting aperture 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (fig. 10 and 20) therethrough. Anvil mounting portion 1150 is pivotally pinned to proximal end 1103 of elongate channel 1102 by a pivot pin 1158 that extends through mounting hole 1107 in proximal end 1103 of elongate channel 1102 and mounting hole 1156 in anvil mounting portion 1150. Such an arrangement serves to pivotally attach the anvil 1130 to the elongate channel 1102 for selective pivotal travel about a fixed anvil axis a-a transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 5. The anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from a concentrated firing member parking region 1154 to an outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube segment 1430. As will be discussed in further detail below, the distal end portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430 has an inner cam surface formed thereon that is configured to cam engage the cam surface 1552 or cam surfaces formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150. FIG. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a that is formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to establish a single contact path 1155a with an internal cam surface 1444 on, for example, the distal closure tube segment 1430. FIG. 23 shows the cam surface 1152b configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment to establish two separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment 1430. Such an arrangement may be used to better distribute the closing force from the distal closure tube segment 1430 to the anvil 1130, among other potential advantages discussed herein. FIG. 24 illustrates the cam surface 1152c being configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 so as to establish three

distinct contact zones

1155c and 1155d between the cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the distal closure tube segment 1430. The

regions

1155c, 1155d establish a larger cam contact area between the distal closure tube segment 1430 and one or more cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150, and may serve to better distribute the closing force to the anvil 1130.

As the distal closure tube segment 1430 cammingly engages the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA which causes the distal end of the end 1133 of the elongate anvil body portion 1132 to pivotally move toward the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongate channel 1102. As the anvil body portion 1132 begins to pivot, it contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled, which is now positioned between the underside 1135 of the elongate anvil body portion 1132 and the deck 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Anvil 1130 may encounter substantial resistance as anvil body portion 1132 is compressed against the tissue. These resistances are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues its distal advancement. However, depending on the magnitude of these resistive forces and their point of application to anvil body portion 1132, these resistive forces may tend to cause a portion of anvil 1130 to bend, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending may cause the firing member 1660 to be misaligned with the

passageways

1148, 1146 within the anvil 1130. In the event of excessive bending, such bending can significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument (i.e., drive the firing member 1660 from its starting position to its ending position through the tissue). Such excessive firing forces may cause damage to the end effector, and/or the firing member, and/or the knife bar, and/or firing drive system components, among others. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to configure the anvil to resist such bending.

Fig. 25-27 illustrate an alternative anvil embodiment that includes features that may improve the stiffness of the anvil body and its resistance to bending forces that may be generated during the closure and/or firing process. Except for the differences discussed herein, the anvil 1130' may be identical in construction to the anvil 1130 described above. As can be seen in those figures, anvil 1130 'has an elongate anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 with an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 25-27, the anvil cap 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172. The periphery 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is configured to be insertable through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion 1165 and to be receivable on an axially extending inner boss portion 1139 formed therein. See fig. 27. The inner boss portion 1139 is configured to support a corresponding long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 can be slid onto the inner ledge 1139 through an opening (not shown) in the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132'. In yet another embodiment, no internal boss portion is provided. Anvil body 1132' and anvil cap 1170 may be made of a suitable metal to facilitate welding. The first weld 1178 can extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170, or it can be located only along the long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 and not along its distal end 1173 and/or its proximal end 1175. First weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170, or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177, or may be more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177. In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170.

Fig. 28-30 illustrate an anvil cap 1170' configured to "mechanically interlock" with anvil body 1132 and to be welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retaining structures 1182 are formed in a wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 that defines the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term "mechanically interlocked" means that the anvil cap will remain attached to the elongate anvil body regardless of the orientation of the elongate anvil body and does not require any additional holding or fastening, such as welding and/or adhesives. The retaining structure 1182 may protrude inwardly from the opening wall 1180 into the opening 1137. The retaining structure 1182 may be integrally formed in the wall 1180 or otherwise attached thereto. The retention structure 1182 is designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap 1170 'when the retention structure is installed in the opening 1137 to frictionally retain the anvil cap 1170' therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention structure 1182 protrudes inwardly into the opening 1137 and is configured to be frictionally received within a corresponding formed engagement region 1184 formed in the outer periphery 1172 'of the anvil cap 1170'. In the illustrated arrangement, the retention structure 1182 corresponds only to the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' and is not disposed in the portion of the wall 1180 that corresponds to the distal end 1173 or proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 '. In an alternative arrangement, the retention structure 1182 may also be provided in portions of the wall 1180 corresponding to the distal and

proximal ends

1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 'and its long sides 1177'. In further arrangements, the retaining structure 1182 may be provided only in portions of the wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In further arrangements, the retention feature 1182 may be disposed in a portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to the long side 1177 'and corresponding to only one of the proximal and

distal ends

1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. It should also be understood that the retention tabs in all of the foregoing embodiments may alternatively be formed on an anvil cap with the engagement region formed in the elongate anvil body.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 28-30, the retaining structures 1182 are equally spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portion 1180 that corresponds to the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, retention features 1182 may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of long sides 1177', or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of long sides 1177'. In other words, the spacing between those retaining structures adjacent the distal end, adjacent the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends can be less than the spacing between structures positioned in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170'. In further arrangements, the retention features 1182 may be more densely spaced in a central region of the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. Also in alternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 may not be disposed in the outer periphery 1172' or may not be disposed in a portion of the outer periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 '. In other embodiments, the retaining structures and correspondingly shaped engagement regions may be provided with different shapes and sizes. In an alternative arrangement, the retaining structure may be dimensioned relative to the engagement region such that there is no interference fit between the retaining structure and the engagement region. In such an arrangement, the anvil cover may be held in place by welding, adhesives, or the like.

In the illustrated example, the weld 1178 'can extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170', or the weld 1178' can be located only along the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170' and not along its distal end 1173 'and/or its proximal end 1175'. Weld 1178' may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177' or more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177 '. In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'.

Fig. 31 and 32 show another anvil arrangement 1130 "with an anvil cap 1170" attached thereto. In the depicted example, the anvil cap 1170 "is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172". The outer cap periphery 1172 "is configured to be inserted through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137" in the upper body portion 1165 "of the anvil body 1132" and to be received on the axially extending inner ledge portions 1139 "and 1190" formed therein. See fig. 32. The boss portions 1139 "and 1190" are configured to support the corresponding long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170". In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 "can be slid onto the inner ledges 1139" and 1190 "through openings (not shown) in the distal end 1133" of the anvil body 1132'. Anvil body 1132 "and anvil cap 1170" may be made of a metallic material to facilitate welding. The first weld 1178 "may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" of the anvil cap 1170 ", or it may be located only along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 "and not along its distal end 1173" and/or its proximal end (not shown). Weld 1178 "may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. It will be appreciated that the continuous weld embodiment has a greater weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170 "as compared to embodiments having straight perimeter sides, such as the anvil cap shown in fig. 26. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 "is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ", or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177", or may be more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177 ". In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170".

Still referring to fig. 31 and 32, anvil cap 1170 "may be additionally welded to anvil body 1132" by a second plurality of discrete "deep" welds 1192 ". For example, each weld 1192 "may be placed at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194" disposed through the anvil cap 1170 "such that a discrete weld 1192" may be formed along the portion of the anvil body 1132 "between the protrusions 1190" and 1139 ". See fig. 32. The welds 1192 "may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 "or the welds 1192" may be more densely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177 "or more densely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177". In further arrangements, the welds 1192 "may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ".

Fig. 33 illustrates another anvil cap 1170 "'configured to mechanically interlock with anvil body 1132"' and to be welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a "tongue in groove" arrangement is employed along each long side 1177 "'of the anvil cap 1170"'. In particular, laterally extending continuous or interrupted tabs 1195 "' protrude from each long side 1177" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "'. Each tab 1195 "corresponds with an axial slot 1197" formed in the anvil body 1132 ". Anvil cap 1170 "' is slid in from an opening (not shown) in a distal end of anvil body 1132" ' to "mechanically" attach the anvil cap to anvil body 1132 "'. The tabs 1195 "'and slots 1197"' may be sized relative to one another to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. Additionally, anvil cap 1170 'may be welded to anvil body 1132'. Anvil body 1132 "'and anvil cap 1170"' may be made of metal to facilitate welding. Weld 1178 "' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" ' of anvil cap 1170 "' or it may only be located along the long side 1177" ' of anvil cap 1170 "'. Weld 1178' "can be continuous, or it can be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 "' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "', or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177" ', or may be more closely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177 "'. In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in a central region of the long sides 1177 "'of the anvil cap 1170"'.

The anvil embodiments described herein having an anvil cap may provide several advantages. For example, one advantage may facilitate the anvil and firing member assembly process. That is, the firing member may be installed through an opening in the anvil body when the anvil is attached to the elongate channel. Another advantage is that the upper cover may improve the stiffness of the anvil and its resistance to the above-mentioned bending forces that may be encountered when clamping tissue. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces normally encountered by the firing member 1660 may be reduced. Thus, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its starting position to its ending position in the surgical staple cartridge may also be reduced.

As anvil 1130 begins to pivot, anvil body 1132 contacts tissue to be cut and stapled, which is positioned between a lower surface of elongate anvil body 1132 and the deck of surgical staple cartridge 1110. Anvil 1130 may encounter significant resistance as anvil body 1132 is compressed against the tissue. To continue the closing process, these resistances must be overcome as the distal closure tube segment 1430 cams against the anvil mounting portion 1150. These resistance forces may be applied to the distal closure tube segment 1430 generally in the vertical direction V, and it is envisioned that if excessive, these resistance forces may cause the distal closure tube segment 1430 to expand or elongate in the vertical direction (the distance ID in fig. 31 may increase). If the distal closure tube 1430 is elongated in a vertical direction, the distal closure tube section 1430 may not be able to effectively close the anvil 1130 and hold the anvil 1130 in a fully closed position. If this occurs, the firing member 1660 may encounter significantly higher resistance, which would require a higher firing force to advance the firing member distally.

Fig. 34 and 35 illustrate one form of a closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In the exemplified arrangement, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430, for example, having a closure body portion 1470. As noted above, one form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is configured to facilitate selective articulation of surgical end effector 1100. To facilitate such articulation, the distal closure tube segment 1430 is movably coupled to the proximal closure tube segment 1410 with upper and

lower tangs

1434 and 1436 and upper and lower

double pivot connectors

1220 and 1222. See fig. 10. In one arrangement, the distal closure tube section 1430 may be machined or otherwise formed from a round bar material made of, for example, a suitable metallic material. In the illustrated arrangement, the closure body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 that defines an upper wall portion 1440 having an upper wall cross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 having a lower wall thickness LWT. The upper wall portion 1440 is positioned above the shaft axis SA and the lower wall portion 1442 is positioned below the shaft axis SA. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 has an internal camming surface 1444 formed thereon at a camming angle Θ. Also in the exemplified embodiment, UWT > LWT, which is used to provide a longer inner cam surface 1444 than is available when the distal closure tube segment has a uniform wall thickness. The long inner cam surface may facilitate the transfer of the closing force to the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As also seen in fig. 34 and 35,

transitional sidewalls

1446, 1448 positioned on each side of the shaft axis SA between the upper wall portion 1440 and the lower wall portion 1442 include generally flat, vertically extending interior sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453, which may be generally parallel to each other. The

transitional sidewalls

1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness that transitions from an upper wall thickness to a lower wall thickness.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430 also includes a forward jaw or anvil opening feature 1462 that corresponds with and projects inwardly from each of the

sidewalls

1446 and 1448. As can be seen in fig. 34 and 35, the anvil opening feature 1462 is formed on a lateral mounting body 1460 that is sized to be received within a correspondingly shaped

cavity

1447, 1449 machined or otherwise formed in the

transition side walls

1446, 1448 adjacent the distal end 1438 of the distal closure tube segment 1430. Positive anvil opening feature 1462 extends inwardly through

corresponding openings

1450, 1452 in

transition side walls

1446, 1448. In the illustrated arrangement, the lateral mounting body 1460 is welded to the distal closure tube segment 1430 with a weld 1454. In addition to or instead of welding, the lateral mounting body 1460 may be held in place by a mechanical/friction fit, tongue-in-groove arrangement, adhesive, or the like.

Fig. 36-41 illustrate one example of moving the anvil 1130 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using a distal closure tube segment 1430. Fig. 36 and 39 illustrate the position of the distal closure tube segment 1430, and more particularly, the position of one positive anvil opening feature 1462 when the distal closure tube segment 1430 is in the fully closed position. In the illustrated example, an anvil opening ramp 1162 is formed on the underside of each of the anvil attachment flanges 1151. When the anvil 1130 and distal closure tube segment 1430 are in the fully closed position shown in fig. 36, each of the forward anvil opening features 1462 are positioned in the cavity 1164 established between the anvil opening ramp 1162 and the bottom portion of the elongate channel 1102. When in this position, positive anvil opening feature 1462 does not contact anvil mounting portion 1150 or at least does not apply any significant opening motion or force thereto. Fig. 37 and 40 illustrate the position of the anvil 1130 and the distal closure tube segment 1430 when an opening motion is initially applied to the distal closure tube segment 1430 in the proximal direction PD. As can be seen in fig. 37, the forward jaw opening feature 1462 initially contacts the anvil opening ramp 1164 to begin pivoting the anvil 1130 to the open position. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the forward anvil opening features 1462 has a ramped or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better camming contact with the corresponding anvil opening ramp 1162. In fig. 38 and 41, the distal closure tube segment 1430 has been retracted to its fully retracted position, which causes the forward anvil opening feature 1462 to be driven to the distal end of the anvil opening ramp 1162, thereby causing the anvil 1130 to pivot to its fully open position as shown therein. Other embodiments may not employ a positive jaw opening feature, but may rely on a spring or other biasing arrangement to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube segment has been retracted to its proximal-most starting position.

Fig. 42 and 43 illustrate another closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure tube segment 1430' that may be similar to the distal closure tube segment 1430, but without the positive anvil opening feature. The distal closure tube segment 1430 'has a closure body 1470' with an outer surface 1440 'and an inner surface 1433' that define an upper wall portion 1440 'and a lower wall portion 1442'. As noted above, it may be desirable to employ an inner cam surface that is as large as possible as the inner cam surface 1444' in order to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and thereby effectively transfer the closing force to the cam surface. Thus, the upper wall portion 1440' of the distal closure tube segment 1430' may be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT and the lower portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430' may have the thinnest wall thickness LWT. For reference purposes, UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line extending through the central axis or point C of the distal closure tube segment 1430'. Thus, with UWT diametrically opposed to LWT, UWT > LWT. This wall thickness arrangement is advantageous for forming a longer inner cam surface 1444'.

As can be seen in fig. 43, the distal closure tube segment 1430 'has an outer surface 1431' that has a circular cross-sectional shape. The distal closure tube segment 1430' may be machined from a solid bar material. In the illustration ofIn the example, from the first central axis A _{Inner part} Inner radius R of ₁ Extends to the inner surface 1433' and is from the second central axis a _{Outer cover} Outer radius R of ₂ To the outer surface 1431'. In the illustrated example, the axis A _{Inner part} Offset from axis A by a distance OR _{Outer cover} And R is ₂ >R ₁ 。

FIG. 44 illustrates another closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure tube segment 1430 "having a closure body 1470". The closure body 1470 "has an outer surface 1431 'and an inner surface 1433" that define an upper wall portion 1440 having an upper wall thickness UWT, a lower wall portion 1442 having a lower wall thickness LWT, and two sidewall portions 1435' each having a sidewall thickness SWT. In the illustrated example, UWT > LWT. Furthermore, UWT > LWT. Thus, SWT > UWT > LWT. In the illustrated arrangement, the sidewall portions 1435' have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In other arrangements, sidewall portion 1435' can have a different thickness. As seen in fig. 44, each sidewall portion 1435 'defines an inner, vertically extending inner surface portion 1437'. In the exemplified embodiment, the vertically extending inner surface portions are substantially parallel to each other. Such a thicker vertical sidewall portion 1435' can help prevent or at least minimize vertical elongation of the distal closure tube segment 1430 "during use.

In the example depicted in FIG. 45, R is measured from a common center point or central axis C ₁ And R ₂ And R is ₁ >R ₂ . Each of the sidewall portions 1435 "of the closure body portion 1470" 'of the distal closure tube segment 1430 "' extending between the upper portions 1431" and 1433 "has a sidewall thickness SWT that is substantially equal to UWT at a point along the horizontal reference line HR. The horizontal reference line HR is perpendicular to a vertical reference line VR extending through the central axis C, and UWT and LWT can be measured and compared along this vertical reference line VR. Therefore, SWT ═ UWT. In other examples, SWT may be slightly less than UWT when measured along the horizontal reference line HR. The SWT may continue to decrease until sidewall portion 1435' transitions to have a constant lower wall thicknessA lower portion 1433' of the LWT. Thus, the inner side wall 1437 "is at an angle a when measured according to a corresponding vertical reference axis VR' perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis HR and parallel to the vertical reference axis VR ₂ And (4) extending.

FIG. 46 illustrates another closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure tube segment 1430 "having a closure body 1470" with a circular outer surface 1431 "and a rectangular interior passage 1439 extending therethrough. The outer surface 1431 "is located a distance R from a geometric center point or central axis C. The upper wall thickness UWT is equal to the lower wall thickness LWT, as measured along a vertical reference axis VR extending through the center point or axis C as shown. The thickness SWT of the sidewall portion 1437 "is greater than the upper wall thickness UWT and the lower wall thickness LWT, as measured along a horizontal reference axis HR extending through the center point or center axis C and perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR. Therefore, SWT is greater than UWT and LWT. In other words, the portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430 "positioned above the horizontal reference line HR is a mirror image of the portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430" positioned below the horizontal reference line HR. In this example, the side 1437 "is thicker than the upper and lower wall portions, and may tend to prevent or minimize the tendency of the distal closure tube segment to elongate in the vertical direction. An inner cam surface may be formed on the distal end of the upper wall portion 1440 ".

In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 1430. As can be seen in fig. 41, the distal end 1163 of anvil attachment flange 1151 may extend above the deck surface 1116 of staple cartridge 1110 when anvil 1130 is in the fully open position. When the closure process is initiated by advancing the distal closure tube segment distally in the distal direction DD, the distal end 1163 of the anvil attachment flange 1151 extends past the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 to prevent infiltration of tissue therebetween (which may interfere with the closure process). See fig. 40. Once the distal closure tube segment 1430 has moved the anvil 1130 to the fully closed position, the distal end 1461 of the laterally mounted body on the distal closure tube segment 1430 further acts as a tissue stop to prevent tissue infiltration therebetween. See fig. 41.

