RU2623124C2 - Surgical stapling instrument thrust, comprising multiple formed grooves - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: cartridge with fasteners includes a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and multiple fasteners. The fasteners are arranged inside the support portion and/or tissue thickness compensator and used for tissue bonding. The cartridge with fasteners is located in the first jaw of the surgical stapling device. The second jaw, or thrust, is located opposite the first jaw. To accommodate fasteners, the staples accommodating member is advanced through the cartridge with fasteners to move the fasteners towards the thrust. After placement, that fasteners can engage at least a part of the tissue thickness compensator together with at least a portion of the sutured tissue.

EFFECT: increased application convenience.

20 cl, 389 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO MUTUAL APPLICATION

This unconditional patent application is a partial continuation of the application pursuant to § 120 of Section 35 of the US Patent Code No. 12 / 894,340 entitled “Surgical cassettes with brackets supporting non-linearly placed staples, and surgical stapling instruments with common recesses to form the braces”, filed September 30 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical dissecting and stapling instruments and cassettes with staples used in them, which are capable of dissecting and stapling tissue staples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention, as well as methods for their implementation, will be apparent, and the essence of the invention will be better understood after reading the following description of embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a surgical instrument.

In FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an implantable cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 1B-1E show portions of an end effector clamping and stitching tissue with an implantable cassette with staples.

In FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another end effector connected to a part of a surgical instrument, the end effector supporting a surgical cassette with brackets and its stop in the open position.

In FIG. 3 is another partial side cross-sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 2, in the closed position.

In FIG. 4 is another partial side cross-sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 2 and 3, on which the scalpel holder begins to advance through the end effector.

In FIG. 5 is another partial side cross-sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 2-4, on which the scalpel holder is partially advanced through it.

In FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with brackets installed in a surgical dissecting and stapling device.

In FIG. 7 is a top view of a surgical cassette with brackets and an elongated channel of the device shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a surgical cassette with brackets mounted in an elongated channel of an end effector.

In FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the stop.

In FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a plurality of staples forming part of a line of staples.

In FIG. 11 is another partial perspective view of a staple line shown in FIG. 10, wherein the staples are shown after forming, as a result of contact with the abutment, a surgical dissecting and stapling device.

In FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of alternative staples forming part of another staple line.

In FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of alternative staples forming part of another staple line.

In FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of alternative staples forming part of another embodiment of a staple line.

In FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector supporting a cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a portion of the elongated channel of the end effector shown in FIG. 15, after removing from it parts of the body of the implantable cassette with brackets and staples.

In FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector supporting another staple cartridge.

In FIG. 18A-18D is a diagram of a deformation of a surgical bracket located in a case of a crushable cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating a bracket located in a housing of a crushable cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating a process of crushing the body of a crushable cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 19A, focusing.

In FIG. 19C is a diagram illustrating a process of further crushing the casing of a crushable cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 19A, focusing.

In FIG. 19D is a diagram illustrating a bracket shown in FIG. 19A, in a fully formed configuration, as well as a crushable cassette with brackets, shown in FIG. 19A, in a completely crushed state.

In FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a bracket located opposite the supporting surface of the bracket cassette and its possible relative movement.

In FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a support surface of the cassette with brackets containing a groove or groove configured to stabilize the base of the bracket shown in FIG. twenty.

In FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket containing a molded head and a groove or groove configured to receive a portion of the head in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 23 is a plan view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising brackets placed in a casing of a crushable cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge shown in FIG. 23.

In FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a protective layer surrounding the brackets located in the body of the crush cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 25 along line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

In FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising brackets that at least partially extend outside the casing of the cassette with brackets and a protective layer surrounding the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 27 along the line 28-28 shown in FIG. 27.

In FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising brackets at least partially placed in the body of the crush cassette with brackets, the brackets being at least partially located in the voids of the bracket slots in the cassette body with staples.

In FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 29 along line 30-30 shown in FIG. 29.

In FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising brackets at least partially housed in a crushable cassette with brackets, and an alignment matrix connecting the brackets and the alignment brackets with respect to each other.

In FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 32 along line 33-33 shown in FIG. 32.

In FIG. 34 is a partial view in partial section of the inner layer of the housing of a compressible cartridge with brackets.

In FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an inner layer shown in FIG. 34, compressed between the transfer plate and the support plate.

In FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating staples inserted into the compressed inner layer of FIG. 35.

In FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of a support plate shown in FIG. 35, in the process of separation from the inner layer.

In FIG. 38 is a diagram of a subassembly containing an inner layer shown in FIG. 34, and the brackets shown in FIG. 36, during insertion into the outer layer.

In FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating the sealing process of the outer layer shown in FIG. 38 to form a sealed cassette with staples.

In FIG. 40 is a sectional view of a sealed cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 39.

In FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket cassette and a channel for a bracket cassette in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 41, in a deformed state.

In FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing an emphasis in an open position and a cassette with brackets located in a channel for a cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 43 illustrating the stop in the closed position and the cassette with brackets sandwiched between the stop and the channel for the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 43 illustrating a cassette with brackets, presented in FIG. 43, located alternatively in the channel for the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing a compressible cassette with staples located in a channel for a cassette with staples, and a fragment of supporting material attached to an abutment.

In FIG. 47 is a sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 46 illustrating a stop in a closed position.

In FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge containing a waterproof layer.

In FIG. 49 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument.

In FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a step stop and a cassette with brackets comprising a step cassette body.

In FIG. 51 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument.

In FIG. 52 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing inclined tissue-contacting surfaces.

In FIG. 53 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing inclined tissue-contacting surfaces.

In FIG. 54 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a support insert configured to support a cassette with staples.

In FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing a cassette with staples containing a plurality of compressible layers.

In FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with staples comprising a stepped casing of a compressible cassette.

In FIG. 57 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with brackets comprising a stepped casing of a compressible cassette.

In FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with staples comprising a curved tissue-contacting surface.

In FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with staples having an inclined surface in contact with the tissue.

In FIG. 60 is a sectional view of a compressible cassette with staples containing brackets and at least one drug stored therein.

In FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating a compressible cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 60, after compression and deformation of the brackets contained therein.

In FIG. 62 is a partial sectional view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 63 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 62.

In FIG. 64 is a perspective view of an implanted cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 65 is a sectional view of an implanted cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 64.

In FIG. 66 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with brackets containing deformable elements extending from the outer layer of the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 67 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with brackets comprising an outer layer of a cassette with brackets attached to the inner layer.

In FIG. 68 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with staples comprising a plurality of staples, a compressible layer and a tampon layer.

In FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the tampon layer shown in FIG. 68.

In FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a tampon separated from the tampon layer shown in FIG. 68, and staples lined with a groove in the swab.

In FIG. 71 is a perspective view of two tampons connected to each other from the tampon layer shown in FIG. 68.

In FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a support frame for a tampon of the tampon layer shown in FIG. 68, which is removed from the separated tampons.

In FIG. 73 is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the components of an alternative embodiment of a compressible cassette with brackets containing brackets and a system for moving the brackets close to the stop.

In FIG. 73A is a partial partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 73.

In FIG. 74 is a sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 73.

In FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a slide arranged to move around a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 73, and moving the brackets to the stop.

In FIG. 76 is a diagram of a staple ejector that can be lifted against the stop by the slide shown in FIG. 75.

In FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising brackets located in the ejector brackets.

In FIG. 78 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 77 located in the channel for the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 79 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 77, illustrating the emphasis moved to the closed position and the brackets in the cassette with brackets deformed by the emphasis.

In FIG. 80 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 77 illustrating staples moved up toward the stop.

In FIG. 81 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette with brackets comprising loops connecting the flexible side walls of the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a slide assembly and a cutting member.

In FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram of a slide assembly and a cutting member shown in FIG. 82, which is used to raise the staples from the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 77.

In FIG. 84 is a diagram illustrating a slide configured to engage and lift the brackets against the stop, as well as a locking system configured to selectively provide distal movement of the slide.

In FIG. 85A-85C show a sequence of steps for inserting a staple into a staple head.

In FIG. 86 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets containing a support tray or holder.

In FIG. 87 is a partial sectional view of a compressible cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 88 is a diagram illustrating a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 87, in an implanted state.

In FIG. 89 is a partial partial cross-sectional view of a compressible cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 90 is a partial sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 89.

In FIG. 91 is a diagram illustrating a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 89, in the implanted state.

In FIG. 92 is a partial cross-sectional view of a crushable cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 93 is a partial partial cross-sectional view of a crease cartridge with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a plurality of crease elements.

In FIG. 94 is a perspective view of a crease member shown in FIG. 93, in an unregulated state.

In FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a crease member shown in FIG. 94, in a crumpled state.

In FIG. 96A is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing a jaw, a channel opposite the jaw for the cassette with brackets, and a cassette with the brackets located in the channel for the cassette with braces, the jaw containing a holding matrix attached thereto.

In FIG. 96B is a partial sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 96A illustrating a jaw moved to a channel for a cassette with brackets, wherein the cassette with brackets is compressed by the stop and the holding matrix, and the bracket passes at least partially through the fabric located between the holding matrix and the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 96C is a partial sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 96A illustrating the jaw in the final position and holding the matrix engaged with the bracket shown in FIG. 96B.

In FIG. 96D is a partial sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 96A illustrating the jaw and channel for a cassette with brackets moved from an implanted cassette with brackets and a holding matrix.

In FIG. 97 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment, which comprises a plurality of holding elements configured to engage a fastener leg passing through them.

In FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising six holding elements.

In FIG. 99 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising eight holding elements.

In FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising a plurality of holding elements configured to engage a fastener leg passing through them.

In FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising six holding elements.

In FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising eight holding elements.

In FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising a plurality of holding elements made by stamping from a metal sheet.

In FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising a plurality of holes extending around the perimeter of the holding hole.

In FIG. 105 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 106 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 107 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 108 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 109 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 110 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix comprising a holding tab extending into the holding hole in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 111 is a plan view of a holding hole of a holding matrix comprising a holding tab extending into the holding hole in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 112 is a perspective view of a crosslinking system comprising a plurality of staples; a holding matrix meshed with the brackets and a leveling matrix configured to align the brackets.

In FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a holding matrix shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 114 is a perspective view of the alignment matrix shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 115 is a partial top view of a retaining matrix shown in FIG. 112, engaged with the brackets shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 116 is a partial bottom view of a holding matrix shown in FIG. 112, engaged with the brackets shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 117 is a partial elevational view of the crosslinking system shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 118 is a partial perspective view of the crosslinking system shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 119 is a partial cross-sectional view of a holding matrix shown in FIG. 112, engaged with the brackets shown in FIG. 112.

In FIG. 120 is a partial cross-sectional view of the crosslinking system of FIG. 112.

In FIG. 121 is a perspective view of a crosslinking system shown in FIG. 112, further comprising protective caps mounted on the legs of the brackets.

In FIG. 122 is a perspective view from below of the structure of the crosslinking system shown in FIG. 121.

In FIG. 123 is a partial perspective view of the structure of the crosslinking system shown in FIG. 121.

In FIG. 124 is a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the crosslinking system shown in FIG. 121.

In FIG. 125 is a perspective view of an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a jaw in an open position, a holding matrix and a plurality of protective caps located in a jaw, as well as a cassette with brackets located in the channel for the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 126 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 125, in the closed position.

In FIG. 127 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 125, in the activated position.

In FIG. 128 is a perspective view of a holding matrix and protective caps shown in FIG. 125 mounted on the cassette with brackets presented in FIG. 125.

In FIG. 129 is a detailed view of the structure shown in FIG. 128.

In FIG. 130 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 125, illustrating the jaw in the open position with a thinner tissue located between the holding matrix and the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 131 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 125, illustrating the jaw in the closed position close to the thinner fabric shown in FIG. 130.

In FIG. 132 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 125, illustrating the jaw in the activated position to capture the thinner tissue shown in FIG. 130, between the holding matrix and the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 133 is a perspective view of the holding matrix and the protective caps shown in FIG. 125 mounted on a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 125, with the thin fabric interposed between them, shown in FIG. 130.

In FIG. 134 is a detailed view of the structure shown in FIG. 133.

In FIG. 135 is a cross-sectional view of a protective cap located on the tip of a bracket leg in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 136 is a perspective view of a plurality of protective caps placed on a sheet of material.

In FIG. 137 is a perspective view of a jaw containing a plurality of recesses configured to receive a plurality of protective caps.

In FIG. 138 is a detailed view of a portion of a jaw containing a sheet covering the protective caps located in the jaw shown in FIG. 137.

In FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view of a protective cap located on the tip of a bracket leg in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment, in which the protective cap comprises an inner forming surface.

In FIG. 140 is another cross-sectional view of the protective cap shown in FIG. 139 illustrating a staple leg that deforms against a forming surface.

In FIG. 141 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a holding matrix comprising a plurality of related matrix elements.

In FIG. 142 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a holding matrix comprising a plurality of related matrix elements.

In FIG. 143 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a holding matrix comprising a plurality of related matrix elements.

In FIG. 144 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a matrix of holding matrices containing a plurality of related matrix elements.

In FIG. 145 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a holding matrix comprising a plurality of related matrix elements.

In FIG. 146 is a partial exploded view of the components of a jaw containing a holding matrix including a compressible coating.

In FIG. 147 is a detailed view of a holding matrix shown in FIG. 146.

In FIG. 148 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cross-linking system comprising a retaining matrix, including a compressible layer and a plurality of cells hermetically sealing one or more drugs.

In FIG. 149 is a diagram illustrating the legs of a bracket that pierced the cells shown in FIG. 148, when engaged with a holding matrix.

In FIG. 150 is a partial cross-sectional view of a crosslinking system comprising a retaining matrix, including a compressible layer.

In FIG. 151 is a perspective view of a cartridge insert assembly with fasteners, comprising a holder, a first cartridge with fasteners and a second cartridge with fasteners.

In FIG. 152 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being shown in an open configuration.

In FIG. 153 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 152 illustrating a second jaw in a closed configuration and a cartridge insert assembly with fasteners shown in FIG. 151 used to load the first cartridge into the first jaw and the second cartridge into the second jaw.

