JP2020501806A - Staple forming pocket arrangement with major sidewalls and pocket sidewalls - Google Patents

Abstract

In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly includes, among other things, an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets deforming the corresponding staple legs. It is configured to be. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. Each pocket includes a pair of sidewalls extending between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface. Each side wall has a separate side wall portion oriented at a different angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface.

Description

  The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various configurations, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments, and staple cartridges for use therewith, designed to stap and cut tissue.

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a surgical system including a handle assembly and a plurality of replaceable surgical instrument assemblies that may be used therewith. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies of FIG. 1 operatively connected to the handle assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the handle assembly and the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another one of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5; FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the elastic spine assembly of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. FIG. 8 is another exploded view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical end effector portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4-8. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the surgical end effector portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly shown in FIG. 9. 11 is a perspective, side elevational, and frontal view of an embodiment of a firing member that may be used in the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be used in the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. FIG. 13 is a sectional side elevation view of the anvil of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 4 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated in the elongated channel of the surgical end effector. It is a side elevation view. FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 after the surgical staple cartridge has been at least partially fired and the firing member has been retracted to the starting position. FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 after the firing member has completely retracted to the starting position. FIG. 16 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion shown in FIG. 15 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated in the elongated channel of the surgical end effector. FIG. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 18 with the surgical staple cartridge installed therein, showing the firing member at least partially fired and held in the locked position. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and elongated channel of the replaceable instrument assembly of FIG. FIG. 21 is an exploded side elevation view of a portion of the anvil and elongated channel of FIG. 20. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of the anvil embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 26 is a sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG. 28. FIG. 29 is a plan view of the distal end of the anvil body portion of the anvil of FIG. 28. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the distal end of the anvil body portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 31. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a closure member with a distal closure tube portion. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the embodiment of the closure member of FIG. 34. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly showing the anvil mounting portion of the anvil in a fully closed position and its firing member in a starting position. FIG. 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 36 at the beginning of the opening process. FIG. 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 37 with the anvil in a fully open position. FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 37. FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of a closure member. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of FIG. 42. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the replaceable instrument assembly illustrated in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. FIG. 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 48. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the lower surface of the anvil embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 5 with the anvil of the surgical end effector in a fully open position. FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 51, with the anvil of the surgical end effector in a first closed position, in a fully closed position. Part of the replaceable surgical instrument 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 moved distally from the starting position. 3 is another partial cross-sectional view of FIG. Another portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 51, wherein the anvil is in the second closed position and the firing member has been advanced distally into the surgical staple cartridge of the surgical end effector. It is a partial sectional view. 4 is a graphical comparison of firing energy versus time for different replaceable surgical instrument assemblies. FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the force on firing enhancement and a comparison of firing load versus firing distance that the firing member has traveled for four different replaceable surgical instrument assemblies. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket includes 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 of FIG. 58. FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57, taken along line 60-60 of FIG. 58. FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57, taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 58. FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57, taken along line 62-62 of FIG. 58. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement with a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, with each pocket having a forming surface having an inlet area and an outlet area with different curvature radii. FIG. 64 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63. FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63, taken along line 65-65 of FIG. 64. FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63, taken along line 66-66 of FIG. 64. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63, taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 64. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63, taken along line 68-68 of FIG. 64. Each pocket includes a pair of pocket sidewalls extending from a primary sidewall to a pocket forming surface at a second angle different from the first angle, and wherein the pocket includes a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a planar anvil surface. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement having a pair of major sidewalls extending at a first angle to a pocket. 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 of FIG. 70. FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69, taken along line 72-72 of FIG. 70. FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69, taken along line 73-73 of FIG. 70. FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69, taken along line 74-74 of FIG. 70. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a staple forming pocket arrangement with a major side wall, wherein each pocket comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls, and each pocket sidewall comprises a separate 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 of FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75, taken along line 78-78 of FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75, taken along line 79-79 of FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75, taken along line 80-80 of FIG. 76. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a staple forming pocket array with a major side wall, with each pocket having a pair of uneven sidewalls. FIG. 83 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 of FIG. 82. FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, taken along line 84-84 of FIG. 82. FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, taken along line 85-85 of FIG. 82. FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, taken along line 86-86 of FIG. 82. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket includes a forming surface having a groove defined therein. FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 along line 88-88 of FIG. 87. FIG. 91 is an enlarged view of the proximal forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangement shown in FIG. 88. FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 along line 90-90 of FIG. 87. FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 along line 91-91 of FIG. 87. FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 along line 92-92 of FIG. 87; FIG. 4 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 segmented groove defined therein. FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93, taken along lines 94-94 of FIG. 93. FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93, taken along lines 95-95 of FIG. 93. FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93, taken along lines 96-96 of FIG. 93. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 93, taken along line 97-97 of FIG. 93. A staple forming pocket array 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 pocket is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge of the pocket pair. FIG. FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 along the line 99-99 of FIG. 98. FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 along line 100-100 of FIG. 98. FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 along line 101-101 of FIG. 98. FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 98 along line 102-102 of FIG. 98. Stapling comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each pocket comprises a forming surface having an inlet region and an outlet region having different radius of curvature, and each forming surface comprises a groove defined therein. It is a top view of a pocket arrangement. FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 along line 104-104 of FIG. 103; FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 along line 105-105 of FIG. 103; FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103, taken along lines 106-106 of FIG. 103; FIG. 103 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 103 along line 107-107 of FIG. 103; Each pocket includes a pair of concave and convex sidewalls and a forming surface groove defined therein, and the pocket includes a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket that are asymmetric on both sides with respect to the bridge of the pocket pair. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement provided. FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, taken along line 109-109 of FIG. 108; FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, taken along line 110-110 of FIG. 108; FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108 along line 111-111 of FIG. 108; FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, taken along line 112-112 of FIG. 108; A proximal forming pocket, each with a forming surface groove defined therein, wherein the pocket is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge of the pocket pair and rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center of the bridge; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement with a distal forming pocket. FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113, taken along lines 114-114 of FIG. 113. FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113, taken along lines 115-115 of FIG. 113; FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113, taken along lines 116-116 of FIG. 113; FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 113, taken along lines 117-117 of FIG. 113; A proximally formed pocket, wherein the pocket is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge of the pocket pair, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis of the pocket pair, and rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center of the bridge; FIG. 9 is a plan view of a staple forming pocket arrangement with a distal forming pocket different from the proximal forming pocket. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118, taken along line 119-119 of FIG. 118; FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118, taken along line 120-120 of FIG. 118. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 along line 121-121 of FIG. 118. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118, taken along line 122-122 of FIG. 118. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118, taken along lines 123-123 of FIG. 118. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118, taken along lines 124-124 of FIG. 118. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 118 along line 125-125 of FIG. 118; FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly in a fully clamped but non-parallel configuration. FIG. 127 is an elevation view of a staple formed by the stapling assembly of FIG. 126. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another stapling assembly that is fully clamped but in a non-parallel configuration. FIG. 127 is an elevation view of a staple formed by the stapling assembly of FIG. 128. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an anvil having the same plurality of forming pockets. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an anvil with a pair of laterally varying forming pockets. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an anvil with a pair of longitudinally varying forming pockets. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an anvil with a pair of laterally and longitudinally varying forming pockets. 4 is a table identifying certain features of various forming pocket sequences. FIG. 134 includes cross-sectional views of different forming pocket arrangements corresponding to various features listed in the table of FIG. FIG. 4 is a comparison of the forming pocket arrays, the staples formed by the forming pocket arrays, and the maximum force required to fire the staples against these forming pocket arrays. FIG. 135 is a table specifying further features of the formation pocket arrangement shown in the table of FIG. 134. FIG. 7 illustrates staples in a fully formed configuration and in an overdrive configuration formed by a forming pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates staples in a fully formed configuration and in an overdrive configuration formed by a forming pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates staples at first and second stages of a forming process formed by a forming pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 140 shows the staple of FIG. 140 at the third and fourth stages of the forming process formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 140; 6 illustrates staples in a first and second step of a forming process formed by a forming pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. 142 shows the staple of FIG. 142 at the third and fourth stages of the forming process formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 142. FIG. 9 illustrates staples at various stages of formation formed by a formation pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates staples at various stages of formation formed by a formation pocket arrangement according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 64 illustrates the staples in unaligned contact with the forming pockets formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 63 in a fully formed configuration. 4 is a comparison between a forming pocket arrangement and a staple formed by the forming pocket arrangement. FIG. 76 illustrates the staples in contact with the forming pockets in an unregistered state, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 75, in a fully formed configuration. 69 shows the staples in unaligned contact with the forming pockets, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 69, in a fully formed configuration. 81 shows staples in registration with the forming pockets, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, in a fully formed configuration. 81 shows the staples in contact with the forming pockets in an unregistered state, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 81, in a fully formed configuration. 108 shows the staples in contact with the forming pockets in registration, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, in a fully formed configuration. 108 shows the staples in contact with the forming pockets in an unregistered state, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 108, in a fully formed configuration. 57 shows staples in contact with the forming pockets in an unregistered state, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 57, in a fully formed configuration. 87 shows the staples in contact with the forming pockets in an unaligned state, formed by the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 87 in a fully formed configuration.

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7980USNP / 160155,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7981USNP / 160156,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Attorney Docket No. END7982USNP / 160157,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7983USNP / 160158,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES", Attorney Docket No. END7984USNP / 160_159 ____________________________________ US AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR ", Attorney Reference Number END7985USNP / 160160.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END7986USNP / 160161,
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ 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 No. END7987USNP / 160162,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7988USNP / 160163,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END7989USNP / 160164,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Attorney Docket Number END7990USNP / 160165,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7991USNP / 160166,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE," Attorney Docket No. END7992USNP / 1607
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE", Attorney Docket No. END7993USNP / 160168,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGENENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Attorney Docket No. END7994USNP / 160169
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7995USNP / 160170,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7996USNP / 160171,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END7997USNP / 160172,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION_UNLESS_UNESPENT_SEPARATION_PAT. The name of the invention is "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", and the agent reference number END7999USNP / 160174.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT", Attorney Docket No. END8013USNP / 160175,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES," Attorney Docket No. END8014USNP / 160176,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL", Attorney Docket No. END8016USNP / 160178,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END8017USNP / 160179,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER", Attorney Docket No. END8018USNP / 160180,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8019USNP / 160181,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8020USNP / 160182,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM SYSTEM END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8021USNP / 16018
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE", Attorney Docket No. END8022USNP / 160184, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _____________________________, FUSE ”, Attorney Docket No. END8023USNP / 160185.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8038USNP / 160186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS", Attorney Docket No. END8039USNP / 160187,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLE FROM FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "BILTERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS", Attorney Docket No. END8042USNP / 160190,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FINDING NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOTING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8044USNP / 160192,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES", Attorney Docket No. END8045USNP / 160193,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS", Attorney Docket No. END8047USNP / 160195,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS", Attorney Docket No. END8050USNP / 160198,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE", Attorney Docket No. END8051USNP / 160199,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES", Attorney Docket No. END8052USNP / 160200,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES", Attorney Docket No. END8053USNP / 160201,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS," Attorney Docket No. END8054USNP / 160202,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SPECIAL AND DISTINCT PERFORMANCE CUSTOMER PERFORMANCE SERVICES AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH", Attorney Docket No. END8057USNP / 160205,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8058USNP / 160206, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _________________, __________________ No. END8059USNP / 160207.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STEPTED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRAL STAPLES", Attorney Docket No. END8000USNP / 160208,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "STEPTED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END8001USNP / 160209,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END8002USNP / 160210,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLYES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8002USP
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES", Attorney Docket No. END8004USNP / 160212, and - U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "CONNECTION Portions FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS ", Attorney Reference Number END8005USNP / 160213.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELYY, TOA SURGICAL ROBOT", Attorney No. 160 / USD.
-U.S. Patent Application No. "____________________________________________, SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT 160
-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________________________________, Title of Invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8008USNP / 160216,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________________________, SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DENSF ENGINEERING No. 800, REFERENCE NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TOTO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR FULL PORTER PERFORMANCE
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8011USNP / 160219, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________, No. END8012USNP / 160220.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," Attorney Docket No. END8024USNP / 160221,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8025USNP / 160222,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8026USNP / 160223,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURATION TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, No. 160, US Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of the Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8028USNP / 160225,
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR" of the invention, Attorney Docket No. END8029USNP / 160226,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF OF SURGITAL INSTRUMENTS, No. 160, No. 28, Agency No. 160
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUAL SHAFT OF AUTNUS PERFORMANCE NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR No. 160, JUSN, No. 80, JASN, No. 80, JASN 80/32
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT", Attorney Docket No. END8033USNP / 160230,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK", Attorney Docket No. END16034N
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO REVIEW US AREA REVIEW NO.
-US Patent Application No. ___________________________________________________________________________, US Patent Application No. ____________________________ The name of the invention, "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES", and the agent reference number END8037USNP / 160234.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME",
U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES";

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,218, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER",
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,227, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER",
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,259, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", and-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,264, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed April 1, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,325, entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,321, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,326, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,263, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURE GRIP PORTION,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,277, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,296, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT ASH FASH
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,258, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,278, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,284, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,295, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,300, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,196, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,203, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,210, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,324, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,335, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPULSING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,339, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,253, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,304, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,331, entitled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,336, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,312, entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,309, title of invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, title of invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION COLOR CONFIGURATION CONFIGURATION CONFIGURATION.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications, filed on December 31, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: .
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 984,525, title of invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVETTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-U.S. patent application Ser. AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS ".

The applicant of the present application also owns U.S. patent applications identified below, filed February 9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAIN",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATEABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230; Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS ”.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed February 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: .
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, title of invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATE FOR DIVIVTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275; Title of Invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATE FOR DIVIVTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289; FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications, filed June 18, 2015, each of which is 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 No. 14 / 742,941, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 742,900, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT PORTER PORTER PORTER ART OVER PORT INTERNATIONAL
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885; title of invention "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876; FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application possesses the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 6, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, entitled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, Title of Invention "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, currently published in U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT SELECT CONTROL CONTROL FROM FROM HAND02, U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTION THE THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640, No. 780, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

The applicant of the present application possesses the following U.S. patent applications, filed February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURATION TO ASSESS WHEETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WANTIN ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORY
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, entitled "Surgical Charging Systems THAT Charges And / Or Conditions One Or More Bateries", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHEETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, title of invention "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, title of invention. SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURATION TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER ", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

The applicant of the present application owns the following United States patent applications, filed December 18, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STORY MERGE FRONT GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE FIRING GOVERNING OF THE FIRGING OF THE GIRL
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLYES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0149.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,130, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TOA TRAVEL PORTER TRACE AUTHOR TRAVEL TOP LAST ATOP REGARD TO A LAST GALLERY TO GIRL ,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Pat.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500. The title of the invention is "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application possesses the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, titled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246461,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,338, entitled "THUMMBHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2014/02494957;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT," currently U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLYES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, entitled "CONTROL METALDS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911, and-U.S. Pat. Application No. 13 / 782,536 No., title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicants also own the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,053, title of invention "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLYES FOR US WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159. The title of the invention is "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 7, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

Applicant also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 26, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0275258,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574,
U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, titled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed September 5, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 479,103, entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, titled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, The name of the invention, "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed April 9, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT," currently US Patent Application No. 305, U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROL LING THE OPERATION OF THE THE SURGITAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, title of invention "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607. The title of the invention is "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicants also own the following U.S. patent applications, filed April 16, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR",
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER",
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP",
-U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 812,385; title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH WULT MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL;"-U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 812,372; MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR ".

  As set forth in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. The reader is advised that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, certain structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. Will understand. Modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims.

  The terms "comprise" (any form of comprises, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include ( "include" (any word form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (any word form of container, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended concatenations Verb. As a result, a surgical system, apparatus, or instrument that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements has one or more of those elements but one of them. It is not limited to having only one or more. Similarly, an element of a system, apparatus, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features has one or more of those features, It is not limited to having only the above features.

  The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician operating 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 that is remote from the clinician. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "above", and "below" 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 surgery. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including those associated with open surgery. By reading through the Detailed Description herein, the reader is informed that various devices disclosed herein have been formed into tissue, for example, through natural openings. It will further be appreciated that it may be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through an incision or puncture. The working or end effector portion of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body, or an access device having a working passage through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced. Can be inserted through.

  The surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector has a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. Instead, other embodiments are contemplated. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. In other embodiments, the second jaw is pivotable about the closed axis relative to the first jaw, but the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. is assumed. The surgical stapling system further includes an articulation configured to allow the end effector to rotate or articulate relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an axis of articulation extending through the articulation. Other embodiments that do not include an articulation are contemplated.

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

  The staples are supported by a staple driver in the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or firing position for firing staples from the staple cavity. The driver includes an elastic member retained within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around a bottom of the cartridge body, and configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer relative to the cartridge body. . The drives are movable by the sled between their unfired position and their fired position. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramps configured to slide beneath the driver and lift the driver, and staples are supported thereon toward the anvil.

  In addition to the above, the sled is moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push 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 further includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the staple cartridge deck and the anvil, or the tissue gap. The firing member also includes a knife configured to dissect captured tissue intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramp so that the staples are fired forward of the knife.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a motor-driven surgical system 10 that can be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, one example of a surgical system 10 includes four replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each suitable for interchangeable use with a handle assembly 500. Including. Each replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with performing one or more particular surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly may be effectively used with an instrument drive assembly of a robotic or automatic surgical system. For example, the surgical instrument assembly disclosed herein is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It can be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods, such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in "ARRANGEMENTS".

  FIG. 2 illustrates one form of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 operatively coupled to a handle assembly 500. FIG. 3 shows the attachment of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500. The mounting configuration and process shown in FIG. 3 may also be used in connection with mounting any of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000 to the instrument driving portion or instrument driving housing of the robotic system. May be. Handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol gripping portion 504 that can be gripped and manipulated by a clinician. As discussed briefly below, handle assembly 500 generates various control movements to corresponding portions of replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and / or 1000 operatively mounted thereto. A plurality of drive systems configured to be adapted and adapted to be operably supported.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 operably supporting a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 can operably support a “first” or closed drive system, generally indicated as 510, which is operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. May be used to apply an opening and closing motion to the replaced interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 that is pivotally supported by the frame 506. Such a configuration allows the clinician to operate the closure trigger 512 so that when the clinician grasps the pistol grasping portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 is moved to a starting position or It is easy to pivot from an "inactive" position to an "active" position, more specifically to a fully compressed or fully activated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 further includes a closure connection assembly 514 pivotally connected to or otherwise operatively joined to the closure trigger 512. As described in further detail below, in the exemplary embodiment, closure connection assembly 514 includes a lateral mounting pin 516 that facilitates mounting to a corresponding drive system on the surgical instrument assembly. In use, to activate the closure drive system, the clinician presses closure trigger 512 toward pistol gripping portion 504. Further details are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,142, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As described, when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to achieve a full closure stroke, the closure drive system will move the closure trigger 512 to a fully depressed or fully actuated position. It is configured to lock to If the clinician desires to unlock and bias the closure trigger 512 to the inactive position, the clinician simply activates the closure release button assembly 518, thereby deactivating the closure trigger. It is possible to return to the position. The closure release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors in communication with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the construction and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

  In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 are configured to apply a firing motion to a corresponding portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly attached thereto, wherein the firing is performed. Another drive system, referred to as drive system 530, may be operably supported. As described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may use an electric motor (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) and the pistol gripping portion of the handle assembly 500 504. In various embodiments, the motor may be, for example, a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other configurations, 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 supply 522, which may include a removable power pack in one form. The power pack may support a plurality of lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries that can be connected in series may be used as power source 522 for surgical system 10. Note that the power supply 522 may be a replaceable type and / or a rechargeable type.

  The electric motor is configured to drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 axially in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, if the motor drives in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may drive axially in the distal direction "DD". As the motor drives in the opposite rotational direction, drive member 540 may drive axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power source 522 or to control the motor. Handle assembly 500 may further include a sensor (not shown) configured to detect the position of drive member 540 and / or the direction in which drive member 540 is moving. Motor operation can be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) pivotally supported on handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may pivot between an inactive position and an active position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased to a non-actuated position by a spring or other biased configuration so that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it is moved to a non-actuated position by a spring or biasing device. May be pivoted back or otherwise returned. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 can be positioned "outside" the closure trigger 512, as described above. As described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a fire trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent accidental activation of fire trigger 532. . When the closure trigger 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is housed within the handle assembly 500, the clinician cannot easily access the safety button, and prevents actuation of the firing trigger 532. It cannot be fired between the position and the firing position where the firing trigger 532 can be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532 pivot downward, and are then enabled for operation by the clinician.

  In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 has teeth formed thereon for mating engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interacts with the motor (FIG. (Not shown). Further details regarding these mechanisms can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. Also, a manually actuated “emergency release” assembly configured to allow the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the event of a motor failure, Included in at least one form. The emergency release assembly may include a lever or emergency release handle assembly housed within handle assembly 500 below open door 550. The lever is configured to pivot manually into ratchet engagement with the teeth of drive member 540. Accordingly, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the emergency release handle assembly to ratchet the drive member 5400 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 249,117, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US Pat. No. 045 discloses emergency release configurations, as well as other components, arrangements, and systems that may be used with the various surgical instrument assemblies disclosed herein.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a surgical end effector 110 having a first jaw and a second jaw. In one configuration, the first jaw includes an elongated channel 112 configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second jaw includes an anvil 114 pivotally supported with respect to the elongate channel 112. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 also includes a locking articulation joint 120 that can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 110 at a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the various structures and operations of the end effector 110, the articulation joint 120, and the articulation lock are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK ", currently described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As can be further seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a closure that can be utilized to close and / or open the proximal housing or nozzle 130 and the anvil 114 of the end effector 110. A tube assembly 140 can be included. As described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, a closure tube assembly 140 includes a spine 145 that supports an articulation driver configuration 147 for applying articulation to the surgical end effector 110. It is movably supported. Spine 145 is configured to (1) slidably support firing member 170 therein and (2) slidably support closure tube assembly 140 extending around spine 145. Under various circumstances, spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported by chassis 150. Please refer to FIG. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end of spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within chassis 150. Such a configuration facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 145 to the chassis 150 and may selectively rotate the spine 145 relative to the chassis 150 about the shaft axis SA.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a closure shuttle 160 slidably supported therein so that it can be moved axially relative to the chassis 150. As can be seen in FIG. 3, closure shuttle 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 that are attached to mounting pins 516 attached to closure connection assembly 514 of handle assembly 500. Configured to be attached. Proximal closure tube portion 146 of closure tube assembly 140 is coupled to closure shuttle 160 for relative rotation thereto. Thus, when the hook 162 is hooked on the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 causes the closure shuttle 160 and, ultimately, the axial movement of the closure tube assembly 140 over the spine 145. A closure spring (not shown) is pivotally supported on closure tube assembly 140 and serves to bias closure tube assembly 140 in a proximal direction "PD", thereby causing shaft assembly 100 to handle. When operatively connected to the assembly 500, it can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 to an inoperative position. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 translates 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 portion 142 that is pivotally pinned to the distal end of the proximal closure tube portion 146. The distal occlusion tube portion 142 is configured to move axially with the proximal occlusion tube portion 146 relative to the surgical end effector 110. When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes a proximal surface or ridge 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is pivotally closed. Further details regarding the closure of the anvil 114 can be found in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and are described in further detail below. The anvil 114 is opened by translating the distal occlusion tube portion 142 in a proximal direction, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. The distal occlusion tube portion 142 cooperates with an anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of the anvil 114 to pivot a downwardly extending return tab (not shown) to return the anvil 114 to the open position. ) Having a horseshoe-shaped opening 143 therein. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its proximal most or inoperative position.