Fig. 47 depicts a portion of a surgical end effector 110', which may be similar to the surgical end effector 110 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 of fig. 1 and 2. In the example shown in fig. 47, the anvil 114 includes an elongate body portion 190 and an anvil mounting portion 192. The anvil mounting portion 192 includes two spaced apart anvil mounting flanges 194 that project proximally from the elongate body portion 190. Each anvil mounting flange 194 has an outwardly extending trunnion 196 thereon. The trunnions 196 are each movably received within a corresponding kidney slot or elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197 provided in the elongate channel 112. The trunnions 196 generally seat within a bottom portion 198 of an elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197 when the anvil 114 is in the "fully open" position. The anvil 114 may be moved to the closed position by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 142 in the distal direction DD such that the end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 rides on a cam surface 193 formed on the anvil mounting portion 192 of the anvil 114. As the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 is advanced distally along the camming surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192, the distal closure tube segment 142 causes the body portion 190 of the anvil 114 to pivot and move axially relative to the surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal closure tube segment 142 reaches the end of its closure stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 abuts/contacts the abrupt anvil boss 191 and serves to position the anvil 114 so that the forming pockets (not shown) in the underside of the body portion 190 are properly aligned with the staples in the cartridge. Anvil projection 191 is defined between a cam surface 193 on anvil mounting portion 192 and elongate anvil body portion 190. In other words, in this arrangement, the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermost surface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal closure tube 142 has reached this fully extended position, further application of any closing motions/forces to the anvil 114 may result in damage to the anvil and/or closure system components. As can be seen in FIG. 47, in this arrangement, the closing force F _H Parallel to the shaft axis SA. An axis or plane T that will pass through the center of the trunnion 196 _A And closing force vector F _H Is represented by the distance betweenIs a distance X _R . The distance X _R Multiplied by the closing force F _H Indicating the closing torque C applied to the anvil 114 _M 。

Fig. 48 and 49 illustrate the closing force configuration for the anvil 1130 of the surgical end effector 1100 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. Anvil trunnion 1158 is pivotally mounted within bore 1154 in elongate channel 1102, as described above. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially. Rather, the anvil 1130 is constrained to pivot only about the anvil axis AA. When at horizontal closing force F _H1 As the distal closure tube segment 1430 is advanced in the distal direction DD, the interaction between the inner camming surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the camming surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 causes the distal closure tube segment 1430 to experience a vertical closure force component V _F . The resultant force vector F experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 _N "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the inner cam surface 1444. The angle Θ in fig. 48 and 49 represents the angle of the cam surface 1152 and the inner cam surface 1440 relative to horizontal. The resultant force vector F _N And an axis or plane T extending through the center of anvil trunnion 1158 _A The distance between is expressed as moment arm M _A . The moment arm distance M _A Multiplied by the resultant force vector F _N Representing a closing torque C applied to the anvil 1130 _M1 . Thus, at horizontal closing force F _H ＝F _H1 Will be greater than the amount of closure torque applied to the anvil 114 because M _A >X _R And thus the closing torque applied to the anvil 1130 will be greater than the closing torque applied to the anvil 114. Fig. 49 also shows the resistance caused by the tissue during the closing process. F _T Representing the force generated by the tissue as it is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This "reverse" torque M applied to the anvil 1130 _T Equal to tissue force T _F And an axis or plane T extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158 _A A distance X between _T Multiplied by the tissue force T _F . Thus, to achieve a desired amount of anvil closure, C _M1 Must be greater than M _T 。

Returning to the example depicted in fig. 47, it can be seen that the firing bar 170 is attached to a firing member 174 that is positioned within the elongate channel 112 when in a starting or unfired position, and more particularly, fully distal of the distal closure tube segment 142, at a position where a top portion 175 of the firing member 174 is in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. Since the firing member 174 is positioned at a location where its top portion 175 may contact the anvil when the anvil 114 is moved to the closed position, this arrangement may require a greater closing force to move the anvil 114 to the fully or fully closed position. Additionally, when the firing system is activated, a greater firing force may be required to overcome the frictional interference between the top portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114. In contrast, as can be seen in fig. 48, in the end effector 1100, the firing member 1660 is "parked" in a firing member parking region 1154 within the distal closure tube segment 1430. When the firing member 1660 is positioned within the firing member parking region 1154 within the distal closure tube segment 1430, no significant frictional force can be generated with the anvil. Thus, one of the advantages that may be realized by fully parking the firing member 1660 within the distal closure tube segment 1430 may be a reduction in the amount of closure force required to close the anvil to a fully closed position and/or a reduction in the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member from a starting position to an ending position within the end effector. In other words, the firing member 1660 is parked such that the firing member 1660 is fully proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the inner cam surface 1444 thereon, and is in a starting position in which any frictional contact between the firing member and the anvil is eliminated or reduced, which may ultimately require the generation of lower closure and firing forces to operate the end effector.

As noted above, excessive bending of the anvil during the closing and firing process may undesirably require a greater firing force. Thus, a more rigid anvil arrangement is generally desired. Returning to fig. 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided by anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 depicted therein is that anvil mounting portion 1150 of anvil 1130 is generally more robust and therefore more rigid than other anvil and elongate channel arrangements. Fig. 50 illustrates the use of a more rigid gusset 199 between the anvil mounting flange 194 and the elongate anvil body portion 190. A similar gusset arrangement may also be employed between anvil attachment flange 1151 and anvil body 1132 of anvil 1130 to further enhance anvil stiffness.

As described above, the interchangeable surgical tool 1000 includes the resilient spine member 1520. As can be seen in fig. 6, 7A, 8, and 51-54, the distal end portion 1522 of the elastic spine member 1520 is separated from the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic spine member 15 by a stretch feature 1530 formed in the elastic spine member 1520. In addition, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is retentively supported between the distal end portion 1522 and the proximal end portion 1524. In various arrangements, the resilient spine member 1520 may be made of, for example, a suitable polymeric material, rubber, or the like, having a designation ME ₁ For reference elastic modulus. The stretching feature 1530 may include a plurality of stretching cavities 1532. As can be seen in fig. 7A, the illustrated stretching feature 1530 includes four triangular stretching cavities 1532 arranged to define, to some extent, flexible wall segments 1534 therebetween. Other shapes and numbers of the stretching cavity 1532 may be used. For example, the stretch cavity 1532 may be molded or machined into the elastic spine member 1520.

Still referring to fig. 6, 7, and 51-54, the stretch limiting insert 1540 includes a body portion 1541 having a shape labeled ME ₂ For reference elastic modulus. As can be seen in fig. 6, the body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting ears 1542 that are each configured to be seated in a mounting cavity 1535 formed in the resilient ridge member 1520. See also fig. 7A. To provide the stretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of stretch capability and elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the illustrated arrangement is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustrated example includes four upper chambers 1543 that are relatively square or rectangular in shape and spaced apart to define flexible walls 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper chambers. The body portion 1541 of the example stretch limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally disposed, downwardly projecting center ear A tab portion 1545 configured to be positioned in the central cavity 1536 above the tension feature 1530. See fig. 7A. In the illustrated example, the central ear portion 1545 includes a pair of central passages 1546 extending laterally therethrough to define a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

Also in the illustrated example, the stretch limiting insert 1540 includes an elongated lateral cavity 1548 positioned on each side of the body portion 1541. Only one lateral cavity 1548 is visible in fig. 6 and 51-54. Each elongated lateral cavity 1548 is configured to support a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the example depicted, two stretch limiters 1550 are employed in the stretch limiting insert 1540. In at least one arrangement, the tension limiter 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 terminating at each end with a downwardly extending mounting ear 1554. Each mounting ear 1554 is received in a corresponding ear cavity 1549 formed in the body portion 1541. For reference purposes, the stretch limiter may have an elastic modulus ME _3. . In at least one arrangement, ME ₃ <ME ₂ <ME ₁ 。

Actuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 operably attached to the handle assembly 500 will now be described in further detail with reference to fig. 51-54. FIG. 51 illustrates anvil 1130 in an open position. As can be seen in this figure, the distal closure tube segment 1430 is in its starting or unactuated position and the forward anvil opening feature 1462 has pivoted the anvil 1130 to an open position. In addition, the firing member 1660 is in an unactuated or starting position with an upper portion including the top nose portion 1630 resting in the firing member parking region 1154 of the anvil mounting portion 1150. When the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 is in this un-actuated state, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is in an un-stretched state. When in an unstretched state, the axial length of the stretch limiting insert 1540 is indicated by L in FIG. 51 _us And (4) showing. L is _us Indicating a reference axis a corresponding to a proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the stretch limiting insert 1540 and a reference axis corresponding to a distal end of the body portion 1541The distance between the lines B, as shown in fig. 51. The axis labeled F corresponds to the position of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 that has been properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. It should be appreciated that when the tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the elastic spine member 1520 is in a relaxed, unstretched state.

FIG. 52 illustrates the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 after the closure drive system 510 has been actuated as described above to drive the distal closure tube segment 1430 distally in the distal direction DD. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 moves distally, the cam surfaces 1444 on the distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 cam contact the cam surfaces 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and pivot the anvil 1130 to the closed position, as shown. The closure drive system 510 moves the distal closure tube segment 1430 through its full closure stroke distance and is then deactivated, and the distal closure tube segment is axially locked or otherwise held in this position by the closure drive system 510. When the distal closure tube segment 1430 contacts the anvil mounting portion 1150, the closure force generated by the distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 1430 over the anvil 1130 will also axially advance the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in the distal direction DD. The stretch features 1530 in the elastic spine 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advancement of the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B as shown in fig. 52 is a reference axis for the stretch limiting insert 1540 in a relaxed or unstretched state. Axis C corresponds to the end of the stretch limiting insert 1540 after the stretch limiting insert has been stretched to its maximum elongation state. Distance L _s Indicating the maximum amount or length that the stretch limiting insert 1540 may elongate. After the anvil 1130 has been moved to this "first" closed position, the axis G corresponds to the position of the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Distance L between reference axis F and reference axis G _T Indicating the axial distance that the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 have traveled during actuation of the closure drive system 510. The distance L _T May be equal to the distance L that the stretch limiting insert 1540 stretches during the closing process, as limited by the stretch limiter 1550 _S 。

Returning to fig. 51, it can be noted that a space S exists between each mounting ear 1554 of the tension limiter 1550 and the inner wall 1551 of each ear cavity 1549 prior to beginning the closing process. As can be seen in fig. 52, the space S disappears. That is, each mounting ear 1554 abuts a corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the stretch limiting insert 1540. Accordingly, the stretch limiter 1550 acts to limit the amount of elongation experienced by the stretch limiting insert 1540, which in turn limits the amount of distal travel of the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 relative to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic spine 1520. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked in place by the closure drive system 510. When in this position, the anvil 1130 is held in a "first" closed position relative to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Since the firing drive system 530 has not been actuated, the firing member 1660 has not moved and remains parked in the firing member parking region 1154. The position of the underside of the anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by axis K in fig. 52 and 53.

FIG. 53 illustrates the position of the firing member 1660 after the initial actuation of the firing drive system 530. As can be seen in this figure, the firing member 1660 has been advanced distally out of the firing member parking region 1154. The top portion of the firing member 1660, and more particularly, each top anvil engagement feature 1672 has entered the proximal ramp portion 1138 of the corresponding axial passage 1146 in the anvil 1130. At this point in the process, the anvil 1130 may be subjected to substantial bending stresses caused by the tissue clamped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the deck of the staple cartridge 1110. This bending stress, along with frictional resistance between various portions of the firing member and the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102, serves to substantially maintain the elongate channel 1102 and distal closure tube segment in a stationary state when the firing member 1660 is initially advanced distally. During this period of time, the amount of force required to fire the firing member 1660, or in other words, to push the firing member 1660 distally through the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110, is increasing. See line 1480 in fig. 55. Also during this time period, the stretch limiting insert attempts to retract the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD into the distal closure tube segment 1430. Once the amount of friction between the firing member 1660 and the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 is less than the retraction force generated by the stretch limiting insert 1540, the stretch limiting insert 1540 will cause the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 to be drawn further proximally into the distal closure tube segment 1430. After the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 are advanced in the proximal direction PD, the position of the distal end 1113 of staple cartridge 1110 is represented in fig. 54 as position H. The axial distance traveled by the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD is represented in fig. 54 as distance I. This proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 into the distal closure tube segment 1430 will cause the distal closure tube segment 1430 to apply additional closure force to the anvil 1130. Line M in fig. 54 represents the "second" closed position of the anvil 1130. The distance between position K and position M (denoted as distance N) comprises the vertical distance traveled by the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 between the first and second closed positions.

When the anvil 1130 is in the second closed position, the distal closure tube segment 1430 applies an additional closing force to the anvil 1130 to resist the amount of bending force applied to the anvil 1130 by tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. This condition can result in better alignment of the passageways in the anvil body 1130 with the firing member 1660, which can ultimately reduce the amount of frictional resistance experienced by the firing member 1660 as it continues to advance distally through the end effector 1100. Thus, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member through the remainder of its firing stroke to reach the terminal position may be reduced. This reduction in firing force can be seen in the graph in fig. 55. The graph depicted in fig. 55 compares the firing (energy) required to fire the firing member from the beginning of the firing process to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing member 1660 from its starting position to its ending position when the end effector 1100 clamps tissue therein. For example, line 1482 represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing members of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firing force required to move firing member 174 from its starting position to its ending position through tissue clamped in end effector 110 or 110'. As can be seen in this figure, the firing forces required by the two

surgical tool assemblies

100, 1000 are substantially the same or very similar until a point in time 1484 at which the resilient spine assembly 1510 of the tool assembly 1000 is reversed such that a second amount of closing force is applied to the anvil. As can be seen in the graph of fig. 55, when the anvil 1130 experiences a second amount of closing force (point 1484), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process is less than the amount of closing force required to complete the closing process in the tool assembly 100.

FIG. 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move the firing members of various surgical end effectors from the starting position (0.0) to the ending position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the amount of firing load and the horizontal axis represents the percentage distance the firing member travels between the starting (0.0) and ending (1.0) positions. Line 1490 depicts the firing force required to fire a firing member, such as the surgical tool assembly 100 or similar tool assembly. Line 1492 depicts the firing force required to fire the firing member of the surgical tool assembly, which employs various firing member modifications and configurations that may be disclosed in the following patents: for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS"; attorney docket number END8047USNP/160195, and other aforementioned U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith, which have been incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Line 1494 depicts the firing force required to fire the firing member from its starting position to its ending position in a surgical tool assembly that employs at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein for enhancing anvil rigidity. Line 1496 depicts the firing force required to fire the surgical tool assembly, e.g., employing a resilient ridge arrangement and at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein for enhancing anvil rigidity. As can be seen in this figure, surgical tool assemblies employing at least some of the resilient ridge arrangements and anvil rigidity enhancement arrangements disclosed herein have much lower firing force requirements.

Fig. 57-62 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10100 configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10100 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10110 and a distal forming pocket 10130 defined in a planar or tissue engaging surface 10107 of the anvil 10101. The

pockets

10110, 10130 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10103 of the forming pocket arrangement 10100. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10103 by the forming pocket arrangement 10100. Referring to fig. 58 and 59, the forming pocket arrangement 10100 further includes a bridge or ridge portion 10105 defined between the forming

pockets

10110, 10130. In this case, the bridging portion 10105 is a portion of the flat surface 10107 of the anvil 10101. The bridging portion 10105 includes a bridging depth "W". The forming pocket arrangement 10100 includes a center "C" defined within the bridging portion 10105. The forming pocket arrangement 10100 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10105, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10103, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket 10110 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10113, and the forming pocket 10130 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10133. The

pocket side walls

10113, 10133 are configured to guide the staple tip and the staple legs towards the forming surface of the

pocket

10110, 10130 in case the staple tip and/or the staple legs initially hit the

side walls

10113, 10133 of the

pocket

10110, 10130. Referring to fig. 60-62, the

side walls

10113, 10133 extend from the flat surface 10107 of the anvil 10101 towards the forming surface of each

pocket

10110, 10130. The

side walls

10113, 10133 of the forming

pockets

10110, 10130 are angled at an angle θ relative to the flat surface 10107 of the anvil 10101 so as to guide or guide the staple legs and/or the staple tips towards the forming surface. The

side walls

10113, 10133 are configured to cause the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along the pocket axis 10103 when the staple is formed against the forming surfaces of the

pocket

10110, 10130.

Referring again to fig. 58, the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10110, 10130 include inlet

region forming surfaces

10111, 10131 and outlet

region forming surfaces

10112, 10132, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10111, 10131 is equal to the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10112, 10132. Thus, the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10111, 10131 transition to the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10112, 10132 at the center of each

recess

10110, 10130. The transition between the inlet

zone forming surface

10111, 10131 and the outlet

zone forming surface

10112, 10132 defines a valley or valley of each

pocket

10110, 10130. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10110, 10130 define the portion or section of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10107.

Referring to fig. 59, the forming surface of each

pocket

10110, 10130 includes a longitudinal radius of

curvature

10117, 10137, respectively. In this case, the longitudinal radius of curvature 10117 is equal to the radius of curvature 10137. Also in this case, the longitudinal radius of curvature 10117 and the longitudinal radius of curvature 10137 may form a symmetrical staple. In other embodiments, the longitudinal radius of curvature 10117 and the longitudinal radius of curvature 10137 are different and may form an asymmetric staple.

The valleys of the forming

pockets

10110, 10130 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each

pocket

10110, 10130. Fig. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10130 taken along line 61-61 in fig. 58. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal forming pocket 10130. The outer edge of each

pocket

10110, 10130 defines the widest portion of the forming surface of each

pocket

10110, 10130. Fig. 60 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10130 taken along line 60-60 in fig. 58, wherein line 60-60 is within the exit region forming surface 10132 of the distal forming pocket 10130. Fig. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10130 taken along line 62-62 in fig. 58, wherein line 62-62 is within the entry region forming surface 10132 of the distal forming pocket 10130. The proximal staple legs are configured to land in the inlet zone forming surface 10111 of the proximal forming pocket 10110 and exit at the outlet zone forming surface 10112 of the proximal forming pocket 10110. Similarly, the distal staple legs are configured to land in the inlet zone forming surface 10131 of the distal forming pocket 10130 and exit at the outlet zone forming surface 10132 of the distal forming pocket 10130.

Fig. 63-68 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10210 and a distal forming pocket 10230 defined in a planar or tissue engaging surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The

pockets

10210, 10230 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10203 of the shaped pocket arrangement 10200. When deployed from a staple cartridge, staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 10203 by forming pocket arrangement 10200. Referring to fig. 64 and 65, the forming pocket arrangement 10200 further includes a bridge portion 10205 defined between the forming

pockets

10210, 10230. In this case, the bridge portion 10205 is recessed with respect to the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The bridge portion 10205 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 10205 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10207. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10205. The shaped pocket arrangement 10200 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10205, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10203, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10200 further includes a pair of major side walls 10208 extending from the planar surface 10207 of the anvil 10201 toward the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the bridge portion 10205. The primary side wall 10208 is angled θ relative to the planar surface 10207 of the anvil 10201 ₂ . The shaped pocket arrangement 10200 further includes edge features 10215, 10235 that provide transition features between the outer edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the flat surface 10207, between the longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the major side walls 10208, and between the inner edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the bridge 10205. These

edges

10215, 10235 may be rounded and/or chamfered, for example. Edge features 10215, 10235 can help prevent tack sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

Forming pocket 10210 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10213, and forming pocket 10230 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10233.