In FIG. 154 is a perspective view of a charged end effector shown in FIG. 153 illustrating a cartridge insertion assembly removed from an end effector, a second jaw in an open configuration, and tissue located between the first jaw and the second jaw.

In FIG. 155 is a perspective view of a charged end effector shown in FIG. 154, in the activated configuration.

In FIG. 156 is a perspective view of the first cartridge and the second cartridge in an implanted state.

In FIG. 157 is a perspective view of an end effector shown in FIG. 152 illustrating a portion of a first cartridge still engaged with a first jaw in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 158 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge insert assembly with fasteners comprising a holder, a first cartridge with fasteners and a second cartridge with fasteners.

In FIG. 159 is a perspective view of a cartridge insertion assembly with fasteners shown in FIG. 158 and used to load the first cartridge into the first jaw of the end effector and the second cartridge into the second jaw.

In FIG. 160 is a sectional view of a charged end effector shown in FIG. 159.

In FIG. 161 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a lower jaw and an upper jaw in accordance with at least one embodiment in which some parts of the surgical stapling instrument are removed.

In FIG. 162 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 161, with the upper jaw removed.

In FIG. 163 is a perspective view of a sliding stop system of the upper jaw of a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 161 comprising a first sliding stop and a second sliding stop.

In FIG. 164 is an end view of the sliding stop system shown in FIG. 163.

In FIG. 165 is a plan view of the sliding stop system shown in FIG. 163.

In FIG. 166 is a diagram illustrating a sliding stop system shown in FIG. 163, in an inactive state.

In FIG. 167 is a diagram illustrating a first sliding stop of the sliding stop system shown in FIG. 163, in an inactive position, as well as staples located in the lower jaw in an unplaced position.

In FIG. 168 is a diagram illustrating the brackets in the lower jaw in the deployed configuration and the first sliding stop shown in FIG. 167, stretched proximally to deform the first group of staple legs.

In FIG. 169 is a diagram illustrating a first group of staples shown in FIG. 168 deformed to a fully deformed state.

In FIG. 170 is a diagram illustrating a second sliding stop of the sliding stop system shown in FIG. 163 distally pushed to deform the second group of staple legs.

In FIG. 171 is a partial perspective view of an abutment comprising a plurality of forming recesses in at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 172 is an end view in cross-section of an abutment shown in FIG. 171.

In FIG. 173 is a diagram illustrating a first stage in the production of forming recesses shown in FIG. 171.

In FIG. 174 is a diagram illustrating a second stage of the production of forming depressions shown in FIG. 171.

In FIG. 175 is a plan view of an arrangement of formative recesses of an abutment shown in FIG. 171.

In FIG. 176 is a diagram illustrating the first stage of the manufacturing process used to produce the stop.

In FIG. 177 is a diagram illustrating a second stage of the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 176.

In FIG. 178 is a diagram illustrating a third stage of the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 176.

In FIG. 179 is a perspective view on the left and front of a surgical stapling and dissecting instrument with a handle including an automatic lever retraction mechanism and a ratchet manual retraction mechanism.

In FIG. 180 is a perspective view of the right and rear surgical dissecting and stapling instrument of FIG. 179, on which a portion of the elongated shaft is trimmed and the right half shell of the handle housing is removed to show an automatic post-start retraction mechanism and a manual trigger retraction mechanism.

In FIG. 181 is a perspective view of the right and rear with a spatial separation of the components of the handle and the elongated shaft of the surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 179.

In FIG. 182 is a perspective view of the right and rear surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 31, on which the right half-shell and the outer parts of the working part are removed to show the closing mechanism and the starting mechanism in the initial state.

In FIG. 183 is a right side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 182.

In FIG. 184 is a perspective view of the partially and partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 182, with a closing mechanism in the closed and clamped state, and a trigger mechanism with a side fuse that performs the first cycle, and with the manual retraction mechanism retracted to show a distal link of the connecting rail that triggers the automatic retraction of the trigger mechanism.

In FIG. 185 is a perspective view of the partially and partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 183, from which the trigger with the side fuse is disconnected, and in which the distal link approaches automatic retraction.

In FIG. 186 is a left side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 183, in the initial state, with an open end effector and an activated reverse lock mechanism.

In FIG. 187 is a detailed left side view of the right half shell and the lever for releasing the reverse lock of the handle shown in FIG. 186.

In FIG. 188 is a detailed left side elevational view of a disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 179, on which the closing trigger is clamped, the trigger executes the final beat and the distal link is in the gripping position for automatic retraction.

In FIG. 189 is a detailed left side elevational view of a disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 188, immediately after the distal link has activated and locked in the forward position the release lever of the back lock, allowing the connecting rail to retract.

In FIG. 190 is a perspective view on the right with a spatial separation of the components of the intermediate and rear gears, the manual retraction lever, and the ratchet safety lock of the manual retraction of the surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 179.

In FIG. 191 is a perspective view on the right of the manual retraction mechanism shown in FIG. 190, with a partially retracted manual retraction lever, to show a smaller diameter ratchet gear located on the rear gear and engaging the ratchet safety catch.

In FIG. 192 is a left side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 179, with a back-lock mechanism engaged with a fully activated connecting rail that is not connected to the combined tension / compression spring, before activating the manual retract lever shown in FIG. 190.

In FIG. 193 is a left side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 192, with hidden parts of the reverse lock release lever, rear gear and manual start lever, shown in half section.

In FIG. 194 is a left side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument of FIG. 193, after the activation of the manual start lever caused the manual retraction of the connecting rail.

In FIG. 195 is a left side elevational view of a partially disassembled surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 194, with a missing connecting rail, showing a manual start lever detachable from a backstop.

In FIG. 196 is a detailed left side view of an alternative backstop release lever and handle body of a surgical stapling and dissecting instrument shown in FIG. 179.

In FIG. 197 is a perspective view from the left in the spatial separation of the components of the alternative release lever of the reverse lock, the shaft of the rear gear and the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism shown in FIG. 196.

In FIG. 198 is a right side elevational view of an alternative backstop release mechanism shown in FIG. 196, in which the connecting rail is in the retracted position and the backstop release lever is located proximate to the backstop lock plate engaged with the starter rod.

In FIG. 198A is a detailed right side elevational view of the rear gear, the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism and the most distal link shown in FIG. 198.

In FIG. 199 is a right side elevational view of the backstop release mechanism shown in FIG. 198, after the first start cycle.

In FIG. 199A is a detailed right side elevational view of the rear gear, the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism, and the second link shown in FIG. 199.

In FIG. 200 is a right side elevational view of the backstop release mechanism shown in FIG. 199, after the second start cycle.

In FIG. 200A is a detailed right side elevational view of the rear gear, the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism, and the third link shown in FIG. 200.

In FIG. 201 is a detailed right side elevational view of the backstop release mechanism shown in FIG. 200, after the third and final start cycle.

In FIG. 201A is a detailed right side elevational view of the rear gear, the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism and the proximal fourth link shown in FIG. 201.

In FIG. 202 is a right side elevational view of the automatic release mechanism shown in FIG. 201, after the final start-up stroke caused the cam circle of the automatic retraction mechanism to slide into the distal position and lock the release lever of the backstop by disconnecting the backstop.

In FIG. 203 is a perspective view on the left and front of an open stapling unit with a right half of a removable staple cartridge included in a staple groove.

In FIG. 204 is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the components of the overlay assembly shown in FIG. 203, with a fully assembled removable cassette with brackets and a non-articulated rod configuration.

In FIG. 205 is a perspective view of a two-component scalpel and launching rod (three-horned element) of the staple overlay assembly shown in FIG. 203.

In FIG. 206 is a perspective view of a wedge-shaped slide of a cassette with brackets of a bracket application unit.

In FIG. 207 is a left side elevational view taken in longitudinal section along the center line 207-207 of the stapling assembly shown in FIG. 203.

In FIG. 208 is a perspective view of an open stapling assembly shown in FIG. 203, without a removable cassette with brackets, and part of the groove for brackets is located next to the middle pin of a two-component scalpel and trigger rod, and without the distal part of the groove for brackets.

In FIG. 209 is a front elevational view taken along section line 209-209 of the stapling assembly shown in FIG. 203 showing internal staple ejectors of a cassette with staples and parts of a two-component scalpel and trigger bar.

In FIG. 210 is a left side elevational view taken substantially along the longitudinal center line 207-207 of the closed staple assembly shown in FIG. 203, to include central points of contact between the two-component scalpel and the wedge-shaped slide, but also with lateral displacement, to show the staples and ejectors of the brackets inside the bracket cassette.

In FIG. 211 is a detailed left side elevational view of the stapling assembly shown in FIG. 210, with the two-component scalpel pulled back a little more than is usually characteristic of replacing the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 212 is a detailed left side elevational view of the stapling assembly shown in FIG. 211, where a two-component scalpel begins to be activated, in accordance with the configuration shown in FIG. 210.

In FIG. 213 is a left side elevational cross-sectional view of the closed brace overlay assembly shown in FIG. 210, after activating a two-component scalpel and trigger rod in the distal direction.

In FIG. 214 is a left side elevational cross-sectional view of the closed brace overlay assembly shown in FIG. 213, after activating the cassette with brackets and retracting a two-component scalpel.

In FIG. 215 is a detailed left side cross-sectional view in vertical elevation of the stitching assembly shown in FIG. 214, where a two-component scalpel is given the opportunity to move to the locked position.

In FIG. 216 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge comprising a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 217 is a view with partial spatial separation of the components of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 216.

In FIG. 218 shows a view with a complete spatial separation of the components of the cassette with brackets, presented in FIG. 216.

In FIG. 219 shows another view of the spatial separation of the components of the cassette with brackets, presented in FIG. 216, without a sheath covering the tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 220 is a perspective view of a housing, or support portion, of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 216.

In FIG. 221 is a perspective view from above of a slide arranged to move within a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 216, for placing brackets from the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 222 is a perspective view from below of the slide shown in FIG. 221.

In FIG. 223 is a perspective view of the slide shown in FIG. 221.

In FIG. 224 is a perspective view from above of an ejector configured to hold one or more staples and to be lifted up using the slide shown in FIG. 221, for ejecting the staples from the cassette with staples.

In FIG. 225 is a perspective view from below of the ejector shown in FIG. 224.

In FIG. 226 shows a shell configured to at least partially surround a compressible tissue thickness compensator of a cassette with staples.

In FIG. 227 is a partial partial cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets containing a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing brackets moving during the first sequence from an inactive position to an activated position.

In FIG. 228 is a perspective view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 227.

In FIG. 229 is a detailed perspective view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 227.

In FIG. 230 is an end view in cross section of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 227.

In FIG. 231 is a bottom view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 227.

In FIG. 232 is a detailed bottom view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 227.

In FIG. 233 is a longitudinal sectional view of an abutment in a closed position and a cassette with brackets comprising a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing brackets moving during the first sequence from an inactive position to an activated position.

In FIG. 234 is another cross-sectional view of a stop and a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 233, depicting a stop in the open position after the completion of the starting sequence.

In FIG. 235 is a partial detailed view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 233, depicting staples in an inactive position.

In FIG. 236 is a vertical sectional view of a cassette with brackets containing a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing the brackets in an inactive position.

In FIG. 237 is a detailed view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 236.

In FIG. 238 is a perspective view of an abutment in an open position and a cassette with brackets comprising a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing brackets in an inactive position.

In FIG. 239 is a perspective view of the abutment in the closed position and the cassette with staples comprising a rigid support portion and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing staples in an inactive position and tissue sandwiched between the abutment and tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 240 is a detailed view of an emphasis and a cartridge with brackets shown in FIG. 239.

In FIG. 241 is a perspective view of a stop in the closed position and a cassette with brackets containing a rigid support part and a compressible tissue thickness compensator, showing brackets in an inactive position and a thicker fabric located between the stop and the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 242 is a detailed view of a stop and a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 241.

In FIG. 243 is a perspective view of a stop and a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 241, depicting tissue of different thicknesses, located between the emphasis and the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 244 is a detailed view of a stop and a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 241, as presented in FIG. 243.

In FIG. 245 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator that compensates for different tissue thicknesses clamped in different braces.

In FIG. 246 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator applying compressive pressure to one or more vessels dissected by a staple line.

In FIG. 247 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which one or more staples are not formed correctly.

In FIG. 248 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator capable of compensating for improperly formed staples.

In FIG. 249 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator located in a tissue site where a plurality of staple lines intersect.

In FIG. 250 is a diagram illustrating a tissue gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 251 is a diagram illustrating a fabric and tissue thickness compensator gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 252 is a diagram illustrating a tissue gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 253 is a diagram illustrating thick tissue and tissue thickness compensator gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 254 is a diagram illustrating a thin fabric and tissue thickness compensator gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 255 is a diagram illustrating an intermediate thickness fabric and a tissue thickness compensator gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 256 is a diagram illustrating a fabric of a different intermediate thickness and a tissue thickness compensator gripped by a bracket.

In FIG. 257 is a diagram illustrating thick tissue and a tissue thickness compensator gripped by a staple.

In FIG. 258 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument illustrating a trigger shaft and a slide for activating staples in a retracted, inactive position.

In FIG. 259 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 258 illustrating a launch rod and a slide for activating staples in a partially advanced position.

In FIG. 260 shows a sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 258 illustrating a launch rod in a fully advanced, or activated, position.

In FIG. 261 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 258, illustrating the launch rod in the retracted position after activation and the slide for activating the staples remaining in the fully activated position.

In FIG. 262 is a detailed view of the launch rod in the retracted position shown in FIG. 261.

In FIG. 263 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument including a cassette with staples containing a tissue thickness compensator and staples at least partially located within it.

In FIG. 264 is another partial cross-sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 263 illustrating staples at least partially displaced and / or rotated relative to a stop located opposite the cassette with staples.

In FIG. 265 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 266 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 267 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance with another alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 268 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 269 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 268, in a bent state.

In FIG. 270 is a partial sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 269, in an exempted state.

In FIG. 271 is a perspective view of an end effector comprising a coulter for a tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 272 is a perspective view from the rear of the coulter of the tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 271.

In FIG. 273 is a perspective view of an end effector comprising a plurality of rail guides extending from a support portion and a tissue thickness compensator having a longitudinal cavity formed therein.