  As also described above, the interchangeable surgical instrument 100 further includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial movement within the shaft spine 145. The firing bar 170 includes a distal cutting portion configured to move axially through the surgical end effector 110 or an intermediate firing shaft portion configured to be attached to a knife bar. In at least one configuration, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly (not shown) that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation drive to the firing bar 170. Further details regarding the clutch assembly mechanism and operation can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. When the clutch assembly is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing bar 170 moves the articulation driver arrangement 147 away, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. Movement of the firing bar 170 in a proximal direction can move the articulation driver mechanism 147 in a proximal direction. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmitted to the articulation driver 147 so that the firing bar 170 moves independently of the articulation driver 147. be able to. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 can also include a slip ring assembly (not shown), which directs power to and / or from the end effector 110; It may be configured to communicate signals to and / or from end effector 110. Further details regarding the slip ring assembly can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, the chassis 150 has at least one, preferably formed on a chassis adapted to be received in a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506. Includes two tapered mounting portions 152. Each dovetail slot 507 may be tapered, or in other words, somewhat V-shaped, to receive the mounting portion 152 seated therein. As can be further seen in FIG. 3, a shaft mounting lug 172 is formed on the proximal end of the firing shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly 100 is connected to the handle assembly 500, the shaft mounting lug 172 is provided on the firing shaft mounting cradle 542 formed at the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. Accepted. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 also employs a latch system 180 for releasably latching 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 lock member or lock yoke 182 movably coupled to the chassis 150. Lock yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting locking lugs 184 configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the distal mounting flange of frame 506. In various forms, the lock yoke 182 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member. Actuation of the lock yoke 182 may be performed by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted on the chassis 150. Latch button 186 may be biased proximally relative to lock yoke 182. As described in further detail below, lock yoke 182 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing latch button 186 in a distal direction DD, which causes lock yoke 182 to pivot. To be out of retaining engagement with the distal mounting flange of the frame 506. When the locking yoke 182 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal mounting flange of the frame 506, the locking lugs 184 are retained and seated in corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame 506. Further details regarding the latch system can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

  The attachment of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. To begin the coupling process, the clinician may operate the chassis 150 of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 such that the tapered mounting portion 152 formed on the chassis 150 is aligned with the dovetail slot 507 of the frame 506. May be positioned above or adjacent the far end of the frame 506. The clinician then moves the surgical instrument assembly 100 along the installation axis IA perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to move the tapered mounting portion 152 to a corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 at the distal end of the frame 506. May be "operably engaged" and seated. In doing so, the shaft mounting lug 172 on the firing shaft 170 also seats in the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable drive member 540, and a portion of the pin 516 on the closing link 514 engages a corresponding hook on the closing shuttle 160. 162. As used in the present invention, the term "operable engagement" in the context of two components means that when the two components are fully engaged with each other, thereby applying an actuation motion to them, the configuration It means that the element can perform the intended action, function, and / or procedure.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each of which is effective with the same handle assembly 500. To perform different surgical procedures. The configuration of an exemplary form of the exchangeable surgical instrument assembly 100 has been briefly described above and is described in further detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Various details regarding the interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies 200 and 300 can be found in various U.S. patent applications filed on the same date herewith and incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 are described in further detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 1000 includes a pair of jaws, at least one of which has tissue closed with two jaws. It is movable between an open position that can be captured or manipulated between the positions and a closed position where the tissue is securely held therebetween. The movable jaws or jaws are in a release position upon application of a closing and opening motion applied thereto from a robot or automatic surgical system to which the handle assembly or surgical instrument assembly is operatively connected. And between the closed position. Note that each of the illustrated replaceable surgical instrument assemblies cuts tissue and responds to a firing motion applied thereto by a handle assembly or robotic system to one of the jaws. A firing member configured to fire staples from a supported cartridge. Each surgical instrument assembly may be uniquely designed, for example, to perform a particular procedure for cutting and fastening tissue type and thickness within a particular area of the body. The closure, firing, and articulation control system in the handle assembly 500 or robotic system may be controlled axially and / or rotationally depending on the type of closure, firing, and articulation system configuration used in the surgical instrument assembly. It may be configured to generate a control movement. In one configuration, when the handle assembly or the closure control system in the robotic system is fully activated, one of the closure system control components may comprise, for example, the closure tube assembly described above, and from the inactive position. It can move axially to its full operating position. The axial distance that the closure tube assembly travels between its inactive position and its fully activated position may be referred to herein as the "closed stroke length." Similarly, when the firing system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully activated, one of the firing system control components may include, for example, the longitudinally movable drive member described above, and the inactive position. From its full operating or firing position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves between its inactive position and its full firing position may be referred to herein as "firing stroke length". For those surgical instrument assemblies that use an articulatable end effector configuration, the handle assembly or robotic system uses an articulation control component that moves axially through an "articulation drive stroke length." May be. In many situations, the closing stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. As such, each of the surgical instrument assemblies may have a respective one of their entire stroke lengths without placing excessive stress on the surgical instrument components that could result in damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical instrument assembly. Over time, it must be able to accommodate the closing, firing, and / or controlling movements of the articulation components.

  Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 including an elongated channel 1102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. . End effector 1100 may further include an anvil 1130 pivotally supported with respect to elongate channel 1102. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1100 in a desired articulated position relative to the shaft axis SA, such as an articulation 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIG. 5 and 8 to 10). For details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 1210, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULATEABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It can now be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding articulation locks are also found in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196 (filed February 9, 2016), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAIN ". As can be seen in FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 composed of nozzle portions 1302, 1304, and a nozzle portion assembled with snaps, lugs, screws, etc. An actuator wheel portion 1306 can be further configured to couple to 1302, 1304. As described in further detail below, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 further includes a closure tube assembly 1400 that can be utilized to close and / or open the anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100. Can be. Referring primarily to FIGS. 8 and 9, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 can include a spine assembly 1500 that can be configured to support an articulation lock 1210. In the configuration shown, spine assembly 1500 includes an "elastic" spine or frame member 1510, described in further detail below. The distal end 1522 of the elastic spine member 1510 is attached to a distal frame portion 1560 that operatively supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, spine 1500 includes (1) slidably supports firing member assembly 1600 therein, and (2) closed tube assembly 1400 extending around spine 1500. It is configured to be slidably supported. Spine assembly 1500 can also be configured to slidably support proximal articulation driver 1700.

  As can be seen in FIG. 10, the distal frame section 1560 is pivotally connected to the elongated channel 1102 by an end effector mounting assembly 1230. In one configuration, for example, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame section 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received in a pivot hole 1234 formed in the pivot base 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. End effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to the proximal end 1103 of elongate channel 1102 by spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis BB transverse to the shaft axis SA. Please refer to FIG. Such a configuration facilitates pivotal movement (ie, articulation) of end effector 1100 about articulation axis BB relative to spine assembly 1500.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage with the articulation lock 1210. Articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 adapted to operably engage drive pin 1238 on pivot base 1232 of end effector mounting assembly 1230. Note that the cross link 1237 may be connected to the drive pin 1238 and the articulation frame 1212 so as to support the articulation of the end effector 1100. As discussed above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 1210 and articulation frame 1212 may be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. For further details regarding end effector mounting assemblies and crosslinks, see U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. (Filed February 9, 2016). In various situations, the elastic spine member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 rotatably supported by the chassis 1800. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the elastic spine member 1510 is formed thereon for screw mounting to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within the chassis 1800. , A screw 1516. Such a configuration facilitates rotatable attachment of the elastic spine member 1510 to the chassis 1800, which allows the spine assembly 1500 to be selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1800. .

  Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 slidably supported within the chassis 1800 so that it can be moved axially relative to the chassis 1800. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally protruding hooks 1421 that, as described above, connect to mounting pins 516 that are attached to the closure connection assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. Configured to be attached. The proximal end 1412 of the closure tube portion 1410 is connected to the closure shuttle 1420 for relative rotation therein. For example, a U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 at the proximal end 1412 of the closure tube portion 1410 and is retained within a vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. Please refer to FIG. Such an arrangement allows the proximal obturator assembly 1400 to rotate about the shaft axis SA relative to the obturator shuttle 1420 while moving axially therewith. To the closed shuttle 1420. A closure spring (not shown) is journaled on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube portion 1410 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, When the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is operatively connected to the handle assembly 500, it helps to pivot the closure trigger 512 (FIG. 3) on the handle assembly 500 to an inactive position.

  As described above, the illustrated replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes an articulation 1200. However, other interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies need not be articulatable. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the upper and lower protrusions 1415, 1416 project distally from the distal end of the proximal occlusion tube portion 1410 to provide an end effector occlusion sleeve or distal end of the occlusion tube assembly 1400. Movably connected to the proximal closure tube section 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 10, distal closure tube portion 1430 includes upper and lower protrusions 1434, 1436 projecting proximally from its proximal end. Upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in upper protrusions 1415, 1434 of proximal occlusion tube portion 1410 and distal occlusion tube portion 1430. Similarly, lower dual pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in lower protrusions 1416 and 1436 of proximal occlusion tube portion 1410 and distal occlusion tube portion 1430. As described in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 can result in closing and opening of the anvil 1130 relative to the elongate channel 1102.

  As described above, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1600 supported for axial movement within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 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 can be seen in FIGS. 7-10, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 at its distal end, which includes a tab (shown in FIG. 7) on the proximal end of the knife bar 1610. Can be configured to receive The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the knife bar 1610 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween, and can include a slip joint 1612. The slip joint 1612 allows the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 to move and articulate the end effector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 1610. can do. Once the end effector 1100 is properly oriented, advance the knife bar 1610 by advancing the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 distally until the proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts a protrusion on the knife bar 1610; In addition, the staple cartridge 1110 located in the channel 1102 can be fired. As can be further seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic spine member 1520 is an elongated opening or window to facilitate assembly and insertion into the elastic spine member 1520 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602. 1525. Once intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 is inserted therein, top frame portion 1527 may engage resilient spine member 1520 to surround intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 and knife bar 1610 therein. A further description of the operation of firing member assembly 1600 may be found in US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

  In addition to the above, the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 may further include a clutch assembly 1620 that may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1800 to the firing member assembly 1600. it can. In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a locking collar, or sleeve 1622, located around the firing member assembly 1600, wherein the locking sleeve 1622 includes a locking sleeve 1622 that couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly. The engagement position coupled to 1600 and the disengagement position wherein articulation driver 1700 is not operatively coupled to firing member assembly 1600 can rotate. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can cause the articulation driver 1700 to move distally, and correspondingly, the firing member assembly 1600. Can move the articulation driver 1700 in the proximal direction. When the lock sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to the articulation driver 1700 so that the firing member assembly 1600 is independent of the articulation driver 1700. You can move. In various situations, the articulation lock 1210 holds the articulation driver 1700 in place unless the articulation driver 1700 has been moved in a proximal or distal direction by the firing member assembly 1600. Can be.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the locking sleeve 1622 may be cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, having a longitudinal opening 1624 configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600 defined therein. Can be provided. The lock sleeve 1622 can include diametrically opposed inward lock protrusions 1626, 1628 and an outward lock member 1629. Lock protrusions 1626, 1628 may be configured to selectively engage an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of firing member assembly 1600. More specifically, when locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, locking protrusions 1626, 1628 are located within drive notch 1605 defined in intermediate firing shaft portion 1602, thereby providing distal pushing force. And / or proximal pulling force may be transmitted from firing member assembly 1600 to locking sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received in a drive notch 1704 defined in the articulation driver 1700, thereby providing a distal direction applied to the locking sleeve 1622. The pushing force and / or the proximal pulling force may be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. In effect, firing member assembly 1600, locking sleeve 1622, and articulation driver 1700 may move together when locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the lock projections 1626, 1628 cannot be located within the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600, resulting in a remote Displacement pushing force and / or proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from firing member assembly 1600 to locking sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal push and / or the proximal pull may not be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. Under such circumstances, firing member assembly 1600 may be slid proximally and / or distally with respect to locking sleeve 1622 and proximal articulation driver 1700. Clutch assembly 1620 further includes a switch drum 1630 that interacts with locking sleeve 1622. Further description of the operation of the switch drum and lock sleeve 1622 can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196. Can be issued. The switch drum 1630 can further include at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, the openings having circumferential mounting seats extending from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304. It receives the portion 1305 and allows relative rotation between the switch drum 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300, but does not allow translation. Please refer to FIG. Rotating the nozzle 1300 to the point where the mounting seat reaches the end of each slot 1632, 1634 in the switch drum 1630 may cause the switch drum 1630 to rotate about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of switch drum 1630 may ultimately cause lock sleeve 1622 to rotate between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzles 1300 are similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. Pat. Various methods described in further detail in application 15 / 019,196 may be used to operatively engage and disengage the articulation drive system and the firing drive system.

  In the configuration shown, the switch drum 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends to a distal opening 1637 of the switch drum 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives the lateral pin 1639 of the shifter plate 1638. In one example, the shifter plate 1638 is received in a longitudinal slot (not shown) provided in the lock sleeve 1622 so that the lock sleeve 1622 is engaged when the lock sleeve 1622 is engaged with the articulation driver 1700. Facilitates axial movement of the For further details regarding the operation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangement, see U.S. patent application Ser. FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION "(filed September 28, 2015).

  As also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 may, for example, conduct power to and / or communicate signals to and from the end effector 1100 to provide a handle assembly. A slip ring assembly 1640 can be provided that can be configured to return to a microprocessor in a volume or robot system controller. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 1640 and associated connectors are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. No. 13 / 800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", and US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It can now be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552. As described in further detail in the aforementioned patent application incorporated herein by reference, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 also includes at least one switch drum 1630 configured to detect the position of the switch drum 1630. A sensor can be provided.

  Referring again to FIG. 7, the chassis 1800 is on a chassis adapted to be received in a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500, as described above. At least one, preferably two, tapered mounting portions 1802 formed therein. As can be further seen in FIG. 7, a shaft mounting lug 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1602. As will be described in further detail below, when the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, a shaft mounting lug 1605 is provided on the firing shaft formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. It is received in the mounting cradle 542. Please refer to FIG.

  Various interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies use a latch system 1810 to removably couple the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in FIG. 7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes a locking member or lock yoke 1812 movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking yoke 1812 has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot lug (not shown) adapted to be received in a corresponding hole 1816 formed in the chassis 1800. Such a configuration facilitates pivotally attaching lock yoke 1812 to chassis 1800. Lock yoke 1812 includes two proximally protruding lock lugs 1818 configured to releasably engage corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506 of handle assembly 500. Is fine. Please refer to FIG. In various embodiments, the lock yoke 1812 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 mounted on the chassis 1800. Latch button 1820 may be biased proximally relative to lock yoke 1812. Lock yoke 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing latch button 1820 in a distal direction, which causes lock yoke 1812 to pivot and secure with the distal end of frame 506. To disengage. When locking yoke 1812 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal end of frame 506, locking lugs 1818 are retained and seated in corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506.

  In the illustrated configuration, the locking yoke 1812 includes at least one, and preferably two, locking hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding locking lug portions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the inoperative position, the lock yoke 1812 may be pivoted distally to unlock the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in that position, the lock hook 1824 does not contact the lock lug portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when closure shuttle 1420 moves to the operative position, lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot lock yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, lock yoke 1812 may pivot in a distal direction otherwise. When striking or in contact, the lock hook 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 contacts the lock lug 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420, preventing the lock yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, the knife bar 1610 may include a stacked beam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may include, for example, stainless steel bands interconnected by welding or pinning to one another at their proximal ends and / or elsewhere along their length. . In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminates or bands to spread relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such a configuration allows the knife bar 1610 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the central support member 1614 provides lateral support to the knife bar 1610 as the central support member 1614 flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 1100. Used. Further details regarding intermediate support members and alternative knife bar support configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245. As can be seen in FIG. 10, a firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to the distal end of knife bar 1610.

  FIG. 11 illustrates one form of firing member 1660 that may be used with replaceable instrument assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, the firing member 1660 includes a body portion including a proximally extending connector member 1663 configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 at the distal end of the knife bar 1610. 1662. Please refer to FIG. Connector 1663 may be retained within connector opening 1614 by friction and / or welding, or a suitable adhesive or the like. Body portion 1662 projects through elongated slot 1104 in elongated channel 1102 and terminates in a laterally extending foot member 1664 on each side of body portion 1662. As firing member 1660 is driven distally through surgical staple cartridge 1110, foot member 1664 rides within passage 1105 in an elongated channel 1102 located below surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in FIG. 11, one form of the firing member 1660 may further include a laterally projecting central tab, pin, or retainer mechanism 1680. As firing member 1660 is driven distally through surgical staple cartridge 1110, central retainer mechanism 1680 rides on inner surface 1106 of elongate channel 1102. Body portion 1662 of firing member 1660 further includes a tissue cutting edge or mechanism 1666 located between a distally projecting hook mechanism 1665 and a distally projecting upper nose portion 1670. As can be further seen in FIG. 11, the firing member 1660 may further include two laterally extending upper tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 1665. As firing member 1660 is driven distally, the top of body 1662 extends through centrally located anvil slot 1138 and upper anvil engagement features 1672 are formed on each side of anvil slot 1134. And ride on the corresponding shelf 1136. See FIGS. 13 and 14.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operatively join a sled assembly 1120 operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly 1120 is slidable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal start position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. Can be displaced. The cartridge body 1111 operatively supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) positioned in rows on each side of the centrally located slot 1114. The centrally located slot 1114 allows the firing member 1660 to pass therethrough to cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The driver is associated with a corresponding pocket 1116 that opens through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners (not shown). The sled assembly 1120 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 1122, each cam 1122 corresponding to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located beside the slot 1114. In the illustrated embodiment, one cam 1122 is aligned with one line of a “dual” driver that supports two staples or fasteners, respectively, and another cam 1122 is aligned with the slot 1114. Aligned with another line of "single" drivers, each operatively supporting a single surgical staple or fastener, on the same side. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired", there may be three lines of staples on each outer side of the tissue cutting line. However, other staple / fastener arrangements can be fired using other cartridge and driver configurations. Sled assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 configured to be engaged by hook portion 1665 of firing member 1660. Thus, firing member 1660 drives sled assembly 1120 distally when firing member 1660 is fired or driven in the distal direction. As firing member 1660 moves distally through cartridge 1110, tissue cutting mechanism 1666 cuts the tissue clamped between anvil assembly 1130 and cartridge 1110, and sled assembly 1120 drives The container is driven upward in the cartridge, which drives the corresponding staple or fastener to form contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

  In embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it prevents accidental advancement of the firing member unless an unused staple cartridge is properly supported within the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. It may be desirable to configure an elongated shaft assembly in such a manner. For example, if there is no staple cartridge and the firing member advances distally through the end effector, the tissue will be cut but not stapled. Similarly, if a used staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge in which at least some of the staples have already been fired) is present at the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be cut, Stapling may not be complete, if at all. It will be appreciated that the occurrence of such phenomena can have undesirable and sudden consequences during the surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled "SURGITAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WORKING FRONT LOGIN WORKING SPACE IMAGE SIGN WORKING FRAME LOGIN WORKING FRONT LOGIN WORKING FRONT LOGIN WORKING FRONT LOGIN ACCESS LOGIN FINE LOG IN SIGN LOG IN SIGN FRAME SIGN LOG IN GI NG IN No. 7,380,695, the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", and the U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,933, and the title of the invention, ALGST RAP ING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING ", respectively, disclose various firing member lockout configuration. Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  An “unfired”, “unused”, “new”, or “new” cartridge 1110 means herein that the cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in their ready-to-fire position. When in that position, the sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 may be retained therein by a snap mechanism on the cartridge body configured to seat within the elongate channel 1102 and to engage a corresponding portion of the elongate channel 1102. FIGS. 15 and 18 show a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple 1110 seated therein. As can be seen in these figures, the sled assembly 1120 is in the starting position. More precisely, the firing member 1660 is moved distally through the end effector 1110 to prevent the firing system from operating unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge is properly seated in the elongated channel 1102. To prevent directional drive, the illustrated replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 employs a firing member lockout system, generally designated as 1650.

  Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15-19, in one form, firing member lockout system 1650 engages firing member 1660 and retainer when surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within elongated channel 1102. A movable locking member 1652 configured to mate. The locking member 1652 includes at least one laterally moving lock configured to retainably engage a corresponding portion of the firing member when the sled assembly 1120 is not present in the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. A portion 1654 is provided. In the illustrated configuration, locking member 1652 employs two locking portions 1654 that move laterally, each locking portion 1654 engaging a laterally extending portion of firing member 1660.

  In the illustrated embodiment, locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member, with each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extending from central spring portion 1653 and in FIGS. 18 and 19. It is configured to move in the horizontal direction represented by “L”. It will be understood that the term "lateral" means a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. The spring or locking member 1652 may be made from high strength spring steel or a similar material. The central spring portion 1653 may seat within a slot 1236 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. Please refer to FIG. As can be seen in FIGS. 15-17, each of the laterally movable legs or locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658 therein. When the locking members 1652 are in the locked position, the central retention mechanism 1680 on each outer portion extends into a corresponding locking window 1658 to definitively prevent the firing member from advancing distally and axially. I do.

  The operation of the firing member lockout system will be described with respect to FIGS. FIGS. 15 and 18 show a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As can be seen in these figures, the sled assembly 1120 includes an unlocking mechanism 1126 corresponding to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the illustrated configuration, an unlocking mechanism 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each of the central wedge-shaped cams 1122. In an alternative configuration, the unlocking mechanism 1126 may include a proximally protruding portion of the corresponding wedge-shaped cam 1122. As can be seen in FIG. 18, when the sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position, the unlocking mechanism 1124 engages the corresponding locking portion 1654 and responds in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. The locking portion 1654 is biased laterally. When the locking portions 1654 are in these unlocked orientations, the central retaining mechanisms 1680 do not retain engagement with their corresponding locking windows 1658. When in these orientations, the firing member 1660 can be advanced (fired) axially in the distal direction. However, if the cartridge is not in the elongate channel 1102, or if the sled assembly is moved from its starting position (meaning that the cartridge will be partially or completely fired), the locking portion 1654 will move laterally. A spring is applied to maintain engagement with firing member 1660. When in that position, as shown in FIG. 19, the firing member 1660 cannot move distally.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 show retraction of firing member 1660 to the starting position after firing cartridge 1110 and driving sled assembly 1120 distally. FIG. 16 shows the initial re-engagement of the retaining mechanism 1680 with the corresponding lock window 1658. FIG. 17 shows the retaining mechanism in the locked position when the firing member 1660 is completely retracted to its starting position. Each of the retaining mechanisms 1680 faces proximally to assist in lateral displacement of the locking section 1654 when the locking sections 1654 are initially contacted by the proximally moving retaining mechanisms 1680, respectively. A laterally tapered distal end may be provided. Such a lockout system prevents activation of firing member 1660 when no new unfired cartridges are present or when new unfired cartridges are present, but is not properly seated within elongated channel 1102. . It should be noted that the lockout system may prevent a clinician from advancing the firing member distally if a used or partially fired cartridge is accidentally properly seated in the elongate channel. . Another advantage that may be provided by the lockout system 1650 is that other firing member lockout configurations that require movement of the firing member into and out of alignment with corresponding slots / passages in the staple cartridge. Unlike the firing member 1660, the firing member 1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passageway while remaining in the locked and unlocked positions. The locking portion 1654 is designed to move laterally into and out of engagement with the corresponding side of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portion (s) or locking portion (s) is distinguishable from other locking configurations that move vertically to engage and disengage portions of the firing member. .

  13 and 14, in one form, the anvil 1130 includes an elongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 adjacent the proximal anvil attachment portion 1150. Elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes a lower surface 1135 that defines an elongated anvil slot 1138. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 14, anvil slot 1138 is centrally located within lower surface 1135. The lower surface 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of staple forming pockets 1143, 1144, and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slot 1138. Adjacent to each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. Please refer to FIG. As firing member 1660 advances distally, upper anvil engaging mechanism 1632 first enters corresponding proximal ramp portion 1148 and enters corresponding elongated anvil passageway 1146.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, anvil slot 1138 and proximal ramp portion 1148 extend to anvil mounting portion 1150. In other words, anvil slot 1138 divides or branches anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil mounting flanges 1151. Anvil mounting flanges 1151 are connected together at their proximal ends by connecting bridges 1153. The connecting bridge 1153 serves to provide support to the anvil mounting flange 1151 and the anvil mounting portion 1150 can function to be more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil configurations, and the anvil mounting flange , Not connected at their proximal ends. 12 and 14, the anvil slot 1138 has a top portion of the firing member 1660 and a widened portion 1139 for receiving the upper anvil engagement mechanism 1632.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 20-24, each of the anvil mounting flanges 1151 includes a lateral mounting hole 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (FIGS. 10 and 20) therethrough. The anvil attachment portion 1150 is pivotally pinned by a pivot pin 1158 to a proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102, which includes a mounting hole 1107 at the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 and It extends through a mounting hole 1156 in the anvil mounting portion 1150. Such an arrangement serves to pivotally secure the anvil 1130 to the elongate channel 1102 for selective pivotal movement about a fixed anvil axis AA across the shaft axis SA. Please refer to FIG. The anvil attachment 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from the central firing member parking area 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

  In the configuration shown, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and a closed position by axially advancing and retracting the distal occlusion tube section 1430. As will be described in more detail below, the distal end of the distal closure tube section 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon, which is formed on the cam surface 1552 or anvil mounting portion 1150 The cam surface is configured to engage the cam surface. FIG. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a formed on the anvil attachment portion 1150, for example, to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section 1430. FIG. 23 is configured with an inner cam surface 1444 on the distal occlusion tube section, between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal occlusion tube section 1430. Show cam surface 1152b establishing a separate and different arcuate contact path 1155b. In addition to the other potential advantages discussed herein, such an arrangement may serve to better distribute the closing force from the distal occlusion tube section 1430 to the anvil 1130. FIG. 24 illustrates three different contact areas 1155c and 1155d configured between the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal occlusion tube section 1430 and the cam surface on the anvil attachment portion 1150 and the distal occlusion tube section 1430. Shown is the cam surface 1152c to be established. Areas 1155c and 1155d establish a greater area of cam contact between the cam surface (s) or cam surface (s) on distal closure tube section 1430 and anvil mounting portion 1150 and close to anvil 1130 It can function to better distribute force.