Pocket side walls

10213, 10233 are configured to guide the staple tip and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10210, 10230 if the staple tip and/or staple legs initially strike

side walls

10213, 10233 of

pockets

10210, 10230.

Sidewalls

10213, 10233 extend from transition edges 10215, 10235 toward the shaped surface of each

pocket

10210, 10230.

Side walls

10213, 10233 of forming

pockets

10210, 10230 are angled θ relative to a flat surface 10207 of anvil 10201 ₁ To guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces of the pockets 10210, 10230.Upon forming a staple against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10210, 10230,

side walls

10213, 10233 are configured to urge the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along pocket axis 10203. In general, major side walls 10208 and

pocket side walls

10213, 10233 can provide a funnel-like configuration for guiding a staple tip. Referring to fig. 66 and 67, the angle θ ₁ Greater than angle theta ₂ 。

The

pockets

10210, 10230 also include transition edges 10214, 10234 that provide transition features between

pocket sidewalls

10213, 10233 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various instances, transition edges 10214, 10234 can include a similar profile as transition edges 10215, 10235. In other cases, transition edges 10214, 10234 can include a different profile than transition edges 10215, 10235. That is, the

edges

10214, 10234 may be rounded or chamfered, for example.

Edges

10214, 10234 include first ends of

edges

10214, 10234 that intersect outer ends of

recesses

10210, 10230 and second ends of

edges

10214, 10234 proximate to inner ends of bridge portion 10205 or

recesses

10210, 10230. The

edges

10214, 10234 may transition to transition

edges

10215, 10235 near the bridge portion 10205. Edge features 10214, 10234 can also help prevent the spike from sticking in

pockets

10210, 10230 during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 64, the shaped surfaces of the

pockets

10210, 10230 include inlet area shaped

surfaces

10211, 10231 and outlet area shaped

surfaces

10212, 10232, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by inlet

region shaping surfaces

10211, 10231 is greater than the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by outlet

region shaping surfaces

10212, 10232. Thus, the inlet

area shaping surfaces

10211, 10231 do not transition to the outlet

area shaping surfaces

10212, 10232 at the center of each

pocket

10210, 10230. Instead, the transition point of the

entrance regions

10211, 10231 to the

exit regions

10212, 10232 is closer to the bridge portion 10205. The transition between the inlet

area forming surface

10211, 10231 and the outlet

area forming surface

10212, 10232 defines a valley or valley of each

pocket

10210, 10230. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10210, 10230 define the portion or segment of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10207.

Referring to fig. 65, the forming surface of each

pocket

10210, 10230 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10210 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10217 corresponding to the inlet region forming surface 10211 and an outlet radius of curvature 10218 corresponding to the outlet region forming surface 10212. Similarly, the dimples 10230 include an inlet radius of curvature 10237 corresponding to the inlet area shaping surface 10231 and an outlet radius of curvature 10238 corresponding to the outlet area shaping surface 10232. In this case, the inlet radii of

curvature

10217, 10237 are larger than the outlet radii of

curvature

10218, 10238, respectively. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

In addition to defining the transition point of the inlet region to the outlet region, the valleys of the shaped

dimples

10210, 10230 also define the narrowest portion of the shaped surface of each

dimple

10210, 10230. The outer edges of each

pocket

10210, 10230 include an entrance width, which outer edges are also referred to as entrance edges because they define the beginning of the entrance

area shaping surface

10211, 10231. The inner edges of each

pocket

10210, 10230 include an exit width, which inner edges are also referred to as exit edges because they define the end of the exit

region shaping surface

10212, 10232. In this case, the inlet width is greater than the outlet width. In addition, the outlet width is greater than the valley width or narrowest portion of the forming surface. Fig. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 10230 taken along line 67-67 in fig. 64. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped dimples 10230. The valleys or valleys are also transitions between the entrance area shaping surface 10231 and the exit area shaping surface 10232. Fig. 66 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10230 taken along line 66-66 in fig. 64, wherein line 66-66 is positioned within the exit area forming surface 10232 of the forming pocket 10230. Fig. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10230 taken along line 68-68 in fig. 64, wherein line 68-68 is within the inlet area forming surface 10232 of the distal forming pocket 10230.

The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and the various other forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein are configured to be usable with staples having various diameters. The diameter of the staples used with the forming pocket arrangement 10200 can vary between, for example, about 0.0079 inches and about 0.0094 inches. Also, for example, when the inlet radius is between about 8 to 10 staple diameters, the ratio of the inlet radius of curvature to the outlet radius of curvature of each forming surface is about 1.5:1 to about 3: 1. In at least one instance, for example, when the inlet radius is 9 times the diameter of the pin, the ratio of the inlet radius of curvature to the outlet radius of curvature for each forming surface is about 2: 1. In other cases, for example, when the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the crown length and the ridge width or bridge width is less than 1 time the staple diameter, the ratio of the entrance radius of curvature to the exit radius of curvature for each forming surface is from about 1.5:1 to about 3: 1. In at least one instance, when the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the crown length and the ridge width or bridge width is less than 1 time the staple diameter, the ratio of the entrance radius of curvature to the exit radius of curvature for each forming surface is about 2: 1. For example, the exit radius of curvature is between about 4 times the diameter of the staple and about 6 times the diameter. In at least one instance, the exit radius of curvature is about 4.5 times the diameter of the staple.

Fig. 69-74 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10300 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10300 includes proximal forming pockets 10310 and distal forming pockets 10330 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10307 of the anvil 10301. The

dimples

10310, 10330 are aligned along a longitudinal dimple axis 10303 of the forming dimple arrangement 10300. When deployed from a staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 10303 by forming pocket arrangement 10300. Referring to fig. 70 and 71, the forming pocket arrangement 10300 further includes a bridge portion 10305 defined between the forming

pockets

10310, 10330. In this case, the bridge portion 10305 is recessed with respect to the flat surface 10307 of the anvil 10301. The bridge portion 10305 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 10305 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10307. The shaped dimple arrangement 10300 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10305. The shaped dimple arrangement 10300 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10305, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 10303, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10300 further includes a pair of major side walls 10308 that extend from the planar surface 10307 of the anvil 10301 toward the

pockets

10310, 10330 and the bridge portion 10305. The primary sidewall 10308 is at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10307 of the anvil 10301 ₂ . The shaped dimple arrangement 10300 further includes a pair of edge features 10309 that provide a transition feature between the lateral edges of the

dimples

10310, 10330 and the major side walls 10308. The rim 10309 also provides a transition feature between a central portion of the major side wall 10308 and the bridge portion 10305. These edges 10309 can be, for example, rounded and/or chamfered. The edge features 10309 can help prevent tack sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

The forming pocket 10310 comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls 10313 and the forming pocket 10330 comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls 10333. The

pocket side walls

10313, 10333 are configured to direct a staple tip and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10310, 10330 in the event that the staple tip and/or staple legs initially strike the

side walls

10313, 10333 of the

pockets

10310, 10330. The

side walls

10313, 10333 extend from the transition edge 10309 toward the forming surface of each

pocket

10310, 10330. The

side walls

10313, 10333 of the forming

pockets

10310, 10330 are angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10307 of the anvil 10301 ₁ To guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10310, 10330. The

side walls

10313, 10333 are configured to cause staple points and/or staple legs to form along the pocket axis 10303 when staples are formed against the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10310, 10330. In general, the major side walls 10308 and the

pocket side walls

10313, 10333 can provide a funnel-like configuration for corresponding staple points. Referring to fig. 72 and 73, the angle θ ₁ Greater than angle theta ₂ . In this case, the

pocket sidewalls

10313, 10333 may be considered aggressive. For example, the angle θ ₁ Is 80 degrees. Similarly, the angle θ ₂ Is obviously inferior to the angle theta ₁ Is aggressive. For example, the angle θ ₂ Is 4 degrees. An angle θ defined as the angle between the sidewalls 10333 ₃ (FIG. 73) between about 0 degrees and about 10 degreesAnd (3) removing the solvent. In each case, the angle θ ₃ Is 0 degrees and the walls 10333 are at least substantially parallel to each other.

The

pockets

10310, 10330 also include transition edges 10306 that provide transition features between the

pocket sidewalls

10313, 10333 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various instances, the transition edge 10306 can include a similar profile as the transition edge 10309. In other cases, the transition edge 10306 can comprise a different profile than the transition edge 10309. That is, the edge 10307 may be rounded or chamfered, for example. The

edges

10306, 10309 include first ends where the

edges

10306, 10309 intersect outer ends of the

dimples

10310, 10330 and second ends where the

edges

10306, 10309 approach the bridge portion 10305 or inner ends of the

dimples

10310, 10330. The edge 10306 can transition to a transition edge 10309 proximate the bridge portion 10305. The edge features 10306 can also help prevent the staple tip from sticking in the

pockets

10310, 10330 during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 70, the forming surfaces of the

depressions

10310, 10330 comprise inlet

zone forming surfaces

10311, 10331 and outlet

zone forming surfaces

10312, 10332, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10311, 10331 is greater than the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10312, 10332. Thus, the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10311, 10331 do not transition to the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10312, 10332 at the center of each

pocket

10310, 10330. Instead, the transition point where the

inlet zone

10311, 10331 transitions into the

outlet zone

10312, 10332 is closer to the bridge portion 10305. The transition between the inlet

zone forming surface

10311, 10331 and the outlet

zone forming surface

10312, 10332 defines a valley or valley of each

dimple

10310, 10330. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10310, 10330 define the portions or segments of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10307. Note that when the term "inlet" is used, the "inlet" corresponds to an intended "inlet" feature in which the staple tips are intended to enter the staple pockets during the staple firing process. Similarly, when the term "outlet" is used, the "outlet" corresponds to an intended "outlet" feature in which the staple tips are intended to exit the staple pockets during the staple firing process.

Referring to fig. 71, the forming surface of each

dimple

10310, 10330 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10310 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10317 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 10311 and an outlet radius of curvature 10318 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 10312. Similarly, the dimples 10330 include an inlet radius of curvature 10337 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 10331 and an outlet radius of curvature 10338 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 10332. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

10317, 10337 is larger than the outlet radius of

curvature

10318, 10338. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer edge of each

pocket

10310, 10330 comprises an inlet width, which is also referred to as an inlet edge because they define the beginning of the inlet

zone forming surface

10311, 10331, which is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

pocket

10310, 10330. The inner edge of each

pocket

10310, 10330 comprises an outlet width, which is also referred to as an outlet edge because they define the end of the outlet

zone forming surface

10312, 10332, which is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

pocket

10310, 10330. In each case, the outlet width is greater than the largest diameter staple configured to be usable with the forming pocket arrangement 10300. The transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. Fig. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pockets 10330 taken along line 73-73 in fig. 70. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped pockets 10330. The valley or valley is also the transition between the inlet region shaping surface 10331 and the outlet region shaping surface 10332. Fig. 72 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pockets 10330 taken along line 72-72 of fig. 70, wherein the line 72-72 is positioned within the exit region forming surface 10332 of the forming pockets 10330. Fig. 74 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pockets 10330 taken along line 74-74 in fig. 70, wherein the line 74-74 is within the entrance region forming surface 10332 of the distal forming pockets 10330.

Fig. 75-80 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10400 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10400 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10410 and a distal forming pocket 10430 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10407 of the anvil 10401. The

dimples

10410, 10430 are aligned along a longitudinal dimple axis 10403 of the shaped dimple arrangement 10400. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10403 by a forming pocket arrangement 10400. Referring to fig. 76 and 77, the forming pocket arrangement 10400 further includes a bridge portion 10405 defined between the forming

pockets

10410, 10430. In this case, the bridge portion 10405 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10407 of the anvil 10401. The bridge portion 10405 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 10405 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10407. The shaped dimple arrangement 10400 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10405. Shaped dimple arrangement 10400 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to bridge portion 10405, bilaterally symmetric with respect to dimple axis 10403, and rotationally symmetric with respect to center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10400 further includes a pair of major side walls 10408 extending from the planar surface 10407 of the anvil 10401 toward the

pockets

10410, 10430 and the bridge portion 10405. Specifically, each sidewall 10408 shares an edge with only a portion of each dimple, as discussed in more detail below. The major side wall 10408 is angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10407 of the anvil 10401 ₄ 。

Each shaped

dimple

10410, 10430 comprises a pair of dimple sidewalls, wherein each dimple sidewall of each pair comprises a discrete sidewall portion. For example, the proximal forming pocket 10410 comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls that each comprise a

discrete sidewall portion

10413 and 10416. The side wall portion 10413 can be referred to as an inlet side wall portion, and the side wall portion 10416 can be referred to as an outlet side wall portion. Similarly, distal shaped dimple 10430 comprises a pair of dimple sidewalls that each comprise a

discrete sidewall portion

10433 and 10436, respectively. The side wall portion 10433 may be referred to as an inlet side wall portion, and the side wall portion 10436 may be referred to as an outlet side wall portion.

Pocket side walls

10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 are configured to guide a spike tip and/or a spike leg toward a forming surface of a

pocket

10410, 10430 in the event that the spike tip and/or the spike leg initially strikes a

side wall

10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 of the

pocket

10410, 10430.

The sidewall portion 10413 extends from the planar surface 10407 toward the forming surface of the proximal forming pocket 10410. The sidewall portion 10413 transitions into the forming surface via transition features 10414. Another transition feature 10417 is provided between

discrete sidewall portions

10413 and 10416 to provide a discrete sidewall feature. For example, the transition features 10414, 10417 may include rounded and/or chamfered surfaces. Rather, the transition features 10414, 10417 may include discrete edges. The sidewall portion 10416 shares an edge with the major side wall 10408 and extends from the major side wall 10408 toward the shaping surface of the proximal shaping pocket 10410. The

sidewalls

10413 and 10416 are oriented at different angles with respect to the dimple axis 10403. In this case, sidewall portion 10413 is at least substantially parallel with respect to dimple axis 10403, and sidewall portion 10416 is at an angle θ with respect to dimple axis 10403 ₃ . The phrase "substantially parallel" refers to an orientation that is nearly parallel or parallel to dimple axis 10403.

Sidewall portions 10433 extend from the planar surface 10407 toward the forming surface of the distal forming pocket 10430. The sidewall portion 10433 transitions into the forming surface via transition features 10434. Another transition feature 10437 is provided between

discrete sidewall portions

10433 and 10436 to provide discrete sidewall features. For example, the transition features 10434, 10437 may include rounded and/or chamfered surfaces. Rather, the transition features 10434, 10437 may include discrete edges. The sidewall portion 10436 shares an edge with the major side wall 10408 and extends from the major side wall 10408 toward the forming surface of the distal forming pocket 10430. The

sidewalls

10433 and 10436 are oriented at different angles with respect to the dimple axis 10403. In this case, sidewall portion 10433 is at least substantially parallel with respect to pocket axis 10403, and sidewall portion 10436 is at an angle θ with respect to pocket axis 10403 ₃ . The phrase "substantially parallel" means parallel to the pit axis 10403 almost parallel or parallel orientation.

Referring now to fig. 78-80,

sidewall portions

10413, 10433 are at different angles relative to planar surface 10407 of anvil 10401 than

sidewall portions

10416, 10436. For the sake of brevity, only the configuration of the sidewalls of the distal shaped wells 10430 will be discussed; it should be noted, however, that due to the symmetry of the

dimples

10410, 10430 discussed above, the proximal formed dimple 10410 comprises a symmetrical configuration to the distal formed dimple 10430. Beginning with FIG. 80, inlet sidewall portion 10433 is angled relative to planar surface 10407 by an angle θ ₁ . Referring now to FIG. 79, inlet sidewall portion 10436 is angled relative to planar surface 10407 by an angle θ ₂ . Angle theta ₂ Greater than angle theta ₁ . Angle theta ₂ For example, between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees. In each case, the angle θ ₂ Is about 80 degrees. In other cases, the angle θ ₂ Is about 90 degrees. As can be seen, outlet side wall portion 10436 is more aggressively angled or more vertical than inlet side wall portion 10433. In general, the

sidewall portions

10433, 10436 are angled relative to the planar surface 10407 of the anvil 10401 so as to guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces of the distal pockets 10430 and additionally control the formation of the legs, as discussed in more detail below. Additionally, generally, the major side walls 10408 and the

pocket side walls

10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 may provide a funnel-like configuration for corresponding spike tips.

In addition to the above, transition edges 10414, 10434 provide a transition feature between pocket

side wall portions

10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 and the forming surface. The

edges

10414, 10434 include a first end where the

edges

10414, 10434 intersect the outer ends of the

wells

10410, 10430 and a second end where the

edges

10414, 10434 intersect the bridge portion 10405 or the inner ends of the

wells

10410, 10430. The edge features 10414, 10434 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking in the

pockets

10410, 10430 during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 76, the forming surfaces of the

dimples

10410, 10430 include inlet

zone forming surfaces

10411, 10431 and outlet

zone forming surfaces

10412, 10432, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by the inlet

zone shaping surfaces

10411, 10431 is greater than the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by the outlet zone shaping surfaces 10412, 10432. Thus, the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10411, 10431 do not transition to the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10412, 10432 at the center of each

dimple

10410, 10430. Rather, the transition points where the

inlet regions

10411, 10431 transition to the

outlet regions

10412, 10432 are closer to the bridge portion 10405. The transition between the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10411, 10431 and the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10412, 10432 defines a valley or valley of each

dimple

10410, 10430. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10410, 10430 define the portions or segments of the forming surface that have the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10407. In this case, the transition between the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10411, 10431 and the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10412, 10432 occurs at the transition features 10417, 10437.

Referring to fig. 77, the forming surface of each

dimple

10410, 10430 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the dimple 10410 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10418 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 10411 and an outlet radius of curvature 10419 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 10412. Similarly, dimple 10430 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10438 corresponding with inlet zone forming surface 10431 and an outlet radius of curvature 10439 corresponding with outlet zone forming surface 10432. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

10418, 10438 is greater than the outlet radius of curvature 10419, 10439. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer edges of each

dimple

10410, 10430 include an entrance width, which is also referred to as an entrance edge because they define the beginning of the entrance

zone forming surface

10411, 10431, which is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

dimple

10410, 10430. The inner edges of each

dimple

10410, 10430 include an outlet width, which is also referred to as an outlet edge because they define the end of the outlet

region forming surface

10412, 10432, which is narrower than the inlet width of the forming surface of each

dimple

10410, 10430. The transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width. In each case, the transition width is similar to the exit width (fig. 76). The outlet

area forming surface

10412, 10413 comprises the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

dimple

10410, 10430. In this case, the narrowest section is a valley or valley of each

dimple

10410, 10430. In various instances, the width of the valleys is greater than the largest diameter staple configured to be used with the forming pocket arrangement 10400. Fig. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pockets 10430 taken along line 79-79 in fig. 76. This view is taken along a section of the inlet zone forming surface 10431 and shows the transition of each

discrete sidewall portion

10433, 10436. Fig. 78 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10430 taken along line 78-78 in fig. 76, wherein line 78-78 is positioned within the exit region forming surface 10432 of the forming pocket 10430. Fig. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10430 taken along line 80-80 in fig. 76, wherein line 80-80 is within the entry region forming surface 10432 of the distal forming pocket 10430.