In FIG. 274 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 273.

In FIG. 275 is a perspective view of an end effector comprising a plurality of teeth extending from a support portion and a tissue thickness compensator engaged with them.

In FIG. 276 is a perspective view of a stop containing a matrix of recesses in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 277 is a partial detailed view of the emphasis shown in FIG. 276.

In FIG. 278 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of an abutment shown in FIG. 276.

In FIG. 279 is a cross-sectional view of an abutment shown in FIG. 276.

In FIG. 280 is a perspective view of an activated bracket having a substantially B-shaped configuration.

In FIG. 281 is a perspective view of an activated bracket, one leg of which is deformed inward and one leg is deformed outward.

In FIG. 282 is a perspective view of an activated bracket, both legs of which are deformed outward.

In FIG. 283 is a partial perspective view of a support portion of a cassette with brackets comprising detachable and / or replaceable guides for the legs of the brackets.

In FIG. 284 is a partial sectional view of the cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 283, after placing the staples from the cassette with staples.

In FIG. 285 is a detailed sectional view shown in FIG. 284, after activating the cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 286 is an exploded view of the components of a cassette with staples including a tissue thickness compensator containing voids formed therein.

In FIG. 287 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 286 implanted close to the tissue.

In FIG. 288 is another diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 286 implanted close to the tissue.

In FIG. 289 is a perspective view in cross section of a cassette with brackets containing lateral retaining elements extending from its support portion, configured to hold the tissue thickness compensator in a desired position.

In FIG. 290 is a cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 289, which is used for stitching tissue.

In FIG. 291 is another cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 289 illustrating a support portion separated from an implanted tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 292 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets containing lateral retaining elements configured to hold a tissue thickness compensator on a support portion.

In FIG. 293 is a cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 292, which is used for stitching tissue.

In FIG. 294 is another cross-sectional view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 292 illustrating a support portion separated from an implanted tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 295 is a detailed sectional view of a holding member that holds a tissue thickness compensator on a support portion of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 296 is a partial partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge containing staple ejectors having different heights in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 296A is a diagram illustrating the ejector brackets shown in FIG. 296, and staples held thereon having different heights in an inactive state.

In FIG. 297 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator having different thicknesses, staple ejectors having different heights, and staples having different heights in an unformed state.

In FIG. 298 is a diagram illustrating the staples and tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 297 implanted in tissue.

In FIG. 299 is a partial sectional view of a cassette with brackets comprising a tissue thickness compensator having a different thickness in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 300 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument in an open configuration.

In FIG. 301 is a sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 300, in a partially activated configuration.

In FIG. 302 is a sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 300, in a reopened configuration.

In FIG. 303 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing staple ejectors having different heights and a contoured panel surface in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 304 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing staple ejectors having different heights and a stepped panel surface in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 305 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge loaded into an effector of a surgical stapling instrument using a staple cartridge applicator.

In FIG. 306 is a perspective view from below of the cassette applicator with brackets shown in FIG. 305.

In FIG. 307 is a side view of the cassette applicator with brackets shown in FIG. 305, complete with cassette with staples.

In FIG. 308 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 307.

In FIG. 309 is a perspective view of a cassette applicator assembly with brackets further including an upper tissue thickness compensator located on an upper surface of the cassette applicator with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 310 is an exploded view of the components of the upper tissue thickness compensator and the cartridge applicator with brackets shown in FIG. 309.

In FIG. 310A is a spatially separated view of the components of a cassette applicator assembly with brackets comprising a push member configured to detach an upper tissue thickness compensator adherently attached to the bracket cassette applicator.

In FIG. 311 is a partial exploded view of the components of a cartridge applicator assembly with brackets in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 312 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder applicator assembly comprising an upper tissue thickness compensator including a plurality of retaining elements extending therefrom, and a bracket cartridge containing a lower tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 313 is a perspective view of the cartridge applicator assembly with brackets shown in FIG. 312, located inside the channel for the cartridge with brackets, and the stop, which is closed on the node of the applicator of the cartridge with brackets.

In FIG. 314 is a perspective view of the stop shown in FIG. 313, in the re-opened position and the applicator cassette with brackets, presented in FIG. 312 extracted from the end effector.

In FIG. 314A is a cross-sectional view of a fabric located between the upper fabric thickness compensator and the lower fabric thickness compensator shown in FIG. 312.

In FIG. 314B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper fabric thickness compensator and a lower fabric thickness compensator sewn to the fabric and dissected by a cutting member.

In FIG. 315 is a diagram illustrating a tissue thickness compensator inserted in an abutment according to at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 316 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 315.

In FIG. 317 is an exploded view of components of a tissue thickness compensator and an abutment according to at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 318 is a perspective view of a cassette applicator assembly with brackets comprising an upper tissue thickness compensator configured to attach to a stop in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 319 is a perspective view of a cassette applicator assembly with brackets shown in FIG. 318 located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets, and stop, moving to the upper compensator for the thickness of the fabric.

In FIG. 320 shows a cassette applicator with brackets shown in FIG. 318, removed from the end effector after engaging the upper tissue thickness compensator with a stop.

In FIG. 321 is an end view in cross-section of an abutment moved to the upper tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 318.

In FIG. 322 is an end view in cross section of an abutment engaged with an upper compensator for tissue thickness.

In FIG. 323 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with brackets including a segmentable tissue thickness compensator attached to the supporting portion of the cassette with brackets using a plurality of fasteners.

In FIG. 324 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 323 illustrating a trigger element in a partially activated position.

In FIG. 325 is a sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 323 illustrating a support portion moved from a partially implanted tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 326 is a partial perspective view of the support portion shown in FIG. 323.

In FIG. 327 is a perspective view of a slide carrier in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 328 is a perspective view of the slide shown in FIG. 327.

In FIG. 329 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with staples including a tissue thickness compensator and a plurality of staple guides located on the tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 330 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator and guides for staples shown in FIG. 329, in an inactive configuration.

In FIG. 331 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator and guides for staples shown in FIG. 329, in the activated configuration.

In FIG. 332 is a sectional view of a cassette with brackets comprising a tissue thickness compensator and a support portion in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 333 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position.

In FIG. 334 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of staple guides, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 335 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 336 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 337 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 338 is a partial sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 339 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 340 is a detailed view of the area surrounding the tip of the bracket shown in FIG. 339.

In FIG. 341 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 342 is a detailed view of the portion surrounding the tip of the bracket shown in FIG. 341.

In FIG. 343 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator, a layer of guides for staples, and a staple in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 344 is a perspective view of a bracket guide layer and a plurality of brackets in an inactive position in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 345 is an end view of a tissue thickness compensator configured to be used with a circular surgical stapling instrument.

In FIG. 346 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator and a circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 345.

In FIG. 347 is an end view of a tissue thickness compensator adapted for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 348 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator and a circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 347.

In FIG. 349 is an end view of a tissue thickness compensator configured to be used with a circular surgical stapling instrument.

In FIG. 350 is an end view of the tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 349, in a partially disassembled configuration.

In FIG. 351 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 352 is an end view of a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 351 located relative to the fabric.

In FIG. 353 is an end view of a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 351, further comprising a tissue thickness compensator located between the staple cassette and the fabric.

In FIG. 354 is a partial perspective view of staples placed in tissue from the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 351, without compensator for tissue thickness.

In FIG. 355 is a partial perspective view of staples placed in tissue from a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 351, with compensator for tissue thickness.

In FIG. 356 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 351 comprising a thrust plate in a first position.

In FIG. 357 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 351 illustrating the thrust plate shown in FIG. 356, in the second position.

In FIG. 358 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with staples including an element for forming a gap.

In FIG. 359 is a perspective view illustrating a launch element, a cutting element for forming a gap, shown in FIG. 358, at the end of the start cycle of the starting element.

In FIG. 360 is a sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing a cassette with brackets including a flexible nose.

In FIG. 361 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector shown in FIG. 360 illustrating the bow in a bent configuration.

In FIG. 362 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a cassette with brackets including a sliding portion.

In FIG. 363 is a sectional view of the end effector shown in FIG. 362 illustrating a sliding portion in distal sliding.

In FIG. 364 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument containing a support portion comprising an inclined surface of a panel and a tissue thickness compensator having a different thickness.

In FIG. 365 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a support portion comprising an inclined surface of a panel and a tissue thickness compensator having a uniform thickness.

In FIG. 366 is a perspective view of a cassette with brackets containing a tissue thickness compensator having a different thickness.

In FIG. 367 is an end view of a cassette with brackets shown in FIG. 366.

In FIG. 368 is a perspective view in cross section of a tissue thickness compensator comprising longitudinal layers.

In FIG. 369 is a perspective sectional view of a tissue thickness compensator comprising multiple layers in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 370 is a perspective view of a disposable loading device comprising holding elements configured to detachably hold a tissue thickness compensator.

In FIG. 371 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator including retaining elements configured to detachably hold a tissue thickness compensator on a disposable loading device.

In FIG. 372 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 371 attached to a disposable boot device.

In FIG. 373 is an end view of a disposable loading device shown in FIG. 372.

In FIG. 374 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator including retaining elements configured to detachably hold a tissue thickness compensator on a disposable loading device.

In FIG. 375 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 374 attached to a disposable boot device.

In FIG. 376 is an end view of a disposable loading device shown in FIG. 375.

In FIG. 377 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator including a holding member configured to detachably hold a tissue thickness compensator on a disposable loading device.

In FIG. 378 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 377 attached to a disposable boot device.

In FIG. 379 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator applicator located inside an effector of a disposable loading device.

In FIG. 380 is a perspective view from above of a tissue thickness compensator applicator shown in FIG. 379.

In FIG. 381 is a perspective view from below of the tissue thickness compensator applicator shown in FIG. 379.

In FIG. 382 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator applicator located inside an effector of a disposable loading device in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 383 is a top perspective view of the tissue thickness compensator applicator shown in FIG. 382.

In FIG. 384 is a perspective view from below of the tissue thickness compensator applicator shown in FIG. 382.

In FIG. 385 is a perspective view of a disposable loading device including a jaw configured to rotate and support a cassette with brackets.

In FIG. 386 is a cross-sectional view of a staple cassette comprising a tissue thickness compensator attached to a support portion of a staple cassette in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 387 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket cassette comprising a tissue thickness compensator attached to a support portion of a bracket cassette in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 388 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket cassette comprising a tissue thickness compensator attached to a support portion of the bracket cassette in accordance with at least one embodiment.

In FIG. 389 is a perspective view of a tissue thickness compensator shown in FIG. 387.

Corresponding elements in different images are indicated by corresponding symbols. The illustrations attached to this document are intended solely to demonstrate certain embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The applicant of this application also owns the following US patent applications, filed September 30, 2010 and fully incorporated herein by reference:

US patent application No. 12 / 894,360 entitled "Surgical stapling instrument with a movable staple forming system";

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,322, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Interchangeable Cassette Staple Designs”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,351 entitled ʺ Surgical Dissecting and Stapling Instruments with Separate and Separate Systems for Locating Fasteners and Tissue Dissection ʺ;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,339, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Compact Joint Design”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,327, entitled “Jaw Closure Designs for Surgical Instruments”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,311 entitled "Surgical Instruments Containing Reconfigurable Bar Segments";

US patent application No. 12 / 894,340 entitled "Surgical cassettes with brackets supporting non-linearly located staples, and surgical stapling instruments with common recesses to form braces";

US patent application No. 12 / 894,350 entitled ʺ Surgical cassettes with staples with detachable support structures and surgical stapling instruments with systems to prevent starting movements in the absence of a cassette ʺ;

US patent application No. 12 / 894,338 entitled "Implantable cartridge with fasteners having a heterogeneous arrangement of elements";

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,312 entitled “Implantable Cartridge with Fasteners Containing Multiple Layers”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,377 entitled "Selectively Oriented Implantable Cassette with Fasteners";

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,383, entitled “Implantable Cartridge with Fasteners Containing Bioabsorbable Layers”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,389 entitled “Compressible Cassette with Fasteners”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,345 entitled “Fasteners Supported by a Support Element of a Cassette with Fasteners”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,306 entitled “Crumpled Cassette with Fasteners”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,318, entitled “Stitching System Containing Many Related Elements of a Retention Matrix”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,330, entitled “Crosslinking System Containing a Retention Matrix and an Alignment Matrix”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,361, entitled “Crosslinking System Containing a Retention Matrix”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,367, entitled “Stapling Tool for Placing a Staple System Containing a Retention Matrix”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,388, entitled “Crosslinking System Containing a Retention Matrix and a Coating”;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,376, entitled “Stitching System Containing Multiple Cassettes with Fasteners”; and

US Patent Application No. 12 / 894,369 entitled “Implantable Cartridge with Fasteners Containing a Supporting Latch”.

The applicant of this application also owns the following US patent applications, filed on the same day and fully incorporated herein by reference:

US Patent Application No. Named “Compressible Cassette Assembly with Staples”, Patent Attorney File No. END6848USCIP1 / 100533CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Fabric Thickness Compensator Containing Parts with Different Properties”, Patent Attorney File No. END6849USCIP1 / 100534CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Cassette with brackets containing an adjustable distal portion”, Patent Attorney File No. END6847USCIP1 / 100532CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Tissue Thickness Compensator for Surgical Stapling Instruments”, Patent Attorney File No. END6736USCIP1 / 100060CIP1;

US patent application No. entitled ʺ Cassette loading unit with brackets ’, patent attorney dossier No. END6855USCIP1 / 100540CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Cassette with Staples Containing a Compressible Part of Variable Thickness”, Patent Attorney File No. END6840USCIP1 / 100525CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Fabric Thickness Compensator Containing Detachable Parts”, Patent Attorney File No. END6842USCIP1 / 100527CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Tissue Thickness Compensator for Surgical Stapling Instrument, Containing Adjustable Stop”, Patent Attorney File No. END6843USCIP1 / 100528CIP1;

US patent application No. entitled "Compressible cassette with brackets containing leveling elements", dossier of patent attorney No. END6856USCIP1 / 100541CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled “Cassette with Brackets Containing a Release Part”, Patent Attorney File No. END6857USCIP1 / 100542CIP1;

US patent application No. ʺ Cassette with brackets containing compressible components that are resistant to skew ’, Patent Attorney File No. END6858USCIP1 / 100543CIP1;

US Patent Application No. entitled скоб Cassette with Staples Containing Fabric Thickness Compensator ’, Patent Attorney File No. END6859USCIP1 / 100544CIP1;

US patent application No. ʺ Cassette with brackets containing brackets located inside its compressible portion ’, Patent Attorney File No. END6841USCIP1 / 100526CIP1.