  As the distal closure tube section 1430 cams into the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA, thereby causing the end 1133 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 to move. The distal end pivots 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, the anvil comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled, thereby causing the lower surface 1135 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 and the deck 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 to contact therewith. It is positioned in. As the anvil body portion 1132 is compressed onto tissue, the anvil 1130 may experience a significant amount of resistance. These resistive forces are overcome as the distal occlusion tube 1430 continues its distal advance. However, depending on their size and point of application to the anvil body portion 1132, these forces tend to cause the portion of the anvil 1130 to flex, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending may cause a misalignment between the firing member 1660 and the passageways 1148, 1146 in the anvil 1130. If the bends are excessive, such bends can significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument (i.e., cause firing member 1660 to pass through tissue from its starting position to its ending position). Drive). Such excessive firing force may result in damage to the end effector, and / or the firing member, and / or the knife bar, and / or the firing drive system components. Thus, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be configured to resist such bending.

  Figures 25-27 illustrate alternative anvil embodiments that include features that may improve the stiffness of the anvil body and the resistance to bending forces that may occur during the closing and / or firing process. Anvil 1130 'may be otherwise identical in structure to anvil 1130 described above, except for the differences discussed herein. As can be seen in these figures, anvil 1130 'has an elongated anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 with an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-27, anvil cap 1170 is substantially rectangular in shape and has outer cap perimeter 1172. The perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is inserted through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed on the upper body portion 1165 and received on an axially extending internal feature 1139 formed therein. And so on. See FIG. Internal shelf 1139 is configured to support a corresponding long side 1177 of anvil cap 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 may slide through an opening (not shown) at the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 'and onto the internal profile 1139. In yet another embodiment, no internal shelf is provided. Anvil body 1132 'and anvil cap 1170 may be made from any suitable metal that contributes to welding. The first weld 1178 may extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 or along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 rather than the distal end 1173 and / or its proximal end 1175. May be arranged only. First weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In such embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170, or the weld section may be long side 1177 May be more closely spaced proximate to the distal end of the long side, or may be more closely spaced proximate to the proximal end of the long side 1177. In still other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170.

  28-30 show anvil cap 1170 'configured to be "mechanically interlocked" to anvil body 1132', as well as to be welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retaining structures 1182 are formed in the wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 that defines the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term “mechanically interlocked” refers to, for example, regardless of the orientation of the elongated anvil body and without any additional retention or fastening such as welding and / or adhesive Mean that the anvil cap remains fixed to the elongated anvil body. The retaining structure 1182 may project inward from the opening wall 1180 to the opening 1137. The retention structure 1182 may be integrally formed with the wall 1180, or may be otherwise attached thereto. The retention structure 1182 is designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap 1170 'when the anvil cap 1170' is attached to the opening 1137, and frictionally retains the anvil cap 1170 'therein. I do. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining structure 1182 projects inwardly into the opening 1137 and is frictionally received in a correspondingly shaped engagement area 1184 formed in the periphery 1172 'of the anvil cap 1170'. And so on. In the configuration shown, the retaining structure 1182 corresponds to only the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170' and a portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 '. Not provided. In an alternative configuration, the retaining structure 1182 may also be provided at the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 'and the portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to its long side 1177'. In still other configurations, the retention structure 1182 may be provided only on a portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 '. In still other configurations, the retaining structure 1182 includes a long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170' and one of the walls 1180 corresponding to only one of the proximal and distal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 '. Department may be provided. It will further be appreciated that the retention projections in all of the foregoing embodiments may alternatively be formed on the anvil cap with the elongated anvil body having the engagement area formed therein.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-30, the retaining structures 1182 are evenly spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portion 1180 corresponding to the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention structure 1182 may be more closely spaced proximate the distal end of the long side 1177 ', or more closely spaced proximate the proximal end of the long side 1177'. May be. In other words, the spacing between these retaining structures adjacent the distal end, the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends, is the configuration located in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170 '. It may be smaller than the body spacing. In still other configurations, the retaining structures 1182 may be more closely spaced in a central region of the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. Also, in alternative embodiments, a correspondingly shaped engagement area 1184 may not be provided on the outer periphery 1172 'or on a portion of the periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 '. In other embodiments, the retaining structure and the correspondingly shaped engagement area may have different shapes and dimensions. In an alternative configuration, the retaining structures may be sized relative to the engagement area such that there is no interference fit therebetween. In such a configuration, the anvil cap may be held in place by welding, adhesive, or the like.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the weld 1178 'may extend around the entire periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 ', or the weld 1178' may have a distal end 1173 and / or a proximal end 1175 thereof. Instead, they may be located only along the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. The 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 distributed evenly along the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170 'or the weld segment may be long side 1177'. May be more closely spaced proximate the distal end of the '1', or may be closely spaced proximate the proximal end of the long side 1177 '. In still other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'.

  31 and 32 show another anvil configuration 1130 "having an anvil cap 1170" attached thereto. In the embodiment shown, the anvil cap 1170 "is substantially rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172". Outer cap perimeter 1172 "is inserted through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137" in upper body portion 1165 of anvil body 1132 "and is formed with an axially extending inner shelf 1139" formed therein. And 1190 ". See FIG. 32. The shelves 1139" and 1190 "are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ". In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 "is passed through an opening (not shown) at the distal end 1133" of the anvil body 1132 'and onto the internal ridges 1139 "and 1190". The anvil body 1132 "and the anvil cap 1170" may be made of a metallic material that contributes to welding. 178 "may extend around the entire periphery 1172" of the anvil cap 1170 "or the length of the anvil cap 1170" rather than the distal end 1173 "and / or its proximal end (not shown). It may be located only along side 1177 ". Weld 1178" may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. The continuous weld embodiment is more owing to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170 ″ compared to an embodiment with a linear perimeter, such as the anvil cap shown in FIG. 26, for example. It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment where the weld 1178 ″ is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections will be evenly along the long side 1177 ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″. Or the welded sections may be more closely spaced proximate the distal end of the long side 1177 ", or more closely proximate the proximal end of the long side 1177". May be separated. In still other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170".

  Still referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the anvil cap 1170 "may be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132" by a plurality of second separate "deep" welds 1192 ". For example, each weld 1192 "may be located at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194" provided through the anvil cap 1170 ", such that a separate weld 1192" is formed by It may be formed along a portion of the anvil body 1132 "between 1190" and 1139 ". See FIG. 32. The weld 1192" is along the long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170". May be evenly distributed, or welds 1192 "may be more closely spaced proximate the distal end of long side 1177" or proximate the proximal end of long side 1177 " In still other configurations, the welds 1192 "may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ".

  Figure 33 shows another anvil cap 1170 "that is" mechanically interlocked "to the anvil body 1132" as well as being configured to be welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, the "groove" is shown. The "tangled" configuration is used along each long side 1177 "" of the anvil cap 1170 "". In particular, a continuous or intermittent tab 1195 "" extending laterally protrudes from each of the long sides 1177 "" of the anvil cap 1170 "". Each tab 1195 "" corresponds to an axial slot 1197 "" formed in anvil body 1132 "". Anvil cap 1170 "" has an opening at the distal end of anvil body 1132 "". (Not shown) to “mechanically” secure the anvil cap to the anvil body 1132 ′ ″. Tab 1195 "" and slot 1197 "" may be sized relative to each other to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. Note that the anvil cap 1170 "" may be welded to the anvil body 1132 "". The anvil body 1132 "" and the anvil cap 1170 "" may be made of a metal that contributes to welding. The weld 1178 '' 'may extend around the entire periphery 1172' '' of the anvil cap 1170 '' ', or may be located only along the long side 1177' '' of the anvil cap 1170 '' '. Good. The weld 1178 "" can be continuous, or it can be discontinuous or intermittent. In such embodiments where the weld 1178 '' 'is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177' '' of the anvil cap 1170 '' ', or The weld sections may be more closely spaced proximate the distal end of the long side 1177 '' ', or more closely spaced proximate the proximal end of the long side 1177' ''. Good. In still other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177 "" of the anvil cap 1170 "".

  The anvil embodiments described herein with an anvil cap may provide several advantages. For example, one advantage can make the process of anvil and firing member assembly easier. That is, the firing member may be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is attached to the elongate channel. Another advantage is that the top cap can improve the stiffness and resistance of the anvil to the aforementioned bending forces that can be experienced when clamping tissue. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces typically encountered by firing member 1660 may be reduced. Thus, in a surgical staple cartridge, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its start to end position may also be reduced.

  As described above, when the anvil 1130 begins to pivot, the anvil body 1132 comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled, thereby allowing the lower surface of the elongated anvil body 1132 and the deck of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 to contact. It is positioned in. As the anvil body 1132 is compressed onto tissue, the anvil 1130 may experience a significant amount of resistance. In order to continue the closure process, these forces must be overcome by the distal closure tube section 1430 in camming contact with the anvil attachment portion 1150. These resistive forces may generally be applied to the distal occlusion tube section 1430 in the vertical direction V, which, if excessive, may cause the distal occlusion tube section 1430 to expand or extend vertically. (The distance ID in FIG. 31 can be increased). If the distal occlusion tube 1430 extends vertically, the distal occlusion tube section 1430 may effectively close the anvil 1130 and may not be able to hold the anvil 1130 in a fully closed position. If that condition occurs, firing member 1660 may encounter dramatically higher resistance, and may then require a higher firing force to advance the firing member distally.

  34 and 35 illustrate one form of a closure member for applying a closure movement to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In the configuration shown, the closure member includes, for example, a distal closure tube section 1430 having a closure body portion 1470. As described above, one form of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector 1100. To facilitate such articulation, the distal obturator segment 1430 is coupled to the proximal obturator segment 1410 by upper and lower tongues 1434, 1436 and upper and lower dual pivot links 1220 and 1222. It is movably connected. Please refer to FIG. In one configuration, the distal occlusion tube section 1430 may be machined or otherwise formed, for example, from round bar stock made from a suitable metallic material. In the configuration shown, the closure 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 that defines an upper wall 1440 having an upper wall cross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall 1442 having a lower wall thickness LWT. The upper wall 1440 is located above the shaft axis SA, and the lower wall 1442 is located below the shaft axis SA. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall 1440 has an internal cam surface 1444 formed thereon at a cam angle Θ. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, UWT> LWT, which functions to provide a longer inner cam surface 1444, can be achieved differently when the distal occlusion tube section has a uniform wall thickness. A long internal cam surface may be advantageous for transmitting the closing force to the cam surface (s) on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As can be further seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, transition sidewalls 1446, 1448 located on each side of shaft axis SA between upper wall 1440 and lower wall 1442 may be generally parallel to each other. , Generally inner wall surfaces 1451, 1453 extending vertically. The transition sidewalls 1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness that transitions from an upper wall thickness to a lower wall thickness.

  In the illustrated configuration, the distal occlusion tube section 1430 also includes a positive jaw or anvil opening mechanism 1462 corresponding to and protruding inwardly from each of the sidewalls 1446 and 1448. As can be seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, anvil opening mechanism 1462 has been machined or otherwise formed in transition sidewalls 1446, 1448 adjacent distal end 1438 of distal occlusion tube section 1430. , Formed on a lateral mounting body 1460 sized to be received within a correspondingly shaped cavity 1447, 1449. Positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 extends inward through corresponding openings 1450, 1452 in transition sidewalls 1446, 1448. In the configuration shown, the lateral mounting body 1460 is welded to the distal closure tube section 1430 by a weld 1454. In addition to or instead of a weld, the lateral mounting body 1460 may be held in place using a mechanical / frictional fit, grooved tongue configuration, adhesive, or the like.

  36-41 illustrate one example of the use of a distal closure tube portion 1430 to move an anvil 1130 from a fully closed position to a fully open position. FIGS. 36 and 39 illustrate the position of the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 and, more specifically, the position of one of the positive anvil opening mechanisms 1462 when the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 is in the fully closed position. Show. In the illustrated embodiment, an anvil opening ramp 1162 is formed on the lower surface of each of the anvil mounting flanges 1151. When the anvil 1130 and distal closure tube portion 1430 are in their fully closed position shown in FIG. 36, each of the positive anvil opening mechanisms 1462 is established between the anvil opening ramp 1162 and the bottom of the elongate channel 1102. Located in the cavity 1164 that has been removed. When in that position, positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 does not contact anvil mounting portion 1150, or at least does not apply significant opening movement or force thereto. FIGS. 37 and 40 show the position of the anvil 1130 and the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 upon initial application of an opening motion in the proximal direction PD to the distal occlusion tube portion 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the positive jaw opening mechanism 1462 first contacts the anvil opening ramp 1164, causing the anvil 1130 to begin pivoting to the open position. In the illustrated configuration, each of the positive anvil opening mechanisms 1462 has a beveled or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better cam contact with the corresponding anvil opening ramp 1162. Have. In FIGS. 38 and 41, the distal closure tube portion 1430 has been retracted to its fully retracted position, where the positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 is the distal end of the anvil opening ramp 1162. To the anvil 1130, thereby pivoting the anvil 1130 to its fully open position, as shown therein. Other embodiments may not use a positive jaw opening mechanism, but to urge the anvil to the open position if the distal occlusion tube portion is retracted to its most proximal starting position. Alternatively, it may rely on a spring or other biasing configuration.

  42 and 43 illustrate another closure member for applying a closure movement to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this embodiment, the closure member includes a distal closure tube portion 1430 ', which may be similar to the distal closure tube portion 1430 without a positive anvil opening feature. Distal closure tube portion 1430 'has a closure 1470' having an outer surface 1440 'and an inner surface 1433' defining an upper wall 1440 'and a lower wall 1442'. As noted above, using the largest possible internal cam surface 1444 'to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on the anvil attachment 1150, and thereby effectively transfer the closing force thereto May be desirable. Accordingly, the upper wall 1440 'of the distal closure tube portion 1430' may be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT, and the lower portion of the distal closure tube portion 1430 'may have the thinnest wall thickness LWT. Good. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common axis extending through the central axis or point C of the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 '. Therefore, UWT is the exact opposite of LWT, UWT> LWT. Such a wall thickness configuration facilitates the formation of a longer internal cam surface 1444 '.

As can be seen in FIG. 43, the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 'has an outer surface 1431' having a circular cross-sectional shape. The distal closure tube section 1430 'may be machined from solid bar stock. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner radius R ₁ from the first central axis A _inner extends to the inner surface 1433 ′, and an outer radius R ₂ from the second central axis A _outer extends to the outer surface 1431 ′. In the embodiment shown, the axis A _inner is offset from the axis A _outer by a distance OR, and R ₂ > R ₁ .

  FIG. 44 illustrates another closure member for applying a closure movement to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this embodiment, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube portion 1430 "having a closure 1470". The closure 1470 "comprises an outer surface 1431 'and an upper wall 1440" having an upper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall 1442 "having a lower wall thickness LWT and two sidewall portions 1435' each having a sidewall pressure SWT. Having an inner surface 1433 ". In the illustrated example, UWT> LWT. Note that SWT> UWT. Therefore, SWT> UWT> LWT. In the configuration shown, the sidewall portions 1435 'have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In other configurations, the sidewall portions 1435 'may have different thicknesses. As can be seen in FIG. 44, each sidewall portion 1435 'defines an interior surface portion 1437' that extends vertically therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending interior surface portions are substantially parallel to one another. Such thicker vertical sidewall portions 1435 'may help prevent, or at least minimize, vertical extension of the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 "in use.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 45, R ₁ and R ₂ are measured from a common center point or center axis C, and R ₁ > R ₂ . Each of the sidewall portions 1435 "of the closure portion 1470"'of the distal closure tube portion 1430'"extending between the upper portions 1431" and 1433 "is substantially equal to the UWT at a point along the horizontal reference line HR. It has a sidewall thickness SWT, the horizontal reference line HR extends through the central axis C and is vertical along a vertical reference line VR where UWT and LWT can be measured and compared, so that SWT = UWT. In an embodiment of the present invention, the SWT may be slightly smaller than the UWT when measured along the horizontal reference line HR.The SWT is such that the sidewall portion 1435 'has a lower portion 1433' having a constant lower wall thickness LWT. , So that the inner side wall 1437 ″ is correspondingly perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis HR and parallel to the vertical reference axis VR. When measured from the VR ', extending at an angle _{A 2.}

  FIG. 46 shows another closure member for applying a closure movement to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this embodiment, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube portion 1430 "having a round outer surface 1431" and a closure 1470 "having a rectangular inner passage 1439 extending therethrough. The outer surface 1431" has a geometric shape. It is located at a distance R from the center point or center axis C. As shown, the upper wall thickness UWT is equal to the lower wall thickness LWT when measured along a vertical reference axis VR extending through the center point or center axis C. When measured along a horizontal reference axis HR, which extends through the center point or center axis C and is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR, the thickness SWT of the sidewall portion 1437 "is determined by the upper and lower wall thicknesses UWT and LWT. Therefore, the SWT is larger than the UWT and the LWT, in other words, the portion of the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 ″ located above the horizontal reference line HR is farther away than the horizontal reference line HR. Is a mirror image of a portion of the proximal occlusion tube portion 1430 ". In this embodiment, the sides 1437" are thicker than the upper and lower walls and prevent the distal occlusion tube portion from tending to extend vertically. Or it may tend to be minimized. An internal cam surface may be formed on the distal end of upper wall portion 1440 ".

  In the configuration shown, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and a closed position by advancing the distal closure tube section 1430 distally. As can be seen in FIG. 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position, the distal end 1163 of the anvil mounting flange 1151 may extend above the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. When the closing process is initiated by advancing the distal closure tube portion distally in the distal direction DD, the distal end 1163 of the anvil mounting flange 1151 extends beyond the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. This prevents tissue infiltration between them, which can interfere with the closing process. See FIG. Once the anvil 1130 is moved to the fully closed position by the distal occlusion tube portion 1430, the distal end 1461 of the lateral attachment body on the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 prevents tissue from infiltrating therebetween. It also acts to stop the tissue in order to do so. See FIG.

FIG. 47 illustrates a portion of a surgical end effector 110 ′, which may be similar to the surgical end effector 110 of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 of FIGS. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 47, anvil 114 includes an elongated body portion 190 and an anvil attachment portion 192. Anvil mounting portion 192 includes two spaced anvil mounting flanges 194 projecting proximally from elongated body portion 190. Each anvil mounting flange 194 has an outwardly extending trunnion 196 thereon. Each trunnion 196 is movably received within a corresponding kidney-shaped slot or elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197 provided in the elongated channel 112. When the anvil 114 is in the “fully open” position, the trunnion slot 196 is generally located at the bottom 198 of the elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197. The anvil 114 can be moved to the closed position by advancing the distal occlusion tube portion 142 distally in the distal direction DD such that the end 148 of the distal occlusion tube portion 142 Ride onto cam surface 193 formed on anvil mounting portion 192 of 114. As the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube portion 142 advances distally along the cam surface 193 on the anvil attachment portion 192, the distal closure tube portion 142 pivots the body portion 190 of the anvil 114. And moved axially relative to the surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal occlusion tube portion 142 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal occlusion tube portion 142 abuts / contacts the raised anvil 191 and the body portion 190 The lower portion serves to position anvil 114 such that a forming pocket (not shown) is properly aligned with the staples in the cartridge. An anvil shelf 191 is defined between cam surface 193 on anvil mounting portion 192 and elongated anvil body portion 190. In other words, in this configuration, the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermost surface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal occlusion tube 142 reaches this fully extended position, any further application of the closing motion / force to the anvil 114 can cause damage to the anvil and / or the closing system components. As can be seen in Figure 47, in this configuration, the closing force F _H is parallel to the shaft axis SA. The distance between the axis or plane T _A and the closing force vector F _H passing through the center of the trunnion 196 is represented as the distance X _R. Product of the distance _{X R} and the closing force _{F H} represents the closing motion _{C M} to be applied to the anvil 114.

FIGS. 48 and 49 show the closing force configuration of the anvil 1130 of the surgical end effector 1100 of the replaceable instrument assembly 1000. As described above, anvil trunnions 1158 are pivotally mounted within holes 1154 in elongate channel 1102. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move in the axial direction. Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to pivot only about the anvil axis AA. As the distal closure tube portion 1430 is advanced in the distal direction DD under a horizontal closure force F _H1 , between the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube portion 1430 and the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 interaction results in the distal closure tube portion 1430 experiences a vertical closing force component V _F. The resulting force vector F _N experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 is “perpendicular” or perpendicular to the inner cam surface 1444. The angle ４９ in FIGS. 48 and 49, like the internal cam surface 1440, represents the angle of the cam surface 1152 horizontally. The distance between the axis or plane T _A extending through the center of the resulting force vector F _N and the anvil trunnion 1158 is represented as the motion arm M _A. The product of the movement arm distance M _A and the resulting force vector F _N represents the closing movement C _M1 applied to the anvil 1130. Thus, in applications where the horizontal closing force F _H = F _H1 , M _A > X _R and therefore the closing motion applied to the anvil 1130 is applied to the anvil 1130 to exceed the closing motion applied to the anvil 114. The actual amount of closing torque may exceed the amount of closing torque applied to anvil 114. FIG. 49 also shows the resistance established by the tissue during the closure process. F _T, when the tissue is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge, represents the force produced by the tissue. The "opposite" movement moment M _T applied to the anvil 1130, and the distance X _T between the tissue force T _F and the axis or plane T _A extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158, and organizational skills T _F Equal to the product of Therefore, in order to achieve the anvil closure desired amount, C _M1 must be greater than M _T.

  Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 47, the firing bar 170 is located within the elongate channel 112 when in the starting or unfired position, and more particularly, at a predetermined location, the distal occlusion tube portion. It can be seen that it is attached to a firing member 174 located completely distal to 142, with the top 175 of the firing member 174 in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. In such a configuration, the anvil 114 may be completely or completely closed because the firing member 174 is located at a position where the top 175 can contact the anvil as the anvil 114 moves to the closed position. Greater closing force may be required to move to a closed position. It should be noted that if the firing system is activated, a higher firing force may be required to overcome frictional interference between the upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114. Conversely, as can be seen in FIG. 48, at the end effector 1100, the firing member 1660 is "parked" in the firing member parking area 1154 within the distal occlusion tube portion 1430. If the firing member 1660 is located within the firing member retention area 1154 within the distal closure tube portion 1430, no significant frictional force with the anvil can be generated. Accordingly, one of the benefits that can be achieved by having firing member 1660 completely within distal occlusion tube portion 1430 is a reduction in the amount of closing force required to close the anvil to a fully closed position, and And / or a reduction in the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member from a start position to an end position within the end effector. In other words, such that the firing member 1660 is completely proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube portion 1430 and the inner cam surface 1444 thereon, and any frictional contact between the firing member and the anvil. Retaining the firing member 1660 so that it is in a starting position that is eliminated or reduced may ultimately require that lower closing and firing forces be generated for operation of the end effector.

  As described above, excessive bending of the anvil during the closing and firing process can result in the need for an undesirably higher firing force. Accordingly, a stiffer anvil configuration is generally desirable. Returning to FIGS. 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided by the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 shown therein is that the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130 is generally more rigid, and thus other anvils and It is more rigid than an elongated channel configuration. FIG. 50 illustrates the use of a rigid gusset 199 between the anvil mounting flange 194 and the elongated anvil body portion 190. A similar gusset configuration can be used between the anvil mounting flange 1151 of the anvil 1130 and the anvil body 1132 to further increase the anvil stiffness.

As described above, the replaceable surgical instrument 1000 includes the elastic spine member 1520. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 7A, 8, and 51-54, the distal end 1522 of the elastic spine member 1520 is attached to the elastic spine member 1520 by an extension mechanism 1530. It is separated from the proximal end 1524. In addition, the extension limiting insert 1540 is held between the distal end 1522 and the proximal end 1524. In various configurations, the elastic spine member 1520 may be made, for example, of a suitable polymeric material, rubber, or the like, having a modulus of elasticity designated as ME ₁ for reference purposes. The extension mechanism 1530 may include a plurality of extension cavities 1532. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the illustrated extension mechanism 1530 includes four triangular extension cavities 1532 configured to define some flexible wall portions 1534 therebetween. Other shapes and numbers of extension cavities 1532 may be used. The extension cavity 1532 may be molded or machined, for example, into an elastic spine member 1520.

Still referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 51-54, the extension limiting insert 1540 includes a body portion 1541 having a modulus of elasticity designated as ME ₂ for reference purposes. As can be seen in FIG. 6, body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting lugs 1542, each configured to seat into a mounting cavity 1535 formed in elastic spine member 1520. See also FIG. 7A. The body portion 1541 in the configuration shown is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543 to provide the extension limiting insert 1540 with the desired amount of stretching capacity and elasticity. The illustrated embodiment includes four upper cavities 1543 that are relatively square or rectangular in shape and spaced apart to define a flexible wall 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper cavities. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated extension limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally located, downwardly projecting central lug portion 1545 that is configured to seat in a central cavity 1536 above the extension mechanism 1530. See FIG. 7A. In the illustrated embodiment, the central lug portion 1545 includes a pair of central passageways 1546 extending laterally therethrough and defining a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension restricting insert 1540 includes an elongated lateral cavity 1548 disposed on each outer side of the body portion 1541. Only one lateral cavity 1548 can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 51-54. Each elongated lateral cavity 1548 is configured to support a corresponding extension limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the described embodiment, two extension limiters 1550 are used in the extension restriction insert 1540. In at least one configuration, the extension limiter 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 that terminates on a mounting lug 1554 that extends downwardly on a respective end. Each mounting lug 1554 is received in a corresponding lug cavity 1549 formed in body portion 1541. The stretch limiter may have a modulus for ME ₃ reference purposes. In at least one configuration, ME ₃ <ME ₂ <ME ₁ .