Fig. 81-86 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. Forming pocket arrangement 10500 includes a proximal forming pocket 10510 and a distal forming pocket 10530 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10507 of anvil 10501. The

pockets

10510, 10530 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket arrangement 10500. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10503 by forming pocket arrangement 10500. Referring to fig. 82 and 83, the forming pocket arrangement 10500 further includes a bridging portion 10505 defined between the forming

pockets

10510, 10530. In this case, the bridge portion 10505 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The bridge portion 10505 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge portion 10505 is substantially V-shaped with a rounded bottom portion. The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bottom portion of the bridge portion 10505 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10507. The shaped dimple arrangement 10500 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10505. Shaped dimple arrangement 10500 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to bridge portion 10505, bilaterally symmetric with respect to dimple axis 10503, and rotationally symmetric with respect to center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10500 also includes a pair of major side walls 10508 that extend from the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501 toward the

pockets

10510, 10530 and the bridge portion 10505. The major side wall 10508 is angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10507 of the anvil 10501 ₁ . The major side walls 10508 include inner edges that are curved or contoured relative to the

pockets

10510, 10530.

The forming pocket 10510 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10513, and the forming pocket 10530 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10533. Pocket sidewalls 10513, 10533 include curved or contoured profiles and are configured to guide the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10510, 10530 and help control the staple forming process. The

sidewalls

10513, 10533 extend from the major sidewalls 10508 and the planar surface 10507 toward the shaped surface of each

pocket

10510, 10530. Upon forming a staple against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10510, 10530,

sidewalls

10513, 10533 are configured to urge the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along pocket axis 10503. In general, the major side walls 10508 and the

pocket side walls

10513, 10533 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the lateral center of each

pocket

10510, 10530. As discussed in more detail below, the

sidewalls

10513, 10533 include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion includes a guiding configuration that is less aggressive than the outlet portion.

Referring again to fig. 82, the shaping surfaces of the

pockets

10510, 10530 include inlet

region shaping surfaces

10511, 10531 and outlet

region shaping surfaces

10512, 10532, respectively. The inlet

region shaping surfaces

10511, 10531 may coincide with less aggressive leading portions of the

sidewalls

10513, 10533. Similarly, the outlet

region shaping surfaces

10512, 10532 may coincide with more aggressive leading portions of the

side walls

10513, 10533. The

pockets

10510, 10530 also include a shaped or guiding

groove

10515, 10535, also referred to as a tip control channel, extending the entire longitudinal length of each

pocket

10510, 10530, and centrally located with respect to the outside edge of the

pocket

10510, 10530. The

grooves

10515, 10535 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10510, 10530 than at the inner longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10510, 10530. The

flutes

10515, 10535 intersect at a bridge portion 10505 to urge the spike tip and the spike leg into contact with one another during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the grooves defined in the forming surface of the forming pocket may have a similar effect in forming the staple with a more aggressively angled outlet wall and/or a narrow configuration of outlet wall.

Referring to fig. 83, the forming surface of each

dimple

10510, 10530 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the dimple 10510 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10517 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 10511 and an outlet radius of curvature 10518 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 10512. Similarly, the dimple 10530 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10537 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 10531 and an outlet radius of curvature 10538 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 10532. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

10517, 10537 is larger than the outlet radius of

curvature

10518, 10538. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to fig. 84-86, the outer longitudinal edges of each

dimple

10510, 10530 are referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

region shaping surface

10511, 10531. The entrance edge includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

dimple

10510, 10530. The inner edges of each

dimple

10510, 10530 are referred to as the exit edges because they define the end of the exit

region shaping surface

10512, 10532. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width "W," which is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

dimple

10510, 10530. The transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. Fig. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped dimple 10530 taken along line 85-85 in fig. 82. This view is taken near the valley or valley of the distal shaped pockets 10530. The valley or valley is also the transition between the inlet region shaping surface 10531 and the outlet region shaping surface 10532. In each case, the transition between the entrance area and the exit area does not occur at the valleys or valleys of the pits. FIG. 84 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped dimple 10530 taken along line 84-84 in FIG. 82, where line 84-84 is positioned at The exit area of the shaped dimple 10530 is within the shaped surface 10532. Fig. 86 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530 taken along line 86-86 in fig. 82, wherein line 86-86 is within the entry region forming surface 10532 of the distal forming pocket 10530. The sidewall 10533 is shown in this figure as being linear, or at least substantially linear, and at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10507 ₂ . Angle theta ₂ Greater than angle theta ₁ 。

The groove width may be narrower than a maximum diameter nail configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement; and may be larger than the smallest diameter nail configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement. In other cases, the groove width may be narrower than the smallest diameter staple configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement. However, in other cases, the groove width may be wider than the largest diameter nail configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement. In addition, the grooves defined in the shaped pockets may include a plurality of widths corresponding to the inlet and outlet regions, respectively. For example, the portion of the groove located in the entrance zone may comprise a width that is less than a width of the portion of the groove located in the exit zone. In another example, the portion of the groove located in the entrance zone may include a width that is greater than a width of the portion of the groove located in the exit zone. In other cases, the grooves located in only one zone may include multiple widths.

Fig. 87-92 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10600 configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10600 is similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 10100. The forming pocket arrangement 10600 includes a proximal forming pocket 10610 and a distal forming pocket 10630 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10607 of the anvil 10601. The

pockets

10610, 10630 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10603 of the forming pocket arrangement 10600. When deployed from a staple cartridge, staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10603 by the forming pocket arrangement 10600. Referring to fig. 88, the forming pocket arrangement 10600 further includes a bridge portion 10605 defined between the forming

pockets

10610, 10630. In this case, the bridge portion 10605 is a portion of the flat surface 10607 of the anvil 10601. Bridging part10605 includes an internal bridging width "W ₁ "width of outer bridge connection" W ₂ ". Inner bridge width W ₁ W less than the outer bridge width ₂ ". The forming pocket arrangement 10600 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10605. The forming pocket arrangement 10600 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10605, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10603, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

Forming pocket 10610 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10613 and forming pocket 10630 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10633.

Pocket side walls

10613, 10633 are configured to guide the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10610, 10630 in the event the staple tips and/or staple legs initially strike

side walls

10613, 10633 of

pockets

10610, 10630. Referring to fig. 90-92, the

side walls

10613, 10633 extend from the planar surface 10607 of the anvil 10601 toward the forming surface of each

pocket

10610, 10630. The

side walls

10613, 10633 of the forming

pockets

10610, 10630 are angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10607 of the anvil 10601 to guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces. The

sidewalls

10613, 10633 are configured to encourage the formation of staple points and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 10603 when forming staples against the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10610, 10630.

Referring again to fig. 87, the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10610, 10630 include inlet

zone forming surfaces

10611, 10631, outlet

zone forming surfaces

10612, 10632, respectively, and grooves or

channels

10615, 10635 defined in the forming surfaces. In this case, the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10611, 10631 is equal to the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10612, 10632. Thus, the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10611, 10631 transition to the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10612, 10632 at the center of each

pocket

10610, 10630. The transition between the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10611, 10631 and the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10612, 10632 define a valley or valley of each

dimple

10610, 10630. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10610, 10630 define the portion or segment of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10607.

The forming surface also includes transition features 10616, 10636 that each surround a

recess

10615, 10635 and transition features 10617, 10637 at the inner and outer longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10610, 10630, respectively. In this case, transition features 10616, 10617, 10636, 10637 are circular, however, transition features 10616, 10617, 10636, 10637 may include any suitable profile in addition to or in place of circular edges. Transition features 10616, 10636 provide a transition between the

recesses

10615, 10635 and the forming surface of each

dimple

10610, 10630. Toward a central area of each

dimple

10610, 10630, transition features 10616, 10636 may provide a transition between the

groove

10615, 10635 and the

side wall

10613, 10633. The transition features 10617, 10637 provide a transition between the forming surface and the planar surface 10607. The transition features 10617, 10637 include

extensions

10618, 10638 positioned at the proximal and distal ends of each

groove

10615, 10635.

The valleys of the forming

dimples

10610, 10630 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each

dimple

10610, 10630. FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10630 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 87. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal forming pockets 10630. The outer longitudinal edge of each

dimple

10610, 10630 defines the widest portion of the forming surface of each

dimple

10610, 10630. Fig. 90 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10630 taken along line 90-90 in fig. 87, wherein the line 90-90 is within the exit zone forming surface 10632 of the distal forming pocket 10630. Fig. 92 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10630 taken along line 92-92 in fig. 87, with the line 92-92 within the inlet zone forming surface 10632 of the distal forming pocket 10630.

Fig. 93-97 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10700 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10700 is similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 10600. The forming pocket arrangement 10700 includes a proximal forming pocket 10710 and a distal forming pocket 10730 defined in the planar or tissue contacting surface 10707 of the anvil 10701. The

pockets

10710, 10730 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10703 of the forming pocket arrangement 10700. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be 10700-shaped by the forming pocket arrangementBecomes along the pit axis 10703. Referring to fig. 94, the forming pocket arrangement 10700 further includes a bridge portion 10705 defined between the forming

pockets

10710, 10730. In this case, the bridge portion 10705 is a portion of the flat surface 10707 of the anvil 10701. The bridge portion 10705 includes an internal bridge width "W ₁ "width of outer bridge connection" W ₂ ". Inner bridge width W ₁ W less than the outer bridge width ₂ ". The forming pocket arrangement 10700 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10705. The forming pocket arrangement 10700 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10705, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10703, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket 10710 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10713 and the forming pocket 10730 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10733.

Pocket side walls

10713, 10733 are configured to guide the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10710, 10730 in the event they initially strike

side walls

10713, 10733 of

pockets

10710, 10730. Referring to fig. 95-97, the

side walls

10713, 10733 extend from the planar surface 10707 of the anvil 10701 toward the forming surface of each

pocket

10710, 10730. The

side walls

10713, 10733 of the forming

pockets

10710, 10730 are at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10707 of the anvil 10701 to guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surface. Upon forming staples against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10710, 10730,

side walls

10713, 10733 are configured to encourage the formation of staple points and/or staple legs along pocket axis 10703.

Referring again to fig. 93, the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10710, 10730 include inlet

region forming surfaces

10711, 10731, outlet

region forming surfaces

10712, 10732, respectively, and grooves or

channels

10715, 10735 defined in the forming surfaces. In this case, the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the inlet

region forming surfaces

10711, 10731 is equal to the amount of surface area in the forming surface covered by the outlet

region forming surfaces

10712, 10732. Thus, the entrance

zone forming surfaces

10711, 10731 transition to the exit

zone forming surfaces

10712, 10732 at the center of each

pocket

10710, 10730. The transition between the inlet

region shaping surface

10711, 10731 and the outlet

region shaping surface

10712, 10732 defines a valley or valley of each

pocket

10710, 10730. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10710, 10730 define the portion or segment of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10707.

Grooves

10715, 10735 aligned with dimple axis 10703 are defined within only a portion of each

dimple

10710, 10730. In this case, the

grooves

10715, 10735 are positioned entirely within the exit

region forming surface

10712, 10732. In other cases, the groove may be positioned entirely within the inlet zone. The

grooves

10715, 10735 include

edges

10716, 10736 that provide a transition between the

grooves

10715, 10735 and their respective forming surfaces. The

edges

10716, 10736 include a rounded profile, however, flat, curved, and/or irregular profiles are contemplated, for example. The rounded profile may help prevent the spike from sticking, as discussed in more detail below. The

grooves

10715, 10735 extend from a central portion of the forming surface thereof toward the bridge portion 10705 of the dimple arrangement 10700. The

grooves

10715, 10735 extend into the bridge portion 10705 extension of the dimple arrangement 10700. In other words, the

grooves

10715, 10735 extend beyond the inner

longitudinal edge

10717, 10737 of each

pocket

10710, 10730.

Referring to FIG. 95, groove 10735 and staple "S" are shown. FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 10730 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 93. The cross-sectional view is taken within the exit region forming surface 10732. The diameter of the staple "S" is greater than the width or diameter of the groove 10735. However, the diameter of the staple "S" is less than the width of the groove 10735 plus the width of the transition edge 10736. This prevents the body of staple "S" from contacting the bottom of groove 10735. This configuration can help maintain minimal bi-tangential contact between staples "S" as they are formed within exit region forming surface 10732 and exit distal pocket 10730. Minimal contact between the staples and the pockets can help prevent staple points from sticking and provide a more continuously formed staple, as discussed in more detail below. The diameter of the staples used with this forming pocket arrangement may be greater than the width of groove 10735 plus the width of edge 10736. In this case, similar double tangential contact or the like occurs.

The valleys of the forming

pockets

10710, 10730 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each

pocket

10710, 10730. Fig. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pockets 10730 taken along line 96-96 in fig. 93. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped pockets 10730. The outer longitudinal edge of each

pocket

10710, 10730 defines the widest portion of the forming surface of each

pocket

10710, 10730. Fig. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10730 taken along line 97-97 in fig. 93, where line 97-97 is within the entry zone forming surface 10732 of the distal forming pocket 10730.

Fig. 98-102 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10800 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 10800 is similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 10600. The forming pocket arrangement 10800 includes a proximal forming pocket 10810 and a distal forming pocket 10830 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10807 of the anvil 10801. The

pockets

10810, 10830 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10803 of the forming pocket arrangement 10800. However, when deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are not intended to be formed along pocket axis 10803. Rather, the staples are intended to be formed away from the pocket axis 10803. Referring to fig. 98, the forming pocket arrangement 10800 further includes a bridge portion 10805 defined between the forming

pockets

10810, 10830. In this case, the bridge portion 10805 is part of the flat surface 10807 of the anvil 10801. Bridge portion 10805 includes an inner bridge width "W ₁ "width of outer bridge connection" W ₂ ". Inner bridge width W ₁ W less than the outer bridge width ₂ ". The forming pocket arrangement 10800 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10805. The shaped pocket arrangement 10800 is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10805, bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10803, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket 10810 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10813 and the forming pocket 10830 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10833.

Pocket side walls

10813, 10833 are configured to guide the spike tip and the staple leg toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10810, 10830 in the event that the spike tip and/or staple leg initially strikes

side walls

10813, 10833 of

pockets

10810, 10830. Referring to fig. 100-102, the

sidewalls

10813, 10833 extend from the planar surface 10807 of the anvil 10801 toward the forming surface of each

pocket

10810, 10830. The

sidewalls

10813, 10833 of the forming

pockets

10810, 10830 are angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10807 of the anvil 10801 so as to guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces. The

sidewalls

10813, 10833 are configured to urge or guide the staple tips and/or staple legs toward the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10810, 10830.

Referring again to fig. 98, the shaping surfaces of the

pockets

10810, 10830 include inlet area shaping surfaces 10811, 10831, outlet

area shaping surfaces

10812, 10832, respectively, and grooves or

channels

10815, 10835 defined therein. In this case, the amount of surface area in the shaping surface that is covered by the inlet zone shaping surfaces 10811, 10831 is equal to the amount of surface area in the shaping surface that is covered by the outlet zone shaping surfaces 10812, 10832. Thus, the inlet area shaping surfaces 10811, 10831 transition to the outlet

area shaping surfaces

10812, 10832 at the center of each

pocket

10810, 10830. The transition between the inlet zone shaping surfaces 10811, 10831 and the outlet zone shaping surfaces 10812, 10832 defines a valley or valley of each

pocket

10810, 10830. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10810, 10830 define the portions or segments of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10807.

The forming surface also includes transition features 10816, 10836 surrounding the

grooves

10815, 10835 and transition features 10817, 10837 at the inner and outer longitudinal edges of each

pocket

10810, 10830. In this case, the transition features 10816, 10817, 10836, 10837 are circular, however, the transition features 10816, 10817, 10836, 10837 may include any suitable profile in addition to or in place of a circular edge, for example. Transition features 10816, 10836 provide transitions between the shaped surfaces of

grooves

10815, 10835 and

pockets

10810, 10830, respectively. Toward the central area of the

pockets

10810, 10830, the transition features 10816, 10836 may provide a transition between the

grooves

10815, 10835 and the

sidewalls

10813, 10833. The transition features 10817, 10837 provide a transition between the forming surface and the planar surface 10807. The transition features 10817, 10837 include extensions positioned at the proximal and distal ends of the

grooves

10815, 10835.

The

grooves

10815, 10835 are angled relative to the pocket axis 10803.

Grooves

10815, 10835 each include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion of groove 10815 and the inlet portion of groove 10835 are located on opposite sides of pocket axis 10803, and the outlet portion of groove 10815 and the outlet portion of groove 10835 are located on opposite sides of pocket axis 10803. This configuration encourages the legs to form away from each other. For example, instead of head-to-head contact between a pair of respective legs, the legs can be configured to be offset relative to pocket axis 10803 and on opposite sides of pocket axis 10803.

The valleys of the shaped

pockets

10810, 10830 also define the narrowest portion of the shaped surface of each

pocket

10810, 10830. FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10830 taken along line 101-101 in FIG. 98. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped dimples 10830. The outer longitudinal edge of each

pocket

10810, 10830 defines the widest portion of the contoured surface of each

pocket

10810, 10830. FIG. 100 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10830 taken along

line

100 and 100 in FIG. 98, wherein

line

100 and 100 are within the exit area forming surface 10832 of the distal forming pocket 10830. FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping pocket 10830 taken along line 102-102 in FIG. 98, wherein line 102-102 is within the inlet zone shaping surface 10832 of the distal shaping pocket 10830.

Fig. 103-107 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10900 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. Forming pocket arrangement 10900 can be similar in many respects to forming pocket arrangement 10200. The forming pocket arrangement 10900 includes a proximal forming pocket 10910 and a distal forming pocket 10930 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10907 of the anvil 10901.

Dimples

10910, 10930 are aligned along a longitudinal dimple axis 10903 of forming dimple arrangement 10900. When deployed from a staple cartridge, staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10903 by a forming pocket arrangement 10900. Referring to fig. 103 and 104, the forming pocket arrangement 10900 further includes a bridging portion 10905 defined between the forming

pockets

10910, 10930. In this case, the bridge portion 10905 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10907 of the anvil 10901. The bridge portion 10905 includes a first bridge width "W ₁ And a second bridge width "W ₂ ". First width "W ₁ W is greater than the second width ₂ ". The bridge portion also includes a bridge depth "D". The bridging depth "D" is the distance the bridging portion 10905 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10907. The forming pocket arrangement 10900 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10905. The shaped dimple arrangement 10900 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10905, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 10903, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket device 10900 further includes a pair of major side walls 10908 that extend from the planar surface 10907 of the anvil 10901 toward the

pockets

10910, 10930 and the bridge portion 10905. The major side wall 10908 is angled relative to the planar surface 10907 of the anvil 10901 by an angle θ ₂ . The shaped dimple arrangement 10900 also includes edge features 10915, 10935 that provide transition features between the outer edges of the

dimples

10910, 10930 and the planar surface 10907 and between the longitudinal edges of the

dimples

10910, 10930 and the major side walls 10908. The

edges

10915, 10935 may be rounded and/or chamfered, for example. The edge features 10915, 10935 may help prevent the spike from sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

Forming pocket 10910 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10913 and forming pocket 10930 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10933.