For a more complete understanding of the design, principles of operation, production and use of devices and methods described herein, the following is a description of certain embodiments. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting examples of implementation and that the scope of various embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described with reference to one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. It is intended that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

In this document, a reference to “various embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “embodiment”, and the like. means that a particular feature, design, or characteristic described in connection with this embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases “in various embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and the like, used herein are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment may, without limitation, be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. It is intended that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

In this document, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined with respect to the physician controlling the handle of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the part closest to the doctor, and the term “distal” refers to the part closest to the doctor. For convenience and clarity, this document proposes to use spatial terms in addition to figures, such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down”. However, the use of surgical instruments involves many orientations and positions, and these terms are not absolute and / or limiting the present invention.

Various examples of devices and methods for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various methods and devices described herein can be used to perform a variety of surgical procedures, as well as in many applications, including, for example, areas related to open surgical procedures. As the following detailed description is set forth, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the various tools described herein can be inserted into the body by any means, such as insertion through a natural opening, through an incision or puncture made in the tissue, and the like. The working parts or parts of the end effectors of the instruments can be inserted directly into the patient’s body or through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and the extended shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.

In the figures, similar numerical designations are used to indicate similar elements in different images. In FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument 10 in which a number of unique advantages are realized. Surgical stapling instrument 10 is configured to adjust and / or activate end effectors 12 of various shapes and sizes that are functionally attached to it. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-1E, the end effector 12 includes an elongated channel 14 forming the lower jaw 13 of the end effector 12. The elongated channel 14 is configured to support the implantable cassette with brackets 30, as well as to move the emphasis 20, which acts as the upper jaw 15 end effector 12.

In various embodiments, the elongated channel 14 may be made, for example, of stainless steel 300 and 400, 17-4 and 17-7, titanium, and the like. and may consist of side walls 16, which are located at some distance from each other. The stop 20 can be made, for example, of stainless steel 300 and 400, 17-4 and 17-7, titanium, etc. and have a bottom surface for forming the brackets, generally referred to as 22, which has a plurality of recesses formed therein to form the brackets 23. See FIG. 1B-1E. In addition, the stop 20 has a node forked inclined surface 24, protruding from it proximally. On each side of the assembly of the inclined surface 24, a stop pin 26 protrudes into a corresponding groove or hole 18 in the side walls 16 of the elongated channel 14 to facilitate its attachment to the channel with the possibility of movement or articulation.

With the various embodiments of surgical instruments described herein, various forms of implantable staple cassettes can be used. Specific configurations and designs of cassettes with brackets are described in detail below. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, an implantable cassette with brackets 30 is shown. In at least one embodiment, the cassette with brackets 30 has a body portion 31 that consists of a compressible hemostatic material, such as, for example, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) or bioabsorbable foam, in which lines of unformed metal staples 32. In at least some embodiments, in order to prevent exposure to staples and activation of hemostatic material during administration and placement In the case of cassettes, the entire cassette can be coated or wrapped in a film of bioabsorbable material 38, such as a polydioxanone film sold under the brand PDS®, or polyglycerol sebacinate (PGS) film, or other bioabsorbable films formed from PGA ( polyglycolic acid available on the market under the trademark Vicryl), PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglycaprone 25, commercially available under the Monocryl trademark) or a mixture of PGA, PCL, PLA, PDS, impermeable on tearing of the film. The housing 31 of the cassette with brackets 30 has dimensions that can be removably supported in the elongated channel 14, as shown in the figures, so that each bracket 32 located in it is aligned with the corresponding recesses to form the brackets 23 in the stop when the stop 20 is brought into forming contact with cassette with staples 30.

When used after placing the end effector 12 adjacent to the target fabric, the end effector 12 is controlled to grab or fix the target tissue between the upper side 36 of the cassette with the brackets 30 and the surface for forming the brackets 22 of the stop 20. The brackets 32 are formed by moving the stop 20 along a path along essentially parallel to the elongated channel 14, to bring the surface to form the brackets 22 and, more specifically, the recesses on it to form the brackets 23 essentially in contact with the upper side 36 of the ticket office you are with brackets 30. While continuing to move the stop 20 to the cassette with brackets 30, the legs 34 of the brackets 32 are in contact with the corresponding recess to form the brackets 23 in the stop 20, which serves to bend the legs of the bracket 34 to give the brackets 32 the shape of a letter B. Further movement of the stop 20 to the elongated channel 14 leads to additional compression and the formation of brackets 32 to the desired final height FF in the formed state.

The above process of forming brackets is essentially presented in FIG. 1B-1E. For example, in FIG. 1B shows an end effector 12 with a target tissue T between the abutment 20 and the upper side 36 of the implantable cassette with brackets 30. FIG. 1C shows the initial fixation position of the stop 20, in which the stop 20 is closed on the target tissue T to fix the target tissue T between the stop 20 and the upper side 36 of the cassette with brackets 30. FIG. 1D shows the initial stage of staple formation, in which the stop 20 began to compress the cassette with the brackets 30 so that the formation of legs 34 of the staples 32 begins using recesses to form the staples 23 in the stop 20. In FIG. 1E, a bracket 32 is shown in a final formed state passing through the target fabric T, the emphasis 20 being removed for clarity. After the brackets 32 are formed and attached to the target tissue T, the surgeon moves the emphasis 20 to the open position to allow the cassette body 31 and the brackets 32 to remain in the target tissue T until the end effector 12 is removed from the patient’s body. The end effector 12 forms all the brackets simultaneously when two jaws 13, 15 are compressed together. The remaining materials of the “crumpled” case 31 function both as a hemostatic means (ORC) and as means for reinforcing the staple line (PGA, PDS or film 38 from any other composition from the above ) In addition, since the brackets 32 do not need to leave the cassette 31 during formation, the likelihood of incorrect formation of the brackets 32 during the formation is minimized. In this document, the term “implantable” means that in addition to the staples, the materials of the cassette body in which the brackets are held also remain in the patient’s body and can ultimately be resorbed in it. Such implantable cassettes with brackets are different from prior art cassette designs that remain entirely inside the end effector after activation.

In various embodiments, the end effector 12 is configured to connect to an elongated shaft assembly 40 that protrudes from the handle assembly 100. The end effector 12 (when closed) and the elongated shaft assembly 40 may have similar cross-sectional shapes and sizes that allow functional passage through the tube trocar or working channel in another form of access tool. As used herein, the term “pass through functionally” means that the end effector and at least a portion of the elongated shaft assembly can be inserted or pass through the channel or opening of the tube and can be controlled within them in a manner that is necessary for a surgical tissue stitching procedure. In some embodiments, when the jaws 13 and 15 of the end effector 12 are in a closed position, they can give the end effector an approximately circular cross-sectional shape, which facilitates its passage through a circular hole or channel. However, the end effectors of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as embodiments of an elongated shaft assembly, may have other cross-sectional shapes that can be drawn differently through access channels and openings having non-circular cross-sectional shapes. Thus, the total cross-sectional dimension of the end effector in the closed position is related to the size of the channel or hole through which it is intended to be conducted. Thus, for example, one end effector can be designated as an end effector with a size of 5 mm, which means that it can be functionally passed through an opening that has a diameter of at least about 5 mm.

In various embodiments, the implementation of the node of the elongated rod 40 may have essentially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the end effector 12 in the closed position. For example, a 5 mm end effector may be connected to an elongated shaft assembly 40 with a cross-sectional diameter of 5 mm. However, as the present detailed description is presented, it will become clear that various embodiments of the present invention can be effectively used in connection with end effectors of different sizes. For example, a 10 mm end effector can be attached to an elongated shaft with a cross-sectional diameter of 5 mm. Conversely, for applications where an access hole or channel of 10 mm or more is available, the elongated shaft assembly 40 may have a cross-sectional diameter of 10 mm (or more), but can also activate an end effector of 5 mm or 10 mm. Accordingly, the outer rod 40 may have an outer diameter equal to or different from the outer diameter of the end effector 12 attached thereto in the closed position.

As shown in the figures, the elongated shaft assembly 40 extends distally from the handle assembly 100 in a substantially straight line to form a longitudinal axis A-A. For example, in various embodiments, the elongated shaft assembly 40 may have a length of approximately 229-406 mm (9-16 inches). However, the elongated shaft assembly 40 may have a different length and, in other embodiments, may have connecting elements therein or otherwise be configured to facilitate hinged rotation of the end effector 12 relative to other parts of the shaft or handle assembly, as described in more detail below. In various embodiments, the implementation of the node of the elongated rod 40 includes an element of the pin 50, which extends from the node of the handle 100 to the end effector 12. The proximal end of the elongated channel 14 of the end effector 12 has a pair of locking supports protruding therefrom 17, made with the possibility of entering into the corresponding support holes, or sockets, 52 located at the distal end of the trunnion element 50, which allows connecting with the possibility of removing the end effector 12 to the node of the elongated shaft 40. The trunnion element 50 can be made For example, made of aluminum alloy 6061 or 7075, stainless steel, titanium, etc.

In various embodiments, the handle assembly 100 comprises a pistol grip type housing, which may be made of two or more parts to facilitate assembly. For example, the handle assembly 100 shown in the figures comprises a right housing element 102 and a left housing element (not shown) cast or otherwise made of a polymer or plastic material and configured to be mated. Such housing elements can be attached to each other using latches, pins and slots, molded or otherwise formed in them, and / or adhesive, screws, etc. The trunnion element 50 has a proximal end 54 on which a flange 56 is formed. The flange 56 is rotatably mounted in a groove 106 formed by mating ribs 108 that protrude inwardly from each of the elements of the housing 102, 104. This design facilitates the fastening of the trunnion element 50 to the handle assembly 100, allowing the trunnion member 50 to rotate 360 ° about the handle assembly 100 around the longitudinal axis AA.

As further presented in FIG. 1, an axle member 50 extends through a mounting sleeve 60 that is rotatably mounted on and supported by a handle assembly 100. The mounting sleeve 60 has a proximal flange 62 and a distal flange 64, which form a rotation groove 65 configured to rotate the nose 101 of the handle assembly 100. This design allows the mounting sleeve 60 to rotate about the longitudinal axis AA relative to the handle assembly 100. Element the pivot 50 is fixedly mounted to the mounting sleeve 60 with a pin of the pin 66. In addition, a pivot handle 70 is mounted on the pivot sleeve 60. For example, in one embodiment, the pivot handle 70 has a hollow h a mounting flange 72, the size of which allows you to take part of the mounting sleeve 60. In various embodiments, the rotary handle 70 can be made of, for example, nylon, polycarbonate, Ultem® material, etc., reinforced with fiberglass or carbon fiber, and is also fixed on the mounting sleeve 60 with a pin pin 66. In addition, a retaining flange 74 protruding inwardly formed on the part of the mounting flange 72 is configured to extend into a radial groove 68 formed in the mounting sleeve 60. Thus, Ohm, the surgeon can rotate the trunnion element 50 (and the end effector 12 mounted on it) around the longitudinal axis A-A by 360 ° by gripping the rotary handle 70 and rotating it relative to the handle assembly 100.

In various embodiments, the stop 20 is held open by the spring of the stop 21 and / or other biasing structure. The stop 20 is arranged to selectively move from an open position to various closed or locking and starting positions by a trigger system, essentially referred to as element 109. The trigger system 109 includes a “trigger” 110, which in various embodiments is a hollow trigger tube 110. The hollow launch tube 110 is capable of axial movement along the axle member 50 and, thus, forms the outer part of the elongated barrel assembly 40. The launch tube 110 may be is made of polymer or other suitable material and may have a proximal end attached to the launch traverse 114 of the launch system 109. For example, in various embodiments, the launch traverse 114 may be fabricated using multi-component molding at the proximal end of the launch tube 110. However, others may be used. fastener design.

As represented in FIG. 1, the launch yoke 114 can be rotatably supported in a support sleeve 120 configured to axially move in the handle assembly 100. In various embodiments, the support sleeve 120 has a pair of transversely extending ribs, the size of which allows them to slide into the grooves under the ribs, formed on the right and left elements of the body. Thus, the support sleeve 120 is axially slidable in the handle housing 100, allowing the launch traverse 114 and the launch tube 110 to rotate about it about the longitudinal axis A-A. In various embodiments, a longitudinal groove is located in the trigger tube 110, allowing the pin of the pin 66 to pass through it into the member of the pin 50, facilitating the axial movement of the trigger tube 110 along the member of the pin 50.

The starter system 109 further comprises a trigger 130, which controls the axial movement of the starter tube 110 along the pin member 50. See FIG. 1. Such an axial movement of the launch tube 110 in the distal direction until the launch interaction with the stop 20 is referred to herein as the “trigger movement”. As represented in FIG. 1, the trigger 130 is connected by a pivot pin 132 to the handle assembly 100 for displacement or pivoting. A torsion spring 135 is used to displace the trigger 130 from the pistol grip part 107 of the handle assembly 100 to the inactive “open”, or initial, position. As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger 130 has an upper portion 134 that is movably coupled (via pins) to the trigger rods 136, which are movably coupled (via pins) to the support sleeve 120. Thus, the trigger 130 is moved from its initial position (FIG. 1) to an end position adjacent to a portion of the pistol grip 107 of the handle assembly 100 will cause the trigger beam 114 and trigger tube 110 to move in the distal direction DD. Moving the trigger 130 from the pistol grip part 107 of the handle assembly 100 (under the influence of torsion spring displacement 135) will cause the trigger traverse 114 and trigger tube 110 to move in the proximal direction PD along the axle member 50.