The operation of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 when operatively attached to the handle assembly 500 will now be described in further detail with respect to FIGS. FIG. 51 shows the anvil assembly 1130 in the release position. As can be seen in this figure, the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 is in its starting or inactive position, and the positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 has pivoted the anvil 1130 to the open position. Note that the firing member 1660 is in the inactive or start position, and the upper portion including the upper nose portion 1630 is parked in the firing member parking area 1154 of the anvil attachment portion 1150. When the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 is in this inactive state, the extension restricting insert 1540 is in an unextended state. The axial length of the expansion limiting insert 1540 when in the unstretched state is represented by L _us in Figure 51. _Lus is between the reference axis A corresponding to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the extension limiting insert 1540 and the reference axis B corresponding to the distal end of the body portion 1541, as shown in FIG. Represents the distance of The axis labeled F corresponds to the location of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 properly seated in the elongated channel 1102. It will be appreciated that when instrument assembly 1000 is in this non-activated state, elastic spine member 1520 is in a relaxed, unextended state.

FIG. 52 shows the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 after activation of the closure drive system 510 as described above to drive the distal closure tube portion 1430 distally in the distal direction DD. As the distal closure tube portion 1430 moves in the distal direction, the cam surface 1444 on the distal end 1441 of the upper wall 1440 of the distal closure tube portion 1430 becomes cammed with the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150. Contact and pivot the anvil 1130 to the closed position shown. The closure drive system 510 moves the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 through the entire closure stroke distance, and is then axially locked or otherwise retained in that position by the closure drive system 510. . When the distal closure tube portion 1430 contacts the anvil attachment portion 1150, the closing force created by distal advancement of the distal closure tube portion 1430 on the anvil 1130 also causes the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 to move in the distal direction DD. To advance in the axial direction. The extension mechanism 1530 in the elastic spine 1520 begins to extend to accommodate this distal advancement of the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B, as shown in FIG. 52, is the reference axis for extension limiting insert 1540 when in the relaxed or unextended state. Axis C corresponds to the end of extension restricting insert 1540 after the extension restricting insert has been extended to its maximum length. The distance L _s represents the maximum amount or maximum length decompression limit the insert 1540 may be elongated. Axis G corresponds to the position of the distal end of surgical staple cartridge 1110 after anvil 1130 has moved to its "first" closed position. Distance L _T between the reference axis F and G represents an axial distance that the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 during operation of the closure drive system 510 has moved. This distance _{L T,} as limited by the stretch limiter 1550, and the distance _{L S} which decompression limit insert 1540 is stretched during the closing process can be equal.

  Returning to FIG. 51, it can be noted that prior to the start of the closing process, there is a space S between each mounting lug 1554 of the extension limiter 1550 and the respective inner wall 1551 of the lug cavity 1549. As can be seen in FIG. 52, the space S disappears. That is, each of the mounting lugs 1554 is adjacent to a corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the extension limiting insert 1540. Thus, the extension limiter 1550 functions to limit the amount of extension experienced by the extension limiting insert 1540, which extends the elongated channel 1102 to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic spine 1520 and the distal of the anvil 1130. The moving amount is sequentially limited. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked in place by the closure drive system 510. When in that position, anvil 1130 is held in a first “closed position” with respect to surgical staple cartridge 1110. Since firing drive system 530 has not yet been activated, firing member 1660 has not moved and remains parked in firing member parking area 1154. The position of the lower surface of the anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by the axis K in FIGS.

  FIG. 53 shows the position of firing member 1660 after firing drive system 530 has been initially activated. As can be seen in this figure, the firing member 1660 has been advanced distally from the firing member parking area 1154. The upper portion of firing member 1660, and more specifically, each of the upper anvil engagement features 1672, extends into a proximally sloped portion 1138 of a corresponding axial passage 1146 in anvil 1130. At this point in the process, the anvil 1130 may be under substantial bending stress caused by tissue clamped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the deck of the staple cartridge 1110. This bending stress, as well as the frictional resistance between the various portions of the firing member and the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102, may cause the elongate channel 1102 and distal closure during the initial distal advancement of the firing member 1660. It serves to essentially hold the tube section in a static state. During this time, the amount of force required to fire the firing member 1660, or in other words, pushing the firing member 1660 distally through the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. The amount of force needed to increase. See line 1480 in FIG. Also during this period, the extension limiting insert attempts to retract elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 into distal occlusion tube portion 1430 in a proximal direction PD. Once the amount of friction between firing member 1660, anvil 1130 and elongated channel 1102 is less than the retraction force generated by extension limiting insert 1540, extension limiting insert 1540 causes elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 to move away from elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130. This may cause pulling further proximally into the distal closure tube portion 1430. The position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110 after the movement of the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD is represented as position H in FIG. The axial distance that the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 have moved in the proximal direction PD is represented as distance I in FIG. Proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 into the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 may cause the distal occlusion tube portion 1430 to exert additional closing force on the anvil 1130. The line M in FIG. 54 represents the “second” closed position of the anvil 1130. The distance between position K and position M, represented as distance N, includes the vertical distance over which distal end 1133 of anvil body 1132 moves between the first and second closed positions. .

  When the anvil 1130 is in the second closed position, the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 by applying additional closing force to the anvil 1130 by the distal occlusion tube portion 1430, Resist the amount of bending force applied to the Such a condition may result in better alignment between the passage in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660, which may continue to advance distally through the end effector 1100 as the firing member The amount of frictional resistance that 1660 experiences may ultimately be reduced. Thus, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member through the remainder of its firing stroke to the end position can be reduced. This reduction in firing force can be seen in the chart in FIG. The chart shown in FIG. 55 compares the firing force (energy) required to fire the firing member from the start to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move firing member 1660 from its start position to its end position when end effector 1100 is clamping tissue therein. Line 1482 represents, for example, the amount of firing force required to move the firing member of replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firing force required to move firing member 174 from its start to end position through tissue clamped at end effector 110 or 110 '. As can be seen in this chart, the firing force required by both the surgical instrument assemblies 100, 1000 is such that the resilient spine assembly 1510 of the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 provides a second amount of closing force. Substantially the same as or very similar to the point of addition 1484 to the anvil. As can be seen in the chart of FIG. 55, if a second amount of closing force is experienced by the anvil 1130 (point 1484), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process depends on the instrument. It is less than the amount of closing force required to complete the closing process in assembly 100.

  FIG. 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move the firing members of various surgical end effectors from a start position (0.0) to an end position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the amount of firing load, and the horizontal axis represents the percentage of distance the firing member travels between the start position (0.0) and the end position (1.0). Line 1490 indicates, for example, the firing force required to fire the firing member of surgical instrument assembly 100 or a similar instrument assembly. Line 1492 employs various firing member modifications and configurations and is described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. To fire a firing member of a surgical instrument assembly, which may be disclosed in the other aforementioned U.S. patent applications, filed on the same day as the specification, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Indicates the required firing power. Line 1494 is required to fire the firing member of the surgical instrument assembly using at least some of the features and configurations disclosed herein to reinforce the anvil from its start position to its end position. It shows the firing power. Line 1496 is required, for example, to fire a surgical instrument assembly that uses an elastic spine configuration and at least some of the features and configurations for reinforcing an anvil disclosed herein. Indicates the firing force. As can be seen in this figure, the surgical instrument assembly using an elastic spine configuration, and at least some of the anvil reinforced configurations disclosed herein have much lower force versus firing requirements.

  FIGS. 57-62 show a forming pocket arrangement 10100 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket array 10100 includes a proximal forming pocket 10110 and a distal forming pocket 10130 defined in the plane 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 configuration 10100. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10103 by the forming pocket arrangement 10100 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 58 and 59, the forming pocket arrangement 10100 further includes a bridge or ridge 10105 defined between the forming pockets 10110, 10130. In this case, the bridge portion 10105 is part of the flat surface 10107 of the anvil 10101. Bridge portion 10105 includes a bridge width “W”. Forming pocket array 10100 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10105. The forming pocket arrangement 10100 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10105, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10103, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

  The forming pocket 10110 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10113, and the forming pocket 10130 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10133. The pocket side walls 10113, 10133 may be configured such that when the staple tips and / or staple legs first strike the sidewalls 10113, 10133 of the pockets 10110, 10130, the staple tips toward the forming surface of the pockets 10110, 10130. And the legs are oriented. Referring to FIGS. 60-62, sidewalls 10113, 10133 extend from flat surface 10107 of anvil 10101 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10110, 10130. The sidewalls 10113, 10133 of the formations 10110, 10130 are at an angle θ relative to the flat surface 10107 of the anvil 10101 to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips of the staples toward the formation surface. Angled. Sidewalls 10113, 10133 are configured to form staple tips and / or staple legs along pocket axis 10103 as staples are formed against the forming surfaces of pockets 10110, 10130. .

  Referring again to FIG. 58, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10110 and 10130 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10111 and 10131 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10112 and 10132, respectively. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the entrance region forming surfaces 10111 and 10131 is equal to the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the exit region forming surfaces 10112 and 10132. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10111 and 10131 shift to the exit region forming surfaces 10112 and 10132 at the centers of the pockets 10110 and 10130. The transition between the entrance area forming surfaces 10111, 10131 and the exit area forming surfaces 10112, 10132 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10110, 10130. The valleys of the forming pockets 10110, 10130 define a forming surface segment or section having a maximum 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. Similarly, in this case, the longitudinal radius of curvature 10117 and the longitudinal radius of curvature 10137 can form symmetric staples. In other embodiments, the longitudinal radius of curvature 10117 and the longitudinal radius of curvature 10137 are different and can form asymmetric staples.

  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 of FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough 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 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10130 along the line 60-60 of FIG. 58 within the exit area forming surface 10132 of the distal forming pocket 10130. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10130 along the line 62-62 of FIG. 58 within the entry area forming surface 10132 of the distal forming pocket 10130. The proximal staple leg is configured to land on the entrance area forming surface 10111 of the proximal forming pocket 10110 and is configured to exit from the exit area forming surface 10112 of the proximal forming pocket 10110. Similarly, the distal staple legs are configured to land on the entry area forming surface 10131 of the distal formation pocket 10130 and are configured to exit from the exit area formation surface 10132 of the distal formation pocket 10130.

  63-68 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 10200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket array 10200 includes a proximal forming pocket 10210 and a distal forming pocket 10230 defined in the plane or tissue engaging surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The pockets 10210, 10230 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10203 of the forming pocket configuration 10200. Staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 10203 by the forming pocket arrangement 10200 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 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 concave with respect to the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. Bridge portion 10205 includes a bridge width “W” and a bridge depth “D”. Bridge depth "D" is the distance that bridge portion 10205 is recessed relative to flat surface 10207. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10205. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10205, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10203, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

Forming pocket array 10200 further includes a pair of major sidewalls 10208 extending from flat surface 10207 of anvil 10201 toward pockets 10210, 10230 and bridge portion 10205. Major side wall 10208 is angled at an angle theta ₂ to the plane 10207 anvil 10201. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 may be formed 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 main sidewall 10208, the inner edges of the pockets 10210, 10230 and the bridge portion. 10205 and 10205, further comprising edge mechanisms 10215, 10235 that provide a transition mechanism. These edges 10215, 10235 may be, for example, rounded and / or chamfered. The edge features 10215, 10235 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

The forming pocket 10210 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10213, and the forming pocket 10230 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10233. The pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 may be directed toward the formation surface of the pockets 10210, 10230 when the staple tips and / or staple legs first strike the sidewalls 10213, 10233 of the pockets 10210, 10230. It is configured to orient the staple legs. Side walls 10213, 10233 extend from transition edges 10215, 10235 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10210, 10230. The sidewalls 10213, 10233 of the forming pockets 10210, 10230 may be flattened at an angle θ ₁ to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the forming surface of the pockets 10210, 10230. Angled with respect to the surface 10207. The sidewalls 10213, 10233 are configured to form staple tips and / or staple legs along the pocket axis 10203 when staples are formed against the forming surfaces of the pockets 10210, 10230. . Overall, the main sidewall 10208 and the pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 can provide a funnel-like configuration for directing the staple tips. Referring to FIGS. 66 and 67, the angle theta ₁ is greater than the angle theta _2.

  The pockets 10210, 10230 further include transition edges 10214, 10234 that provide a transition mechanism between the pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various embodiments, transition edges 10214, 10234 can have similar characteristics as transition edges 10215, 10235. In other embodiments, transition edges 10214, 10234 can have different characteristics than transition edges 10215, 10235. Thereby, the edges 10214, 10234 may be, for example, rounded or chamfered. The edges 10214, 10234 approach the first edge where the edges 10214, 10234 meet the outer edges of the pockets 10210, 10230, and the edges 10214, 10234 approach the bridge portion 10205 or inner edge of the pockets 10210, 10230. A second edge. The edges 10214, 10234 may transition to transition edges 10215, 10235 near the bridge portion 10205. The edge features 10214, 10234 may also help prevent staple tips from sticking in the pockets 10210, 10230 when formed, as will be discussed in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIG. 64, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10210 and 10230 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10211 and 10231 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10212 and 10232, respectively. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the formation surface covered by the entrance region formation surfaces 10211 and 10231 is larger than the surface area of the formation surface covered by the exit region formation surfaces 10212 and 10232. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10211 and 10231 do not shift to the exit region forming surfaces 10212 and 10232 at the centers of the pockets 10210 and 10230. Rather, the transition point where the entrance areas 10211, 10231 transition to the exit areas 10212, 10232 is closer to the bridge portion 10205. The transition between the inlet area forming surfaces 10211, 10231 and the outlet area forming surfaces 10212, 10232 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10210, 10230. The valleys of the forming pockets 10210, 10230 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10207.

  Referring to FIG. 65, the forming surface of each pocket 10210, 10230 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10210 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10217 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10211 and an exit radius of curvature 10218 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10212. Similarly, the pocket 10230 has an entrance radius of curvature 10237 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10231 and an exit radius of curvature 10238 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10232. In this case, the radii of curvature 10217 and 10237 are larger than the radii of curvature 10218 and 10238, respectively. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  In addition to defining the transition point where the entry region transitions to the exit region, the valleys of the forming pockets 10210, 10230 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10210, 10230. The outer edge of each pocket 10210, 10230, also referred to as the entrance edge, includes the entrance width because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 10211, 10231. The inner edge of each pocket 10210, 10230, also referred to as the outlet edge, includes an outlet width because they define the distal end of the outlet area forming surfaces 10212, 10232. In this case, the inlet width is larger than the outlet width. The outlet width is larger than the valley width or the narrowest part of the forming surface. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10230, taken along line 67-67 of FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10230. This valley or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 10231 and the outlet area forming surface 10232. FIG. 66 shows a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10230, taken along line 66-66 of FIG. 64, disposed within exit area forming surface 10232 of forming pocket 10230. FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10230, taken along line 68-68 of FIG. 64, within the entry area forming surface 10232 of the distal forming pocket 10230.

  Forming pocket arrangement 10200 and the various other forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein are configured for use with staples with various diameters. The staple diameter used with the forming pocket arrangement 10200 can vary, for example, from about 0.0079 inches to about 0.0094 inches. In addition, the entrance and exit radii of curvature of each forming surface can be, for example, from about 1.5: 1 to about 1.5: 1 when the entrance radius is between about 8 and 10 times the staple diameter. Includes a 3: 1 ratio. In at least one case, the entrance radius and exit radius of each forming surface include, for example, a ratio of about 2: 1 when the entrance radius is nine times the staple diameter. In other cases, the inlet and outlet radii of curvature of each forming surface may be, for example, such that the inlet radius is greater than about 0.6 times the staple crown length and ridge or bridge, or the width is 1 time the staple diameter. Less than about 1.5: 1 to about 3: 1. In at least one case, the entrance radius and exit radius of each forming surface may be such that the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the staple crown length and ridge or bridge, or the width is one time the staple diameter. If less than, includes a ratio of about 2: 1. The exit radius of curvature is, for example, between about four times the staple diameter and about six times the diameter. In at least one case, the exit radius of curvature is about 4.5 times the staple diameter.

  FIGS. 69-74 show a forming pocket arrangement 10300 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket array 10300 includes a proximal forming pocket 10310 and a distal forming pocket 10330 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 10307 of the anvil 10301. The pockets 10310, 10330 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10303 of the forming pocket configuration 10300. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 10303 by the forming pocket arrangement 10300 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 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 concave with respect to the flat surface 10307 of the anvil 10301. Bridge portion 10305 includes a bridge width “W” and a bridge depth “D”. Bridge depth “D” is the distance that bridge portion 10305 is recessed relative to flat surface 10307. Forming pocket array 10300 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10305. The forming pocket arrangement 10300 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10305, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10303, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

Forming pocket array 10300 further includes a pair of major sidewalls 10308 extending from flat surface 10307 of anvil 10301 toward pockets 10310, 10330 and bridge portion 10305. The main sidewall 10308 is angled at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the plane 10307 of the anvil 10301. The forming pocket arrangement 10300 further comprises a pair of edge features 10309 that provide a transition mechanism between the outer edges of the pockets 10310, 10330 and the main sidewall 10308. Edge 10309 also provides a transition mechanism between the central portion of main sidewall 10308 and bridge portion 10305. These edges 10309 may be, for example, rounded and / or chamfered. The edge mechanism 10309 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

Forming pocket 10310 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10313, and forming pocket 10330 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10333. The pocket side walls 10313, 10333 are provided with a staple tip and / or a staple leg toward the formation surface of the pocket 10310, 10330 when the staple leg first hits the side wall 10313, 10333 of the pocket 10310, 10330. It is configured to orient the staple legs. Side walls 10313, 10333 extend from transition edge 10309 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10310, 10330. The sidewalls 10313, 10333 of the forming pockets 10310, 10330 may be flat at an angle θ ₁ to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the forming surface of the pockets 10310, 10330. Angled with respect to the surface 10307. Sidewalls 10313, 10333 are configured to form staple tips and / or staple legs along pocket axis 10303 when staples are formed against the forming surface of pockets 10310, 10330. . Overall, the primary sidewall 10308 and the pocket sidewalls 10313, 10333 can provide a funnel-like configuration to accommodate the staple tips. Referring to FIGS. 72 and 73, the angle theta ₁ is greater than the angle theta _2. In this case, the pocket side walls 10313 and 10333 can be considered to be strong. For example, the angle theta ₁ is 80 degrees. Similarly, the angle theta ₂ is significantly less than the angle theta _1. For example, the angle theta ₂ is 4 degrees. Angle θ ₃ (FIG. 73) is defined as the angle between sidewalls 10333 being between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees. In the case of various angle theta ₃ is 0 degrees, and the wall 10333 is at least substantially parallel to each other.

  The pockets 10310, 10330 further include a transition edge 10306 that provides a transition mechanism between the pocket sidewalls 10313, 10333 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various embodiments, transition edge 10306 can have similar characteristics as transition edge 10309. In other embodiments, transition edge 10306 can have different properties than transition edge 10309. Thereby, the edge 10307 may be, for example, rounded or chamfered. The edges 10306, 10309 approach the first edge where the edges 10306, 10309 abut the outer edges of the pockets 10310, 10330, and the edges 10306, 10309 approach the bridge portion 10305 or the inner edge of the pockets 10310, 10330. A second edge. Edge 10306 may transition to transition edge 10309 near bridge portion 10305. The edge features 10306 can also help prevent staple tips from sticking in the pockets 10310, 10330 when formed, as discussed in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIG. 70, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10310 and 10330 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10311 and 10331 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10312 and 10332, respectively. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the formation surface covered by the entrance region formation surfaces 10311 and 10331 is larger than the surface area of the formation surface covered by the exit region formation surfaces 10312 and 10332. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10311 and 10331 do not shift to the exit region forming surfaces 10312 and 10332 at the centers of the pockets 10310 and 10330. Rather, the transition point where the entrance regions 10311, 10331 transition to the exit regions 10312, 10332 is closer to the bridge portion 10305. The transition between the entrance area forming surfaces 10311, 10331 and the exit area forming surfaces 10312, 10332 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10310, 10330. The valleys of the forming pockets 10310, 10330 define the portion or section of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10307. When the term "entrance" is used, "entrance" corresponds to an "entrance" mechanism that is intended for the staple tip to enter the staple pocket during the staple firing process. Similarly, when using the term "outlet", "outlet" corresponds to an "outlet" mechanism in which the staple tip is intended to exit the staple pocket during the staple firing process.

  Referring to FIG. 71, the forming surface of each pocket 10310, 10330 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10310 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10317 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10311 and an exit radius of curvature 10318 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10312. Similarly, the pocket 10330 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10337 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10331 and an exit radius of curvature 10338 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10332. In this case, the radii of curvature 10317 and 10337 are larger than the radii of curvature 10318 and 10338. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  The outer edge of each pocket 10310, 10330, also referred to as the entrance edge, is the largest width of the formation surface of each pocket 10310, 10330, because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 10311, 10331. including. The inner edge of each pocket 10310, 10330, also referred to as the exit edge, is the exit width, which is the narrowest portion of the formation surface of each pocket 10310, 10330, because they define the end of the exit area forming surface 10312, 10332. including. In various cases, the exit width is larger than large diameter staples configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement 10300. The transition between the inlet region and the outlet region includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width. FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10330, taken along line 73-73 of FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10330. This valley or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 10331 and the outlet area forming surface 10332. FIG. 72 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10330, taken along line 72-72 of FIG. 70, disposed within the exit area forming surface 10332 of the forming pocket 10330. FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10330, taken along line 74-74 of FIG. 70, within entry area forming surface 10332 of distal forming pocket 10330.

  75-80 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 10400 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket arrangement 10400 includes a proximal formation pocket 10410 and a distal formation pocket 10430 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 10407 of the anvil 10401. The pockets 10410, 10430 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10403 of the forming pocket configuration 10400. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10403 by the forming pocket arrangement 10400 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 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 concave with respect to the flat surface 10407 of the anvil 10401. Bridge portion 10405 includes a bridge width “W” and a bridge depth “D”. Bridge depth "D" is the distance that bridge portion 10405 is recessed relative to flat surface 10407. Forming pocket array 10400 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10405. The forming pocket arrangement 10400 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10405, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10403, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

Forming pocket array 10400 further includes a pair of major sidewalls 10408 extending from flat surface 10407 of anvil 10401 toward pockets 10410, 10430 and bridge portion 10405. Specifically, each sidewall 10408 shares an edge with only a portion of each pocket, as discussed in more detail below. The main sidewall 10408 is angled at an angle θ ₄ with respect to the plane 10407 of the anvil 10401.

  Each forming pocket 10410, 10430 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls, and each pocket sidewall of each pair includes a separate sidewall portion. For example, the proximal forming pocket 10410 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls, each including a separate sidewall portion 10413 and 10416. Sidewall portion 10413 may be referred to as an inlet sidewall portion and sidewall portion 10416 may be referred to as an outlet sidewall portion. Similarly, the distal forming pocket 10430 comprises a pair of pocket sidewalls, each including a separate sidewall portion 10433 and 10436. Sidewall portion 10433 may be referred to as an inlet sidewall portion and sidewall portion 10436 may be referred to as an outlet sidewall portion. The pocket sidewalls 10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 form the surface of the pockets 10410, 10430 when the staple tips and / or staple legs first strike the sidewalls 10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 of the pockets 10410, 10430. , The staple tip and the staple legs are configured to be oriented.

Sidewall portion 10413 extends from flat surface 10407 toward the formation surface of proximal formation pocket 10410. The side wall portion 10413 transitions to the forming surface through the transition mechanism 10414. Another transition mechanism 10417 is provided between the separate sidewall portions 10413 and 10416 to provide a separate sidewall mechanism. The transition mechanism 10414, 10417 may include, for example, a rounded and / or chamfered surface. The transition mechanisms 10414, 10417 may alternatively include separate edges. Sidewall portion 10416 shares an edge with primary sidewall 10408 and extends from primary sidewall 10408 toward the forming surface of proximal forming pocket 10410. The side walls 10413 and 10416 are oriented at different angles with respect to the pocket axis 10403. In this case, side wall portion 10413 is at least substantially parallel to pocket axis 10403 and side wall portion 10416 is angled with respect to pocket axis 10403 at angle θ ₃ . The phrase “substantially parallel” means an orientation that is substantially parallel or parallel to the pocket axis 10403.

The sidewall portion 10433 extends from the flat surface 10407 toward the forming surface of the distal forming pocket 10430. The side wall portion 10433 transitions to the forming surface through the transition mechanism 10434. Another transition mechanism 10437 is provided between the separate sidewall portions 10433 and 10436 to provide a separate sidewall mechanism. The transition mechanism 10434, 10437 may include, for example, a rounded and / or chamfered surface. The transition mechanisms 10434, 10437 may alternatively include separate edges. Sidewall portion 10436 shares an edge with primary sidewall 10408 and extends from primary sidewall 10408 toward the forming surface of distal forming pocket 10430. The side walls 10433 and 10436 are oriented at different angles with respect to the pocket axis 10403. In this case, the side wall portion 10433 is at least substantially parallel to the pocket axis 10403 and sidewall portion 10436 is angled at an angle theta ₃ with respect to the pocket axis 10403. The phrase “substantially parallel” means an orientation that is substantially parallel or parallel to the pocket axis 10403.