Dimple side walls

10913, 10933 are configured to direct the spike tip and the staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

dimples

10910, 10930 in the event that the spike tip and/or staple legs initially strike

side walls

10913, 10933 of

dimples

10910, 10930.

Sidewalls

10913, 10933 extend from transition edges 10915, 10935 toward the shaped surface of each

dimple

10910, 10930. The

side walls

10913, 10933 of the forming

pockets

10910, 10930 are angled relative to the planar surface 10907 of the anvil 10901 by an angle θ ₁ To guide or guide the staple legs and/or staple tips toward the forming surfaces of the

pockets

10910, 10930. Upon forming a staple against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10910, 10930,

sidewalls

10913, 10933 are configured to urge the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along pocket axis 10903. Generally, the major side walls 10908 and the

pocket side walls

10913, 10933 can provide a funnel-like configuration for receiving two staple points. Referring to FIGS. 105 and 106, the angle θ ₁ Greater than angle theta ₂ 。

Dimples

10910, 10930 also include transition edges 10914, 10934 that provide a transition feature between

dimple side walls

10913, 10933 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various instances, the transition edges 10914, 10934 can include a similar profile as the transition edges 10915, 10935. In other cases, the transition edges 10914, 10934 can include a different profile than the transition edges 10915, 10935. In either case, the

edges

10914, 10934 may be rounded or chamfered, for example. The

edges

10914, 10934 include a first end where the

edges

10914, 10934 intersect the outer corners of the

dimples

10910, 10930 and a second end where the

edges

10914, 10934 are proximate to the bridge 10905 or the inner ends of the

dimples

10910, 10930. The

edges

10914, 10934 may transition to transition

edges

10915, 10935 near the bridge portion 10905. The edge features 10914, 10934 can also help prevent the staple tips from sticking in the

pockets

10910, 10930 during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 103 and 104, the forming surfaces of the

dimples

10910, 10930 include inlet

zone forming surfaces

10911, 10931 and outlet

zone forming surfaces

10912, 10932, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10911, 10931 is greater than the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10912, 10932. Thus, the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10911, 10931 do not transition to the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10912, 10932 at the center of each

dimple

10910, 10930. Rather, the transition point where the

inlet zones

10911, 10931 transition to the

outlet zones

10912, 10932 is closer to the bridge portion 10905. The transition between the inlet

zone forming surface

10911, 10931 and the outlet

zone forming surface

10912, 10932 defines a valley or valley of each

dimple

10910, 10930. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10910, 10930 define the portion or segment of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10907.

Referring to fig. 104, the forming surface of each

dimple

10910, 10930 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the dimples 10910 include an inlet radius of curvature 10918 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 10911 and an outlet radius of curvature 10919 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 10912. Similarly, dimple 10930 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10938 corresponding to inlet zone shaping surface 10931 and an outlet radius of curvature 10939 corresponding to outlet zone shaping surface 10932. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

10918, 10938 is greater than the outlet radius of

curvature

10919, 10939. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

The forming surface of each

dimple

10910, 10930 further includes a groove or

channel

10916, 10936 defined in the entire longitudinal length of each forming

dimple

10910, 10930, respectively. The forming surface may include a primary forming surface length and the groove may include a groove length greater than the primary forming surface length. The

grooves

10916, 10936 are configured to guide the spike and/or leg during the forming process. The grooves also include transition edges 10917, 10937 that provide transitions between the forming surfaces and the

grooves

10916, 10936 and between the

grooves

10916, 10936 and the

sidewalls

10913, 10933. For example, the transition edges 10917, 10937 may include rounded profiles and/or chamfered profiles. Referring to fig. 105, a staple "S" is shown. FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 10930 taken along line 105-105 in FIG. 103. The cross-sectional view is taken within the exit region forming surface 10932. The diameter of the staple "S" is greater than the width of the groove 10936. However, the diameter of the staple "S" is less than the width of the groove 10936 plus the width of the transition edge 10937. This prevents the body of the staple "S" from contacting the deepest portion of the recess 10936. Such a configuration can help maintain minimal contact with the staple "S" as it is formed on the forming surface. Minimal contact between the staples and the pockets can help prevent staple points from sticking and provide a more continuously formed staple, as discussed in more detail below. The forming pocket arrangement 10900 is configured to be used with staples of different diameters. In one instance, the diameter of the staple may be less than the width of the

grooves

10916, 10936, such that the staple may enter and contact the deepest portions of the

grooves

10916, 10936.

In addition to defining the transition point where the inlet zone transitions to the outlet zone, the valleys of the shaped

dimples

10910, 10930 also define the narrowest portion of the shaped surface of each

dimple

10910, 10930. The outer longitudinal edges of each

dimple

10910, 10930, which include the inlet width, are also referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

zone forming surfaces

10911, 10931. The inner longitudinal edges of each

dimple

10910, 10930, which include the outlet width, are also referred to as outlet edges because they define the end of the outlet

zone forming surfaces

10912, 10932. In this case, the inlet width is greater than the outlet width. In addition, the outlet width is greater than the valley width or narrowest portion of the forming surface. FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10930 taken along line 106-106 in FIG. 103. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped pockets 10930. The valley or valley is also the transition between the entrance zone forming surface 10931 and the exit zone forming surface 10932. Fig. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10930 taken along line 107-107 in fig. 103, where line 107-107 is within the entrance zone forming surface 10932 of the distal forming pocket 10930.

Fig. 108-112 depict a forming pocket arrangement 11000 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 11000 includes a proximal forming pocket 11010 and a distal forming pocket 11030 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 11007 of the anvil 11001. The

dimples

11010, 11030 are aligned along a longitudinal dimple axis 11003 of the shaped dimple arrangement 11000. When deployed from a staple cartridge, staples are intended to be formed away from pocket axis 11003 by forming pocket arrangement 11000. Referring to fig. 108 and 109, forming pocket arrangement 11000 also includes a bridge portion 11005 defined between forming

pockets

11010, 11030. In this case, the bridge portions 11005 are recessed relative to the planar surface 11007 of the anvil 11001 and angled relative to the pocket axis 11003. The bridge portion 11005 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge portion 11005 is substantially U-shaped with a substantially flat bottom portion. The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the planar portion of the bridge portion 11005 is recessed relative to the planar surface 11007. Shaped dimple arrangement 11000 includes a center "C" defined within bridge portion 11005. Shaped dimple arrangement 11000 is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to bridge portion 11005, bilaterally asymmetric with respect to dimple axis 11003, and rotationally symmetric with respect to center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 11000 also includes a pair of major side walls 11008 that extend from the planar surface 11007 of the anvil 11001 toward the

pockets

11010, 11030 and bridge portions 11005. The primary side wall 11008 is angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 11007 of the anvil 11001 ₂ . The primary side walls 11008 include inner edges that are curved or contoured relative to the

pockets

11010, 11030.

Forming pocket 11010 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 11013 and forming pocket 11030 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 11033. The

pocket sidewalls

11013, 11033 include a substantially V-shaped profile and a curved or contoured profile near the inlet portion. The

sidewalls

11013, 11033 are configured to guide the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of the

pockets

11010, 11030 and to help control the staple forming process.

Sidewalls

11013, 11033 extend from the major side walls 11008 and the planar surface 11007 toward the shaped surface of each

pocket

11010, 11030. In general, the major side walls 11008 and the

pocket side walls

11013, 11033 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the forming surface of each

pocket

11010, 11030. As discussed in more detail below, the

sidewalls

11013, 11033 include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion includes a guiding configuration that is less aggressive than the outlet portion.

Referring again to fig. 108, the shaping surfaces of the

pockets

11010, 11030 include inlet

zone shaping surfaces

11011, 11031 and outlet zone shaping surfaces 11012, 11032, respectively. The inlet

zone forming surfaces

11011, 11031 may coincide with less aggressive leading portions of the

sidewalls

11013, 11033. The inlet

zone forming surfaces

11011, 11031 may also coincide with the generally V-shaped profile of each

dimple

11010, 11030. Similarly, the exit

region shaping surfaces

11012, 11032 may coincide with more aggressive leading portions of the

sidewalls

11013, 11033. The exit

region shaping surfaces

11012, 11032 may also coincide with the curved or contoured profile of each

dimple

11010, 11030. The

pockets

11010, 11030 also include forming or guiding

grooves

11015, 11035, respectively, which extend the entire longitudinal length of the

pockets

11010, 11030 and are positioned on only one side of the pocket axis 11003. The

grooves

11015, 11035 are angled relative to the dimple axis 11003. The

grooves

11015, 11035 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of the

pits

11010, 11030 than at the inner longitudinal edges of the

pits

11010, 11030. The

grooves

11015, 11035 are also parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other.

Referring to fig. 109, the forming surface of each

dimple

11010, 11030 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the pockets 11010 include an inlet radius of curvature 11017 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 11011 and an outlet radius of curvature 11018 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 11012. Similarly, dimple 11030 includes an inlet radius of curvature 11037 corresponding to inlet zone forming surface 11031 and an outlet radius of curvature 11038 corresponding to outlet zone forming surface 11032. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

11017, 11037 is greater than the outlet radius of

curvature

11018, 11038. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to fig. 110-112, the outer longitudinal edges of each

dimple

11010, 11030 are referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

zone shaping surfaces

11011, 11031. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

dimple

11010, 11030. The inner longitudinal edges of each

dimple

11010, 11030 are referred to as the exit edges because they define the end of the exit

region shaping surface

11012, 11032. The outlet edge includes an outlet width that is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

dimple

11010, 11030. The transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 11030 taken along line 110-110 in FIG. 108. The view is taken within the exit region forming surface 11032 of the forming pocket 11030. The sidewall 11033 angled by the groove 11035 is more sharply angled than the other sidewall 11033 angled away by the groove 11035. FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped dimple 11030 taken along line 111-111 in FIG. 108. This view is taken near the valley or valleys of the shaped pits 11030. The curvature or contoured profile of each sidewall 11033 is substantially similar near this section of the groove 11030, but the sides that are angled by the grooves 11035 The wall 11033 is still more sharply angled than the other sidewall 11033 that is angled away by the groove 11035. FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of distal shaped pocket 11030 taken along line 112-112 in FIG. 108. The view is taken within the entry region forming surface 11031 of the forming pocket 11030. In this section of the pit, the sidewalls 11033 are substantially flat. However, it can be seen that the sidewall 11033 angled toward by the groove 11035 is still slightly curved. The side wall 11033 of the groove 11035 remote therefrom is planar in this cross-section and is at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 11007 ₁ . Angle theta ₁ Greater than angle theta ₂ 。

Fig. 113-117 depict a forming pocket arrangement 11100 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 11100 comprises a proximal forming pocket 11110 and a distal forming pocket 11130 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 11107 of the anvil 11101. The

pockets

11110, 11130 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 11103 of the forming pocket arrangement 11100. Referring to fig. 113 and 114, the forming pocket arrangement 11100 further includes a bridge portion 11105 defined between the forming

pockets

11110, 11130. In this case, the bridge portion 11105 is a portion of the flat surface 11107 of the anvil 11101. The bridge portion 11105 includes a bridge depth "W". The forming pocket arrangement 11100 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 11105. The shaped dimple arrangement 11100 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 11105, bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the dimple axis 11103, and rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center "C".

Each shaped

pocket

11110, 11130 includes a

rounded edge

11114, 11134, respectively, that extends around the perimeter of each

pocket

11110, 11130.

Edges

11114, 11134 provide a curved transition between planar surface 11107 and recesses 11110, 11130. Specifically, edges 11114, 11134 transition planar surface 11107 into pit sidewalls 11113A, 11113B of pit 11110 and pit sidewalls 11133A, 11133B of pit 11130. The

edges

11114, 11134 also transition the planar surface 11107 into the inlet and outlet portions of the shaping surface of each

recess

11110, 11130.

Sidewalls

11113A, 11133A are angled at an angle θ with respect to pocket axis 11103. Side walls 11113B, 11133B include different

side wall portions

11121, 11122, 11123 and 11141, 11142, 11143, respectively. Sidewall portions 11121, 11141 are angled relative to pocket axis 11103 at an angle different from the angle at which

sidewall portions

11113A, 11133A are angled relative to pocket axis 11103.

Sidewall portions

11122, 11142 are parallel or at least substantially parallel to pocket axis 11103.

Sidewall portions

11123, 11143 are parallel or at least substantially parallel to sidewalls 11113A, 11133A.

Side walls

11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B are configured to guide the staple tips and legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

11110, 11130 and help control the staple forming process.

Sidewalls

11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B extend from transition edges 11114, 11134 to transition

edges

11116, 11136. These

edges

11116, 11136 provide rounded or smooth transition features between the

sidewalls

11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B and the shaped surface of each

recess

11110, 11130. The

edges

11116, 11136 may include a rounded and/or flat profile.

Referring again to fig. 113, the shaping surfaces of the

recesses

11110, 11130 include inlet

area shaping surfaces

11111, 11131 and outlet

area shaping surfaces

11112, 11132, respectively. The

pockets

11110, 11130 also include forming or guide

grooves

11115, 11135 defined in the forming

pockets

11110, 11130, respectively. In particular, the

grooves

11115, 11135 extend parallel or at least substantially parallel to the pocket axis 11103 and are located only in the inlet

zone forming surface

11111, 11131.

Dimples

11110, 11130 also include rounded transition edges that extend around the perimeter of

grooves

11115, 11135, respectively, to provide a smooth transition between the forming surface and

grooves

11115, 11135. The rounded transition edges may help ensure two-point contact, as discussed in more detail below.

Grooves

11115, 11135 are also located entirely to one side of dimple axis 11103.

Referring to fig. 114, the forming surface of each

dimple

11110, 11130 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the proximal dimple 11110 includes an inlet radius of curvature 11127 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 11111 and an outlet radius of curvature 11128 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 11112. Similarly, the distal dimple 11130 includes an inlet radius of curvature 11147 corresponding to the inlet region forming surface 11131 and an outlet radius of curvature 11148 corresponding to the outlet region forming surface 11132. In this case, the inlet radius of curvature 11117, 11137 is greater than the outlet radius of curvature 11118, 11138. In addition, the forming surface includes a transition point where the radius of curvature switches from an inlet radius of

curvature

11127, 11147 to an outlet radius of

curvature

11128, 11148. In this case, the transition point occurs at the end of the

groove

11115, 11135 closer to the bridge portion 11105. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer longitudinal edges of each

recess

11110, 11130 are referred to as inlet edges, since they define the beginning of the inlet

zone forming surface

11111, 11131. The entrance edge comprises an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

dimple

11110, 11130. The inner longitudinal edges of each

recess

11110, 11130 are referred to as the exit edges because they define the end of the exit

region shaping surface

11112, 11132. The outlet edge includes an outlet width that is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

pocket

11110, 11130. The transition point at which the inlet region transitions into the outlet region includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width.

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11130 taken along line 115-115 in FIG. 113. This view is taken within the exit area forming surface 11132 of the forming pocket 11130. Fig. 116 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 11130 taken along line 116-116 in fig. 113. This view is taken near the valley or valleys of the shaped pits 11130. In this view, it can be seen that groove 11135 can be considered an extension of sidewall portion 11142. FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional view of distal shaped pocket 11130 taken along line 117-117 in FIG. 113.

Fig. 118-125 depict a forming pocket arrangement 11200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling process. The forming pocket arrangement 11200 comprises a proximal forming pocket 11210 and a distal forming pocket 11230 defined in the planar or tissue contacting surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. The

pockets

11210, 11230 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 11203 of the shaped pocket arrangement 11200. Referring to fig. 118 and 119, the shaped pocket arrangement 11200 further includes a bridge portion 11205 defined between the shaped

pockets

11210, 11230. In this case, the bridge portion 11205 is recessed relative to the planar surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. The bridge portion 11205 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 11205 is recessed relative to the planar surface 11207. The shaped dimple arrangement 11200 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 11205. In this case, the center "C" is not the geometric center of the dimple arrangement 11200, but rather the center "C" is identified as being near the center portion of the bridge 11205 to define an intermediate reference point between the dimples to describe the lack of symmetry of the dimple arrangement 11200 in this case. Specifically, the shaped dimple arrangement 11200 is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge portion 11205, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 11203, and rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center "C". The

pockets

11210, 11230 are different in many respects, as discussed in more detail below.

The forming pocket arrangement 11200 also includes a pair of major side walls 11208 extending from the planar surface 11207 of the anvil 11201 toward the

pockets

11210, 11230 and the bridge portion 11205. The major side wall 11208 is at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 11207 of the anvil 11201.

The proximal forming pocket 11210 comprises a pair of pocket side walls 11213 configured to guide the staple tips and/or legs towards the forming surfaces of the pocket and to control the formation of the staple. The pocket side walls 11213 are substantially vertical. In other words, the side wall 11213 is oriented at 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees relative to the planar surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. Pocket side walls 11213 extend from the major side walls 11208 toward the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210. In general, the major side walls 11208 and pocket side walls 11213 cooperate to funnel the respective spike toward the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210. The transition features 11214 extend from the side wall 11213 to the shaped surface of the proximal shaped pocket 11210. In this case, the features 11214 are curved, but the features 11214 may be flat in addition to or instead of being curved. These features 11214 may help prevent the tack points from sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

The shaping surface of the proximal shaping pocket 11210 comprises an inlet zone shaping surface 11211 and an outlet zone shaping surface 11212. The inlet zone shaping surface 11211 corresponds to a proximal portion of the proximal pocket 11210. The exit area formations 11212 correspond to distal portions of the proximal pockets 11210. Similarly, the inlet zone forming surface 11211 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11210 and the corresponding spike is intended to enter or impact the pocket 11210 and begin forming. The exit region shaping surface 11212 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11210 where the corresponding spike is intended to exit the pocket 11210.

The shaping surface of the proximal shaping pocket 11210 also includes a shaping surface length L ₁ And a forming surface depth V ₁ . Length L ₁ Identified as the distance between the inlet edge of the pocket 11210 and the outlet edge of the pocket 11210. Depth V of formed surface ₁ Identified as the deepest portion of the pit 11210, or the valley of the pit 11210, also referred to as the valley of the pit 11210.