You can use various embodiments of the present invention with implantable cassettes with brackets of various sizes and configurations. For example, the surgical instrument 10, when used in combination with the first trigger adapter 140, can be used with an end effector 12 of size 5 mm and a length of approximately 20 mm (or another length) that supports an implantable cassette with brackets 30. This size of the end effector may be particularly suitable , for example, to perform relatively thin dissecting and vascular operations. However, as described in more detail below, the surgical instrument 10 can also be used, for example, in combination with end effectors and cassettes with brackets of other sizes when replacing the first trigger adapter 140 with a second trigger adapter. In other embodiments, the implementation of the node of the elongated rod 40 may be configured to attach to the end effector of only one shape or size.

The method for removably connecting the end effector 12 to the trunnion element 50 is described below. The connection process begins by inserting the retaining supports 17 on the elongated channel 14 into the receiving sockets 52 in the trunnion element 50. The surgeon then moves the trigger 130 to the pistol grip 107 of the handle assembly 100 to advance the trigger the tube 110 and the first start adapter 140 distally along the proximal end portion 47 of the elongated channel 14 so as to fix the supports 17 in the respective sockets 52. This is the position of the first start adapter 140 above the supports 17 in this document is called the “connected position”. In various embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to use the end effector lock assembly to lock the trigger 130 in position after attaching the end effector 12 to the pin member 50.

More specifically, one embodiment of the end effector blocking assembly 160 includes a holding pin 162 supported to move in the upper portion 134 of the trigger 130. As described above, the trigger tube 110 must first be distally advanced to a connected position in which the first trigger adapter 140 holds the retaining supports 17 of the end effector 12 in the receiving sockets 52 in the trunnion member 50. The surgeon advances the trigger adapter 140 distally to the connected position by pulling the trigger the hook 130 from the initial position to the pistol grip 107. With the initial activation of the trigger 130, the holding pin 162 moves distally until the trigger tube 110 moves the first trigger adapter 140 to the connected position, in which the holding pin 162 is moved to the blocking cavity 164, formed in the housing element. In various embodiments, when the holding pin 162 enters the blocking cavity 164, the pin 162 may emit a characteristic “click” or other sound, as well as provide the surgeon with a tactile signal that the end effector 12 is blocked on the trunnion element 50. In addition, the surgeon cannot inadvertently continue activating the trigger 130 to start forming the brackets 32 in the end effector 12 without deliberately displacing the holding pin 162 from the blocking cavity 164. Similarly, if the surgeon releases the trigger to yuchok 130 in the connected position, it is retained in such position the retaining pin 162, not allowing the trigger 130 to return to its initial position and thereby release the end effector 12 of the trunnion member 50.

Various embodiments of the present invention may further include a trigger lock button 137, which is pivotally mounted on the handle assembly 100. In one form, the trigger lock button 137 has a latch 138 formed at its distal end and oriented to engage the trigger beam 114 when the trigger release button is in the first locking position. As represented in FIG. 1, a locking spring 139 is used to shift the lock button of the trigger system 137 to a first locking position. In various situations, the latch 138 is used to engage the launch yoke 114 at a point at which the position of the launch yoke 114 on the trunnion element 50 corresponds to the point at which the first launch adapter 140 is ready to start moving distally upward along the inclined surface of the latch 28 on the abutment 20. It should be understood that when the first start adapter 140 moves axially up the inclined surface of the fixation 28, the stop 20 moves along such a path that its part of the surface for forming the staples 22 remains essentially parallel b on the upper side 36 of the staple cartridge 30.

After connecting the end effector 12 to the trunnion element 50, the process of forming the brackets begins, the first stage of which is pressing the lock button of the trigger system 137 to ensure further movement of the trigger beam 114 distally along the trunnion element 50 and ultimately pressing the stop 20 into the cassette with brackets 30. After pressing the lock button of the trigger system 137, the surgeon continues to activate the trigger 130 to the pistol grip 107, thereby feeding the first trigger adapter 140 upward along the corresponding inclined surfaces for forming the brackets 29 to bring the stop 20 into forming contact with the brackets 32 in the cassette with the brackets 30. The lock button of the trigger system 137 protects against inadvertent formation of the brackets 32 until the surgeon is ready to start this process. In this embodiment, the surgeon must press the lock button of the trigger system 137 to be able to further activate the trigger 130 to start the stapling process.

If necessary, the surgical instrument 10 can be used exclusively as a device for stitching tissue. However, various embodiments of the present invention may also include a tissue dissection system substantially designated as element 170. In at least one form, tissue dissection system 170 comprises a scalpel element 172 that can be selectively advanced from an inactive position adjacent to the proximal end of the end the effector 12 to the activated position by activating the trigger for advancing the scalpel 200. The element of the scalpel 172 is supported to move in the element of the DAC s 50 and is attached to the rod 180 of a scalpel or otherwise protrudes therefrom. The scalpel element 172 can be made, for example, of stainless steel grade 420 or 440 with a hardness of more than 38 HRC (Rockwell hardness, scale C) and can have an edge for dissecting tissue 176 formed at its distal end 174, and can also be made with the possibility of sliding passage through a groove in an abutment 20 and a centrally located groove 33 in a cassette with staples 30 for dissecting tissue clamped in the end effector 12. In various embodiments, the scalpel shaft 180 passes through the axle member 50 and has a proximal end h a function configured to transmit force to the gear drive of the scalpel, functionally connected to the trigger mechanism for advancing the scalpel 200. In various embodiments, the trigger mechanism for advancing the scalpel 200 is attached to the hinge pin 132 so that it can rotate or otherwise be activated without activating the trigger the hook 130. In various embodiments, the first pinion gear of the scalpel 192 is also fixed to the pivot pin 132 so that the trigger is activated The mechanisms of promotion Scalpel 200 also rotates the first gear drive scalpel 192. Between the first drive gear scalpel handle 192 and housing 100 fixed trigger return spring 202 biasing the trigger advancing the scalpel 200 in the initial or non-activated, position.

Various scalpel drive gear embodiments also include a second scalpel drive gear 194, which is rotatably supported on the second gear spindle and engaged with the first scalpel drive gear 192. The second scalpel drive gear is meshed with the third scalpel drive gear 196, which is supported on the spindle of the third gear. The fourth gear wheel of the scalpel 198 is also supported on the spindle of the third gear 195. The fourth gear of the scalpel drive 198 is adapted to engage with the transmission of a drive force to a series of ring teeth or gear rings at the proximal end of the scalpel shaft 180. Thus, this design allows the fourth gear wheel of the scalpel 180 198 axially push the scalpel shaft 180 in the distal direction DD or the proximal direction PD, allowing the trigger bar 180 to rotate about the longitudinal axis AA about relative to the fourth gear of the scalpel drive 198. Accordingly, the surgeon can axially advance the trigger bar 180 and ultimately the scalpel element 172 distally by pulling the trigger for moving the scalpel 200 to the pistol grip 107 of the handle assembly 100.

Various embodiments of the present invention further include a scalpel blocking system 210 that prevents the scalpel element 172 from advancing until the trigger 130 is fully engaged. Thus, this design feature prevents activation of the scalpel advancement system 170 until the braces are first applied or formed in the tissue. As represented in FIG. 1, various embodiments of a scalpel 210 lock system comprise a scalpel retainer 211 that is pivotally supported in a portion of the pistol grip 107 of the handle assembly 100. The scalpel retainer 211 has an activating end 212 that is engageable with a trigger 130 when the trigger 130 is in the fully activated position. In addition, at the other end, the scalpel retainer 211 has a holding hook 214 adapted to engage with the retainer rod 216 on the first gear of the scalpel 192. The scalpel lock spring 218 is designed to bias the scalpel 211 into a locked position in which the holding hook 214 is engaged with the retainer rod 216 and thereby prevents the trigger of the scalpel 200 from being activated until the trigger 130 is fully engaged.

After stapling (forming) staples in the target tissue, the surgeon can press the release button of the trigger 167 so that the trigger 130 can return to its initial position under the biasing action of the torsion spring 135, which allows the stop 20 to move to the open position under the influence of the spring 21. When the tool is in the open position, the surgeon can remove the end effector 12 from the patient’s body, leaving an implantable cassette with brackets 30 and brackets 32 in it. In applications where the end effector was inserted into the body patient's through hole, and the like working channel, the surgeon returns the stop 20 to the closed position by activating the trigger 130 to permit removal of the end effector 12 through an opening or working channel. However, if the surgeon wants to dissect the target tissue after stapling, he activates the trigger to advance the scalpel 200 as described above to push the scalpel holder 172 through the target tissue to the end of the end effector. Then, the surgeon can release the trigger mechanism for advancing the scalpel 200, which allows the return spring of the trigger mechanism 202 through the trigger gear to return the scalpel holder 172 to its initial (inactive) position. After the scalpel holder 172 has returned to its initial position, the surgeon can open the jaws of the end effector 13 and 15 to release the implantable cassette 30 in the patient’s body and then remove the end effector 12 from the patient. Thus, such surgical instruments facilitate the use of small implantable cassettes with brackets that can be inserted through the working channels and openings of a relatively small size, while allowing the surgeon to lay staples without dissecting the tissue or, if necessary, also dissecting the tissue after stapling.

In various unique and new embodiments of the present invention, a compressible cassette with brackets is used in which the brackets are supported in a substantially stationary position to form contact with the stop. In various embodiments, the emphasis is pushed into undeformed braces, where in at least one such embodiment, the degree of staple formation achieved depends on how far the emphasis has been pulled into the brackets. This design allows the surgeon to adjust the forming or starting force applied to the brackets and thereby change the final height of the brackets in the formed state. In various other embodiments of the present invention, staple ejector elements that can lift the staples toward the abutment can be used in surgical stitching structures. Such embodiments are described in more detail below.

Considering the embodiments described in detail above, in various embodiments, the magnitude of the trigger movement applied to the stop is movable, depending on the degree of activation of the trigger. For example, if the surgeon wants to receive only partially formed staples, the trigger is only partially fed inward to the pistol grip 107. To achieve a greater degree of staple formation, the surgeon simply additionally presses the trigger, which leads to a stronger pushing of the stop into forming contact with the brackets. As used herein, the term “forming contact” means that the surface for forming the staples or the recess for forming the staples was in contact with the ends of the legs of the staples and began to form or bend the legs to bring them into the formed position. The term “degree of staple formation” means to what extent the legs of the staples are bent, and ultimately refers to the height of the staple formation, as described above. Specialists in this field will also be clear that, since the emphasis 20 moves essentially parallel to the cassette with the brackets when starting movements are applied to it, the brackets are formed essentially simultaneously with obtaining essentially the same height in the formed state.

In FIG. 2 and 3, an alternative 12 ”end effector is presented, similar to the 12’ end effector described above, except for the following differences, which are made with the possibility of using a scalpel holder 172 ’. The scalpel holder 172 'is connected to or protrudes from the stem of the scalpel 180 and otherwise functions in the manner described above with respect to the scalpel holder 172. However, in this embodiment, the scalpel holder 172' has a length sufficient to intersect the entire length of the end effector 12 ”, therefore , a separate distal scalpel element in the 12 ”end effector is not used. The scalpel holder 172 ’has an upper transverse element 173’ and a lower transverse element 175 ’formed thereon. The upper transverse element 173 ’is oriented so as to intersect with sliding the corresponding elongated groove 250 at the 20” stop, and the lower transverse element 175 ’is oriented so as to intersect the elongated groove 252 in the elongated channel 14” of the end effector 12 ″. A stop for a disengagement (not shown) is also provided in the stop 20 ”, so that when the scalpel holder 172 'is brought to its final position with a thin end effector 12”, the upper transverse element 173' falls out through the corresponding groove, allowing the stop to move 20 ”into the open position for disengaging stitched and dissected tissue. Otherwise, the stop 20 ”may be identical to the stop 20 described above, and the elongated channel 14” may otherwise be identical to the elongated channel 14 described above.

In these embodiments, the stop 20 ”is biased to the fully open position (FIG. 2) by a spring or other opening structure (not shown). The stop 20 ”is moved between the open position and the fully locked position by axial movement of the trigger adapter 150 as described above. After moving the trigger adapter 150 to the fully locked position (FIG. 3), the surgeon can advance the scalpel holder 172 ”distally as described above. If the surgeon needs to use the end effector as a gripping device for working with tissue, he can move the trigger adapter proximally to ensure that the stop 20 ”moves from the elongated channel 14”, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, with the distal movement of the scalpel holder 172 ″, the upper transverse element 173 ′ and the lower transverse element 175 ′ bring the stop 20 ”and the elongated channel 14” together to achieve the necessary staple formation as the scalpel 172 ”moves distally through the end effector 12". See FIG. 5. Thus, in this embodiment, the formation of the staples is carried out simultaneously with the dissection of the tissue, but the staples themselves can be formed sequentially as the distal ejection of the holder of the scalpel 172 ".

The unique and new features of various surgical cassettes with brackets and surgical instruments that are the subject of the present invention allow staples in these cassettes to be placed in one or more linear or non-linear lines. Many of these staple lines can be made on each side of the elongated groove that extends along the center of the cassette with staples to allow the tissue-cutting member to enter into it. In one embodiment, for example, the brackets in one line can be substantially parallel to the brackets in the adjacent bracket line (s), but with an offset relative to them. In other embodiments, one or more staple lines may be non-linear. This means that the base of at least one bracket in the staple line can extend along an axis that substantially intersects the bases of other staples located in the same staple line. For example, as described in more detail below, in alternative embodiments, the staple lines on each side of the elongated groove may be zigzag. Such a non-linear arrangement of staples can lead to better stapling results when using fewer staples compared to the various linear arrangements of staples used in prior art staple cassettes.