Reference is now made to FIGS. The sidewall portions 10413, 10433 are angled at a different angle than the sidewall portions 10416, 10436 with respect to the flat surface 10407 of the anvil 10401. For brevity, only the configuration of the sidewall of the distal forming pocket 10430 will be described. However, it should be noted that due to the symmetry of the pockets 10410, 10430 described above, the proximal forming pocket 10410 has a symmetrical configuration with the distal forming pocket 10430. Beginning with FIG. 80, the inlet sidewall portion 10433 is angled at an angle θ ₁ with respect to the flat surface 10407. Referring now to FIG. 79, the inlet sidewall portion 10436 is angled at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the flat surface 10407. Angle theta ₂ is greater than the angle theta _1. Angle theta ₂ is, for example, from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees. In the case of various angle theta ₂ is about 80 degrees. In other cases, the angle theta ₂ is about 90 degrees. As can be seen, the outlet side wall portion 10436 is more strongly angled or more vertical than the inlet side wall portion 10433. Generally, the sidewall portions 10433, 10436 are angled with respect to the flat surface 10407 of the anvil 10401 to direct or direct the staple legs and / or staple tips to the forming surface of the distal pocket 10430. And, additionally, controls the formation of the legs, as discussed in more detail below. Similarly, primary sidewall 10408 and pocket sidewalls 10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 can provide a funnel-like configuration to accommodate a staple tip.

  In addition to the above, transition edges 10414, 10434 provide a transition mechanism between the pocket sidewall portions 10413, 10416, 10433, 10436 and the forming surface. The edges 10414, 10434 are first edges where the edges 10414, 10434 meet the outer ends of the pockets 10410, 10430, and edges 10414, 10434 contact the bridge portion 10405 or the inner end of the pockets 10410, 10430. It has two edges. The edge features 10414, 10434, when formed, can help prevent the staple tips from sticking in the pockets 10410, 10430, as discussed in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIG. 76, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10410 and 10430 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10411 and 10431 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10412 and 10432, respectively. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the formation surface covered by the entrance region formation surfaces 10411 and 10431 is larger than the surface area of the formation surface covered by the exit region formation surfaces 10412 and 10432. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10411 and 10431 do not shift to the exit region forming surfaces 10412 and 10432 at the centers of the pockets 10410 and 10430. Rather, the transition point where the entrance regions 10411, 10431 transition to the exit regions 10412, 10432 is closer to the bridge portion 10405. The transition between the inlet area forming surfaces 10411, 10431 and the outlet area forming surfaces 10412, 10432 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10410, 10430. The valleys of the forming pockets 10410, 10430 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10407. In this case, the transition between the entrance region forming surfaces 10411 and 10431 and the exit region forming surfaces 10412 and 10432 occurs in the transition mechanisms 10417 and 10437.

  Referring to FIG. 77, the forming surface of each pocket 10410, 10430 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10410 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10418 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10411 and an exit radius of curvature 10419 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10412. Similarly, the pocket 10430 has an entrance radius of curvature 10438 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10431 and an exit radius of curvature 10439 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10432. In this case, the radii of curvature 10418 and 10438 are larger than the radii of curvature 10419 and 10439. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  The outer edge of each pocket 10410, 10430, also referred to as the entrance edge, is the largest width of the formation surface of each pocket 10410, 10430, because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 10411, 10431. including. The inner edge of each pocket 10410, 10430, also referred to as the exit edge, has a smaller exit width than the entrance width of the formation surface of each pocket 10410, 10430, as they define the distal end of the exit area forming surface 10412, 10432. including. The transition between the inlet region and the outlet region includes a transition width smaller than the entrance width. In various cases, the transition width is similar to the exit width (FIG. 76). The exit area forming surfaces 10412, 10413 include the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10410, 10430. In this case, the narrowest part is the valley or trough of each pocket 10410, 10430. In various cases, the valleys have a width that exceeds the largest diameter staple configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement 10400. FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10430, taken along the line 79-79 of FIG. This view is along the cross section of the entrance area forming surface 10431 and shows the transition of each separate side wall portion 10433, 10436. FIG. 78 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10430, taken along line 78-78 of FIG. 76, disposed within the exit area 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 of FIG. 76, within the entrance area forming surface 10432 of the distal forming pocket 10430.

  FIGS. 81-86 show a forming pocket arrangement 10500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket arrangement 10500 includes a proximal formation pocket 10510 and a distal formation pocket 10530 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The pockets 10510, 10530 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket configuration 10500. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10503 by the forming pocket arrangement 10500 when deployed from a staple cartridge. With reference to FIGS. 82 and 83, the forming pocket arrangement 10500 further includes a bridge portion 10505 defined between the forming pockets 10510, 10530. In this case, the bridge portion 10505 is concave with respect to the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. 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. Bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bottom of bridge portion 10505 is concave with respect to flat surface 10507. Forming pocket array 10500 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10505. The forming pocket arrangement 10500 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10505, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10503, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

Forming pocket array 10500 further comprises a pair of major sidewalls 10508 extending from flat surface 10507 of anvil 10501 toward pockets 10510, 10530 and bridge portion 10505. The main sidewall 10508 is angled at an angle θ ₁ with respect to the plane 10507 of the anvil 10501. The main sidewall 10508 has a curved or contoured inner edge relative to the pockets 10510, 10530.

  The forming pocket 10510 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10513, and the forming pocket 10530 includes a pair of pocket side walls 10533. The pocket sidewalls 10513, 10533 include a curved or contoured profile and direct the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surface of the pockets 10510, 10530, and help control the staple forming process. It is configured so that Sidewalls 10513, 10533 extend from primary sidewall 10508 and flat surface 10507 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The sidewalls 10513, 10533 are configured to form a staple tip and / or a staple leg along the pocket axis 10503 as the staple is formed against the forming surface of the pocket 10510, 10530. . Overall, the main sidewall 10508 and the pocket sidewalls 10513, 10533 funnel the corresponding staple tips toward the lateral center of each pocket 10510, 10530. As will be discussed in more detail below, the sidewalls 10513, 10533 include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion includes a less powerful passage configuration than the outlet portion.

  Referring again to FIG. 82, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10510 and 10530 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10511 and 10531 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10512 and 10532, respectively. The inlet area forming surfaces 10511, 10531 may coincide with the less powerful passage portions of the side walls 10513, 10533. Similarly, outlet area forming surfaces 10512, 10532 may coincide with stronger passage portions of sidewalls 10513, 10533. The pockets 10510, 10530 extend the entire longitudinal length of each pocket 10510, 10530 and are centrally located with respect to the outer lateral edges of the pockets 10510, 10530, the grooves 10515, 10535 also referred to as tip control channels. Further comprising forming or guiding. 10515, 10535 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of pockets 10510, 10530 than at the inner longitudinal edges of pockets 10510, 10530. Grooves 10515, 10535 meet at bridge portion 10505 to facilitate the staple tips and staple legs from contacting each other during the forming process, as discussed in more detail below. In some cases, the groove defined in the forming surface of the forming pocket may have the same effect as a more strongly angled outlet wall and / or a narrower configured outlet wall.

  Referring to FIG. 83, the forming surface of each pocket 10510, 10530 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10510 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10517 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10511 and an exit radius of curvature 10518 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10512. Similarly, the pocket 10530 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10538 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 10531, and an exit radius of curvature 10538 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 10532. In this case, the radii of curvature 10517 and 10537 are larger than the radii of curvature 10518 and 10538. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 84-86, the longitudinal outer edges of each pocket 10510, 10530 are also referred to as entrance edges because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 10511, 10531. The entrance edge includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The inner edge of each pocket 10510, 10530 is also referred to as the outlet edge because they define the distal end of the outlet area forming surfaces 10512, 10532. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width "W", which is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The transition between the inlet region and the outlet region includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width. FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530, taken along line 85-85 of FIG. This view is taken near the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10530. This valley or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 10531 and the outlet area forming surface 10532. In various cases, the transition between the entry and exit regions does not occur at the pocket valleys or troughs. FIG. 84 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530, taken along line 84-84 of FIG. 82, disposed within the exit area forming surface 10532 of the forming pocket 10530. FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10530, taken along line 86-86 of FIG. 82, within entry area forming surface 10532 of distal forming pocket 10530. Sidewall 10533, in this figure, a straight line, or at least substantially straight, and makes an angle with an angle theta ₂ to the plane 10507. Angle theta ₂ is greater than the angle theta _1.

  The groove width may be narrower than the largest diameter staple configured for use with the forming pocket array and may be greater than the smallest diameter staple configured for use with the forming pocket array. In other embodiments, the groove width may be narrower than small diameter staples configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement. Still, in other embodiments, the groove width may be wider than the largest diameter staple configured for use with the forming pocket arrangement. In addition, the groove defined in the forming pocket may include a plurality of widths corresponding to the mouth area and the exit area, as appropriate. For example, a portion of the groove housed in the inlet region may include a width that is less than a width of a portion of the groove housed in the outlet region. In another example, a portion of the groove housed in the inlet region may include a width that is greater than a width of a portion of the groove housed in the outlet region. In other examples, only a groove contained within one of the regions may include multiple widths.

FIGS. 87-92 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 10600 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. Formation pocket arrangement 10600 is similar in many respects to formation pocket arrangement 10100. The formation pocket arrangement 10600 includes a proximal formation pocket 10610 and a distal formation pocket 10630 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10607 of the anvil 10601. The pockets 10610, 10630 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10603 of the forming pocket configuration 10600. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10603 by the forming pocket arrangement 10600 when deployed from a staple cartridge. 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 part of the flat surface 10607 of the anvil 10601. Bridge portion 10605 includes an inner bridge width “W ₁ ” and an outer bridge depth “W ₂ ”. The inner bridge width “W ₁ ” is smaller than the outer bridge width “W ₂ ”. Forming pocket array 10600 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10605. The forming pocket arrangement 10600 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10605, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10603, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

  The forming pocket 10610 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10613, and the forming pocket 10630 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10633. The pocket side walls 10613, 10633 may be configured such that when the staple tips and / or staple legs first strike the side walls 10613, 10633 of the pockets 10610, 10630, the leading edge of the staple toward the formation surface of the pockets 10610, 10630. And the legs are oriented. Referring to FIGS. 90-92, sidewalls 10613, 10633 extend from the flat surface 10607 of the anvil 10601 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10610, 10630. The sidewalls 10613, 10633 of the forming pockets 10610, 10630 may be at an angle θ relative to the flat surface 10607 of the anvil 10601 to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the forming surface. Angled. The sidewalls 10613, 10633 are configured to form a staple tip and / or a staple leg along the pocket axis 10603 as the staple is formed against the forming surface of the pocket 10610, 10630. .

  Referring again to FIG. 87, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10610, 10630 each include an inlet region forming surface 10611, 10631, an outlet region forming surface 10612, 10632, and a groove or channel 10615, 10635 defined in the forming surface. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the inlet region forming surfaces 10611 and 10631 is equal to the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet region forming surfaces 10612 and 10632. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10611 and 10631 move to the exit region forming surfaces 10612 and 10632 at the centers of the respective pockets 10610 and 10630. The transition between the inlet area defining surfaces 10611, 10631 and the outlet area defining surfaces 10612, 10632 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10610, 10630. The valleys of the forming pockets 10610, 10630 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10607.

  The forming surface also includes transition mechanisms 10616, 10636 surrounding grooves 10615, 10635, respectively, and transition mechanisms 10617, 10637 at the inner and outer longitudinal edges of pockets 10610, 10630, respectively. In this case, transition mechanisms 10616, 10617, 10636, 10637 are rounded, however, transition mechanisms 10616, 10617, 10636, 10637 are rounded in addition to or instead of any suitable features. Edges may be included. The transition mechanism 10616, 10636 provides a transition between the groove 10615, 10635 and the forming surface of each pocket 10610, 10630. Toward the central region of each pocket 10610, 10630, transition mechanism 10616, 10636 may provide a transition between grooves 10615, 10635 and sidewalls 10613, 10633. The transition mechanism 10617, 10637 provides a transition between the forming surface and the flat surface 10607. Transition mechanism 10617, 10637 includes extensions 10618, 10638 located at the proximal and distal ends of each groove 10615, 10635.

  The valleys of the forming pockets 10610, 10630 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10610, 10630. FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10630, taken along line 91-91 of FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10630. The outer longitudinal edge of each pocket 10610, 10630 defines the widest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10610, 10630. FIG. 90 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10630 along line 90-90 of FIG. 87 within the exit area forming surface 10632 of the distal forming pocket 10630. FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of distal forming pocket 10630, taken along line 92-92 of FIG. 87, within entry area forming surface 10632 of distal forming pocket 10630.

93-97 show a forming pocket arrangement 10700 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 10700 is similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 10600. The formation pocket arrangement 10700 includes a proximal formation pocket 10710 and a distal formation pocket 10730 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 10707 of the anvil 10701. The pockets 10710, 10730 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10703 of the forming pocket configuration 10700. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10703 by the forming pocket arrangement 10700 when deployed from a staple cartridge. 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 part of the flat surface 10707 of the anvil 10701. Bridge portion 10705 includes an inner bridge width “W ₁ ” and an outer bridge depth “W ₂ ”. The inner bridge width “W ₁ ” is smaller than the outer bridge width “W ₂ ”. Forming pocket array 10700 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10705. The forming pocket arrangement 10700 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10705, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10703, and rotationally symmetric about 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. The pocket side walls 10713, 10733 are directed toward the formation surface of the pockets 10710, 10730 when the staple tips and / or the staple legs first strike the side walls 10713, 10733 of the pockets 10710, 10730. It is configured to orient the staple legs. Referring to FIGS. 95-97, sidewalls 10713, 10733 extend from the flat surface 10707 of the anvil 10701 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10710, 10730. The sidewalls 10713, 10733 of the formations 10710, 10730 can be angled relative to the flat surface 10707 of the anvil 10701 at an angle θ to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the formation surface. Attached. The sidewalls 10713, 10733 are configured to form a staple tip and / or a staple leg along the pocket axis 10703 when the staple is formed against the forming surface of the pocket 10710, 10730. .

  Referring again to FIG. 93, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10710, 10730 each include an inlet region forming surface 10711, 10731, an outlet region forming surface 10712, 10732, and a groove or channel 10715, 10735 defined in the forming surface. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the entrance region forming surfaces 10711 and 10731 is equal to the amount of the surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet region forming surfaces 10712 and 10732. As a result, the entrance area forming surfaces 10711 and 10731 shift to the exit area forming surfaces 10712 and 10732 at the centers of the pockets 10710 and 10730. The transition between the inlet area forming surfaces 10711, 10731 and the outlet area forming surfaces 10712, 10732 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10710, 10730. The valleys of the forming pockets 10710, 10730 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10707.

  Grooves 10715, 10735 aligned with pocket axis 10703 are defined only within a portion of each pocket 10710, 10730. In this case, the grooves 10715 and 10735 are completely arranged in the outlet area forming surfaces 10712 and 10732. In such an example, the groove may be completely located inside the entrance area. Grooves 10715, 10735 include edges 10716, 10736 that provide a transition between grooves 10715, 10735 and their respective forming surfaces. The edges 10716, 10736 include rounded contours, but may be, for example, flat, curved, and / or irregular. The rounded profile may help prevent the staple tips from sticking, as discussed in more detail below. Grooves 10715, 10735 extend from a central portion of their forming surface toward bridge portion 10705 of pocket arrangement 10700. Grooves 10715, 10735 extend into bridge portion 10705 of pocket arrangement 10700. In other words, the grooves 10715, 10735 extend beyond the inner longitudinal edges 10717, 10737 of each pocket 10710, 10730.

  Referring to FIG. 95, the groove 10735 and the staple "S" are shown. FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10730, taken along the line 95-95 in FIG. This cross section is taken within the exit area 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 smaller than the width of the groove 10735 and the transition edge 10736. This prevents the body of the staple "S" from contacting the bottom of the groove 10735. This configuration may be formed in the exit area forming surface 10732 and help maintain minimal double tangential contact between the staples "S" as it exits the distal pocket 10730. Minimal contact between the staple and the pocket can help prevent staple tip sticking and provide a more continuous formed staple, as discussed in more detail below. The staples used in this forming pocket arrangement may include a diameter greater than the width of the groove 10735 and the width of the edge 10736. In this case, inter alia, a similar double tangential contact can occur.

  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 pocket 10730, taken along the line 96-96 in FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10730. The outer 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 along the line 97-97 of FIG. 93 within the entry area forming surface 10732 of the distal forming pocket 10730.

FIGS. 98-102 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 10800 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. Formation pocket arrangement 10800 is similar in many respects to formation pocket arrangement 10600. The formation pocket arrangement 10800 includes a proximal formation pocket 10810 and a distal formation pocket 10830 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 10807 of the anvil 10801. The pockets 10810, 10830 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10803 of the forming pocket configuration 10800. However, it is not intended that the staples be formed along the pocket axis 10803 when deployed from a staple cartridge. 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 ” and an outer bridge depth “W ₂ ”. The inner bridge width “W ₁ ” is smaller than the outer bridge width “W ₂ ”. Forming pocket array 10800 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 10805. The forming 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 about 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. The pocket sidewalls 10813, 10833 are directed toward the forming surface of the pockets 10810, 10830 when the staple tips and / or the staple legs first strike the sidewalls 10813, 10833 of the pockets 10810, 10830. It is configured to orient the staple legs. Referring to FIGS. 100-102, sidewalls 10813, 10833 extend from the flat surface 10807 of the anvil 10801 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10810, 10830. The sidewalls 10813, 10833 of the formations 10810, 10830 may be angled at an angle θ with respect to the flat surface 10807 of the anvil 10801 to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the formation surface. Attached. The sidewalls 10813, 10833 are configured to press or guide the staple tips and / or staple legs toward the formation surface of the pockets 10810, 10830.

  Referring again to FIG. 98, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10810, 10830 include inlet region forming surfaces 10811, 10831, outlet region forming surfaces 10812, 10832, respectively, and grooves or channels 10815, 10835 defined in the forming surfaces. In this case, the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the entrance region forming surfaces 10811 and 10831 is equal to the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet region forming surfaces 10812 and 10832. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10811 and 10831 move to the exit region forming surfaces 10812 and 10832 at the centers of the pockets 10810 and 10830. The transition between the entrance area defining surfaces 10811, 10831 and the exit area defining surfaces 10812, 10832 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10810, 10830. The valleys of the forming pockets 10810, 10830 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat 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 mechanisms 10816, 10817, 10836, 10837 are rounded, but the transition mechanisms 10816, 10817, 10836, 10837 may be rounded, for example, in addition to or instead of any suitable features. May be included. Transition mechanisms 10816, 10836 provide transitions between grooves 10815, 10835 and the formation surfaces of pockets 10810, 10830, respectively. Toward the central region of the pockets 10810, 10830, the transition features 10816, 10836 may provide a transition between the grooves 10815, 10835 and the sidewalls 10813, 10833. Transition mechanisms 10817, 10837 provide a transition between the forming surface and flat surface 10807. Transition mechanisms 10817, 10837 include extensions located at the proximal and distal ends of grooves 10815, 10835.

  The grooves 10815, 10835 are angled with respect to the pocket axis 10803. Grooves 10815, 10835 are respectively inlet portions where the inlet portion of groove 10815 and the inlet portion of groove 10835 are on either side of pocket axis 10803, and the outlet portion of groove 10815 and the outlet portion of groove 10835 are on both sides of pocket axis 10803, respectively. And an outlet portion. This configuration assists the legs to be formed apart from each other. For example, instead of head-to-head contact between a pair of corresponding legs, the legs are configured to form offsets on and on both sides of the pocket axis 10803.

  The valleys of the forming pockets 10810, 10830 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10810, 10830. FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10830, taken along the line 101-101 in FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10830. The longitudinal outer edge of each pocket 10810, 10830 defines the widest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10810, 10830. FIG. 100 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10830, taken along line 100-100 of FIG. 98, within the exit region forming surface 10832 of the distal forming pocket 10830. FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10830, taken along line 102-102 of FIG. 98, within the entry area forming surface 10832 of the distal forming pocket 10830.

103-107 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 10900 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. Forming pocket arrangement 10900 may be similar in many respects to forming pocket arrangement 10200. The formation pocket arrangement 10900 includes a proximal formation pocket 10910 and a distal formation pocket 10930 defined in a plane or tissue contacting surface 10907 of the anvil 10901. The pockets 10910, 10930 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10903 of the forming pocket configuration 10900. It is contemplated that staples are formed along the pocket axis 10903 by the forming pocket arrangement 10900 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 103 and 104, the forming pocket arrangement 10900 further includes a bridge portion 10905 defined between the forming pockets 10910, 10930. In this case, the bridge portion 10905 is concave with respect to the flat surface 10907 of the anvil 10901. The bridge portion 10905 includes a first bridge width “W ₁ ” and a second bridge depth “W ₂ ”. The first bridge width “W ₁ ” is larger than the second bridge width “W ₂ ”. The bridge portion also includes a bridge depth "D". Bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 10905 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10907. The forming pocket array 10900 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10905. The forming pocket arrangement 10900 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 10905, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 10903, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

Forming pocket array 10900 further includes a pair of major sidewalls 10908 extending from flat surface 10907 of anvil 10901 toward pockets 10910, 10930 and bridge portion 10905. Major side wall 10908 is angled at an angle theta ₂ to the plane 10907 anvil 10901. The forming pocket arrangement 10900 provides a transition mechanism between the outer edges of the pockets 10910, 10930 and the flat surface 10907, and between the longitudinal edges of the pockets 10910, 10930 and the main sidewall 10908. Mechanisms 10915 and 10935 are further provided. These edges 10915, 10935 may be, for example, rounded and / or chamfered. The edge features 10915, 10935 can help prevent the staple tips 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. The pocket sidewalls 10913, 10933 are directed toward the forming surface of the pockets 10910, 10930 when the staple tips and / or staple legs first strike the sidewalls 10913, 10933 of the pockets 10910, 10930. It is configured to orient the staple legs. Side walls 10913, 10933 extend from transition edges 10915, 10935 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10910, 10930. The sidewalls 10913, 10933 of the forming pockets 10910, 10930 are flattened at an angle θ _{1 of} the anvil 10901 to direct or direct the staple legs and / or tips toward the forming surface of the pockets 10910, 10930. Angled to the surface 10907. Sidewalls 10913, 10933 are configured to form staple tips and / or staple legs along the pocket axis 10903 as staples are formed against the forming surfaces of pockets 10910, 10930. . Overall, the main sidewall 10908 and the pocket sidewalls 10913, 10933 can provide a funnel-like configuration configured to receive two staple tips. Referring to FIGS. 105 and 106, the angle theta ₁ is greater than the angle theta _2.

  The pockets 10910, 10930 further include transition edges 10914, 10934 that provide transition mechanisms between the pocket sidewalls 10913, 10933 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various embodiments, transition edges 10914, 10934 can have similar characteristics as transition edges 10915, 10935. In other embodiments, transition edges 10914, 10934 can have different characteristics than transition edges 10915, 10935. In either case, the edges 10914, 10934 may be, for example, rounded or chamfered. The edges 10914, 10934 approach the first edge where the edges 10914, 10934 meet the outer corners of the pockets 10910, 10930, and the edges 10914, 10934 approach the bridge portion 10905 or the inner end of the pockets 10910, 10930. A second edge. 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 when formed, as discussed in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIGS. 103 and 104, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10910, 10930 include the inlet region forming surfaces 10911, 10931 and the outlet region forming surfaces 10912, 10932, respectively. In this case, the amount of the surface area of the formation surface covered by the entrance region formation surfaces 10911 and 10931 is larger than the surface area of the formation surface covered by the exit region formation surfaces 10912 and 10932. As a result, the entrance region forming surfaces 10911 and 10931 do not shift to the exit region forming surfaces 10912 and 10932 at the centers of the pockets 10910 and 10930. Rather, the transition point where the entry areas 10911, 10931 transition to the exit areas 10912, 10932 is closer to the bridge portion 10905. The transition between the inlet area forming surfaces 10911, 10931 and the outlet area forming surfaces 10912, 10932 defines a valley or trough of each pocket 10910, 10930. The valleys of the forming pockets 10910, 10930 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the flat surface 10907.

  Referring to FIG. 104, the forming surface of each pocket 10910, 10930 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10910 includes an entrance radius of curvature 10918 corresponding to the entrance area forming surface 10911, and an exit radius of curvature 10919 corresponding to the exit area forming surface 10912. Similarly, the pocket 10930 has an entrance radius of curvature 10938 corresponding to the entrance area forming surface 10931 and an exit radius of curvature 10939 corresponding to the exit area forming surface 10932. In this case, the radii of curvature 10918 and 10938 are larger than the radii of curvature 10919 and 10939. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  The forming surface of each pocket 10910, 10930 also includes a groove or channel 10916, 10936, respectively, defined along the entire longitudinal length of each pocket 10910, 10930. The forming surface may include a main forming surface length, and the groove may include a groove length greater than the main forming surface length. Grooves 10916, 10936 are configured to guide the staple tips and / or legs during the forming process. The grooves also include transition edges 10917, 10937 that provide transitions between the forming surface and the grooves 10916, 10936, and between the grooves 10916, 10936 and the sidewalls 10913, 10933. The transition edges 10917, 10937 may include, for example, a rounded and / or chamfered profile. Referring to FIG. 105, staple "S" is shown. FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10930 along the line 105-105 of FIG. 103. This cross section is taken within the exit area 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 smaller than the width of the groove 10936 and the transition edge 10937. This prevents the body of the staple "S" from contacting the deepest portion of the groove 10936. This configuration can help maintain minimal contact between the staples "S" as the staples "S" are formed against the forming surface. Minimal contact between the staple and the pocket can help prevent staple tip sticking and provide a more continuous formed staple, as discussed in more detail below. The forming pocket array 10900 is configured for use with staples of various diameters. In one case, the diameter of the staple may be smaller than the diameter of the width of the grooves 10916, 10936 so that the staples can enter and contact the deepest portion of the grooves 10916, 10936.