In many aspects, the distal shaped pocket 11230 is different from the proximal shaped pocket 11210. The distal forming pocket 11230 comprises a pair of pocket side walls 11233 configured to guide the staple tip and/or staple legs toward the forming surface of the pocket and to control the formation of the staple. The sidewall 11233 includes discrete sidewall portions angled at different angles relative to the pocket axis 11203. Pocket side walls 11233 are substantially vertical. In other words, the sidewall 11233 is oriented 90 degrees, or at least substantially 90 degrees, relative to the planar surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. A pocket sidewall 11233 extends from the major sidewall 11208 toward the shaped surface of the distal pocket 11230. In general, the major side walls 11208 and pocket side walls 11233 cooperate to funnel the respective spike toward the shaped surface of the distal pocket 11230. The transition features 11234 extend from the sidewall 11233 to the shaped surface of the proximal shaped pocket 11230. In this case, the features 11234 are curved, but the features 11234 may be flat in addition to or instead of being curved. These features 11234 may help prevent the tack points from sticking, as discussed in more detail below. The features 11234 of the distal shaped pockets 11230 comprise a smaller radius of curvature than the features 11213 of the proximal shaped pockets 11210.

The shaped surface of the distal shaped pocket 11230 comprises an inlet zone shaped surface 11231 and an outlet zone shaped surface 11232. The inlet zone shaping surface 11231 corresponds to a distal portion of the distal pocket 11230. The exit zone formation 11232 corresponds to a proximal portion of the distal pocket 11230. Similarly, the inlet zone forming surface 11231 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11230 and the corresponding spike is intended to enter or impact the pocket 11230 and begin forming. The exit region shaping surface 11232 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11230 where the corresponding spike is intended to exit the pocket 11230.

The shaping surface of the distal shaping pocket 11210 further comprises a shaping surface length L ₂ And a forming surface depth V ₂ . Length L ₂ Identified as the distance between the inlet edge of pocket 11230 and the outlet edge of pocket 11230. Depth V of formed surface ₂ Identified as the deepest portion of pit 11230, or the valley of pit 11230, also referred to as the valley of pit 11230. The shaped surface length L of the distal pockets 11230 ₂ Greater than the forming surface length L of the proximal pocket 11210 ₁ . Additionally, the contoured surface depth V of the proximal dimple 11210 ₁ Greater than the formed surface depth V of the distal pocket 11230 ₂ . In other instances, the contoured surface depth V of the proximal pocket 11210 ₁ May be less than the forming surface depth V of the distal pocket 11230 ₂ 。

The difference in forming surface length between two dimples in a dimple arrangement intended to form one staple may be advantageous. In some instances, the tissue may be pushed forward during the firing stroke, for example, due to the advancement of a tissue cutting blade, and thus, during the firing of the staples. If the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge and into the tissue as the tissue is moved longitudinally relative to the deck, this can cause the staple legs and/or staple tips to bend distally relative to their bases due to the flow of the tissue. In such a case, a distal forming pocket having a greater forming surface length than a proximal forming pocket may be able to account for such longitudinal deflection of the staple legs.

Referring to fig. 119, the shaped surface of each

pocket

11210, 11230 comprises more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the proximal pocket 11210 includes an inlet radius of curvature 11216 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 11211 and an outlet radius of curvature 11217 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 11212. Similarly, the distal pocket 11230 includes an inlet radius of curvature 11236 corresponding to the inlet zone forming surface 11231 and an outlet radius of curvature 11237 corresponding to the outlet zone forming surface 11232. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

11216, 11236 is greater than the outlet radius of

curvature

11217, 11237. Further, the inlet radii of

curvature

11216, 11236 are different, and the outlet radii of

curvature

11217, 11237 are different. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features, as well as some potential advantages and modes of that particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

Turning to fig. 123-125, the outer longitudinal edge of the proximal pocket 11210 is referred to as the inlet edge because it defines the beginning of the inlet zone shaping surface 11211. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210. The entrance width of the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210 is also greater than the bridge width "W". The inner longitudinal edge of the proximal pocket 11210 is referred to as the exit edge because it defines the end of the exit region shaping surface 11212. The outlet edge includes an outlet width that is the narrowest section of the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210. The transition between the inlet zone shaping surface 11211 and the outlet zone shaping surface 11212 includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The exit width and the transition width of the shaped surface of the proximal pocket 11210 are both less than the bridge width "W".

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal forming pocket 11210 taken along line 123-123 in FIG. 118. This view is taken within the exit area forming surface 11212 of the shaped dimple 11210. FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal shaped pocket 11210 taken along line 124-124 in FIG. 118. This view is taken at or near the valleys or valleys of the shaped dimples 11210. FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal shaped pocket 11210 taken along line 125-125 in FIG. 118. This view is taken within the inlet zone forming surface 11211 of the forming pocket 11210.

Turning to fig. 120-122, the outer longitudinal edge of the distal pocket 11230 is referred to as the inlet edge because it defines the beginning of the inlet zone shaping surface 11231. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the shaped surface of the distal pocket 11230. The entrance width of the shaped surface of the distal pocket 11230 is greater than the bridge width "W". The inner longitudinal edge of the distal pocket 11230 is referred to as the exit edge because it defines the end of the exit region shaping surface 11232. The outlet edge includes an outlet width that is the narrowest section of the shaped surface of the distal pocket 11230. The transition between the inlet zone shaping surface 11231 and the outlet zone shaping surface 11232 comprises a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The exit width and the transition width of the shaped surface of the distal pockets 11230 are both less than the bridge width "W". However, in terms of dimple width (distance between outer edges) at these locations, dimple 11230 is wider than bridge 11205.

Fig. 120 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 11230 taken along line 120-120 in fig. 118. This view is taken within the exit area forming surface 11232 of the forming pocket 11230. Fig. 121 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11230 taken along lines 121-121 in fig. 118. This view is taken at or near the valleys or valleys of the shaped dimples 11230. Fig. 122 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 11230 taken along line 122-122 in fig. 118. This view is taken within the inlet zone forming surface 11231 of the forming pocket 11230.

Another asymmetric property of the shaped dimple arrangement 11200 relates to the size of the land area of each dimple and the exit area of each dimple. For example, the proximal dimple includes a smaller land area and exit area than the distal dimple. Furthermore, the center "C" of the arrangement does not correspond to the geometric center of the crown. Certain features of the forming pocket arrangement are tailored to better accommodate expected tissue flow, which ultimately may affect the proximal and distal staple legs differently, e.g., may result in an asymmetric, but possibly optimal, forming pocket arrangement.

The difference in forming surface depth between two dimples in a dimple arrangement intended to form a single staple may be advantageous. Turning now to fig. 126-129, two different stitching assembly arrangements 11300 and 11300' are shown. One of the arrangements 11300 (fig. 126) includes forming dimples having the same contoured surface or valley, depth. Another arrangement 11300' (fig. 128) includes forming dimples with different formed surface depths. The arrangements 11300, 11300' are shown without the anvil clamped to be substantially parallel to the top surface or deck of the staple cartridge.

The suturing assembly 11300 shown in fig. 126 includes: a first jaw 11310 comprising a staple cartridge 11311; a second jaw 11320 comprising an anvil 11321; and staples 11301, removably stored within cartridge 11311, configured to be ejected from cartridge 11311 by sled 11312. The sled 11312 includes a cam or pusher surface 11313 that is configured to contact the drive surfaces 11303 of the staples 11301 and push the staples 11301 toward the forming pockets 11323 of the anvil 11321 to form staple legs 11304 (proximal legs) and 11305 (distal legs) extending from the staple base portion 11302 of each staple 11301. As described above, the forming pockets 11323 of this arrangement 11300 include the same forming surface depth. The depth is the distance between the planar anvil surface 11322 and the valley or valleys of the dimple 11323. When the anvil is at an angle θ relative to the cartridge deck 11314, and the staples 11301 are formed using the anvil 11321 of the arrangement 11300, the distal leg 11305 will be formed at a greater formed height than the proximal leg 11304 (fig. 127). This can also be described as the distal legs 11305 not being fully formed due to the fact that the anvil 11321 has not been clamped to a position such that the planar anvil surface 11322 is parallel to the cartridge deck 11314.

The stapling assembly 11300' depicted in fig. 128 includes all of the same elements as the stapling assembly 11300, except for the second jaw 11320. The stapling assembly 11300' includes a second jaw 11320', the second jaw 11320' includes an anvil 11321', and the anvil 11321' includes a planar anvil surface 11322' and a plurality of forming

pockets

11323A, 11323B defined in the anvil 11321 '. As described above, the forming

pockets

11323A, 11323B of this arrangement 11300' include different forming surface depths. The proximal pockets 11323A configured to form proximal staple legs (such as proximal staple leg 11304) include a forming surface depth that is deeper than the distal pockets 11323B. The distal pockets 11323B configured to form distal staple legs, such as distal staple leg 11305, include a forming surface depth that is shallower than the forming surface depth of the proximal pockets 11323A in order to account for the potentially angled jaws 11320'. When the anvil is at an angle θ relative to the cartridge deck 11314, the proximal leg 11304 and the distal leg 11305 can form the same or substantially the same formed height when the staples 11301 are formed using the anvil 11321 'of the arrangement 11300' (fig. 130).

Although the anvil is intended to be clamped to a position where the anvil face is substantially parallel to the deck of the cartridge, this does not always occur. For example, due to unexpected tissue behavior and/or the nature of the surgical stapling process, thicker tissue sections may end up in the distal end section of the end effector (which may occur when already stapled tissue is eventually re-clamped in the proximal section of the end effector for subsequent firing, which is thinner and more compact than the tissue at the distal end of the next section of tissue to be stapled). Thus, the anvil may not be clamped in a substantially parallel configuration relative to the cartridge. Thus, the staple may be formed as staple 11301 in FIG. 127 having one partially formed leg 11305 and one fully formed leg 11304. Instead of designing the anvil to ensure parallel alignment with the cartridge when clamped, one solution may include the possibility of non-parallel alignment and designing the forming pocket arrangement, or forming pocket pairs as described above. Further, if the anvil shown in the arrangement 11300' depicted in fig. 128 is clamped at least substantially parallel to deck 11314, the distal legs of the staples may be over-formed. In some cases, it may be more advantageous to over-form the staples than to form them underneath or partially (fig. 127). Providing a valley depth difference between pairs of dimples may prevent modification between the proximal and distal legs of the staple.

Fig. 130-133 depict various anvils for use with a surgical instrument for forming a surgical stapler. Fig. 130 depicts an anvil 11400 comprising a cartridge facing portion 11401. The anvil 11400 includes a pair of longitudinal inner rows 11407a, 11407B of forming pockets 11405, a pair of longitudinal

middle rows

11408A, 11408B of forming pockets 11405, and a pair of longitudinal

outer rows

11409A, 11409B of forming pockets 11405.

Rows

11407a, 11407B, 11408A, 11408B, 11409A, 11409B are aligned with or substantially parallel to longitudinal anvil axis 11403. A forming pocket 11405 is defined in the bin facing portion 11401. The bin-facing portion 11401 may be planar or may include, for example, a plurality of stepped surfaces. For example, the cartridge-facing portion 11401 can include two different stepped surfaces, with the inner rows 11407a, 11407B and the

intermediate rows

11408A, 11408B of shaped pockets 11405 defined in one step and the

outer rows

11409A, 11409B of shaped pockets 11405 defined in another step. Another example may include three different stepped surfaces: inner rows 11407a, 11407B of forming pockets 11405 defined in the first step,

intermediate rows

11408A, 11408B of forming pockets 11405 defined in the second step, and

outer rows

11409A, 11409B of forming pockets 11405 defined in the third step.

Fig. 131 depicts an anvil 11410, the anvil 11410 including a cartridge-facing portion 11411 and laterally varying pairs of forming pockets defined therein. The anvil 11410 includes a pair of longitudinally inner rows 11417a, 11417B of forming pocket pairs 11421, a pair of longitudinally

intermediate rows

11418A, 11418B of forming pocket pairs 11423, and a pair of longitudinally

outer rows

11419A, 11419B of forming pocket pairs 11425.

Rows

11417a, 11417B, 11418A, 11418B, 11419A, 11419B are aligned with or substantially parallel to longitudinal anvil axis 11413. A pair of forming

pockets

11421, 11423, 11425 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11401. Dimple pair 11421 includes a first type of shaped dimple 11422. For example, these shaped pockets 11422 can be similar in many respects to shaped

pockets

10210, 10230. Pocket pair 11423 includes a second asymmetric type of shaped pocket 11424a (proximal), 11424B (distal). For example, shaped pockets 11424a, 11424B may be similar in many respects to shaped

pockets

11210, 11230, respectively. Dimple pair 11425 includes a third type of shaped dimple 11426. For example, these forming pockets 11422 may be similar in many respects to the forming

pockets

10110, 10130. The anvil 11410 may also include various stepped configurations as discussed in connection with anvil 11400 and the like.

Fig. 132 depicts an anvil 11430, anvil 11430 including a cartridge-facing portion 11431 and longitudinally varying pairs of forming pockets defined therein. The anvil 11430 includes: a pair of longitudinal

interior rows

11437A, 11437B comprising a pair of forming

pockets

11441, 11443, 11445; a pair of longitudinal

intermediate rows

11438A, 11438B comprising pairs of forming

pockets

11441, 11443, 11445; and a pair of longitudinal

outer rows

11439A, 11439B comprising pairs of forming

pockets

11441, 11443, 11445. The

rows

11437A, 11437B, 11438A, 11438B, 11439A, 11439B are aligned with or substantially parallel to the longitudinal anvil axis 11433. A pair of forming

pockets

11441, 11443, 11445 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11431. Dimple pair 11441 includes a first type of shaped dimple 11442. For example, these shaped pockets 11442 may be similar in many respects to the shaped

pockets

10210, 10230. Dimple pair 11443 is comprised of a second type of shaped dimple 11444. For example, these forming pockets 11444 may be similar in many respects to the forming

pockets

10110, 10130. Dimple pair 11445 is comprised of asymmetrical third type shaped dimples 11446A (proximal), 11446B (distal). For example, the shaped pockets 11446A, 11446B may be similar in many respects to the shaped

pockets

11210, 11230, respectively. The anvil 11430 can also include various stepped configurations as discussed in connection with anvil 11400 and the like.

Fig. 133 depicts an anvil 11450 that includes a cartridge-facing portion 11451 and a pair of forming pockets that vary longitudinally and laterally across the anvil 11450. The anvil 11450 includes a pair of longitudinal

inner rows

11457A, 11457B of forming pocket pairs 11461, a pair of longitudinal intermediate rows 11458a, 11458B of forming

pocket pairs

11463, 11465, and a pair of longitudinal

outer rows

11459A, 11459B of forming pocket pairs 11467.

Rows

11457A, 11457B, 11458A, 11458B, 11459A, 11459B are aligned with or substantially parallel to longitudinal anvil axis 11453. A pair of forming

pockets

11461, 11463, 11465, 11467 is defined in the cartridge-facing portion 11451. Dimple pair 11461 includes a first type of shaped dimple 11462. For example, these shaped pockets 11462 can be similar in many respects to the shaped

pockets

10510, 10530. Dimple pair 11463 is comprised of a second type of formed dimples 11464. For example, these shaped pockets 11464 can be similar in many respects to shaped

pockets

10210, 10230. Pocket pair 11465 is comprised of an asymmetric third type of shaped pocket 11466a (proximal), 11466B (distal). For example, shaped pockets 11466a, 11466B may be similar in many respects to shaped

pockets

11210, 11230, respectively. Dimple pair 11467 is comprised of a fourth type of formed dimple 11468. For example, these forming pockets 11468 may be similar in many respects to the forming

pockets

10110, 10130. The anvil 11450 can also include various stepped configurations as discussed in connection with anvil 11400 and the like.

In addition to or instead of laterally and/or longitudinally varying pairs of pockets, the anvil may include one type of forming pocket on one side of the anvil axis and another type of forming pocket on the other side of the anvil axis. In addition, one type of forming pocket can be associated with a proximal portion of the anvil that corresponds to an initial firing stage of the surgical instrument, a second type of forming pocket can be associated with a middle portion of the anvil that corresponds to a firing stage after the initial stage of firing, and a third type of forming pocket can be associated with a third and last firing stage after the middle stage of firing and the initial stage of firing. The pockets may be strategically positioned on the anvil to increase the overall performance of the pocket. For example, one type of forming pocket may form taller staples more consistently, and generally better than it forms shorter staples, or vice versa. In another example, for a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples of different diameters, it is advantageous to have the forming pockets that form the staples of smaller diameter form the smaller staples in the staple cartridge and, similarly, have the forming pockets that form the staples of larger diameter form the larger staples in the staple cartridge.

Turning now to fig. 134, a table 12000 is shown that identifies characteristics of various shaped dimple arrangements. The table identifies the features for forming pocket arrangement 10100 and forming pocket arrangement 10200. The table also identifies features of other formed pit arrangements tested in a finite element analysis environment, which may be similar in many respects to the formed

pit arrangements

10100, 10200. Forming pocket arrangements a1, a2 are similar to forming pocket arrangement 10100, and forming pocket arrangements B1, B2 are similar to forming pocket arrangement 10200. Table 12000 also identifies the characteristics of the shaped dimple arrangement 12100.

Referring also to fig. 135, in accordance with at least one embodiment, features 12001, 12003, 12005, 12007, and 12009 are referenced with respect to some of the forming pocket arrangements identified in table 12000 and another forming pocket arrangement. From top to bottom in fig. 135, cross-sectional views of forming pocket arrangement 10100, forming pocket arrangement 12100, forming pocket arrangement 10200, and forming pocket arrangement 10400 are shown. Feature 12001 represents the longitudinal entry radius of each shaped dimple. Feature 12003 represents the longitudinal exit radius of each shaped dimple. Feature 12005 represents the distance between the valleys of the shaped dimple pair. In other words, features 12005 represent the distance between the deepest points of the dimples in each shaped dimple arrangement. Feature 12007 represents the width of the land or bridge of each shaped dimple arrangement. Feature 12009 represents the depth of the land or bridge of each shaped dimple arrangement.

Fig. 136 depicts three forming

pocket arrangements

10100, 10200, 10400 and corresponding staples 10100', 10200', 10400' that are formed using the forming

pocket arrangements

10100, 10200, 10400, respectively. The dimple arrangement 10200 requires a minimal amount of force to fully form the staple 10200'. In other words, the maximum force required to form the 10200 formed staples 10200' with the forming pockets arrangement 10200 is less than the maximum force required to form the other staples 10100', 10400' with the forming

pockets arrangement

10100, 10400. This can be advantageous because minimizing the overall staple firing force can minimize stress and strain on other components within the surgical stapling assembly. Minimizing mechanical stress and strain can reduce the likelihood of premature component failure. Reducing the necessary firing force also helps to reduce the size of the shaft diameter by requiring smaller components that are not as strong. For example, buckling of the firing member is a recognized problem when attempting to minimize the size of the shaft diameter.

FIG. 137 is a table 12200 that identifies additional features for various shaped dimple arrangements described above. Column 12201 identifies various maximum forces for fully forming a staple having different arrangements of forming pockets. Column 12203 identifies the various maximum forces with which the staple is overdriven with different forming pocket arrangements.