In FIG. 6 illustrates the use of an embodiment of a surgical cassette with brackets 900 in an embodiment of end effector 612 ’. As represented in FIG. 6 and 7, an embodiment of a surgical cassette with brackets 900 has a cassette body 902, which has a centrally located elongated groove 904 extending through the proximal end 903 to an area adjacent to the distal end 905. The elongated groove 904 is configured to allow axial movement of the body through it scalpel during the operation to dissect the tissue as described above. In at least one embodiment, cartridge case 902 consists of a compressible hemostatic material, such as, for example, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), or a bioabsorbable foam made of, for example, PGA (polyglycolic acid, commercially available under the trademark Vicryl ), PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (polylactic acid), PDS (polydioxanone), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglecaprone 25, commercially available under the trademark Monocryl), or from a composite of PGA, PCL, PLA and PDS, where are supported 920, 930 of unformed brackets 922. However, the cassette body 902 can be made of other materials to maintain the unformed brackets 922 in the required position so that they can be compressed under the action of the stop 910 ’when in contact with it. As in the various other embodiments described above, the cassette with staples 900 is implantable and remains attached to the stitched tissue after completion of the stapling procedure. In at least some embodiments, in order to prevent exposure of the staples 922 and activation of the hemostatic material during insertion and placement of the cartridge, the entire cartridge 900 can be coated with a layer or wrapped in a film of bioabsorbable material 906, such as a polydioxanone film, available commercially available under the brand name PDS®, or polyglycerol sebacinate (PGS) film, or other bioabsorbable films made, for example, of PGA (polyglycolic acid, commercially available under the trademark Vicryl), PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglecaprone 25, commercially available under the Monocryl trademark), or a composite of PGA, PCL, PLA, PDS impervious until the film is torn. Housing 902 of the cassette with brackets 900 has a size that allows it to be removably supported in the elongated channel of the end effector 612 ’.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, 10, and 11, the surgical cassette with brackets 900 functionally supports the first line 920 of brackets 922 on one side 907 of the elongated groove 904 and the second line 930 of brackets 922 on the other side 909 of the elongated groove 904. In various embodiments, the brackets 922 can be made of metal material, such as, for example, titanium, titanium alloys (e.g., titanium class 6AI-4V, 3al-2.5V), stainless steel, etc., and they have a bracket base 924 and two protruding vertical legs of the bracket 926 . Each leg of the bracket 926 may have formed on it a tissue-bending tip 928. In a first line 920 of staples 922, the base 924 of at least one bracket 922 overlaps the base of another bracket 922. In a preferred embodiment, the base 924 of each bracket 922 overlaps the bases 924 of two adjacent brackets 922 except for the base 924 of the extreme bracket 922 on each the end of the first line of staples 920. See FIG. 10. Thus, the first line of staples 920 has a substantially non-linear shape. In particular, in a plan view, the first line of staples 920 has a substantially zigzag appearance.

As represented in FIG. 9, the stop 90 has two successive longitudinal recesses for forming the staples 912, each of which has a substantially zigzag shape corresponding to the shape of the first line 920 of the staples 922, so that when the stop 910 is brought into forming contact with the staples 922, legs are formed 926, as presented in FIG. 11. Thus, the distal leg of one bracket falls into the same recess as the proximal leg of the bracket following it longitudinally. This design allows you to provide a more dense arrangement of the recesses, up to the position at which the brackets interact with each other (for example, are embedded in one another). In prior art arrangement of recesses for staples, typically from one group of recesses to another there was from 0.13 to 0.38 mm (0.005 to 0.015 inches) of metal / space. However, in this embodiment of the present invention, the spatial arrangement provides from 0 to 0.51 mm (0 to 0.02 inches) of interaction / overlap sites (essentially -0.51 mm (-0.020 inches)), since, for example, one the bracket mates with the next bracket. Such location options allow you to place 15-30% more staples in the same space. Moreover, when the brackets engage each other, the need for a plurality of side rows of brackets is reduced. Previous layouts typically included three rows of staples on each side of the tissue incision line to prevent the possibility of open areas that could leak blood. When using interlocking staple lines, maintaining open areas that can leak blood is less likely. Another notable advantage when using different arrangements of interlocking staples that are the subject of the present invention relates to an increase in “tensile strength”, which refers to the amount of force required to break the seam formed by the staple line.

Another embodiment of the arrangement of the recesses for forming the staples may comprise a common recess for forming the staples. As used herein, the term “general recess for forming brackets” means that a single forming recess can arrange all brackets on the same line of brackets, in contrast to prior art emphasis configurations that provide a separate forming recess for each leg of each bracket.

In FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of a bracket 922 ’, wherein the base 924’ has an offset portion 929 to provide a tighter overlap between the bases 924 ’. As indicated above, the cassette with brackets 900 has a second line 930 of brackets 922 located on the second side 909 of the elongated groove 904. The second line 930 of brackets 922 is substantially identical to the first line 920 of brackets 922. Thus, the stop 910 has a second common recess for forming staples 912, which corresponds to the second line of staples 930 and is intended to form staples upon contact with them. However, in alternative embodiments, the second staple line 930 of the staples 922 may differ from the first staple line 920 of the shape and possibly the number of staples.

In FIG. 8 shows a surgical cassette with staples 900 ’, which is essentially identical to the cassette with staples 900 described above, with the exception of the lines 920’, 930 ’of staples 922 that are supported therein. For example, in this embodiment, the line 920 'of the brackets 922 is positioned relative to the other so that the axis of the base SS of at least one base of the bracket 924 substantially intersects the axis SS of the base 924 of the at least one other adjacent bracket 922. This predetermined arrangement of the brackets on the top view has a substantially zigzag appearance. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the respective bases 924 of the brackets 922 may further have a base support element 927 molded over the bracket as shown in the figure. In various embodiments, the base support member 927 may consist, for example, of non-absorbable plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or absorbable plastic, such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS ), PCL (polycaprolactone), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglecaprone 25, commercially available under the Monocryl trademark) or various composite mixtures of PGS, PDS, PLA, PGA and PCL. The support elements of the base 927 provide mutual engagement between the brackets without overlapping brackets. Thus, such arrangement patterns may contribute to the formation of a bracket in the form of a letter B or an inverted letter W without overlapping the legs of the brackets. However, the heads are connected by supporting elements of the base - thus, they function as overlapping staples. Such layouts allow the use of combined recesses to obtain two separate paths for each leg.

The implementation option presented in FIG. 14 contains a line of brackets 920 ”, in which the legs 926 of adjacent brackets 922 are connected to each other by a connecting part 929 attached to them by molding or by other means. Each connecting part 929 can be made, for example, from non-absorbable plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or absorbable plastic, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PG), polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), PCL ( polycaprolactone), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglecaprone 25, commercially available under the brand name Monocryl) or various composite mixtures of PGS, PDS, PLA, PGA and PCL. Such a staple line 920 ”in a plan view has a substantially zigzag appearance. Although various embodiments of a surgical cassette with brackets 900, 900 'have been described in combination with an end effector 612', it is contemplated that cassettes with brackets 900, 900 'can be effectively used with the various other end effectors and surgical instruments described above. if in the stops of these tools there will be appropriately located recesses for forming the brackets for forming the required number of brackets when moving the stops in the form yuschy contact with staples.

In FIG. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of a surgical cassette with brackets 940 located in an elongated channel 14 of a surgical instrument 10. In at least one embodiment, a surgical cassette with brackets 940 includes a cassette body 942 that has a centrally located elongated groove 944, at least partially passing through the cassette body. The elongated groove 944 is configured to provide axial movement through it of the scalpel body of the surgical instrument 10 during the tissue dissection operation as described above. In various embodiments, the cassette body 942 consists of a compressible hemostatic material, such as, for example, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) or bioabsorbable foam of the types described above or below, in which lines 946, 948, 950, 952 of unformed brackets 922 are supported. in at least some embodiments, in order to prevent exposure to the brackets 922 and activation of the hemostatic material during insertion and placement of the cartridge, the entire cartridge 940 can be coated with a layer or wrapped in a film of an absorbable material 954, such as a polydioxanone film sold under the brand PDS®, or a polyglycerol sebacinate (PGS) film, or other bioabsorbable films made, for example, of PGA (polyglycolic acid, commercially available under the Vicryl brand) , PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (polyglecaprone 25, commercially available under the Monocryl trademark) or a composite of PGA, PCL, PLA, PDS, impervious until the film is torn.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge 940 further includes a cartridge support member 960 connected to the cartridge case 942. In various embodiments, the cartridge support member 960 may be made of rigid material, such as, for example, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy of any of these above metals and the like, and it can be partially inserted into the cassette 942. In various embodiments, the support element of the cassette 960 can be held in place by, for example, film 954. In other embodiments, where it is necessary to use olzovanie limited connection, can be used for cyanoacrylate "skleivaniya" two components together. In other embodiments, the cassette body 942 can be heated and “welded” or “fused” with the cassette support member 960. In various embodiments, the cassette support member 960 forms at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cassette 942 to interface with the elongated channel 14. In at least one embodiment the implementation of the support element of the cartridge 960 has one or more fastener elements 962 protruding from it and designed for detachable connection of the support element of the cartridge 960 with an elongated channel 14. For detachable By connecting the support element of the cassette 960 to the elongated channel 14, other forms of fastener / fastener elements can be used.

In various embodiments, the support element of the cartridge 960 has a series of support ribs 964, 966, 968, 970, 972, 974, 976 formed on it to provide some lateral support to the bases 924 of the brackets 922 in the lines of the brackets 946, 948, 950, 952, as represented in FIG. 15. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the support ribs are substantially the same in length with the staple lines. In FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a cassette with brackets 940 ', which is essentially identical to the cassette 940, except for the inclusion of the vertical parts of the ribs 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, which protrude from the supporting ribs 964, 966, 968, 970, 972 , 976, respectively, to provide additional lateral support for the brackets 922. In various embodiments, parts of the ribs can be made in one piece with the support element of the cartridge 960, and their height can be approximately ½ or less than the height of the cartridge. Thus, in various embodiments, for example, the height of any vertical elements supporting the foam cannot be greater than the maximum height of the foam in a compressed state. Thus, if the cartridge is configured, for example, to compress to 1/3 of the original height upon activation, the height of the ribs can be from 66% of the height in an uncompressed state to 10% of the height in an uncompressed state.

When used after forming the staples 922, in contact with the abutment 20 as described above, the abutment 20 goes into the open position, and the end effector 12 is pulled from the stitched fabric. When the end effector 12 is pulled from the stitched fabric, the cassette 942 remains attached to the stitched fabric and then disconnected from the support element of the cartridge 960, which remains connected to the elongated channel 14. In various embodiments, the support element of the cartridge 960 has a color different from the color of the material, from which the cassette body 942 is made, as well as the color of the elongated channel 14. This design allows the surgeon to clearly see that there is no cassette with brackets inside the end effector. Thus, this frees the surgeon from accidental attempts to reinsert / use the end effector before first inserting a new cassette with brackets into it. For this, the surgeon simply detaches the fastener elements of the cassette support member 960 from the elongated channel 14 to allow the cassette support member 960 to insert a new cassette with brackets 940. Although the use of cassettes with brackets 940, 940 'in combination with the surgical instrument 10 is described in this document , it is contemplated that these cassettes can be effectively used with many other surgical instrument embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. present invention.

In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets may comprise a cassette body and a plurality of brackets stored within the cassette body. When using the cartridge with brackets can be entered into the surgical field and placed on one side of the treated tissue. In addition, an emphasis can be placed on the opposite side of the fabric to form staples. In various embodiments, the emphasis can be positioned on the first jaw, and the cassette with brackets can be positioned on the second jaw, the first jaw and / or the second jaw can be moved towards each other. After placing the cassette with brackets and stop relative to the fabric, the staples can be pushed out of the cassette body with brackets so that the staples can pierce the fabric and contact the stop to form the staples. After placing the brackets from the cassette case with brackets, it can be removed from the surgical field. In various embodiments described herein, a cassette with brackets or at least a portion of the cassette with brackets can be implanted together with braces. In at least one such embodiment, which is described in more detail below, the cassette with brackets may comprise a cassette body that can be compressed, crushed, and / or wrinkled by contact with the stop when moving from an open position to a closed position. When compressing, destroying and / or creasing the cassette body, the emphasis may deform the brackets located in the cassette body. In an alternative embodiment, the jaw supporting the cassette with brackets can be moved to the stop in the closed position. In any case, in various embodiments, the brackets may be deformed when they are at least partially located inside the cassette body. In certain embodiments, the staples may not be removed from the cassette with staples, while in some embodiments, the staples can be removed from the cassette with staples along with part of the cassette body.

As represented in FIG. 18A-18D, a compressible cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1000, may include a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 1010 and, in addition, a plurality of brackets 1020 located in the housing of a compressible cassette 1010, although in FIG. 18A-18D, only one bracket 1020 is provided. FIG. 18A shows a cassette with brackets 1000 supported by a support element of a cassette with brackets or a channel for a cassette with brackets 1030, the cassette with brackets 1000 being shown in an uncompressed state. In such an uncompressed state, the abutment 1040 may or may not be in contact with the fabric T. In use, the abutment 1040 may be moved from the open position for contact with the fabric T, as shown in FIG. 18B, and placing the fabric T flush with the cassette 1010. Although the emphasis 1040 can provide the fabric T with flush contact 1010 of the cassette body 1019, as shown in FIG. 18B, the cartridge case with brackets 1010 in this position may experience a slight compressive effect or pressure (if applicable), and the brackets 1020 may remain in an unformed, or inactive, state. As represented in FIG. 18A and 18B, the cassette case with brackets 1010 may comprise one or more layers, and legs 1021 of brackets 1020 may extend upward through these layers. In various embodiments, the cassette body 1010 may comprise a first layer 1011, a second layer 1012, a third layer 1013, the second layer 1012 may be located between the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013, and the fourth layer 1014, and the third layer 1013 may be located between the second layer 1012 and a fourth layer 1014. In at least one embodiment of the base 1022, the brackets 1020 may be located in the cavities 1015 in the fourth layer 1014, and the legs of the brackets 1021 may extend upward from the bases 1022 and, for example, through the fourth layer 1014, the third layer 1013 and secondly layer 1012. In various embodiments, each deformable leg 1021 may comprise a tip, such as, for example, the sharp tip 1023 which, for example, may be disposed in the second layer 1012, when the staple cartridge 1000 is in an uncompressed state. In at least one such embodiment, the tips 1023 may not extend into and / or through the first layer 1011, and in at least one embodiment, the tips 1023 may not protrude through a tissue contacting surface 1019 when the cassette with brackets 1000 is in uncompressed condition. In other specific embodiments, the sharp tips 1023 may be located in the third layer 1013 and / or any other suitable layer when the cassette with brackets is in an uncompressed state. In various alternative embodiments, the cassette case with brackets may have any suitable number of layers, such as, for example, less than four layers or more than four layers.