  In addition to defining the transition point where the entry region transitions to the exit region, the valleys of the forming pockets 10910, 10930 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10910, 10930. The longitudinal outer edge of each pocket 10910, 10930, which is also referred to as the entrance edge, includes the entrance width because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 10911, 10931. The longitudinal inner edge of each pocket 10910, 10930, also referred to as the outlet edge, includes an outlet width because they define the distal end of the outlet area forming surfaces 10912, 10932. In this case, the inlet width is larger than the outlet width. The outlet width is larger than the valley width or the narrowest part of the forming surface. FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10930 along the line 106-106 of FIG. This figure shows the valley or trough of the distal forming pocket 10930. This valley or trough is also the transition between the entrance area forming surface 10931 and the exit area forming surface 10932. FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10930 along the line 107-107 of FIG. 103 within the entry area forming surface 10932 of the distal forming pocket 10930.

  108-112 illustrate a forming pocket array 11000 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket arrangement 11000 includes a proximal formation pocket 11010 and a distal formation pocket 11030 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 11007 of the anvil 11001. The pockets 11010, 11030 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket configuration 11000. It is contemplated that the staples are formed away from the pocket axis 11003 by the forming pocket arrangement 11000 when deployed from a staple cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 108 and 109, the forming pocket arrangement 11000 further includes a bridge portion 11005 defined between the forming pockets 11010, 11030. In this case, the bridge portion 11005 is concave with respect to the flat surface 11007 of the anvil 11001 and is angled with respect to the pocket axis 11003. Bridge portion 11005 includes a bridge width “W” and a bridge depth “D”. Bridge portion 11005 is substantially U-shaped with a substantially flat bottom. Bridge depth "D" is the distance that the flat portion of bridge portion 11005 is recessed with respect to flat surface 11007. Forming pocket array 11000 includes a center “C” defined within bridge portion 11005. The forming pocket arrangement 11000 is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge portion 11005, bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the pocket axis 11003, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 11000 further comprises a pair of major sidewalls 11008 extending from the flat surface 11007 of the anvil 11001 toward the pockets 11010, 11030 and the bridge portion 11005. The main side wall 11008 is angled at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the plane 11007 of the anvil 11001. The main sidewall 11008 has a curved or contoured inner edge 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 near the entrance portion, and features that are curved or contoured. The sidewalls 11013, 11033 are configured to direct the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surface of the pockets 11010, 11030 and to help control the staple forming process. The side walls 11013, 11033 extend from the main side wall 11008 and the flat surface 11007 toward the formation surface of each pocket 11010, 11030. In general, the main sidewall 11008 and the pocket sidewalls 11013, 11033 funnel the corresponding staple tips 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 less powerful passage configuration than the outlet portion.

  Referring again to FIG. 108, the forming surfaces of the pockets 11010 and 11030 include the inlet region forming surfaces 11011 and 11031 and the outlet region forming surfaces 11012 and 11032, respectively. The inlet area forming surfaces 11011, 11031 may coincide with less powerful passage portions than the passage portions of the side walls 11013, 11033. The entrance area forming surfaces 11011, 11031 may correspond to a substantially V-shaped profile of each pocket 11010, 11030. Similarly, the inlet area forming surfaces 11012, 11032 may coincide with stronger passage portions of the side walls 11013, 11033. The exit area forming surfaces 11012, 11032 may correspond to the curved or contoured features of each pocket 11010, 11030. The pockets 11010, 11030 further include forming or guiding grooves 11015, 11035, respectively, that extend the entire longitudinal length of the pockets 11010, 11030 and are disposed on only one side of the pocket axis 11003, respectively. The grooves 11015, 11035 are angled with respect to the pocket axis 11003. 11015, 11035 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of pockets 11010, 11030 than at the inner longitudinal edges of pockets 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 pocket 11010, 11030 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 11010 includes an entrance radius of curvature 11017 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 11011 and an exit radius of curvature 11018 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 11012. Similarly, the pocket 11030 has an entrance radius of curvature 11037 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 11031 and an exit radius of curvature 11038 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 11032. In this case, the radii of curvature 11017 and 11037 are larger than the radii of curvature 11018 and 11038. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  Referring now to FIGS. 110-112, the longitudinal outer edge of each pocket 11010, 11030 is also referred to as the inlet edge because they define the beginning of the inlet area forming surfaces 11011, 11031. The entrance edge includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each pocket 11010, 11030. The longitudinal inner edges of each pocket 11010, 11030 are also referred to as outlet edges because they define the distal end of the outlet area forming surfaces 11012, 11032. The outlet edge includes an outlet width that is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each pocket 11010, 11030. The transition between the inlet region and the outlet region includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11030 taken along the line 110-110 in FIG. 108. This view is taken within the exit area forming surface 11032 of the forming pocket 11030. The side wall 11033 where the groove 11035 is inclined is more strongly curved and inclined than the other side wall 11033 where the groove 11035 is inclined in a direction away from the groove 11035. FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11030 taken along the line 111-111 in FIG. This view is taken near the valley or trough of the forming pocket 11030. The curvature or profile of each side wall 11033 is substantially similar near this portion of the pocket 11030, but the side wall 11033 where the groove 11035 is sloped is the other side wall where the groove 11035 is sloped away. It is still more curved and more strongly inclined than 11033. FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11030 taken along line 112-112 of FIG. This view is taken within the entrance area forming surface 11031 of the forming pocket 11030. In this part of the pocket, the side wall 11033 is substantially flat. However, it can be seen that the side wall 11033 where the groove 11035 is sloped is still slightly curved. Sidewall 11033 which is inclined in the direction in which the groove 11035 leaves at this portion is a plane, also to the flat surface 11007 are angled at an angle theta _1. Angle theta ₁ is greater than the angle theta _2.

  FIGS. 113-117 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 11100 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket arrangement 11100 includes a proximal formation pocket 11110 and a distal formation pocket 11130 defined in a plane 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 configuration 11100. Referring to FIGS. 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 part of the flat surface 11107 of the anvil 11101. Bridge portion 11105 includes a bridge width “W”. The forming pocket arrangement 11100 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 11105. The forming pocket arrangement 11100 is bilaterally symmetric about the bridge portion 11105, bilaterally symmetric about the pocket axis 11103, and rotationally symmetric about the center "C".

  Each forming pocket 11110, 11130 includes a filled edge 11114, 11134 extending around the perimeter of each pocket 11110, 11130, respectively. The edges 11114, 11134 provide a curved transition between the flat surface 11107 and the pockets 11110, 11130. Specifically, edges 11114, 11134 transition flat surface 11107 into pocket sidewalls 11113A, 11113B of pocket 11110 and pocket sidewalls 11133A, 11133B of pocket 11130. The edges 11114, 11134 also transition the flat surface 11107 to the entrance and exit portions of the forming surface of each pocket 11110, 11130.

  Side walls 11113A and 11133A are angled at an angle θ with respect to pocket axis 11103. The side walls 11113B, 11133B include separate side wall portions 11121, 11122, 11123 and 11141, 11142, 11143, respectively. Sidewall portions 11121, 11141 are angled with respect to pocket axis 11103 at an angle different from the angle at which sidewall portions 11113A, 11133A form an angle with respect to pocket axis 11103. The side wall portions 11122, 11142 are parallel or at least substantially parallel to the pocket axis 11103. The sidewall portions 11123, 11143 are parallel or at least substantially parallel to the pocket sidewalls 11113A, 11133A. Sidewalls 11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B are configured to direct the staple tips and staple legs toward the formation surface of pockets 11110, 11130 and to help control the staple formation process.

  Side walls 11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B extend from transition edges 11114, 11134 to transition edges 11116, 11136. These edges 11116, 11136 provide a rounded or smoothed transition mechanism between the side walls 11113A, 11113B, 11133A, 11133B and the forming surface of each pocket 11110, 11130. The edges 11116, 11136 may include rounded and / or flat contours.

  Referring again to FIG. 113, the forming surfaces of the pockets 11110 and 11130 include the inlet region forming surfaces 11111 and 11131 and the outlet region forming surfaces 11112 and 11132, respectively. The pockets 11110, 11130 further include forming or guiding grooves 11115, 11135 defined in the forming pockets 11110, 11130, respectively. Specifically, the grooves 11115, 11135 extend parallel or at least substantially parallel to the pocket axis 11103, and exist only in the entrance area forming surfaces 11111, 11131. The pockets 11110, 11130 also include filled transition edges that extend around the perimeter of the grooves 11115, 11135, respectively, to provide a smooth transition between the forming surface and the grooves 11115, 11135. The filled transition edges can help ensure a two-point forming contact, as discussed in more detail below. The grooves 11115, 11135 are also completely on one side of the pocket axis 11103.

  Referring to FIG. 114, the forming surface of each pocket 11110, 11130 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the proximal pocket 11110 has an entrance radius of curvature 11127 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 11111 and an exit radius of curvature 11128 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 11112. Similarly, the distal pocket 11130 has an entrance radius of curvature 11147 corresponding to the entrance region forming surface 11131 and an exit radius of curvature 11148 corresponding to the exit region forming surface 11132. In this case, the radii of curvature 11117 and 11137 are larger than the radii of curvature 11118 and 11138. In addition, the forming surface includes a transition point at which the radii of curvature switch from the entrance radii of curvature 11127, 11147 to the exit radii of curvature 11128, 11148. In this case, this transition point occurs at the ends of the grooves 11115, 11135 near the bridge portion 11105. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and the various pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  The outer longitudinal edge of each pocket 11110, 11130 is also referred to as the entrance edge because they define the beginning of the entrance area forming surfaces 11111, 11131. The entrance edge includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each pocket 11110, 11130. The longitudinal inner edges of each pocket 11110, 11130 are also referred to as outlet edges because they define the distal end of the outlet area forming surfaces 11112, 11132. The exit edge includes an exit width that is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each pocket 11110, 11130. The transition point from the entrance region to the exit region includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width.

  FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11130, taken along line 115-115 of FIG. 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 forming pocket 11130, taken along line 116-116 of FIG. This view is taken near the valley or trough of the forming pocket 11130. In this view, it can be seen that the groove 11135 can be considered an extension of the sidewall portion 11142. FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11130, taken along line 117-117 of FIG.

  FIGS. 118-125 illustrate a forming pocket arrangement 11200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 11200 includes a proximal forming pocket 11210 and a distal forming pocket 11230 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. The pockets 11210, 11230 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 11203 of the forming pocket configuration 11200. With reference to FIGS. 118 and 119, the forming pocket arrangement 11200 further includes a bridge portion 11205 defined between the forming pockets 11210, 11230. In this case, the bridge portion 11205 is concave with respect to the flat surface 11207 of the anvil 11201. Bridge portion 11205 includes a bridge width “W” and a bridge depth “D”. Bridge depth "D" is the distance that bridge portion 11205 is recessed relative to flat surface 11207. The forming pocket 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 pocket arrangement 11200, but rather, the center “C” is identified as being near the center of the bridge portion 11205, defining an intermediate reference point between the pockets. However, in this case, the lack of symmetry of the pocket arrangement 11200 will be described. Specifically, the forming pocket arrangement 11200 is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the bridge portion 11205, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 11203, and rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center "C". The pockets 11210, 11230 differ in many ways, as discussed in more detail below.

  The forming pocket arrangement 11200 further comprises a pair of major sidewalls 11208 extending from the flat surface 11207 of the anvil 11201 toward the pockets 11210, 11230 and the bridge portion 11205. The main side wall 11208 is angled at an angle θ with respect to the plane 11207 of the anvil 11201.

  The proximal forming pocket 11210 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 11213 configured to direct the staple tips and / or legs toward the pocket forming surface and to control staple formation. The pocket sidewall 11213 is substantially vertical. In other words, the side wall 11213 is oriented 90 degrees or about 90 degrees with respect to the flat plane 11207 of the anvil 11201. The pocket sidewall 11213 extends from the main sidewall 11208 toward the formation surface of the proximal pocket 11210. In general, the main sidewall 11208 and the pocket sidewall 11213 funnel the corresponding staple tips toward the forming surface of the proximal pocket 11210. Extending from the side wall 11213 to the forming surface of the proximal forming pocket 11210 is a transition mechanism 11214. In this case, the mechanism 11214 is curved, but the mechanism 11214 may be flat in addition to or instead of being curved. These features 11214 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking, as discussed in more detail below.

  The forming surface of the proximal forming pocket 11210 includes an inlet region forming surface 11211 and an outlet region forming surface 11212. The entrance area forming surface 11211 corresponds to the proximal portion of the proximal pocket 11210. The exit area formation 11212 corresponds to the near-far portion of the proximal pocket 11210. Similarly, the entrance area forming surface 11211 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11210 and the corresponding staple tip is intended to enter or strike the pocket 11210 to begin formation. The entrance area forming surface 11212 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11210 and the corresponding staple tip is intended to exit the pocket 11210.

Forming surface of the proximal forming pockets 11210 also includes a forming surface length _{L 1} and the formation surface depth _{V 1.} The length _{L 1} is the distance between the inlet edge and the outlet edge of the pocket 11210 pocket 11210, are identified. Forming surface depth _{V 1} was, is identified as the deepest portion, or trough referred pockets 11210 with valleys pocket 11210 pocket 11210.

  In many respects, the distal forming pocket 11230 differs from the proximal forming pocket 11210. The distal forming pocket 11230 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 11233 configured to direct the staple tips and / or legs toward the forming surface of the pocket and to control staple formation. Sidewall 11233 includes separate sidewall portions that are angled at different angles with respect to pocket axis 11203. The pocket sidewall 11233 is substantially vertical. In other words, the sidewalls 11233 are oriented 90 degrees or at least substantially 90 degrees with respect to the flat plane 11207 of the anvil 11201. The pocket sidewall 11233 extends from the main sidewall 11208 toward the formation surface of the distal pocket 11230. Overall, the main side wall 11208 and the pocket side wall 11233 cause the corresponding staple tips to cooperate in a funnel shape toward the forming surface of the distal pocket 11230. Extending from the sidewall 11233 to the formation surface of the proximal forming pocket 11230 is a transition mechanism 11234. In this case, the mechanism 11234 is curved, but the mechanism 11234 may be flat in addition to or instead of being curved. These features 11234 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking, as discussed in more detail below. The feature 11234 of the distal forming pocket 11230 includes a smaller radius of curvature than the feature 11213 of the proximal forming pocket 11210.

  The forming surface of the distal forming pocket 11230 includes an inlet region forming surface 11231 and an outlet region forming surface 11232. The entrance area forming surface 11231 corresponds to a distal portion of the distal pocket 11230. The exit area formation 11232 corresponds to the proximal portion of the distal pocket 11230. Similarly, the entrance area forming surface 11231 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11230 and the corresponding staple tip is intended to enter or strike the pocket 11230 to begin formation. The entry area forming surface 11232 corresponds to a portion of the pocket 11230 and the corresponding staple tip is intended to exit the pocket 11230.

Forming surface of the distal forming pockets 11210 also includes a forming surface length _{L 2} and forming surface depth _{V 2.} The length _{L 2} is, as the distance between the inlet edge and the outlet edge of the pocket 11230 pocket 11230, are identified. Forming surface depth _{V 2} is identified as the deepest portion, or trough referred pockets 11230 with valleys pocket 11230 pocket 11230. Forming surface length _{L 2} of the distal pocket 11230 is greater than the formation plane the length _{L 1} of the proximal pocket 11210. In addition, forming surface depth _{V 1} of the proximal pocket 11210 is greater than the forming surface depth _{V 2} of the distal pocket 11230. Otherwise, forming surface depth _{V 1} of the proximal pocket 11210 can be less than forming surface depth _{V 2} of the distal pocket 11230.

  The difference in the formation of the surface length between two pockets in a pocket arrangement intended to form one staple can be advantageous. In certain cases, the tissue may be pushed forward during the firing stroke, for example, by advancement of a tissue cutting knife, and as a result, the tissue may be biased forward during firing of the staples. If staples are ejected from the cartridge into the tissue as the tissue moves longitudinally relative to the deck, this may cause the flow of tissue to cause the staple legs and / or staple tips to move relative to their base. Bend distally. In this case, a distal forming pocket having a larger forming surface length than the proximal forming pocket can cause this longitudinal deflection of the staple legs.

  Referring to FIG. 119, the forming surface of each pocket 11210, 11230 includes two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, proximal pocket 11210 includes an entrance radius of curvature 11216 corresponding to entrance region forming surface 11211 and an exit radius of curvature 11217 corresponding to exit region forming surface 11212. Similarly, the distal pocket 11230 has an inlet radius of curvature 11236 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 11231 and an outlet radius of curvature 11237 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 11232. In this case, the radii of curvature 11216 and 11236 are larger than the radii of curvature 11217 and 11237. In addition, 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 pocket features, along with some potential benefits and patterns of the particular relationship, will be discussed in more detail below.

  Referring to FIGS. 123-125, the outer longitudinal edge of the proximal pocket 11210 is also referred to as the entrance edge because it defines the beginning of the entrance area forming surface 11211. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of the proximal pocket 11210. The entrance width of the forming surface of the proximal pocket 11210 is also greater than the bridge width "W". The inner longitudinal edge of the proximal pocket 11210 is also referred to as the exit edge because it defines the end of the exit area forming surface 11212. The exit edge includes an exit width that is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of the proximal pocket 11210. The transition between the entrance area forming surface 11211 and the exit area forming surface 11212 includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width. The exit width and the transition width of the forming 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 along line 123-123 of FIG. 118. This view is taken within the exit area forming surface 11212 of the forming pocket 11210. FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal forming pocket 11210 along line 124-124 of FIG. 118. This view is taken at or near the valley or trough of the forming pocket 11210. FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal forming pocket 11210 along line 125-125 of FIG. 118. This view is taken within the entrance area forming surface 11211 of the forming pocket 11210.

  Referring to FIGS. 120-122, the outer longitudinal edge of the distal pocket 11230 is also referred to as the entrance edge because it defines the beginning of the entrance area forming surface 11231. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of the distal pocket 11230. The entrance width of the forming surface of the distal pocket 11230 is greater than the bridge width "W". The inner longitudinal edge of the distal pocket 11230 is also referred to as the outlet edge because it defines the end of the outlet area forming surface 11232. The exit edge includes an exit width that is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of the distal pocket 11230. The transition between the entrance area forming surface 11231 and the exit area forming surface 11232 includes a transition width that is less than the entrance width but greater than the exit width. The exit width and the transition width of the forming surface of the distal pocket 11230 are both less than the bridge width "W". However, with respect to pocket width (distance between outer lateral edges) at these locations, pocket 11230 is wider than bridge portion 11205.

  FIG. 120 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11230 along the 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 along line 121-121 of FIG. 118. This view is taken at or near the valley or trough of the forming pocket 11230. FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 11230 along line 122-122 of FIG. 118. This view is taken within the entrance area forming surface 11231 of the forming pocket 11230.

  Another asymmetric characteristic of the forming pocket arrangement 11200 includes the dimensions of the landing area of each pocket and the exit area of each pocket. For example, the proximal pocket has a smaller landing and exit area than the landing and exit areas of the distal pocket. Further, the center "C" of the array does not correspond to the geometric center of the staple crown. A specific mechanism for forming a pocket arrangement for better adaptation for anticipated tissue flow, which can ultimately result in different proximal and distal staple legs, is provided. Tuning can result in an asymmetric, but potentially optimal, formation pocket sequence.

  In a pocket arrangement intended to form a single staple, a difference in the depth of the forming surface between the two pockets may be advantageous. Referring now to FIGS. 126-129, two different stapling assembly configurations 11300 and 11300 'are shown. One of the configurations 11300 (FIG. 126) comprises a forming pocket with the same forming surface or valley, depth. Other configurations 11300 '(FIG. 128) include forming pockets with different forming surface depths. Both configurations 11300, 11300 'are shown in a scenario where the anvil is not clamped to be substantially parallel to the top surface or deck of the staple cartridge.

  The stapling assembly 11300 shown in FIG. 126 is configured to be ejected from the cartridge 11311 by a first jaw 11310 with a staple cartridge 11311, a second jaw 11320 with an anvil 11321, and a thread 11312. A staple 11301 removably stored in a cartridge 11311 is provided. The sled 11312 contacts the drive surface 11303 of the staple 11301 and presses the staple 11301 against the forming pocket 11323 of the anvil 11321 to cause the staple leg 11304 (proximal leg) to extend from the staple base 11302 of each staple 11301. ) And 11305 (distal leg). As described above, the formation pockets 11323 of the present configuration 11300 include the same formation surface depth. This depth is the distance between the flat anvil surface 11322 of the pocket 11323 and the valley or trough. When the anvil is angled with respect to the cartridge deck 11314 at an angle θ, when forming the staples 11301 with the anvil 11321 of the configuration 11300, the distal leg 11305 has a greater forming height than the proximal leg 11304. (FIG. 127). This also explains that the distal leg 11305 is not fully formed due to the fact that the anvil 11321 is not clamped into a position such that the flat anvil surface 11322 is parallel to the cartridge deck 11314. You can also.

  The stapling assembly 11300 'shown 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' with a flat anvil surface 11322 'and an anvil 11321' including a plurality of forming pockets 11323A, 11323B defined in the anvil 11321 '. As described above, the forming pockets 11323A, 11323B of the present configuration 11300 'include different forming surface depths. Proximal pocket 11323A configured to form a proximal staple leg, such as proximal staple leg 11304, includes a greater forming surface depth than distal pocket 11323B. The distal pocket 11323B configured to form a distal staple leg, such as the distal staple leg 11305, can be used to create a potentially angled jaw 11320 'to form the proximal pocket 11323A. Shallower than depth. When the anvil is angled at an angle θ with respect to the cartridge deck 11314, when forming the staple 11301 with the anvil 11321 ′ of the configuration 11300 ′, the proximal leg 11304 and the distal leg 11305 are the same, Alternatively, they may be formed at substantially the same forming height (FIG. 130).

  The anvil is intended to be clamped to a position that places the anvil surface substantially parallel to the deck of the cartridge, but this does not always occur. For example, due to unexpected tissue behavior and / or the nature of the surgical stapling procedure, a thicker tissue portion may terminate at the distal portion of the end effector (this may be the next portion of the tissue to be stapled). (It can occur with already stapled tissue re-clamped to the proximal portion of the end effector for subsequent firing that is thinner and more compact than tissue at the distal end). Thus, the anvil may not be able to be clamped into a configuration that is substantially parallel to the cartridge. As a result, the staples can be formed similar to the staples 11301 of FIG. 127 with 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, as described above, involves the possibility of non-parallel alignment, forming pocket arrays Or it may be to design a forming pocket pair. Further, when the anvil shown in the configuration 11300 'shown in FIG. 128 is clamped at least substantially parallel to the deck 11314, the distal leg of the staple may be out of form. Over-forming staples may be advantageous over under-stapling or partial staple formation (FIG. 127) in some situations. Providing a valley depth difference between the pocket pairs can prevent displacement between the proximal and distal legs of the staple.

  FIGS. 130-133 illustrate various anvils used with surgical instruments to form surgical staples. FIG. 130 shows an anvil 11400 having a cartridge facing portion 11401. Anvil 11400 includes a pair of longitudinal inner rows 11407A, 11407B of forming pockets 11405, a pair of intermediate longitudinal 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. The forming pocket 11405 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11401. The cartridge facing portion 11401 may be planar or include a plurality of stepped surfaces. For example, the cartridge facing portion 11401 may include an inner row 11407A, 11407B and an intermediate row 11408A, 11408B of the forming pocket 11405 defined in one of the steps, and an outer row 11409A, 11409B of the forming pocket 11405 defined in the other step. May include two different stepped surfaces. Another embodiment may include three different stepped surfaces, wherein inner rows 11407A, 11407B of forming pockets 11405 are defined in a first step, and intermediate rows 11408A, 11408B of forming pockets 11405 are defined in a second step. The outer rows 11409A, 11409B of the forming pockets 11405 are defined in a third stage.

  FIG. 131 shows an anvil 11410 that includes a laterally varying pair of cartridge facing portions 11411 and a forming pocket defined therein. Anvil 11410 includes a pair of longitudinal inner rows 11417A, 11417B of forming pocket pair 11421, a pair of intermediate longitudinal rows 11418A, 11418B of forming pocket pair 11423, and a pair of longitudinal outer rows 11419A, 11419B of forming pocket pair 11425. And Rows 11417A, 11417B, 11418A, 11418B, 11419A, 11419B are aligned with or substantially parallel to longitudinal anvil axis 11413. A forming pocket pair 11421, 11423, 11425 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11401. The pocket pair 11421 consists of a first type of forming pocket 11422. These forming pockets 11422 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10210, 10230. The pocket pair 11423 is composed of a second type of forming pocket 11424A (proximal), 11424B (distal) that is asymmetric. Forming pockets 11424A, 11424B may be similar in many respects to forming pockets 11210, 11230, for example. The pocket pair 11425 is composed of a third type of forming pocket 11426. These forming pockets 11422 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10110, 10130. Anvil 11410 may also include various stepped configurations, as described with particular reference to anvil 11400.