Fig. 138 depicts a staple 12301 in a B-forming configuration 12300 and in an overdrive configuration 12300' formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10100. Staple 12301 includes a staple base 12302 and a pair of staple legs 12303 extending from staple base 12302. Each staple leg 12303 includes a staple tip 12304 that is configured to contact the forming pocket as the staple 12301 is driven toward the anvil of the surgical instrument. The staple 12301 includes various curved regions or

areas

12305, 12306 that, when formed by certain forming pocket arrangements, can bend into a predictable curved profile. The forming pocket arrangement 10100 causes the bending

regions

12305, 12306 to bend into a discrete profile. For example, staples 12301, in their fully formed configuration, comprise a box-like structure rather than a continuously formed structure. The

curved regions

12305, 12306 include sharp curved portions. Thus, there is a significant gap distance 12307 between the curved portions 12306 of the legs 12303. Additionally, the gap distance 12308 between the tips 12304 of the legs 12303 is significant. In various tissue fastening scenarios, these

gaps

12307, 12308 between the bent portion 12606 and the staple tip 12304 may seal tissue less effectively.

The force F required to form the staples 12301 with the forming pocket arrangement 10100 is shown in graph 12310 of fig. 138. The force distribution curve includes specific regions and peaks 12302, 12303, 12304, 12305, 12306. The initial peak 12302 represents the tip strike or tip contact of the shaped dimple corresponding thereto. Once the spike hits the dimple and sticks in the exit area of the dimple, the legs 12303 will bend and begin to bend at the bend region 12306. The curvature of these curved regions 12306 correspond to portions 12313 of graph 12310. Once the bent region 12306 is fully or mostly shaped and the bent region 12306 contacts the entrance region shaping surface of the pocket, the legs 12303 will advance to the second stage of flexion. Once the bent region 12306 contacts the forming pocket, the legs 12303 will flex into the B-forming bent region 12305. This second stage of flexion produces a second force peak 12314.

When the staple 12301 is formed beyond its B-forming configuration 12300, the staple is in an overdrive configuration 12300'. This occurs for a number of reasons. One reason may be that the staples 12301 are lifted above the deck of the staple cartridge to fully eject the staples 12301 from the staple cartridge. With respect to the overdrive configuration 12300' of the staple 12301, the gap 12308 increases significantly over the distance between the staple tips 12304. In addition, legs 12303 of staple 12301 have begun to form additional overdrive bend regions between staple base 12302 and bend region 12305. When this region is bent, the formed staple height can be reduced, which can also lead to a reduction in the efficiency of sealing tissue. Further, when the region is bent, bending "B" of the staple legs 12303 can occur. This curvature "B" includes a width that, when increased, may cause staples 12301 to seal less effectively against tissue. Referring to the graph 12310, the second force peak 12316 represents the force required to overdrive the staple 12301. This force is significantly greater than the force required to B form staple 12301 at peak 12314.

Fig. 139 depicts staples 12321 in a B-forming configuration 12320 and in an overdrive configuration 12320' formed using the forming pocket arrangement 10200. Staple 12321 comprises a staple base 12322 and a pair of staple legs 12323 extending from staple base 12322. Each staple leg 12323 includes a staple tip 12324 that is configured to contact a corresponding forming pocket as the staple 12321 is driven toward the anvil of the surgical instrument. Staples 12321 include various bending regions or

zones

12325, 12326 that can bend into a predictable bending profile when formed by certain forming pocket arrangements. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 bends the

bent regions

12325, 12326 into a more continuous profile than the

bent regions

12305, 12306 of the staples 12301 formed using the forming pocket arrangement 10100. In other words, staples 12321 of the B-shaped configuration comprise a profile that is closer to the actual "B" staple configuration than the fully-formed discrete bent configuration of staples 12301. The

curved regions

12325, 12326 include a larger radius of curvature than the

curved regions

12305, 12306. Thus, the gap distance 12327 between the curved portions 12326 of the legs 12323 is less than the gap distance 12307. Further, the gap distance 12328 between the tips 12324 of the legs 12323 is less than the gap distance 12308. In various tissue fastening scenarios, the

smaller gaps

12327, 12328 between the bent portion 12626 and the staple tips 12324 can help seal tissue more effectively than the staples 12301. Minimizing these gap distances may increase the tissue capturing capability of staples 12321.

The force F required to arrange the 10200 forming pins 12321 with the forming pockets is shown in graph 12330 of fig. 139. The force distribution curve includes

specific regions

12333, 12335 and

peaks

12332, 12334, 12336. The initial peak 12332 represents the tip strike or tip contact of the shaped dimple to which it corresponds. Once the spike hits the dimple and sticks in the exit area of the dimple, the leg 12323 will bend and begin to bend at bend region 12326. The curvature of these curved regions 12326 corresponds to portion 12333 of graph 12330. Once the bending region 12326 is fully or mostly shaped and the bending region 12326 contacts and slides within the entrance zone forming surface of the pocket, the leg 12323 will advance to the second stage of flexion. Once the bend region 12326 contacts the forming pocket, the leg 12323 will flex into the B-forming bend region 12325. This second stage of flexion produces a second force peak 12334. Staples 10200 formed using the forming pocket arrangement 12321 require less force to fully form than the staples 12301.

With the staples 12321 formed beyond their B-formed configuration 12320, it may be referred to as an overdrive configuration 12320'. Gap distance 12328 has been increased in the distance between staple tips 12304 relative to overdrive configuration 12320 'of staple 12321, but the gap is not as significant as the gap distance between the tips 12304 of staples 12301 in their overdrive configuration 12300'. The gap distance 12327 between the curved regions 12326 has decreased. In addition, legs 12323 of staples 12321 have begun to form additional overdrive bend regions between staple bases 12322 and bend region 12325. However, in contrast to staple 12301, the bend "B" of staple leg 12323 is less than the bend "B" of staple leg 12303 in its overdrive configuration 12300'. Referring to the graph 12330 in FIG. 139, another force peak 12336 represents the force required to overdrive the staple 12321. Force 12336 is similar to force 12334 required to B-form staple 12301. Thus, the force to fire the staples 12321 during overdrive is not as important to the remainder of the instrument as the force to fire the staples 12301 during overdrive.

The forming pocket arrangement 10100 and staples 12301 are shown in fig. 140 and 141 as being in a tip impact phase 12400, a first bending phase 12400', a second bending phase 12400 ", and B, or a full forming phase 12400"'. During the tip impact phase 12400, the legs of staples 12301 are configured to flex into a first bending phase 12400'. After buckling, the leg is bent to form a first bending zone. The legs are configured to flex a second time when the first bending region contacts the forming pocket into a second bending stage 12400 ". After flexing for a second time, the leg is bent again to form a second bend region. The staple 12301 is then fully formed and, ideally, the full forming stage 12400 "'. As can be seen in fig. 141, the full forming stage 12400 "' shows a staple 12301 having discrete curved legs.

The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and staples 12321 are shown in fig. 142 and 143 as being in a tip impact stage 12500, a first bending stage 12500', a second bending stage 12500 ", and a full forming stage 12500"'. During the tip impact phase 12500, the legs of the staples 12501 are configured to flex into a first bending phase 12500'. After buckling, the leg is bent to form a first bending zone. The first curved region of staple 12321 comprises a larger radius of curvature than the first curved region of staple 12301. The legs are configured to flex a second time when the first bending region contacts the forming pocket into the second bending stage 12500 ". After flexing for a second time, the leg is bent again to form a second bend region. The second curved region of staple 12321 comprises a larger radius of curvature than the second curved region of staple 12301. Because the curved regions of staples 12321 comprise a larger radius of curvature than the curved regions of staples 12301, the legs of staples 12321 comprise more continuously formed staple legs. The staples 12321 are then fully formed and, ideally, the full forming stage 12500 "'. As can be seen in fig. 143, the full forming stage 12500 "' shows staples 12321 having more continuously formed staple legs than staples 12301. Thus, staple 12321 more closely resembles the true "B" structure than staple 12301.

The staples 12321 are formed to have a smaller tissue path or surface area than the staples 12301, as compared to the staples 12301 and their corresponding forming pocket arrangement 10100. The large tissue path surface area may result in excessive tissue stretching and/or tearing during staple formation. Because the profile of the forming staple 12321 has a more continuous curvature, the legs 12323 are formed and follow a path closer to the tip 12324 than the legs 12303 and the tip 12304.

Fig. 144 and 145 depict

staples

12301, 12321 formed from their tip impact stages to their partial forming stages. This partial forming stage may also be referred to as the tip adhering stage. As can be seen in fig. 144, the legs 12303 are configured to flex to form a flex region 12306. When forming leg 12303 with forming pocket arrangement 10100, the load experienced by the leg includes a first eccentricity. As can be seen in fig. 145, leg 12323 is configured to flex to form a bend region 12326. When the leg 12323 is formed using the forming pocket arrangement 10200, the load experienced by the leg includes a second eccentricity. The second eccentricity is greater than the first eccentricity due to the difference in the pocket shapes of the forming

pocket arrangements

10100, 10200. This relationship causes the deflection positions to be different. For example, leg 12303 is deflected from reference D by distance D1 at bending region 12306. The leg 12323 is deflected from the reference D by a distance D2 at the bend region 12326. Distance D2 is less than distance D1. Reducing the amount of deflection or reducing the bend region 12326 allows the leg 12323 to flex and form with a greater radius of curvature, thereby forming a more continuously formed staple leg.

Referring now to fig. 146-153, the formation of staples formed using the various forming pocket arrangements described above will now be described. The staples do not always contact their respective forming pockets in an aligned state. It may be advantageous to provide a forming pocket arrangement that can resist undesirable formation of staples if the staples are not aligned with their corresponding forming pockets during forming.

Fig. 146 depicts a side view 12700 and a bottom view 12700' of a staple 12701 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10200. However, during the forming process, the staples 12701 are not aligned with the pocket axes 10203 of the forming pocket arrangement 10200. The staples 12701 are driven out of plane relative to the pocket axis 10203. During forming, the tips 12704 do not impact the forming pocket arrangement 10200 along the pocket axis 10203, nor are the crowns or bases 12702 of the staples 12701 aligned with the pocket axis 10203.

Staple 12701 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. The tips 12704 are configured to intersect the first tip alignment axis TA1, and thus overlap or intersect each other. The fully formed position of the nib 12704 defines a second nib alignment axis TA 2. The shaft may be defined as an axis parallel to the crown alignment axis CA defined by the crown 12702 and aligned with the average point between the tips 12704. Minimizing the distance between the crown alignment axis CA and the second tip alignment axis TA2 may be advantageous because the closer these axes are to one another, the greater the ability of the staples 12701 to capture and/or seal tissue.

Fig. 147 is a comparison of the staples 12701 and forming pocket arrangement 10200 of fig. 146 with staples 12801 formed using forming pocket arrangement 10100. As can be seen in fig. 146, the distance between the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA of the staple 12801 is greater than the distance between the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA of the staple 12701. Further, in this misaligned forming scenario of the staples 12801, the tips 12804 of the staples 12801 do not overlap. The staples 12801 are formed on a path 12805 directed away from the crown alignment axis CA, while the staples 12701 formed on the path 12705 are aligned more with the crown alignment axis CA.

Fig. 148 depicts a side view 12900 and a bottom view 12900' of a staple 12901 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10400. However, during the forming process, the pegs 12901 are not aligned with the pocket axes 10403 of the forming pocket arrangement 10400. Staples 12901 are driven out of plane relative to dimple axis 10403. During forming, tips 12904 do not strike forming pocket arrangement 10400 along pocket axis 10403, nor are crowns or bases 12902 of staples 12901 aligned with pocket axis 10403.

Staple 12901 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. Tips 12904 are configured to partially and/or fully intersect first tip alignment axis TA1, and thus partially intersect each other. The fully formed position of the nib 12904 defines a second nib alignment axis TA 2. The shaft may be defined as an axis parallel to the crown alignment axis CA defined by the crown 12902 and aligned with the average point between the cusps 12904. Minimizing the distance between crown alignment axis CA and second tip alignment axis TA2 may be advantageous because the closer these axes are to one another, the greater the ability of staples 12901 to capture and/or seal tissue. For example, the narrowly spaced outlet walls and/or aggressively angled outlet walls of the forming pocket arrangement 10400 can promote the formation of the staple legs closer to their crowns as compared to the forming pocket arrangement 10200 of fig. 146. In other words, the forming pocket arrangement 10400 can facilitate planar forming at least in the event of misalignment.

Fig. 149 depicts side views 13000 and bottom views 13000' of a staple 13001 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10300. However, during the forming process, the staples 13001 are not aligned with the pocket axes 10303 of the forming pocket arrangement 10300. The staples 13001 are driven out of plane relative to the pocket axes 10303. During forming, the tips 13004 do not impact the forming pocket arrangement 10300 along the pocket axes 10303, nor are the crowns or bases 13002 of the staples 13001 aligned with the pocket axes 10303.

The staples 13001 include a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. The leg 13003 is configured to be formed at a location where the leg is at least substantially aligned with the first tip alignment axis TA 1. In some cases, the tips 13004 and/or legs may contact each other during forming, which may prevent the legs 13003 from crossing the first tip alignment axis TA 1. The fully formed position of the tip 13004 defines a second tip alignment axis TA 2. The shaft may be defined as an axis that is parallel to a crown alignment axis CA defined by the crowns 13002 and aligned with an average point between the tips 13004. Minimizing the distance between the coronal alignment axis CA and the second tip alignment axis TA2 can be advantageous because the closer these axes are to one another, the greater the ability of the staples 13001 to capture and/or seal tissue. Compared to the forming pocket arrangement 10200 of fig. 146, for example, the narrowly spaced outlet walls and/or aggressively angled outlet walls of the forming pocket arrangement 10300 can promote the formation of the staple legs closer to their crowns. In other words, the forming pocket arrangement 10300 can facilitate planar forming in the event of misalignment.

Fig. 150 and 151 depict staples formed using forming pocket arrangement 10500, where one staple is aligned with pocket axis 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500 and the other staple is not aligned with pocket axis 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. Fig. 150 depicts a side view 13100 and a bottom view 13100' of a staple 13101 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10500. During forming, the pegs 13101 are aligned with pocket axes 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. The tip 13104 impacts the forming pocket arrangement 10500 along a pocket axis 10503.

Nail 13101 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with dimple axis 10503, spike 13101 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, or in other words, spike 13101 assumes a substantially planar configuration. The force to fire staples 13101 is shown in graph 13110.

Fig. 151 depicts a side view 13120 and a bottom view 13120' of a staple 13121 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10500. During forming, the pegs 13121 are not aligned with pocket axes 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. Staples 13121 are driven out of plane relative to pocket axes 10503. During forming, tip 13124 does not strike forming pocket arrangement 10500 along pocket axis 10503, nor is the crown or base 13122 of spike 13121 aligned with pocket axis 10503.

Nail 13121 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When misaligned with pocket axis 10503, spike 13121 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with one another, or in other words, spike 13121 assumes a substantially planar configuration. In contrast to fig. 150, in which staples 13101 are aligned with pocket axes 10503, staples 13121 are formed in a fully formed configuration, which may be more acceptable to a surgeon for sealing tissue more fully than staples formed in an misaligned state using other forming pocket arrangements.

Fig. 152 and 153 depict staples formed using forming pocket arrangement 11000, with one staple aligned with pocket axis 11003 of forming pocket arrangement 11000 and another staple not aligned with pocket axis 11003 of forming pocket arrangement 11000. Fig. 152 depicts a side view 13200 and a bottom view 13200' of a staple 13201 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 11000. During forming, the pin 13201 is aligned with a pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket arrangement 11000. Tips 13204 strike shaped dimple arrangement 11000 along dimple axis 11003.

Staple 13201 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with dimple axis 11003, spike 13101 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, but axes TA2, CA are likewise non-parallel. One leg 13204 is formed on one side of the crown 13203 and the other leg 13204 is formed on the other side of the crown 13203. The force to fire the staples 13201 is shown in graph 13210. As can be seen in the graph 13210, the force of firing the staples 13201 does not include two distinct, substantial force peaks as in the graphs associated with the other forming pocket arrangements discussed above. The staples 13201 are configured to contact multiple points of the pockets of the forming pocket arrangement 11000 simultaneously during forming. Such bi-tangential contact with the forming pockets can help reduce staple tip and/or staple leg sticking and the forces used to fire the staples 13201.

Fig. 153 depicts a side view 13220 and a bottom view 13220' of a staple 13221 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 11000. During the forming process, the spike 13221 is not aligned with a pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket arrangement 11000. Driving pin 13221 out of plane relative to dimple axis 11003. During forming, tip 13224 does not strike forming pocket arrangement 11000 along pocket axis 11003, nor is the crown or base 13222 of spike 13221 aligned with pocket axis 11003.

Staple 13221 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When misaligned with dimple axis 11003, staple 13221 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with one another, or in other words, staple 13221 assumes a substantially planar configuration. The axes TA2, CA are parallel. In contrast to fig. 152, in which staples 13201 are aligned with pocket axes 11003, staples 13221 are formed in a fully formed configuration, which may be more acceptable to a surgeon using to seal tissue more fully than staples formed in an misaligned state using other forming pocket arrangements. The force to fire the staples 13221 is shown in graph 13230. Similar to staples 13201, the force to fire staples 13201 does not include two distinct, substantial force peaks as in the figures associated with the other forming pocket arrangements discussed above.

Still referring to fig. 153, in which a cross-section of forming pockets 11030 of forming pocket arrangement 11000 is shown with various diameter nail profiles 11041, 11042, 11043. Staples of various sizes are configured to be formable with the forming pocket arrangement 11000. As discussed above, a larger staple diameter can provide bi-tangential contact with the forming pocket sidewalls. Smaller diameter staples may provide full contact with the bottom 11035 of the forming pocket 11030 during forming.

Forming a groove in the forming surface of a forming pocket can promote the formation of a staple that is flatter than a staple formed with a forming pocket in the forming surface of which the groove is not formed (particularly when the staple is not aligned with the forming pocket axis during forming). Turning now to fig. 154 and 155, the staple 13301 is shown in a fully formed configuration (fig. 154) formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10100, and the staple 13401 is shown in a fully formed configuration (fig. 155) formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10600. During forming, the

staples

13301, 13401 are not aligned with their respective pocket axes 10103, 10603. As can be seen from the side views 13300, 13400 of the fully formed

staples

13301, 13401, the forming surface grooves may not affect the final formed configuration in that plane. Turning now to bottom views 13300', 13400' of

staples

13301, 13401, staple 13401 comprises a more planar fully formed configuration than staple 13301. The tip 13304 of the nail 13301 may exit the forming pocket arrangement 10100 in a direction pointing away from the pocket axis 10103. The legs 13303 of the peg 13301 can be formed away from the crown 13302 to define a tip-formed offset distance 13305. The tips 13404 of the staples 13401 are urged out of the forming pocket arrangement 10600 along the pocket axis 10603. Legs 13403 of staples 13401 can be formed away from crowns 13402 by an offset distance that is less than the distance that staples 13301 define tip formation offset distance 13405, which in this case is less than tip formation offset distance 13305.