In various embodiments, which are described in more detail below, the first layer 1011 may be formed of a support material and / or plastic material, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA), and the second layer 1012 may be formed from bioabsorbable foam and / or compressible hemostatic material, such as, for example, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC). In various embodiments, one or more of the first layer 1011, the second layer 1012, the third layer 1013, and the fourth layer 1014 can hold the brackets 1020 inside the cassette body with brackets 1010 and, in addition, provide the brackets 1020 in alignment with each other. In various embodiments, the third layer 1013 may be formed of a support material or a completely incompressible or inelastic material, which may be configured to hold the legs 1021 of the brackets 1020 in position relative to each other. Moreover, the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014, which are located on opposite sides of the third layer 1013, can stabilize or reduce the movement of the staples 1020, even if the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 can be formed from compressible foam or elastic material. In certain embodiments, the ends 1023 of the legs of the brackets 1021 can be at least partially placed in the first layer 1011. At least in one such embodiment, the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 can be made to hold the legs of the brackets 1021 together and tightly in position . In at least one embodiment, each of the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 can be formed from a bioabsorbable plastic sheet, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trademark Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA) , polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trademark Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL, and each from the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 can be formed of at least one g capacitive material or agent.

Although the first layer 1011 may be compressible, the second layer 1012 may be substantially more compressible than the first layer 1011. For example, the second layer 1012 may be, for example, approximately two times more compressible, approximately three times more compressible, approximately four times more compressible, about five times more compressible and / or about ten times more compressible than the first layer 1011. In other words, with the indicated force, the second layer 1012 can be compressed about two times, about three times, about four a factor of about five times and / or about ten times stronger than the first layer 1011. In certain embodiments, the second layer 1012 can be, for example, about two to ten times more compressible than the first layer 1011. At least in one embodiment, the second layer 1012 may contain a plurality of air voids formed therein, and the number and / or sizes of air voids in the second layer 1012 can be controlled to provide the necessary compressibility of the second layer 1012. Similar to the above, although I, the third layer 1013 can be compressible, the fourth layer 1014 can be substantially more compressible than the third layer 1013. For example, the fourth layer 1014 can be, for example, about two times more compressible, about three times more compressible, about four times more compressible, about five times more compressible and / or about ten times more compressible than the third layer 1013. In other words, with the indicated force, the fourth layer 1014 can be compressed about two times, about three times, approximately four times, about five times and / or about ten times stronger than the third layer 1013. In certain embodiments, the fourth layer 1014 can be, for example, about two to ten times more compressible than the third layer 1013. At least in at least one embodiment, the fourth layer 1014 may contain a plurality of air voids formed therein, the number and / or sizes of air voids in the fourth layer 1014 can be controlled to provide the necessary compressibility of the fourth layer 1014. In various ways In the case of compressibility, the cassette body or the cassette body layer can be described as a compression coefficient, i.e. the distance that the layer compresses when the specified force is applied. For example, a layer with a higher compression ratio will compress over a greater distance when the specified compressive force is applied to it, compared with a layer with a lower compression ratio. This means that the second layer 1012 can have a higher compression ratio than the first layer 1011, and the fourth layer 1014 can likewise have a higher compression ratio than the third layer 1013. In various embodiments, the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 can be are formed from the same material and can have the same compression ratio. In various embodiments, the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 may be formed from materials with different compression ratios. The first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 can likewise be formed from the same material and can have the same compression ratio. In certain embodiments, the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 may be formed from materials with different compression ratios.

When the emphasis 1040 moves to its closed position, it can come in contact with fabric T and apply a compressive force to fabric T and cassette with staples 1000, as shown in FIG. 18C. In such situations, the stop 1040 may push the upper surface, or tissue-contacting surface 1019, of the cassette 1010 down to the support element of the cartridge with brackets 1030. In various embodiments, the support element of the cartridge with brackets 1030 may comprise a support surface for the cartridge 1031, which may be made with the possibility of supporting the cartridge with brackets 1000, when the cartridge with brackets 1000 is compressed between the supporting surface for the cartridge 1031 and the contact surface 1041 of the stop 1040. Due to the pressure, we apply cradle 1040, the cassette 1010 can be compressed, and the stop 1040 can contact the brackets 1020. More specifically, in various embodiments, compressing the cassette 1010 and moving down the fabric contacting surface 1019 can pierce the staples 1021 of the first layer 1011 of the casing with tips 1023 cassettes 1010, piercing the tissue T and their entry into the forming recesses 1042 in the abutment 1040. Upon further compression of the cassette 1010 under the influence of the abutment 1040, the tips 1023 can come into contact with the walls forming the forming cavity eniya 1042 and thus, the legs 1021 may, for example, deformed or bent inwardly as shown in FIG. 18C. After deformation of the legs of the staples 1021, as shown in FIG. 18C, the bases 1022 of the brackets 1020 may be in contact with or supported by the cartridge support member with brackets 1030. In various embodiments, as described in more detail below, the support element of the cassette with brackets 1030 may comprise a plurality of support elements, such as, for example, support grooves, grooves or grooves 1032 for the brackets, which can be configured to support the brackets 1020 or at least least bases 1022 staples 1020 after deformation of staples 1020. As shown in FIG. 18C, the cavities 1015 in the fourth layer 1014 may collapse when a compressive force is applied to the cassette body with brackets 1010. In addition to the cavities 1015, the cassette body with brackets 1010 may additionally contain one or more voids, such as, for example, voids 1016, which may or may not contain a portion of the brackets located in them and which can be configured to crush the cassette 1010. In various embodiments, the cavities 1015 and / or voids 1016 can be crushed so that the walls forming the cavity and / or walls deflected downwards and contacted with the supporting surface for the cassette 1031 and / or in contact with the layer of the cartridge housing 1010, located below the cavities and / or voids.

From a comparison of FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C, it is apparent that the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 were essentially compressed by applying a compressive force with a stop 1040. It can also be noted that the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 were also compressed. When the stop 1040 is moved to the closed position, it can continue to squeeze the cassette 1010, pushing the fabric contacting surface 1019 down to the cassette support element 1030. When the cassette 1010 is further compressed, the stop 1040 can deform the brackets 1020, giving them the final shape as represented in FIG. 18D. As represented in FIG. 18D, the legs 1021 of each bracket 1020 can be deformed downward to the base 1022 of each bracket 1020 to grip at least a portion of fabric T, the first layer 1011, the second layer 1012, the third layer 1013 and the fourth layer 1014 between the deformable legs 1021 and the base 1022. Of comparison FIG. 18C and 18D, it is also apparent that the second layer 1012 and the fourth layer 1014 were substantially further compressed by applying compressive force by the abutment 1040. When comparing FIG. 18D and 18C, it can also be noted that the first layer 1011 and the third layer 1013 were also further compressed. After the staples 1020 are completely or at least sufficiently formed, the abutment 1040 can be lifted from the fabric T, and the cassette support element with staples 1030 can be removed and / or detached from the cassette with staples 1000. As shown in FIG. 18D, as a result of the above, the cassette 1010 can be implanted with brackets 1020. In various situations, the implanted cassette 1010 can support tissue along the line of staples. In some situations, a hemostatic agent and / or any other suitable therapeutic drug contained in the implanted cassette 1010 body can act on the tissue for some time. A hemostatic agent, as described above, can reduce bleeding of stitched and / or cut tissue, while a binding agent or tissue adhesive can provide tissue strength for some time. The implanted cassette 1010 body can be formed from materials such as, for example, ORC (oxidized regenerated cellulose), protein matrix, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trademark Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS ), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trademark Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In certain situations, the cartridge case 1010 may contain an antibiotic and / or antimicrobial material, such as, for example, colloidal silver and / or triclosan, which can reduce the risk of infection in the surgical field.

In various embodiments, the layers of the cassette 1010 can be connected to each other. In at least one embodiment, the second layer 1012 can be adhesively bonded to the first layer 1011, the third layer 1013 can be adhesively bonded to the second layer 1012, and the fourth layer 1014 can be adhesively bonded to the third layer 1013 using at least one adhesive, such as for example fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. In certain embodiments, although not shown in the figures, the layers of the cassette 1010 can be connected to each other by interlocking mechanical elements. In at least one such embodiment, each of the first layer 1011 and the second layer 1012 may comprise corresponding interlocking elements, such as, for example, a tongue and groove structure and / or dovetail type connecting elements. Each of the second layer 1012 and the third layer 1013 may similarly contain corresponding interlocking elements, while each of the third layer 1013 and the fourth layer 1014 may contain corresponding interlocking elements. In certain embodiments, although not shown, the cassette with brackets 1000 may comprise one or more rivets, which, for example, may pass through one or more layers of the cassette 1010. In at least one such embodiment, each rivet may comprise a first end, or a head, adjacent to the first layer 1011, and a second head, located adjacent to the fourth layer 1014, which can be formed by the second end of the rivet or attached to it. Due to the compressibility of the cartridge case 1010, in at least one embodiment, rivets can compress the cartridge case 1010 so that the rivet heads can be recessed, for example, relative to the fabric contacting surface 1019 and / or the bottom surface 1018 of the cartridge case 1010. At least in one such embodiment, rivets may be formed from a bioabsorbable material such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trademark Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), p lidioksanon (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), poliglekapron 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the tradename Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In certain embodiments, the layers of the cassette 1010 can only be connected to each other by the clips 1020. In at least one such embodiment, friction engagement between the legs of the clips 1021 and the cassette 1010, for example, can hold the layers of the cassette 1010 together. and after the formation of the staples, the layers can be captured by the staples 1020. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the legs of the staples 1021 may comprise a rough surface or a rough coating that can enhance forces friction between the brackets 1020 and the cartridge housing 1010.

As described above, the surgical instrument may comprise a first jaw including a cassette support member with brackets 1030 and a second jaw including a stop 1040. In various embodiments, which are described in more detail below, a cassette with brackets 1000 may comprise one or more retaining elements that can be engaged with the supporting element of the cartridge with brackets 1030 and, thus, can provide a holding connection of the cartridge with brackets 1000 with the supporting element of the cartridge with brackets and 1030 releaseable. In certain embodiments, the cassette with brackets 1000 can be adhesively attached to the support element of the cassette with brackets 1030 using at least one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. When used in at least one situation, especially in laparoscopic and / or endoscopic surgery, the second jaw can be moved to the closed position opposite the first jaw, for example, so that the first and second jaws can be inserted through the trocar into the surgical field. In at least one such embodiment, the trocar may form an opening, or cannula, of approximately 5 mm in size, into which the first and second branches can be inserted. In certain embodiments, the second jaw can be moved to a partially closed position between the open and closed positions so that the first and second jaws can be inserted through the trocar without deformation of the staples 1020 contained in the cassette body with staples 1010. In at least one such embodiment the emphasis 1040 may not exert a compressive force on the cassette body with brackets 1010 when the second jaw is in a partially closed intermediate position, while in other specific embodiments detecting abutment 1040 may compress the staple cartridge housing 1010, as the second jaws are in a partially closed intermediate position. Even if the emphasis 1040 can compress the cartridge case with brackets 1010 when it is in such an intermediate position, the emphasis 1040 may not sufficiently compress the cartridge case with brackets 1010 so that the emphasis 1040 can contact the brackets 1020, and / or so that the brackets 1020 deformed under the influence of the stop 1040. After the first and second branches are inserted through the trocar into the surgical field, the second branch can be opened again and the stop 1040 and the cassette with brackets 1000 can be positioned relative to the fabric, as described above.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 19A-19D, the end effector of a surgical stapling instrument may include an implantable cassette with brackets 1100 located between the abutment 1140 and the supporting element of the cassette with brackets 1130. Like the abutment 1140, the abutment 1140 may include tissue contacting surface 1141, and the cassette with brackets 1100 may include contact with fabric surface 1119, and the supporting element of the cassette with brackets 1130 may contain a supporting surface 1131, which can be configured to support the cassette with brackets 1100. As shown in f G. 19A, an abutment 1140 can be used to position the fabric T adjacent to the tissue surface 1119 of the cassette with brackets 1100 without deforming the cassette with the brackets 1100, and when the abutment 1140 is in this position, the tissue contacting surface 1141 can be spaced 1101a from the support the surface for the cassette with brackets 1131, and the surface in contact with the fabric 1119 may be located at a distance 1102a from the supporting surface for the cassette with brackets 1131. After that, when the stop 1140 is moved to the supporting element of the cassette with brackets 1130 as presented in FIG. 19B, the abutment 1140 may push the upper surface, or the fabric contacting surface 1119, the cassettes with the brackets 1100 down, and squeeze the first layer 1111 and the second layer 1112 of the cassette 1110. When the layers 1111 and 1112 are compressed as shown in FIG. 19B, the second layer 1112 may be destroyed, and the legs 1121 of the brackets 1120 may pierce the first layer 1111 and enter tissue T. In at least one such embodiment, the brackets 1120 may be at least partially located in the nests, or voids, for the brackets 1115 in the second layer 1112, and when the second layer 1112 is compressed, the cavities for the brackets 1115 can be wrinkled, thus allowing the second layer 1112 to wrinkle around the brackets 1120. In various embodiments, the second layer 1112 may include cover portions 1116 that may pass over slots for staples 1115 and zak yvat or at least partially close the slot for staples 1115. In FIG. 19B illustrates cover portions 1116 that, when broken, fall down into bracket slots 1115. In certain embodiments, the second layer 1112 may comprise one or more weakened parts that may crease the second layer 1112. In various embodiments, such weakened parts may comprise, for example, notches, perforations, and / or thin sections that can provide controlled creasing of the cassette 1110. In at least one embodiment, the first layer 1111 may contain one or more weakened parts that can allow the legs of the staples 1121 to pass through the first layer 1111. In various embodiments, such weakened parts may include, for example, notches, perforations and / or thin sections that can be aligned or at least essentially aligned with the legs of the staples 1121.