  FIG. 132 illustrates an anvil 11430 that includes a longitudinally varying pair of cartridge facing portions 11431 and a forming pocket defined therein. Anvil 11430 includes a pair of longitudinal inner rows 11437A, 11437B including forming pocket pairs 11441, 11443, 11445, and a pair of intermediate longitudinal rows 11438A, 11438B, including forming pocket pairs 11441, 11443, 11445, and forming pocket pair 11441. , 11443A, and 11445B. The rows 11437A, 11437B, 11438A, 11438B, 11439A, 11439B are aligned with or substantially parallel to the longitudinal anvil axis 11433. A forming pocket pair 11441, 11443, 11445 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11431. The pocket pair 11441 is composed of a first type forming pocket 11442. These forming pockets 11442 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10210, 10230. The pocket pair 11443 is composed of a second type of forming pocket 11444. These forming pockets 11444 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10110, 10130. The pocket pair 11445 is comprised of a third type of forming pocket 11446A (proximal), 11446B (distal) that is asymmetric. Forming pockets 11446A, 11446B may be similar in many respects to forming pockets 11210, 11230, for example. Anvil 11430 may also include various stepped configurations, as described with particular reference to anvil 11400.

  FIG. 133 shows an anvil 11450 with a cartridge facing portion 11451 and a pair of forming pockets that vary longitudinally and laterally on the anvil 11450. Anvil 11450 includes a pair of longitudinal inner rows 11457A, 11457B of forming pocket pair 11461, a pair of intermediate longitudinal rows 11458A, 11458B of forming pocket pairs 11463, 11465, and a pair of longitudinal outer rows 11449A of forming pocket pair 11467. , 11459B. Rows 11457A, 11457B, 11458A, 11458B, 11449A, 11459B are aligned or substantially parallel to longitudinal anvil axis 11453. A forming pocket pair 11461, 11463, 11465, 11467 is defined in the cartridge facing portion 11451. The pocket pair 11461 is composed of a first type of forming pocket 11462. These forming pockets 11462 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10510, 10530. The pocket pair 11463 is composed of a second type of forming pocket 11164. These forming pockets 11464 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10210, 10230. The pocket pair 11465 is composed of a third type of forming pocket 11466A (proximal), 11466B (distal) that is asymmetric. Forming pockets 11466A, 11466B may be similar in many respects to forming pockets 11210, 11230, for example. The pocket pair 11467 is composed of a fourth type of forming pocket 11468. These forming pockets 11468 may be similar in many respects, for example, to forming pockets 10110, 10130. Anvil 11450 may also include various stepped configurations, as described in relation to anvil 11400, among others.

  In addition to or instead of changing the pocket pairs laterally and / or longitudinally, the anvil may have one type of forming pocket on one side of the anvil axis and another type on the other side of the anvil axis. May be provided. Also, one type of forming pocket may be associated with a proximal portion of the anvil corresponding to an initial phase of firing of the surgical instrument, and a second type of forming pocket may correspond to a firing phase subsequent to the initial phase of firing. The third type of forming pocket may be associated with a third and final stage of firing, following an intermediate stage of firing and an initial stage of firing. Pockets may be strategically placed on the anvil to enhance the overall performance of the pocket. For example, one type of forming pocket may form higher staples more consistently and better overall than forming shorter staples, or vice versa. In another embodiment, for a cartridge having a plurality of staples having different diameters, it may be advantageous in the cartridge to have forming pockets forming staples with smaller diameters forming smaller staples, as well as: In a cartridge, it may be advantageous to have forming pockets that form staples with larger diameter staples that form larger staples.

  Referring now to FIG. 134, there is shown a table 12000 identifying the characteristics of various forming pocket sequences. The table identifies features relating to the formation pocket arrangement 10100 and the formation pocket arrangement 10200. The table also identifies other features of the forming pocket sequence that have been tested in a finite element analysis environment that can be similar in many respects to the forming pocket sequence 10100, 10200. The forming pocket sequences A1, A2 are similar to the forming pocket sequence 10100, and the forming pocket sequences B1, B2 are similar to the forming pocket sequence 10200. Table 12000 also identifies the characteristics of the forming pocket sequence 12100.

  Referring also to FIG. 135, features 12001, 12003, 12005, 12007 and 12009 are referenced with respect to some of the formation pocket sequences identified in Table 12000, as well as another formation pocket sequence according to at least one embodiment. From the top to the bottom of FIG. 135, cross-sectional views of the forming pocket array 10100, forming pocket array 12100, forming pocket array 10200, and forming pocket array 10400 are shown. The mechanism 12001 represents the longitudinal entrance radius of each forming pocket. The mechanism 12003 represents the longitudinal exit radius of each forming pocket. The mechanism 12005 represents the distance between the valleys of the forming pocket pair. In other words, feature 12005 represents the distance between the deepest points of the pockets in each formed pocket arrangement. The features 12007 represent the width of the ridges or bridges of each forming pocket arrangement. The features 12009 represent the depth of the ridges or bridges of each forming pocket arrangement.

  FIG. 136 shows three forming pocket arrays 10100, 10200, 10400 and corresponding staples 10100 ', 10200', 10400 'formed with forming pocket arrays 10100, 10200, 10400, respectively. The pocket arrangement 10200 requires at least an amount of force to completely form the staple 10200 '. In other words, the maximum force required to form a staple 10200 'with a forming pocket array 10200 is required to form another staple 10100', 10400 'with a forming pocket array 10100, 10400. Less than the maximum force. This can be advantageous in that 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 failure of the element. Reducing the required firing force can also contribute to reducing the size of the shaft diameter by requiring smaller parts that need not be strong. Buckling of the firing member is a well-recognized problem, for example, when attempting to minimize the size of the shaft diameter.

  FIG. 137 is a table 12200 identifying certain additional features of various forming pocket sequences, as described above. Column 12201 identifies various maximum forces to fire to completely form staples with different forming pocket arrangements. Column 12203 identifies various maximum forces to fire to overdrive staples with different forming pocket arrangements.

  FIG. 138 shows staples 12301 in a B-forming configuration 12300 and in an overdrive configuration 12300 ′ formed in a forming pocket arrangement 10100. The staple 12301 includes, for example, a staple base 12302 and a pair of staple legs 12303 extending from the staple base 12302. Each staple leg 12303 includes a staple tip 12304 configured to contact a forming pocket when the staple 12301 is driven toward the surgical instrument anvil. The staples 12301 include various bend regions or sections 12305, 12306 that can be bent to a predictable bend profile when formed by a particular forming pocket arrangement. The forming pocket arrangement 10100 bends the bend regions 12305, 12306 into distinct profiles. The staple 12301 having a completely formed configuration has, for example, a box-like structure instead of a continuously formed structure. The bend regions 12305, 12306 include sharp bends. As a result, there is a significant gap distance 12307 between the bent portions 12306 of the legs 12303. In addition, 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 flexure 12606 and the staple tip 12304 have a less effective sealing effect on the tissue.

  The force F required to form a staple 12301 with a forming pocket arrangement 10100 is shown in graph 12310 of FIG. The force characteristics include specific regions and peaks 12302, 12303, 12304, 12305, 12306. Initial peak 12302 represents a tip strike or tip contact with its corresponding forming pocket. Once the staple tip hits the pocket and sticks to the exit area of the pocket, the leg 12303 then buckles and begins to flex at the flex area 12306. The bends in these bend regions 12306 correspond to portions 12313 of graph 12310. The leg 12303 then proceeds to a second buckling stage once the flex region 12306 is completely or almost completely formed and the flex region 12306 contacts the entrance region forming surface of the pocket. Once the flex region 12306 contacts the forming pocket, the legs 12303 can buckle into a B shape forming the flex region 12305. This second buckling stage generates a second force peak 12314.

  If staple 12301 is formed beyond its B forming configuration 12300, the staple is in overdrive configuration 12300 '. This can happen for various reasons. One reason may be that the staples 12301 are lifted above the staple cartridge deck and eject the staples 12301 completely from the staple cartridge. With respect to the overdrive configuration 12300 'of the staples 12301, the gap 12308 significantly increases the distance between the staple tips 12304. Further, the legs 12303 of the staple 12301 have begun to form an additional overdrive bend area between the staple base 12302 and the bend area 12305. If this area bends, the staple height formed can be reduced, thereby contributing to a weaker tissue sealing effect. Further, if this area is bent, a curved “B” of the staple leg 12303 may occur. This curvature "B" includes the width at which staples 12301 can produce a weaker tissue sealing effect when increased. Referring to graph 12310, second force peak 12316 represents the force required to overdrive staple 12301. This force is significantly greater than the force required to form the staple 12301 into a B-shape at the peak 12314.

  FIG. 139 shows the staples 12321 in the B forming configuration 12320 and in the overdrive configuration 12320 'formed in the forming pocket arrangement 10200. The staple 12321 includes, for example, a staple base 12322 and a pair of staple legs 12323 extending from the staple base 12322. Each staple leg 12323 includes a staple tip 12324 configured to contact a corresponding forming pocket when the staple 12321 is driven toward the surgical instrument anvil. The staples 12321 include various bend regions or sections 12325, 12326 that can be bent to a predictable bend profile when formed by a particular forming pocket arrangement. The forming pocket array 10200 causes the bent regions 12325 and 12326 to bend to a more continuous contour than the bent regions 12305 and 12306 of the staple 12301 formed by the forming pocket array 10100. In other words, the staples 12321 in the B-forming configuration include a contour that is closer to the actual "B" staple configuration than the fully formed individual bent configuration of the staple 12301. The bending regions 12325 and 12326 include a larger radius of curvature than the bending regions 12305 and 12306. As a result, the gap distance 12327 between the bent portions 12326 of the legs 12323 is less than the gap distance 12307. Further, the gap distance 12328 between the distal ends 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 tip 12324 may be more effective in sealing tissue than the staple 12301. Minimizing these gap distances can increase the tissue capture capacity of the staple 12321.

  The force F required to form a staple 12321 with a forming pocket arrangement 10200 is shown in graph 12330 of FIG. The force characteristics include specific regions 12333, 12335 and peaks 12332, 12334, 12336. The initial peak 12332 represents a tip strike or tip contact with its corresponding forming pocket. Once the staple tip hits the pocket and sticks to the exit area of the pocket, the leg 12323 then buckles and begins to bend at the bend area 12326. The bends in these bend regions 12326 correspond to portions 12333 of graph 12330. The legs 12323 then have a second buckling once the bend region 12326 has been completely or almost formed and the bend region 12326 has contacted and slid within the entrance region forming surface of the pocket. Proceed to the stage. Once the flex region 12326 contacts the forming pocket, the legs 12323 can buckle into a B shape forming the flex region 12325. This second buckling phase generates a second force peak 12334. Compared to staple 12301, staples 12321 formed in forming pocket arrangement 10200 require less force to form completely.

  If the staple 12321 is formed beyond its B forming configuration 12320, it may be referred to as an overdrive configuration 12320 '. For the staple 12321 overdrive configuration 12320 ′, the gap distance 12328 increases in the distance between the staple tips 12304, but the gap is as large as the gap between the staple 12301 tips 12304 in the overdrive configuration 12300 ′. , Not significant. The gap distance 12327 between the bending regions 12326 is decreasing. Further, the legs 12323 of the staple 12321 have begun to form an additional overdrive bend region between the staple base 12322 and the bend region 12325. However, as compared to staple 12301, the curvature "B" of staple leg 12323 is less than the curvature "B" of staple leg 12303 in its overdrive configuration 12300 '. Referring to graph 12330 of FIG. 139, another force peak 12336 represents the force required to overdrive staple 12321. Force 12336 is similar to the force 12334 required to form staple 12301 into a B-shape. As a result, the force that fires staples 12321 in the overdrive state, as the force that fires staples 12301 in the overdrive state, is not significant to the rest of the instrument.

  The forming pocket arrangement 10100 and the staples 12301 may be moved in the tip strike phase 12400, the first flexing phase 12400 ', the second flexing phase 12400 ", and B, or the fully formed phase 12400'" in FIGS. 140 and 141. During the tip strike phase 12400, the legs of the staple 12301 are configured to buckle into a first flexion stage 12400 '. Form a region. The legs are configured to buckle a second time when the first flex region contacts the forming pocket into a second flex stage 12400 ". After a second buckling, the legs bend again, creating a second bend region. The staples 12301 then finish forming and desirably achieve the fully formed step 12400 "". As can be seen in FIG. 141, the fully formed stage 12400 "" shows a staple 12301 with individually bent legs.

  The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and the staples 12321 are shown in FIGS. 142 and 143 in a tip strike stage 12,500, a first flex stage 12500 ', a second flex stage 12500 ", and a fully formed stage 12500'". During the tip strike stage 12,500, the legs of the staple 12501 are configured to buckle into a first flexion stage 12,500'.After buckling, the legs form a first flexion region. The first bend region of the staple 12321 includes a larger radius of curvature than the first bend region of the staple 12301. The legs include a pocket where the first bend region is formed into a second bend stage 12500 ″. It is configured to buckle a second time when it contacts. After a second buckling, the legs bend again, creating a second bend region. The second bent region of the staple 12321 includes a larger radius of curvature than the second bent region of the staple 12301. The legs of the staple 12321 include more continuously formed staple legs because the bent region of the staple 12321 includes a larger radius of curvature than the bent region of the staple 12301. The staples 12321 then finish forming and desirably achieve the fully formed stage 12,500 "". As can be seen in FIG. 143, the fully formed stage 12500 "" shows the staple 12321 with the staple legs formed more continuously than the staple 12301. As a result, staple 12321 more closely resembles a true "B" formation than staple 12301.

  Compared to staple 12301 and its corresponding forming pocket arrangement 10100, staple 12321 is formed with less tissue path or footprint than staple 12301. Large tissue path footprints can cause excessive tissue stretching and / or tearing during staple formation. Due to the more continuous curvature of the profile of the formed staple 12321, the leg 12323 forms the path of the tip 12324 and is closer to the path of the tip 12324 than the leg 12303 and the tip 12304.

  FIGS. 144 and 145 show staples 12301, 12321 formed from their tip strike phase to a partially formed phase. This partially formed stage is also referred to as a tip strike stage. As can be seen in FIG. 144, the legs 12303 are configured to buckle to form a bent region 12306. The loads experienced by the legs 12303 when formed with the forming pocket arrangement 10100 include a first eccentricity. As can be seen in FIG. 145, the legs 12323 are configured to buckle to form a bent region 12326. The load experienced by the legs 12323 when formed with the forming pocket array 10200 includes a second eccentricity. The second eccentricity is greater than the first eccentricity due to differences in the pocket shapes of the forming pocket arrays 10100, 10200. This relationship causes different deflection positions. For example, the leg 12303 bends by a distance D1 from the reference point D in the bending area 12306. The leg portion 12323 deflects by a distance D2 from the reference point D in the bending area 12326. The distance D2 is less than the distance D1. The deflection or bending region 12326 buckles the leg 12323 and is formed with a larger radius of curvature, thereby forming a more continuously formed staple leg.

  Referring now to FIGS. 146-153, the formation of staples formed in the various forming pocket arrangements described above will now be described. The staples do not always contact the respective forming pockets when aligned. It may be advantageous to provide an array of forming pockets that can combat staple malformation if the staple does not align with its corresponding forming pocket during forming.

  FIG. 146 shows a side view 12700 and a bottom view 12700 'of a staple 12701 in a fully formed configuration formed with a forming pocket arrangement 10200. However, this staple 12701 did not align with the pocket axis 10203 of the forming pocket array 10200 during the forming process. The staple 12701 was driven out of plane with respect to the pocket axis 10203. The tip 12704 did not strike the forming pocket array 10200 along the pocket axis 10203, nor did it strike the crown or base 12702 of the staple 12701 that was aligned with the pocket axis 10203 during formation.

  The 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 traverse the first tip alignment axis TA1, so that they overlap or intersect each other. The fully formed position of tip 12704 defines a second tip alignment axis TA2. This axis can 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 means that the closer these axes are to each other, the more effective the tissue capture and / or sealing ability of the staple 12701 will be. May be advantageous in that

  FIG. 147 is a comparison of the staples 12701 and formation pocket arrangement 10200 of FIG. 146 with the staples 12801 formed with the formation pocket arrangement 10100. As can be seen from FIG. 146, the distance between the second tip alignment axis TA2 of the staple 12801 and the crown alignment axis CA is equal to the second tip alignment axis TA2 of the staple 12701 and the crown position. It is larger than the distance from the alignment axis CA. Furthermore, the leading end 12804 of the staple 12801 does not overlap in this misalignment formation scenario of the staple 12801. Staples 12701 formed on path 12705 are aligned with crown alignment axis CA, relative to staples 12801 formed on path 12805 oriented away from crown alignment axis CA.

  FIG. 148 shows a side view 12900 and a bottom view 12900 'of a staple 12901 in a fully formed configuration formed with a forming pocket arrangement 10400. However, this staple 12901 did not align with the pocket axis 10403 of the forming pocket array 10400 during the forming process. The staple 12901 was driven out of plane with respect to the pocket axis 10403. Tip 12904 did not strike formation pocket array 10400 along pocket axis 10403 and did not strike the crown or base 12902 of staple 12901 that was aligned with pocket axis 10403 during formation.

  The staple 12901 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. The tips 12904 are configured to partially and / or completely traverse the first tip alignment axis TA1, so that they partially intersect each other. The fully formed position of tip 12904 defines a second tip alignment axis TA2. This axis can 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 tips 12904. Minimizing the distance between the crown alignment axis CA and the second tip alignment axis TA2 means that the closer these axes are to each other, the more effective the tissue capture and / or sealing ability of the staple 12901 will be. May be advantageous in that As compared to the forming pocket array 10200 of FIG. 146, for example, the narrowly spaced outlet walls and / or strongly angled outlet walls of the forming pocket array 10400 encourage the staple legs and increase their crown. It can be formed close to the part. In other words, the formation pocket arrangement 10400 can promote flat formation at least in the case of misalignment.

  FIG. 149 shows a side view 13000 and a bottom view 13000 'of a staple 13001 in a fully formed configuration formed with a forming pocket arrangement 10300. However, this staple 13001 did not align with the pocket axis 10303 of the forming pocket array 10300 during the forming process. Staple 13001 was driven out of plane with respect to pocket axis 10303. The tip 13004 did not hit the forming pocket array 10300 along the pocket axis 10303 and did not hit the crown or base 13002 of the staple 13001 that was aligned with the pocket axis 10303 during formation.

  The staple 13001 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. The leg 13003 is configured such that the leg is formed at a position at least substantially aligned with the first tip alignment axis TA1. In some cases, tip 13004 and / or leg may contact each other during formation, which may prevent leg 13003 from traversing first tip alignment axis TA1. The fully formed position of tip 13004 defines a second tip alignment axis TA2. This axis can be defined as an axis parallel to the crown alignment axis CA defined by the crown 13002 and aligned with the average point between the tips 13004. Minimizing the distance between the crown alignment axis CA and the second tip alignment axis TA2 means that the closer these axes are to each other, the more effective the tissue capture and / or sealing ability of the staple 13001 will be. May be advantageous in that As compared to the forming pocket arrangement 10200 of FIG. 146, for example, the narrowly spaced outlet walls and / or strongly angled outlet walls of the forming pocket array 10300 encourage the staple legs and their crowns. It can be formed to be close to the part. In other words, the formation pocket arrangement 10300 can promote the formation of a flat surface in the case of misalignment.

  FIGS. 150 and 151 show the staples formed in the forming pocket array 10500, one staple aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500, and the other staple aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500. Not aligned. FIG. 150 shows a side view 13100 and a bottom view 13100 'of a staple 13101 in a fully formed configuration formed with a forming pocket arrangement 10500. This staple 13101 did not align with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500 during the forming process. Tip 13104 strikes formed pocket array 10500 along pocket axis 10503.

  The staple 13101 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with the pocket axis 10503, the staple 13101 is formed such that the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, or in other words, The staple 13101 has a substantially planar shape. A graph 13110 shows the force for firing the staple 13101.

  FIG. 151 shows a side view 13120 and a bottom view 13120 'of the staple 13121 in a fully formed configuration formed with the forming pocket arrangement 10500. This staple 13121 did not align with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500 during the forming process. The staple 13121 has been driven out of plane with respect to the pocket axis 10503. The tip 13124 did not strike the forming pocket array 10500 along the pocket axis 10503, nor did it strike the crown or base 13122 of the staple 13121 that was aligned with the pocket axis 10503 during formation.

  The staple 13121 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When not aligned with the pocket axis 10503, the staple 13121 is formed such that the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with each other, or in other words, The staple 13121 has a substantially planar shape. Compared to FIG. 150 where staples 13101 are aligned with the pocket axis 10503, the staples 13121 allow the surgeon to better organize tissue than staples formed with other forming pocket arrangements that are formed unaligned. Formed into a fully formed configuration that can allow for proper sealing.

  FIGS. 152 and 153 show staples formed in the forming pocket arrangement 11000, with one staple aligned with the pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket arrangement 11000 and the other staple aligned with the pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket arrangement 11000. Not aligned. FIG. 152 shows a side view 13200 and a bottom view 13200 'of the staple 13201 in a fully formed configuration formed with the forming pocket arrangement 11000. This staple 13201 did not align with the pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket array 11000 during the forming process. The tip 13204 strikes the forming pocket array 11000 along the pocket axis 11003.

  The staple 13201 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with the pocket axis 11003, the staple 13101 is formed such that the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, but the axes TA2, CA Also, they are not parallel. One leg 13204 is formed on one side of the crown 13203 and the other leg 13204 is formed on the opposite side of the crown 13203. A graph 13210 shows the force for firing the staple 13201. As in the graphs associated with the other forming pocket arrangements described above, it can be seen in graph 13210 that the force firing staple 13201 does not include two distinct substantial force peaks. The staples 13201 are configured to contact simultaneously multiple points of the pockets of the forming pocket array 11000 during formation. This double tangential contact with the forming pocket can help to reduce the sticking of the staple tips and / or legs and the force to fire the staples 13201.

  FIG. 153 shows a side view 13220 and a bottom view 13220 'of the staple 13221 in a fully formed configuration formed with the forming pocket arrangement 11000. This staple 13221 did not align with the pocket axis 11003 of the forming pocket array 11000 during the forming process. The staple 13221 was driven out of plane with respect to the pocket axis 11003. The tip 13224 did not strike the forming pocket array 11000 along the pocket axis 11003, nor did it strike the crown or base 13222 of the staple 13221 that was aligned with the pocket axis 11003 during formation.

  The staple 13221 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When not aligned with the pocket axis 11003, the staple 13221 is formed such that the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with each other, or in other words, The staple 13221 has a substantially planar shape. The axes TA2, CA are parallel. 152, where the staples 13201 are aligned with the pocket axis 11003, the staples 13221 allow the surgeon to better organize the tissue than staples formed with other forming pocket arrays that are formed unaligned. Formed into a fully formed configuration that can allow for proper sealing. Graph 13230 shows the force for firing staple 13221. Similar to staple 13201, the force firing staple 13201 does not include two distinct substantial force peaks, as in the graphs associated with the other forming pocket arrangements described above.

  Still referring to FIG. 153, a cross section of the forming pocket 11030 of the forming pocket array 11000 is shown with staple profiles 11041, 11042, 11043 of various diameters. Staples of various sizes are configured to be formed in the forming pocket arrangement 11000. Larger staple diameters may provide double tangential contact with the forming pocket sidewall, as described above. Smaller diameter staples may provide full contact with the bottom 11035 of the forming pocket 11030 during forming.

  By having a groove formed in the forming surface of the forming pocket, if the staple is not aligned with the forming pocket axis during forming, it is more planar than a staple formed in the forming pocket without the groove formed in the forming pocket. Staples can be encouraged to form Referring now to FIGS. 154 and 155, the staples 13301 are illustrated in a fully formed configuration formed with the forming pocket array 10100 (FIG. 154), and the staples 13401 are formed in the forming pocket array 10600 (FIG. 155). ) Is shown in a fully formed configuration. The staples 13301, 13401 did not align with their respective pocket axes 10103, 10603 during formation. As can be seen from the side views 13300, 13400 of the fully formed staples 13301, 13401, the forming surface grooves cannot affect the resulting forming configuration in this plane. Referring now to the bottom views 13300 ', 13400' of the staples 13301, 13401, the staples 13401 include a flatter, fully formed configuration than the staples 13301. The leading end 13304 of the staple 13301 can exit from the forming pocket array 10100 oriented away from the pocket axis 10103. The leg 13303 of the staple 13301 may be formed away from the crown 13302 defining a tip forming offset distance 13305. The leading end 13404 of the staple 13401 is urged to exit the forming pocket array 10600 along the pocket axis 10603. The legs 13403 of the staple 13401 may be formed in a direction away from the crown 13402 at less than those staples 13301 defining a tip forming offset distance 13405, in which case it is less than the tip forming offset distance 13305. .