Examples

Example 1-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein each staple is comprised of a wire defined by a staple diameter, and wherein each staple comprises a staple leg. The stapling assembly further comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the planar surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform the staple legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface and a distal forming pocket, wherein the forming surface comprises an entrance zone having a first radius of curvature and an exit zone having a second radius of curvature, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is 1.5:1 to 3:1, and wherein the first radius of curvature is 8 to 10 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 2-the seaming assembly of example 1, wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

Example 3-the stapling assembly of examples 1 or 2, wherein the first radius of curvature is about 9 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 4-the stapling assembly of examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the second radius of curvature is 4 to 6 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 5-the stapling assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the second radius of curvature is about 4.5 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 6-the stapling assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the pair of shaped pockets define a ridge therebetween, wherein the ridge comprises a ridge width, and wherein the ridge width is less than the staple diameter.

Example 7-the stapling assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the staple diameter is between 0.0079 inches and 0.0094 inches.

Example 8-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein each staple comprises a pair of staple legs extending from a staple base, and wherein the staple base comprises a staple base length. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform the legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface and a distal forming pocket, wherein the forming surface comprises an entrance zone having a first radius of curvature and an exit zone having a second radius of curvature, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is 1.5:1 to 3:1, and wherein the first radius of curvature is about 0.6 times the staple base length.

Example 9-the seaming assembly of example 8, wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

Example 10-the stapling assembly of examples 8 or 9, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the first radius of curvature is 8 to 10 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 11-the stapling assembly of examples 8, 9, or 10, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the first radius of curvature is about 9 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 12-the stapling assembly of examples 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the second radius of curvature is 4 to 6 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 13-the stapling assembly of examples 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the second radius of curvature is about 4.5 times greater than the staple diameter.

Example 14-the stapling assembly of examples 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, wherein the ridge comprises a ridge width, and wherein the ridge width is less than 1 time the staple diameter.

Example 15-the suturing assembly of examples 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the staples comprise a diameter of between 0.0079 and 0.0094 inches.

Example 16-a stapling assembly, comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener is comprised of a wire having a wire diameter, and wherein each fastener comprises a fastener leg. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the fastener. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and first and second fastener forming features defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first and second fastener forming features are configured to deform a leg of a fastener. The first and second fastener forming features comprise first and second forming features, the first forming feature comprising a forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an entrant region having a first radius of curvature and an exits region having a second radius of curvature, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is 1.2:1 to 3.3:1, and wherein the first radius of curvature is about 7 to about 11 times greater than the wire diameter.

Example 17-the seaming assembly of example 16, wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

Example 18-the suturing assembly of examples 16 or 17, wherein the first radius of curvature is about 9 times greater than the wire diameter.

Example 19-the suturing assembly of examples 16, 17, or 18, wherein the second radius of curvature is about 4 times to about 6 times greater than the wire diameter.

Example 20-the suturing assembly of examples 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the second radius of curvature is 4.5 times greater than the wire diameter.

Example 21-the suturing assembly of examples 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, wherein the first fastener-forming feature and the second fastener-forming feature define a central portion therebetween, wherein the central portion comprises a width, and wherein the width is less than the wire diameter.

Example 22-the suturing assembly of examples 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein the wire diameter is between 0.0075 and 0.0098 inches.

Example 23-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface and a pair of side walls, wherein the forming surface comprises an inlet region having a first radius of curvature and an outlet region having a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature, and the pair of side walls extend between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface. Each sidewall includes a first discrete sidewall portion defining a first plane oriented at a first angle relative to the tissue engaging surface and a second discrete sidewall portion defining a second plane oriented at a second angle relative to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. The pair of forming pockets also includes a distal forming pocket.

Example 24-the suturing assembly of example 23, wherein the second plane is angled relative to the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 25-the suturing assembly of examples 23 or 24, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

Example 26-the suturing assembly of examples 23, 24, or 25, wherein the second angle is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees.

Example 27-the stapling assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein each of the pair of sidewalls further comprises a central sidewall portion extending between the tissue engaging surface and the second discrete sidewall portion.

Example 28-the seaming assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein a transition between the forming surface and each of the pair of sidewalls comprises a rounded edge.

Example 29-the seaming assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the transition between the discrete sidewall portions comprises a rounded edge.

Example 30-the seaming assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the transition between the discrete sidewall portions intersects the forming surface at a transition between the entrance zone and the exit zone.

Example 31-the suturing assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, and wherein the forming surface comprises: a first end having a first width; a second end having a second width, wherein the second width is less than the first width, and wherein the second end defines an edge of the ridge; and a valley positioned between the first end and the second end, wherein the valley has a third width that is less than the second width.

Example 32-the suturing assembly of example 32, wherein the valley is closer to the second end than the first end.

Example 33-the stapling assembly of examples 31 or 32, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, wherein the staple diameter is between 0.0079 inches and 0.0094 inches, and wherein the third width is greater than 0.0094 inches.

Example 34-the suturing assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, or 33, wherein the ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 1.5:1 and 3: 1.

Example 35-the seaming assembly of examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34, wherein the ratio is 2: 1.

Example 36-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a forming zone. The forming zone includes an inlet zone, an outlet zone, and a groove, the inlet zone including a first radius of curvature, the outlet zone including a second radius of curvature, and the groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 1.5:1 to 3: 1. The proximal forming pocket further comprises a pair of concave sidewalls extending between the forming zone and the tissue engaging surface, wherein a distance between the concave sidewalls is greater at the proximal end than at the distal end. The pair of forming pockets also includes a distal forming pocket.

Example 37-the stapling assembly of example 36, wherein each staple comprises a staple leg, and wherein the forming pockets are configured to urge the staple legs into contact with each other when the staples are deformed.

Example 38-the suturing assembly of examples 36 or 37, wherein the pair of shaped pockets define a ridge therebetween, and wherein the ridge comprises a surface at least substantially parallel to the tissue engaging surface.

Example 39-the suturing assembly of examples 36, 37, or 38, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a forming zone. The forming zone includes an inlet zone, an outlet zone, and a groove, the inlet zone including a first radius of curvature, the outlet zone including a second radius of curvature, and the groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 1.5:1 and 3: 1. The distal forming pocket further comprises a pair of concave sidewalls extending between the forming zone and the tissue-engaging surface, wherein a distance between the concave sidewalls is greater at the proximal end than at the distal end, wherein the grooves of the distal pocket and the grooves of the proximal pocket are not parallel to the longitudinal pocket axis, and wherein the grooves of the distal pocket and the grooves of the proximal pocket are parallel to each other.

Example 40-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets comprises a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface, a pair of inlet zone side walls and a pair of outlet zone side walls, wherein the forming surface comprises an inlet zone having a first radius of curvature and an outlet zone having a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature, the pair of inlet zone side walls are oriented at a first angle relative to the tissue engaging surface, and the pair of outlet zone side walls are oriented at a second angle relative to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle. The pair of forming pockets also includes a distal forming pocket.

Example 41-the suturing assembly of example 40, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 1.5:1 and 3: 1.

Example 42-the suturing assembly of examples 40 or 41, wherein the second angle is 90 degrees.

Example 43-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter. The stapling assembly also includes an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface, a pair of side walls, and a groove defined in the forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an inlet region having a first radius of curvature and an outlet region having a second radius of curvature, the pair of side walls extending at an angle from the forming surface toward the tissue engaging surface, wherein the diameter of the groove is less than the staple diameter. The pair of forming pockets also includes a distal forming pocket.

Example 44-the suturing assembly of example 43, wherein the groove is positioned only in the exit zone.

Example 45-the stapling assembly of examples 43 or 44, wherein the groove comprises two longitudinal edges configured to provide bi-tangential contact between each longitudinal edge and the staple.

Example 46-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, or 45, wherein the groove and the shaping surface comprise a rounded transition between the groove and the shaping surface.

Example 47-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a longitudinal pocket axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 48-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a longitudinal pocket axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 49-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the grooves do not intersect the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 50-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the groove comprises a first portion positioned on a first side of the longitudinal pocket axis and a second portion positioned on a second side of the longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the groove intersects the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 51-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.

Example 52-the stapling assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the staple diameter is between 0.0079 inches and 0.0094 inches.

Example 53-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein the groove has a diameter less than 0.0094 inch but greater than 0.0079 inch.

Example 54-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein the groove has a diameter of less than 0.0079 inches.

Example 55-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the groove extends from a portion of the inlet zone through a portion of the outlet zone.

Example 56-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55, wherein the groove extends from a portion of the entry region through the entire exit region.

Example 57-the suturing assembly of examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the shaped surface comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the groove comprises a first diameter at the proximal end and a second diameter at the distal end, and wherein the second width is greater than the first width.

Example 58-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an anvil, wherein each staple is comprised of a wire having a wire definition, wherein each staple comprises a staple leg, and wherein the anvil is configured to deform the staple. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform the legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface, a pair of side walls extending between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface, and a tip control channel defined in the forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an entrance area having a first radius of curvature and an exit area having a second radius of curvature, wherein the tip control channel defines a tip control axis, and wherein the tip control channel has a diameter that is less than the wire diameter. The pair of forming pockets also includes a distal forming pocket.

Example 59-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket. The proximal forming pocket comprises a forming surface and a tip control channel defined in the forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an inlet zone having a first radius of curvature and an outlet zone having a second radius of curvature, wherein the tip control channel defines a tip control axis, and wherein the tip control axis is non-parallel to the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 60-the suturing assembly of example 59, wherein the distal shaped pocket comprises a shaped surface comprising an entrance zone having a first radius of curvature and an exit zone having a second radius of curvature. The distal shaping pocket further comprises a tip control channel defined in the shaping surface, wherein the tip control channel defines a tip control axis, and wherein the tip control axes are parallel.

Example 61-the suturing assembly of example 60, wherein the tip control axis of the tip control channel of the proximal shaped pocket is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal pocket axis, and wherein the tip control axis of the tip control channel of the distal shaped pocket is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 62-the suturing assembly of examples 59, 60, or 61, wherein the proximal shaped pocket and the distal shaped pocket define a bridge portion therebetween, and wherein the bridge portion is angled relative to the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 63-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, a medial axis including a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the medial axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are not rotationally symmetric with respect to the center point.

Example 64-the suturing assembly of example 63, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface comprising a proximal pocket inlet region and a proximal pocket outlet region, wherein the proximal pocket inlet region comprises a first radius of curvature and the proximal pocket outlet region comprises a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature define a first radius of curvature ratio, and wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface comprising a distal pocket inlet region and a distal pocket outlet region, wherein the distal pocket inlet region comprises a third radius of curvature and the distal pocket outlet region comprises a fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature is different from the fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature define a second radius of curvature ratio, and wherein the first curvature ratio is different from the second curvature ratio.

Example 65-the suturing assembly of example 63, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface comprising a proximal pocket inlet region and a proximal pocket outlet region, wherein the proximal pocket inlet region comprises a first radius of curvature and the proximal pocket outlet region comprises a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature define a first radius of curvature ratio, and wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface comprising a distal pocket inlet region and a distal pocket outlet region, wherein the distal pocket inlet region comprises a third radius of curvature and the distal pocket outlet region comprises a fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature is different from the fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature define a second radius of curvature ratio, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the third radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature is different from the fourth radius of curvature, and wherein the first ratio of curvature is the same as the second ratio of curvature.

Example 66-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, or 65, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface, wherein the proximal pocket forming surface comprises a proximal pocket valley depth, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface, wherein the distal pocket forming surface comprises a distal pocket valley depth, and wherein the proximal pocket valley depth is different from the distal pocket valley depth.

Example 67-the suturing assembly of example 66, wherein the proximal dimple valley depth is greater than the distal dimple valley depth.

Example 68-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the pair of forming pockets define an intermediate reference between the proximal forming pockets and the distal forming pockets, and wherein the intermediate reference is positioned at a center point defined between a proximal end of the proximal forming pockets and a distal end of the distal forming pockets.

Example 69-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the pair of forming pockets define an intermediate datum between the proximal forming pocket and the distal forming pocket, and wherein the intermediate datum is positioned at a point other than a center point defined between a proximal end of the proximal forming pocket and a distal end of the distal forming pocket.

Example 70-the stapling assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69, wherein each forming pocket comprises an inlet zone configured to receive a corresponding tip of a staple, and wherein the inlet zone of a distal forming pocket is larger than the inlet zone of a proximal forming pocket.

Example 71-the stapling assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70, wherein the corresponding legs of the staple comprise equal leg heights.

Example 72-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, or 71, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface and a pair of sidewalls extending between the proximal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface at a first angle relative to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface and a pair of sidewalls extending between the distal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface at a second angle relative to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

Example 73-the suturing assembly of example 72, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle.

Example 74-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, or 73, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface comprising a proximal inlet width and a proximal outlet width, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface comprising a distal inlet width and a distal outlet width, wherein the proximal inlet width is different from the distal inlet width, and wherein the proximal outlet width is different from the distal outlet width.

Example 75-the suturing assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, or 74, wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface and a pair of discrete sidewalls extending between the proximal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface and a pair of discrete sidewalls extending between the distal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface.

Example 76-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a row of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The row of forming pockets includes: a nail row axis; a first zone of pairs of forming pockets located along a first portion of the staple row axis, wherein the pairs of forming pockets of the first zone comprise a first geometry; and a second zone of pairs of forming pockets located along a second portion of the staple line axis, wherein the pairs of forming pockets of the second zone comprise a second geometry, and wherein the second geometry is different from the first geometry. Each pair of forming pockets of the second zone comprises a longitudinal pocket axis, a medial axis comprising a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets of the second zone are bilaterally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets of the second zone are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the medial axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are not rotationally symmetric with respect to the center point.

Example 77-a stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staples. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, a medial axis including a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis and the medial axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.

Example 78-the suturing assembly of example 77, wherein the geometry of the proximal shaped pockets is the same as the geometry of the distal shaped pockets.

Example 79-the suturing assembly of examples 77 or 78, wherein the proximal forming pocket and the distal forming pocket each comprise a forming surface and a groove defined in the forming surface, the groove extending between a first side of the longitudinal pocket axis and a second side of the longitudinal pocket axis.

Example 80-the suturing assembly of example 79, wherein the proximal forming pocket and the distal forming pocket each comprise a rounded transition between the groove and the forming surface.

Example 81-the stapling assembly of examples 79 or 80, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the diameter of the groove is less than the staple diameter.

Example 82-the stapling assembly of examples 79 or 80, wherein each staple comprises a staple diameter, and wherein the diameter of the groove is greater than the staple diameter.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by an electric motor; the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotic control system. Further, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent 9,072,535), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic SURGICAL instrument systems in more detail.

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 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE" published on 4.4.1995;

-us patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-U.S. patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK" published 9/2008;

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

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" published on 3, 2.2010;

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

-us patent 8,393,514 entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 12.3.3.2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now us patent 7,845,537;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT HAVAGING RF ELECTRODES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443) entitled "END efffectors FOR a SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 15.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-driver basic CUTTING insert", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWER SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now U.S. patent 8,608,045;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY" filed 24.12.2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/893,461 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" filed on 9, 29 of 2012, now U.S. patent No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/036,647 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 28.2.2011, now U.S. patent No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/524,049 entitled "article subassembly filing A FIRING DRIVE" filed on 6, 15/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickknoss SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 9,345,481;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickknoss SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552;

-U.S. patent application publication 2007/0175955 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

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. 3, 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. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. 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

1. A suturing assembly, comprising:

a first jaw;

a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw;

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples; and

an anvil configured to deform the staples, the anvil comprising:

a tissue engaging surface; and

a shaped pocket configuration comprising:

a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple, and wherein the pair of forming pockets comprises:

a bridge portion defined between the forming pockets; and

a center located within the bridge portion,

wherein the pair of forming pockets are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to a medial axis thereof, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are not rotationally symmetric with respect to a center point of the medial axis;

Wherein the proximal forming pocket comprises:

a proximal dimple forming surface comprising a proximal dimple inlet area and a proximal dimple outlet area, wherein the proximal dimple inlet area comprises a first radius of curvature and the proximal dimple outlet area comprises a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature define a first ratio of curvature, and wherein the distal forming dimple comprises:

a distal pocket forming surface comprising a distal pocket inlet region and a distal pocket outlet region, wherein the distal pocket inlet region comprises a third radius of curvature and the distal pocket outlet region comprises a fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature is different than the fourth radius of curvature, wherein the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature define a second ratio of curvature.

2. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first curvature ratio is different from said second curvature ratio.

3. The suturing assembly according to claim 1,

the first radius of curvature is different from the third radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature is different from the fourth radius of curvature, and wherein the first ratio of curvature is the same as the second ratio of curvature.

4. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocket forming surface, wherein said proximal pocket forming surface comprises a proximal pocket valley depth, wherein said distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket forming surface, wherein said distal pocket forming surface comprises a distal pocket valley depth, and wherein said proximal pocket valley depth is different from said distal pocket valley depth.

5. The suturing assembly according to claim 4, wherein said proximal dimple valley depth is greater than said distal dimple valley depth.

6. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pair of forming pockets define an intermediate datum between said proximal forming pocket and said distal forming pocket, and wherein said intermediate datum is positioned at said center point, said center point being defined between a proximal end of said proximal forming pocket and a distal end of said distal forming pocket.

7. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pair of forming pockets define an intermediate datum between said proximal forming pocket and said distal forming pocket, and wherein said intermediate datum is positioned at a point other than said center point defined between a proximal end of said proximal forming pocket and a distal end of said distal forming pocket.

8. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein each said forming pocket comprises an inlet area configured to receive a corresponding tip of said staple, and wherein said inlet area of said distal forming pocket is larger than said inlet area of said proximal forming pocket.

9. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said corresponding legs of said staples comprise equal leg heights.

10. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said proximal forming pocket further comprises:

a pair of side walls extending at a first angle relative to the tissue engaging surface between the proximal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises:

a pair of sidewalls extending at a second angle relative to the tissue engagement surface between the distal pocket-forming surface and the tissue engagement surface, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

11. The suturing assembly according to claim 10, wherein said first angle is less than said second angle.

12. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said proximal pocket forming surface further comprises:

A proximal entrance width; and

the width of the proximal outlet is such that,

the distal pocket forming surface further comprises:

a distal entrance width; and

a distal outlet width, wherein the proximal inlet width is different from the distal inlet width, and wherein the proximal outlet width is different from the distal outlet width.

13. The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said proximal forming pocket further comprises:

a pair of discrete sidewalls extending between the proximal pocket-forming surface and the tissue-engaging surface, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises:

a pair of discrete sidewalls extending between the distal pocket-forming surface and the tissue-engaging surface.