  Example 1-A stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple is defined by a staple diameter. A stapling assembly comprising wire and each staple includes a staple leg. The stapling assembly further comprises an anvil configured to deform the staple, the anvil comprising a tissue engaging surface, and a pair of forming pockets defined on the flat surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets comprises a staple. Is configured to deform the staple legs. The pair of forming pockets comprises a proximal forming pocket including a forming surface and a distal forming pocket, the forming surface including an inlet region including a first radius of curvature, and an outlet region including a second radius of curvature, The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1 and the first radius of curvature is 8 to 10 times larger than the staple diameter.

  Example 2-The stapling assembly of Example 1 wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

  Example 3-The stapling assembly of example 1 or 2, wherein the first radius of curvature is about nine times greater than the staple diameter.

  Example 4-The stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second radius of curvature is four to six 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-Example 1, 2, 3, 4, or wherein a pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, the ridge includes a ridge width, and the ridge width is less than a staple diameter. 6. The stapling assembly according to claim 5.

  Example 7-The stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the staple diameter is 0.0079 inches to 0.0094 inches.

  Example 8-A stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple is a pair extending from a staple base. A staple assembly, wherein the staple base comprises a staple base length. The staple assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform the staple legs. The pair of forming pockets comprises a proximal forming pocket including a forming surface and a distal forming pocket, the forming surface including an inlet region including a first radius of curvature, and an outlet region including a second radius of curvature, The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1 and the first radius of curvature is greater than about 0.6 times the staple base length.

  Example 9-The stapling assembly of example 8, wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

  Example 10-The stapling assembly of example 8 or 9, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the first radius of curvature is eight to ten times greater than the staple diameter.

  Example 11-The stapling assembly of examples 8, 9 or 10, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the first radius of curvature is about nine times greater than the staple diameter.

  Example 12-The stapling assembly of Examples 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the second radius of curvature is four to six times greater than the staple diameter.

  Example 13-The stapling assembly of Examples 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the second radius of curvature is about 4.5 times greater than the staple diameter.

  Example 14-Each staple includes a staple diameter, a pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, the ridge includes a ridge width, and the ridge width is 1 times smaller than the staple diameter; A stapling assembly according to any one of embodiments 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13.

  Example 15-The stapling assembly of Examples 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 wherein the staple diameter is 0.0079 inches to 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 including a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener defines a wire diameter. A stapling assembly, wherein the fasteners comprise fastener wires and each fastener comprises a fastener foot. The stapling assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the fastener. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and first and second fastener forming mechanisms defined at the tissue engaging surface, the first and second fastener forming mechanisms deform a leg of the fastener. It is configured as follows. The first and second fastening forming mechanisms include a first forming mechanism and a second forming mechanism including a forming surface, wherein the forming surface includes an inlet region including a first radius of curvature and an outlet including a second radius of curvature. Region, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.2: 1 to 3.3: 1, and the first radius of curvature is about 7 times greater than the wire diameter. About 11 times larger.

  Example 17-The stapling assembly of example 16, wherein the ratio is about 2: 1.

  Example 18-The stapling assembly of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the first radius of curvature is about nine times greater than the wire diameter.

  Example 19-The stapling assembly of Examples 16, 17 or 18, wherein the second radius of curvature is about 4 to about 6 times greater than the wire diameter.

  Example 20-The stapling 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-Examples 16, 17, 18, wherein the first and second fastener forming features define a central portion therebetween, the central portion includes a width, and the width is less than the wire diameter. 21. A stapling assembly according to claim 19, 20 or 20.

  Example 22-The stapling assembly of Examples 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 wherein the staple diameter is between 0.0075 inches 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 including a plurality of staples. The staple assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil comprises a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets deforming a corresponding staple leg. It is configured to be. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket including a forming surface, the forming surface including an inlet region including a first radius of curvature, an outlet region including a second radius of curvature, and a first curvature. The radius and the second radius of curvature are different, and a pair of sidewalls extend between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface. Each side wall is oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, a first separate side wall portion defining a first plane oriented at a first angle, and at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface. A second separate sidewall portion defining a second plane is included, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different. The pair of forming pockets further includes a distal forming pocket.

  Example 24-The stapling assembly of example 23, wherein the second plane is angled with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis.

  Embodiment 25-The stapling assembly according to embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

  Example 26-The stapling assembly according to Examples 23, 24, or 25, wherein the second angle is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees.

  Example 27-The stapling of examples 23, 24, 25 or 26, wherein each sidewall of the pair of sidewalls further comprises a central sidewall portion extending between the tissue engaging surface and the second separate sidewall portion. Assembly.

  Example 28-The stapling assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein the transition between the forming surface and each side wall of the pair of side walls includes a fillet edge.

  Example 29-The stapling assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, wherein the transition between the separate sidewall portions includes a fillet edge.

  Example 30-An embodiment 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the transition between the separate sidewall portions intersects the forming surface at the transition between the inlet and outlet regions. Staple assembly.

  Example 31-A pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, and the forming surface includes a first end including a first width and a second end including a second width. Wherein the second width is less than the first width, the second end defines an edge of the ridge, and a valley is defined between the first end and the second end. 31. The stapling assembly of any of embodiments 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, wherein the stapling assembly is disposed and the valley includes a third width less than the second width.

  Example 32-The stapling assembly of example 32, wherein the valley is closer to the second end than to the first end.

  Example 33-The stapling of examples 31 or 32, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter, the staple diameter is 0.0079 inches to 0.0094 inches, and the third width is greater than 0.0094 inches. Assembly.

  Example 34-Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1. 35. The stapling assembly of claim 32, 33 or 33.

  Example 35-The stapling assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34 having a 2: 1 ratio.

  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 staple assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil comprises a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets deforming a corresponding staple leg. It is configured to be. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket including a proximal end, a distal end, and a forming region. The forming region includes an entrance region including a first radius of curvature and an exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are 1.5: 1 to 3: 1. And a groove extends between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal forming pocket further comprises a pair of concave side walls extending between the forming region and the tissue engaging surface, wherein a distance between the concave side walls at the proximal end is a concave side wall at the distal end. Greater than the distance between each other. The pair of forming pockets further includes a distal forming pocket.

  Example 37-The stapling of example 36, wherein each staple comprises a staple leg and the forming pocket is configured to promote the staple legs to contact each other as the staple is deformed. Assembly.

  Example 38-The stapling of examples 36 or 37, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, the ridge comprising a surface at least substantially parallel to the tissue engaging surface. Assembly.

  Example 39-The stapling assembly according to examples 36, 37 or 38, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a forming area. The forming region includes an entrance region including a first radius of curvature and an exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are 1.5: 1 to 3: 1. And a groove extends between the proximal and distal ends. The distal forming pocket further comprises a pair of concave sidewalls extending between the forming region and the tissue engaging surface, wherein a distance between the concave sidewalls at the proximal end is a concave sidewall at the distal end. Greater than the distance between each other, the groove in the distal pocket and the groove in the proximal pocket are not parallel to the longitudinal pocket axis, and the groove in the distal pocket and the groove in 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 staple assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil comprises a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets deforming a corresponding staple leg. It is configured to be. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket including a forming surface, the forming surface including an inlet region including a first radius of curvature, an outlet region including a second radius of curvature, and a first curvature. The radius and the second radius of curvature are different, the pair of inlet region sidewalls are oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, and the pair of outlet region sidewalls are at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface. And the first angle is less than the second angle. The pair of forming pockets further includes a distal forming pocket.

  Example 41-The stapling assembly of example 40, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.

  Embodiment 42-The stapling assembly according to embodiment 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, each staple including a staple diameter. The staple assembly further includes an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform a corresponding staple leg. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket that includes a forming surface, the forming surface includes an inlet region that includes a first radius of curvature, and an outlet region that includes a second radius of curvature. A pair of side walls extending at an angle toward the mating surface and a groove defined in the forming surface, the groove including a diameter less than the staple diameter. The pair of forming pockets further includes a distal forming pocket.

  Embodiment 44-The stapling assembly according to embodiment 43, wherein the groove is located only in the exit area.

  Example 45-The stapling assembly of examples 43 or 44, wherein the groove comprises two longitudinal edges configured to provide a double tangential contact between each longitudinal edge and the staple. Three-dimensional.

  Example 46-The stapling assembly according to examples 43, 44 or 45, wherein the groove and forming surface includes a fillet transition between the groove and the forming surface.

  Example 47-The stapling assembly of Examples 43, 44, 45 or 46 wherein the pair of forming pockets defines a longitudinal pocket axis and the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis. Three-dimensional.

  Example 48-The stapling braid of Examples 43, 44, 45 or 46 wherein the pair of forming pockets defines a longitudinal pocket axis and the pair of forming pockets are asymmetric on both sides with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis. Three-dimensional.

  Example 49-The stapling assembly according to examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 or 48, wherein the groove does not intersect the longitudinal pocket axis.

  Example 50-A groove includes a first portion disposed on a first side of a longitudinal pocket axis and a second portion disposed on a second side of a longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the groove comprises a longitudinal pocket. 49. The stapling assembly of any one of embodiments 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 or 48, wherein the stapling assembly intersects the axis.

  Example 51-The stapling assembly of any one of Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different.

  Example 52-The method of Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or 51, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the staple diameter is 0.0079 inches to 0.0094 inches. Staple assembly.

  Example 53-The staple of Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein the groove comprises a diameter of less than 0.0094 inches but greater than 0.0079 inches. Clasp assembly.

  Example 54-The stapling assembly according to any one of Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein the groove comprises a diameter of less than 0.0079 inches.

  Example 55-The embodiment of claims 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the groove extends from a portion of the inlet region through a portion of the outlet region. Stapling assembly.

  Example 56-Examples 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 or 55 wherein the groove extends from a portion of the entrance area through the entire exit area. A stapling assembly as described.

  Example 57-A forming surface includes a proximal end and a distal end, a groove includes a first diameter at a proximal end, a second diameter at a distal end, and a second diameter. The stapling assembly of any one of embodiments 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the width is greater than the first width.

  Example 58-comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, each staple comprising a wire having a wire diameter; A stapling assembly wherein each staple includes a staple leg and an anvil configured to deform the staple. The anvil includes a tissue engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform the staple legs. The pair of forming pockets includes a proximal forming pocket that includes a forming surface, the forming surface includes an inlet region that includes a first radius of curvature, and an outlet region that includes a second radius of curvature. A tip control channel defined in a pair of side walls extending at an angle toward the mating surface and a forming surface, the tip control channel defining a tip control axis, and the tip control channel having a diameter less than the wire diameter. including. The pair of forming pockets further includes a distal forming pocket.

  Example 59-Stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable with respect 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 at the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform a corresponding staple leg. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket. The proximal forming pocket includes an inlet region including a first radius of curvature, an outlet region including a second radius of curvature, and a tip control channel defined in the forming surface, the tip control channel comprising a tip control channel. The head control axis defines a head control axis and the tip control axis and the longitudinal pocket axis are not parallel.

  Example 60-The stapling assembly according to example 59, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a forming surface comprising an inlet region including a first radius of curvature and an outlet region including a second radius of curvature. The distal shaping pocket further comprises a tip control channel defined on the forming surface, the tip control channel defining a tip control axis, and the tip control axes are parallel.

  Example 61-The tip control axis of the proximal shaping pocket tip control channel is located on a first side of the longitudinal pocket axis, and the tip control axis of the distal shaping pocket tip control channel is The stapling assembly according to example 60, wherein the stapling assembly is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal pocket axis.

  Example 62-Examples 59, 60 or 61 wherein the proximal and distal forming pockets define a bridge portion therebetween and the bridge portion is angled with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis. A stapling assembly according to claim 1.

  Example 63-A stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge including 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 at the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform a corresponding staple leg. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, an intermediate 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. Are asymmetric on both sides with respect to the center point, and the pair of formation pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.

  Example 64-A proximal forming pocket includes a proximal pocket forming surface including a proximal pocket entry region and a proximal pocket exit region, the proximal pocket entry region includes a first radius of curvature, and a proximal pocket exit. The region includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature define a first radius of curvature, and a distally formed pocket. Has a distal pocket-forming surface including a distal pocket entry area and a distal pocket exit area, the distal pocket entry area including a third radius of curvature, and the distal pocket exit area including a fourth radius of curvature. The third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature are different, the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature define a second curvature ratio, and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different. A different staple fastener according to Example 63 Assembly.

  Example 65-Proximal forming pocket includes a proximal pocket forming surface including a proximal pocket entry area and a proximal pocket exit area, the proximal pocket entry area includes a first radius of curvature, and a proximal pocket exit The region includes a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature define a first radius of curvature, and a distally formed pocket. Has a distal pocket-forming surface including a distal pocket entry area and a distal pocket exit area, the distal pocket entry area including a third radius of curvature, and the distal pocket exit area including a fourth radius of curvature. The third radius and the fourth radius of curvature are different, the third radius of curvature and the fourth radius of curvature define a second radius of curvature, and the first radius of curvature and the third radius of curvature are different , A second radius of curvature and a fourth radius of curvature Different, and the first curvature ratio and the second curvature ratio is the same, the staple fastening assembly described in Example 63.

  Example 66-Proximal forming pocket includes proximal pocket forming surface, proximal pocket forming surface includes proximal pocket valley depth, distal forming pocket includes distal pocket forming surface, distal pocket forming 66. The stapling assembly according to example 63, 64, or 65, wherein the surface includes a distal pocket valley depth and the proximal pocket valley depth and the distal pocket valley depth are different.

  Example 67-The stapling assembly of example 66, wherein the proximal pocket trough depth is greater than the distal pocket trough depth.

  Example 68-A pair of forming pockets defines an intermediate reference point between a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, and the intermediate reference point defines a proximal end of the proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. 67. The stapling assembly according to example 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the stapling assembly is positioned at a center point defined between the stapling assembly and the distal end of the stapling assembly.

  Example 69-A pair of forming pockets defines an intermediate reference point between a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, and the intermediate reference point is a proximal end of the proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. 70. The stapling assembly according to any one of embodiments 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the stapling assembly is positioned at a point other than a center point defined between the stapling assembly and the distal end.

  Example 70-An embodiment in which each forming pocket includes an entry area configured to receive a corresponding tip of a staple, and the entry area of the distal formation pocket is larger than the entry area of the proximal formation pocket. 63. The stapling assembly according to 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69.

  Example 71-The stapling assembly of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 or 70, wherein the corresponding legs of the staple include equal leg heights.

  Example 72-A proximal forming pocket includes 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. 72. The stapling assembly according to any of embodiments 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 or 71, wherein the stapling assembly comprises a first angle different from the second angle.

  Example 73-The stapling assembly of Example 72, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle.

  Example 74-Proximal forming pocket includes a proximal pocket forming surface including a proximal entry width and a proximal exit width and distal forming pocket includes a distal pocket width including a distal entry width and a distal exit width Examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 comprising a surface and having a proximal inlet width different from the distal inlet width and a proximal outlet width different from the distal outlet width. 72. The stapling assembly according to any of claims 72, 73 or 73.

  Example 75-A proximal forming pocket comprises a proximal pocketing surface and a pair of separate side walls extending between the proximal pocketing surface and a tissue engaging surface, wherein the distal forming pocket comprises a distal pocket. Examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 comprising a forming surface and a pair of separate side walls between the distal pocket forming surface and the tissue engaging surface. Or a stapling assembly according to 74.

  Example 76-Stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge including 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, the forming pockets being configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The row of forming pockets includes a staple row axis, a first region of the forming pocket pair positioned along a first portion of the staple row axis, the forming pocket pair of the first region including a first shape; Also includes a second region of the forming pocket pair positioned along a second portion of the staple row axis, wherein the forming pocket pair of the second region includes a second shape, and the first shape is a second shape. Different from shape. Each forming pocket pair in the second region comprises a longitudinal pocket axis, an intermediate axis including a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, and the forming pocket pair in the second region comprises a longitudinal pocket axis. , The forming pocket pair of the second region is asymmetric on both sides with respect to the intermediate axis, and the pair of forming pockets is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.

  Example 77-A stapling assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a staple cartridge including 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 at the tissue engaging surface, the pair of forming pockets being configured to deform a corresponding staple leg. The pair of forming pockets includes a longitudinal pocket axis, an intermediate axis including a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, and the pair of forming pockets is bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis and the middle axis. Yes, and the pair of forming pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.

  Example 78-The stapling assembly of example 77, wherein the shape of the proximal forming pocket and the shape of the distal forming pocket are the same.

  Example 79-Proximal and distal shaping pockets were each defined on a shaping surface and a shaping surface extending between a first side of the longitudinal pocket axis and a second side of the longitudinal pocket axis. 79. The stapling assembly according to example 77 or 78, comprising a groove.

  Example 80-The stapling assembly of example 79, wherein the proximal forming pocket and the distal forming pocket each include a fillet transition between the groove and the forming surface.

  Example 81-The stapling assembly of examples 79 or 80, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the groove includes a diameter less than the staple diameter.

  Example 82-The stapling assembly of examples 79 or 80, wherein each staple includes a staple diameter and the groove includes a diameter greater than the staple diameter.

  Although many of the surgical instrument systems described herein operate with electric motors, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate with, for example, a manually operated trigger. In certain cases, the motors disclosed herein may include portions of a robot control system. Further, any of the end effectors and / or instrument assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Pat. No. 9,072,535, describes some examples of robotic surgical instrument systems. Are disclosed in more detail.

  Although the surgical instrument system described herein has been described in connection with staple deployment and deformation, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned that provide fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. Furthermore, various embodiments are envisioned that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments can include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. Also, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire disclosure below is incorporated herein by reference.
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  Although various devices have been described herein with particular embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to those embodiments. Certain features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment, without limitation, may be combined in whole or in part with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Good. Also, while materials are disclosed with respect to particular components, other materials may be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform a given function (s). It may be replaced. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

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

  The devices disclosed herein can be processed before surgery. Initially, new or used instruments may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The device 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 can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, x-rays, and / or high energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on instruments and in containers. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened at the medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta, gamma, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and / or water vapor.

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

  All patents, publications, or other disclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety or in part, are subject to the existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures in which the material incorporated therein is described in this disclosure. It shall be incorporated herein only to the extent that it does not conflict with the content. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting description incorporated herein by reference. Any content that is inconsistent with the current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein, or portions thereof, is hereby incorporated by reference herein, but may contain references and current disclosures. Shall be referenced only to the extent that there is no conflict between

(Embodiment)
(1) a first jaw,
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
A forming surface, the forming surface including an entrance area including a first radius of curvature, and an exit area including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different,
A pair of sidewalls extending between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface, each of the sidewalls comprising:
A first distinct sidewall portion defining a first plane oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface;
A second separate side wall portion defining a second plane oriented at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, the first angle and the second angle being different. A proximal forming pocket, comprising:
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.
(2) The stapling assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the second plane is angled with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis.
3. The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.
(4) The stapling assembly according to embodiment 3, wherein the second angle is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees.
The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein each side wall of the pair of side walls further comprises a central side wall portion extending between the tissue engaging surface and the second separate side wall portion.

The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transition between the forming surface and each of the side walls of the pair of side walls includes a fillet edge.
7. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein the transition between the separate side wall portions includes a fillet edge.
The stapling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the transition between the separate sidewall portions intersects the forming surface at a transition between the inlet region and the outlet region.
(9) The pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, and the forming surface includes:
A first end including a first width;
A second end including a second width, wherein the second width is less than the first width, wherein the second end defines an edge of the ridge. Ends and
Embodiment 1 comprising: a valley located between the first end and the second end, the valley including a third width less than the second width. A stapling assembly according to claim 1.
The stapling assembly according to claim 9, wherein the valley is closer to the second end than to the first end.

(11) Each of the staples includes a staple diameter, the staple diameter is 0.2007 mm to 0.2388 mm (0.0079 inch to 0.0094 inch), and the third width is 0.2388 mm (0.0094 mm). 10. The stapling assembly according to embodiment 9, wherein the stapling assembly is greater than inches.
The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.
The stapling assembly according to claim 12, wherein the ratio is 2: 1.
(14) a first jaw;
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
The proximal end,
A distal end,
Forming area,
An entrance area including a first radius of curvature;
An exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1;
A forming area comprising a groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end;
A pair of concave sidewalls extending between the formation region and the tissue engaging surface, the distance between the concave sidewalls at the proximal end being the concave sidewall at the distal end. A proximally formed pocket, comprising a pair of concave sidewalls that are greater than a distance between each other;
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the staples includes a staple leg, and wherein the forming pocket is configured to encourage the legs of the staple to contact each other as the staple is deformed. A stapling assembly as described.

16. The stapling of embodiment 14, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, the ridge comprising a surface at least substantially parallel to the tissue engaging surface. Assembly.
(17) The distal forming pocket is:
The proximal end,
A distal end,
Forming area,
An entrance area including a first radius of curvature;
An exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1;
A forming area comprising a groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end;
A pair of concave sidewalls extending between the formation region and the tissue engaging surface, the distance between the concave sidewalls at the proximal end being the concave sidewall at the distal end. A pair of concave side walls that are greater than the distance between each other,
The groove of the distal pocket and the groove of the proximal pocket are not parallel to the longitudinal pocket axis, and the groove of the distal pocket and the groove of the proximal pocket are parallel to each other. 15. The stapling assembly according to aspect 14.
(18) a first jaw;
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
A forming surface, the forming surface including an entrance area including a first radius of curvature, and an exit area including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different,
A pair of inlet region sidewalls oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface;
A pair of outlet region sidewalls oriented at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle;
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.
19. The stapling assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.
20. The stapling assembly according to claim 18, wherein said second angle is 90 degrees.

Claims (20)

A first jaw,
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
A forming surface, the forming surface including an entrance area including a first radius of curvature, and an exit area including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different,
A pair of sidewalls extending between the forming surface and the tissue engaging surface, each of the sidewalls comprising:
A first distinct sidewall portion defining a first plane oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface;
A second separate side wall portion defining a second plane oriented at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, the first angle and the second angle being different. A proximal forming pocket, comprising:
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.   The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second plane is angled with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis.   The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.   The stapling assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second angle is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees.   The stapling assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each side wall of the pair of side walls further comprises a central side wall portion extending between the tissue engaging surface and the second separate side wall portion.   The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein a transition between the forming surface and each of the side walls of the pair of side walls includes a fillet edge.   The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transition between the separate sidewall portions includes a fillet edge.   The stapling assembly according to claim 7, wherein a transition between the separate side wall portions intersects the forming surface at a transition between the inlet region and the outlet region. The pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, and the forming surface includes:
A first end including a first width;
A second end including a second width, wherein the second width is less than the first width, wherein the second end defines an edge of the ridge. Ends and
A valley disposed between the first end and the second end, the valley including a third width less than the second width. A stapling assembly according to claim 1.   The stapling assembly according to claim 9, wherein the valley is closer to the second end than to the first end.   Each of the staples includes a staple diameter, the staple diameter is between 0.2007 mm and 0.2388 mm (0.0079 inches and 0.0094 inches), and the third width is less than 0.2388 mm (0.0094 inches). 10. The stapling assembly of claim 9, wherein the assembly is large.   The stapling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.   The stapling assembly according to claim 12, wherein the ratio is 2: 1. A first jaw,
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
The proximal end,
A distal end,
Forming area,
An entrance area including a first radius of curvature;
An exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1;
A forming area comprising a groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end;
A pair of concave sidewalls extending between the formation region and the tissue engaging surface, the distance between the concave sidewalls at the proximal end being the concave sidewall at the distal end. A proximally formed pocket, comprising a pair of concave sidewalls that are greater than a distance between each other;
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.   15. The staple of claim 14, wherein each of the staples comprises a staple leg, and wherein the forming pocket is configured to encourage the legs of the staple to contact each other as the staple is deformed. Clasp assembly.   15. The stapling assembly of claim 14, wherein the pair of forming pockets define a ridge therebetween, wherein the ridge comprises a surface at least substantially parallel to the tissue engaging surface. The distal forming pocket,
The proximal end,
A distal end,
Forming area,
An entrance area including a first radius of curvature;
An exit region including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1;
A forming area comprising a groove extending between the proximal end and the distal end;
A pair of concave sidewalls extending between the formation region and the tissue engaging surface, the distance between the concave sidewalls at the proximal end being the concave sidewall at the distal end. A pair of concave side walls that are greater than the distance between each other,
The groove of the distal pocket and the groove of the proximal pocket are not parallel to the longitudinal pocket axis, and the groove of the distal pocket and the groove of the proximal pocket are parallel to each other. Item 15. The stapling assembly according to Item 14. A first jaw,
A second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw;
A staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples,
An anvil configured to deform the staples, wherein the anvil comprises:
A tissue engaging surface;
A pair of forming pockets defined at the tissue engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, the pair of forming pockets configured to deform corresponding legs of the staple. The said pair of forming pockets,
A proximal forming pocket,
A forming surface, the forming surface including an entrance area including a first radius of curvature, and an exit area including a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different,
A pair of inlet region sidewalls oriented at a first angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface;
A pair of outlet region sidewalls oriented at a second angle with respect to the tissue engaging surface, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle;
A stapling assembly comprising: a distal forming pocket.   19. The stapling assembly of claim 18, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature include a ratio of 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.   19. The stapling assembly according to claim 18, wherein said second angle is 90 degrees.

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