When the abutment 1140 is in a partially closed, inactive position, as shown in FIG. 19A, it can be located at a distance of 1101a from the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131 so that a gap is formed between them. This gap can be occupied by a cassette with brackets 1100 with a height of the cassette with brackets 1102a and fabric T. When the stop 1140 is moved down to compress the cassette with brackets 1100, as shown in FIG. 19B, the distance between the tissue-contacting surface 1141 and the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131 can be determined by a distance 1101b that is less than the distance 1101a. In various situations, the space between the fabric contacting surface 1141 of the abutment 1140 and the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131, indicated by the distance 1101b, may be greater than the initial height of the undeformed cartridge with brackets 1102a. When the stop 1140 is moved closer to the supporting surface for the cassette 1131, as shown in FIG. 19C, the second layer 1112 may continue to wrinkle, and the distance between the legs of the bracket 1121 and the forming recesses 1142 may decrease. Similarly, the distance between the tissue-contacting surface 1141 and the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131 can be reduced to a distance 1101c, which in various embodiments may be greater, less than, or equal to the original height of the undeformed cartridge 1102a. As represented in FIG. 19D, the abutment 1140 can be moved to the final, activated position in which the brackets 1120 are fully formed or at least formed to the desired height. In this position, the fabric contacting surface 1141 of the abutment 1140 may be at a distance 1101d from the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131, the distance 1101d may be less than the originally supplied height of the undeformed cartridge 1102a. As represented in FIG. 19D, the bracket slots 1115 may be completely or at least substantially wrinkled, and the brackets 1120 may be completely or at least substantially surrounded by a crumpled second layer 1112. In various situations, thereafter, the stop 1140 may be moved away from the cassette with the brackets 1100. After the stop 1140 is disengaged from the cassette with the brackets 1100, the cassette 1110 can at least partially experience reverse expansion in different areas, that is, for example, in the areas between adjacent brackets 1120. In at least one embodiment, the crumpled cassette 1110 can t experience inelastic reverse extension. In various embodiments, the formed braces 1120, as well as the cassette 1110 located between adjacent brackets 1120, can exert pressure or compressive force on tissue T, which can provide various therapeutic effects.

As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19A, each bracket 1120 may comprise legs of a bracket 1121 extending from it. Although the brackets 1120 shown in the figures contain two legs of a bracket 1121, various brackets may be used that may contain one leg of the bracket or, in an alternative embodiment, more than two legs of the bracket for example, three legs of a bracket or four legs of a bracket. As represented in FIG. 19A, each leg of the bracket 1121 can be placed in the second layer 1112 of the cassette 1110 so as to secure the brackets 1120 in the second layer 1112. In various embodiments, the brackets 1120 can be inserted into the bracket slots 1115 in the cassette 1110 so that the tips 1123 of the legs of the brackets 1121 entered the slots 1115 before the bases 1122. After inserting the tips 1123 into the slots 1115 in various embodiments, the tips 1123 can be pressed into the covering parts 1116 and the second layer 1112 can be cut. In various embodiments, the brackets 1120 can be installed into the second layer 1112 to a sufficient depth so that the brackets 1120 are stationary or at least substantially stationary relative to the second layer 1112. In certain embodiments, the brackets 1120 can be installed in the second layer 1112 to a sufficient depth so that the bases 1122 are located or placed in bracket slots 1115. In other various embodiments, the bases 1122 may not be located or placed in the second layer 1112. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19A, the bases 1122 may extend beneath the lower surface 1118 of the cartridge case 1110. In certain embodiments, the bases 1122 may lie on the supporting surface for the cartridge 1130 or may be located directly adjacent to it. In various embodiments, the support surface for the cartridge 1130 may comprise support elements extending from and / or formed therefrom, and in at least one such embodiment of the base 1122, the brackets 1120 may be supported, for example, by one or more supporting grooves, grooves, or the grooves 1132 on the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130, as described in more detail below.

In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 20, the bases 1122 of the brackets 1120 can be positioned directly opposite the supporting surface 1131 of the cassette support element with brackets 1130. In various embodiments, including embodiments in which the bases of the brackets 1122, for example, comprise circular or arched lower surfaces 1124, the bases of the brackets 1122 can be moved or slide along the supporting surface for the cassette with brackets 1131. Such sliding can occur when the stop 1140 puts pressure on the ends 1123 of the legs of the brackets 1121 during the formation of the brackets. In certain embodiments, as described above and presented in FIG. 21, the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130 may include one or more support grooves 1132, which can be configured to eliminate or at least reduce the relative movement between the bases of the brackets 1122 and the supporting surface for the cartridge 1131. In at least one such embodiment each abutment groove 1132 can be formed by a surface contour that matches or at least substantially coincides with the contour of the bottom surface of the bracket located on it. For example, the lower surface 1124 of the base 1122 shown in FIG. 21 may comprise a circular or at least substantially circular surface, and the support groove 1132 may also comprise a circular or at least substantially circular surface. In at least one such embodiment, the radius of curvature of the surface forming the groove 1132 may be greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the lower surface 1124. Although the grooves 1132 can help prevent or reduce relative sliding movement between the brackets 1120 and the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130, the grooves 1132 can also be configured to prevent or reduce relative rotational movement between the brackets 1120 and the supporting element of the cassette with brackets 1130. In particular, at least is, in one embodiment, the slots 1132 may be configured to introduce therein a dense bases 1122 to prevent or reduce rotation of the staple 1120, for example, about the axis 1129 so that the bracket 1120 can not rotate or twist during the deformation process.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, each bracket 1120 can be formed from a round or at least substantially circular cross-section of the wire. In certain embodiments, the legs and base of each bracket can be made of wire with a non-circular cross section, such as, for example, a rectangular cross section. In at least one such embodiment, the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130 may include corresponding non-circular grooves, such as, for example, rectangular grooves configured to receive the bases of such brackets. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 22, each bracket 1120 may include a head, such as, for example, a head 1125 molded on the base 1122, with each head 1125 being positioned inside a support groove in the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130. In at least one such embodiment, each head 1125 may have, for example, a square and / or rectangular section, which can be adapted to receive, for example, into square and / or rectangular slots 1134 in the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130. In various embodiments, heads 1125 may They are formed from a bioabsorbable plastic such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trademark Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), available sold under the brand name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL, and they can be formed around the bases 1122 of the brackets 1120, for example, by injection molding. Various heads and methods for forming various heads are described in US Patent Application No. 11 / 541,123 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLES WITH COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE ELEMENTS FOR FIXING IN THEM FABRIC, AND SEWING INSTRUMENTS THEREOF SEPTEMBER 29, FOR THIS TIME. fully incorporated herein by reference. As represented in FIG. 22, the grooves 1134 may further comprise guides, or chamfers, 1135, which may be configured to facilitate insertion of the heads 1125 into the grooves 1134. In various embodiments, the base and / or head of the brackets 1120 may be located within the grooves 1134 when the cassette with the brackets 1100 installed in the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130. In certain embodiments of the head 1125, the brackets 1120 can be aligned with the grooves 1134 when the cassette with brackets 1100 is installed in the support element of the cassette with brackets 1130. In at least one such In an embodiment, the heads 1125 may not enter the grooves 1134 until a compressive force is applied to the legs of the brackets 1121 and the bases and / or heads of the brackets 1120 are pushed down into the grooves 1134.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 23 and 24, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1200, may include a compressible implantable cassette 1210 housing comprising an outer layer 1211 and an inner layer 1212. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 1200 may contain a plurality of brackets 1220 located inside cassette housings 1210. In various embodiments, each bracket 1220 may include a base 1222 and one or more legs of the bracket 1221 extending therefrom. In at least one such embodiment, the legs of the bracket 1221 can be inserted into the inner layer 1212 and set to a depth at which, for example, the bases 1222 of the brackets 1220 abut against and / or lie adjacent to the lower surface 1218 of the inner layer 1212. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 and 24, the inner layer 1212 does not contain any bracket slots configured to receive part of the brackets 1220, while in other embodiments, the inner layer 1212 may include such bracket slots. In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the inner layer 1212 may be formed from a compressible material, such as, for example, bioabsorbable foam and / or oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), which may be configured to crush the cassette 1210 when applying a compressive load to it. In various embodiments, the inner layer 1212 may be formed from lyophilized foam containing, for example, polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA). ORC is commercially available under the Surgicel brand name and may be in the form of spliced webs (like surgical swabs), single fibers (like cotton balls) and / or foam. In at least one embodiment, the inner layer 1212 may be formed from a material including drugs, such as lyophilized thrombin and / or fibrin, which are located inside the layer and / or applied to it as a coating and can, for example, be activated under exposure to water and / or body fluids. In at least one such embodiment, lyophilized thrombin and / or fibrin can be retained, for example, in a Vicryl matrix (PGA). However, in some circumstances, the activated drugs may be activated accidentally when the cassette with brackets 1200, for example, is inserted into the surgical field in the patient's body. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 23 and 24, the outer layer 1211 may be formed of a waterproof or at least substantially waterproof material such that liquids cannot come into contact or at least substantially cannot come into contact with the inner layer 1212 until the cartridge case is compressed 1210 and penetration of the legs of the staples through the outer layer 1211 and / or until the cutting of the outer layer 1211 in one way or another. In various embodiments, the outer layer 1211 may be formed from a support material and / or plastic material, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA). In certain embodiments, the outer layer 1211 may comprise a wrapper surrounding the inner layer 1212 and the brackets 1220. In particular, in at least one embodiment, the brackets 1220 can be inserted into the inner layer 1212, and the outer layer 1211 can be wrapped around a subunit containing the inner layer 1212 and staples 1220, and then seal.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 25 and 26, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1300, may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 1310 including an outer layer 1311 and an inner layer 1312. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 1300 may further comprise staples 1320, cassettes 1310 located inside the casing, each bracket 1320 may include a base 1322 and one or more legs 1321 extending from it. Similarly to a cassette with brackets 1200 of the base 1322, the brackets 1320 can extend under the lower surface 1318 of the inner layer 1312, and the outer layer 1311 may surround the bases 1322. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 1311 may be flexible enough to surround the base of each bracket 1322 so that the outer layer 1311 matches the outline of the bases 1322. In at least one alternative embodiment, as represented in FIG. 24, the outer layer 1211 may be stiff enough to extend around the bases 1222 without matching the contour of each base 1222. In any case, in various embodiments, the outer layer 1311 may be located between the bases 1322 of the brackets 1320 and the supporting surface for the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, supporting surfaces 1031 or 1131 supporting a cassette with brackets 1300. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 1311 may be located between the bases 1322 and supporting grooves, such as, for example, grooves 1032 Whether 1132 formed in the support surface for the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, in addition to the above, the outer layer 1311 may be configured to limit the movement of the bases 1322 and / or increase the coefficient of friction between the bases 1322 and the supporting surface for the cassette with brackets and / or supporting grooves to reduce their movements relative to each other. In various alternative embodiments, as presented in FIG. 27 and 28, the outer layer of the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, the cassette with brackets 1400, may not completely surround the brackets located therein. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 1411 of the housing of the compressible implantable cartridge 1410 can be attached to the inner layer 1412 before the legs 1421 of the brackets 1420 are inserted into the housing of the cartridge 1410. As a result of the base 1422 described above, the brackets 1420 can extend outward from the outer layer 1411, and in at least one such embodiment, the bases 1422 may be located, for example, directly in the supporting grooves 1032 or 1132 of the supporting surfaces for the cassette with brackets 1031 or 1131. In various embodiments, the legs of the bracket 1 421 can cut the outer layer 1411 during insertion. In various situations, the holes created by the legs of the brackets 1421 can tightly surround the legs of the brackets 1421 so that the fluid leak between the legs of the brackets 1421 and the outer layer 1411 is very small or absent, which can reduce or eliminate the risk of premature activation and / or leakage of the drug means contained inside the cassette with brackets 1410.

As described above and presented in FIG. 23 and 24, the legs 1221 of the brackets 1220 can be housed in the cassette 1210, and the bases 1222 of the brackets 1220 can extend outward from the bottom surface 1218 of the inner layer 1212. In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the inner layer 1212 may not contain a socket for staples, configured to receive staples 1220. In other various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29 and 30, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1500, may include a compressible implantable cassette 1510 housing containing slots for brackets 1515 that can be configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets 1520. At least one such embodiment, the upper part of the legs 1521 of the brackets 1520 can be placed in the inner layer 1512, while the lower part of the legs of the brackets 1521 and the base 1522 can be located in the slots for the brackets 1515. In certain embodiments, the bases 1522 can be completely split can be inserted into the bracket slots 1515, while in some embodiments, the bases 1522 can extend at least partially below the bottom surface 1518 of the inner layer 1512. Similar to the above, the outer layer 1511 can include an inner layer 1512 and staples 1520 located therein. other specific embodiments, as presented in FIG. 31, the cassette with brackets 1600 may include brackets 1620 located in the slots for brackets 1615 in the housing of a compressible implantable cassette 1610, with at least a portion of the brackets 1620 not surrounded by an outer layer 1611. In at least one such embodiment, each bracket 1620 may comprise the legs of the bracket 1621, which are at least partially placed in the inner layer 1612, as well as the base 1622, which extend outward around the outer layer 1611.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 32 and 33, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1700, may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 1710 and a plurality of brackets 1720 at least partially located inside the cassette 1710. The cassette 1710 may comprise an outer layer 1711, an inner a layer 1712, as well as an alignment matrix 1740, which can be arranged to align and / or hold the brackets 1720 in position within the cassette 1710. In at least one embodiment, the inner layer 1712 may include a recess 1741, which can t can be adapted to receive the alignment matrix 1740. In various embodiments, the alignment matrix 1140 can be installed in the recess 1741 with an interference fit and / or in another suitable way, fixed in the inner layer 1712 using at least one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. In at least one embodiment, the recess 1741 may be configured such that the bottom surface 1742 of the alignment matrix 1740 is aligned or at least substantially aligned with the bottom surface 1718 of the inner layer 1712. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface 1742 of the alignment matrix may be recessed relative to the lower surface 1718 of the second layer 1712 and / or can pass from it. In various embodiments, each bracket 1720 may comprise a base 1722 and one or more legs 1721 extending from the base 1722, wherein at least a portion of the legs of the bracket 1721 may extend through the alignment matrix 1740. The alignment matrix 1740 may further comprise, for example, a plurality of holes and / or grooves, which can be configured to receive the legs of the staples 1721. In at least one such embodiment, each hole can be made with the possibility of tight introduction the brackets of the bracket 1721 so that the relative movement between the leg of the bracket 1721 and the side walls of the hole was negligible or absent. In certain embodiments, the holes of the alignment matrix may not completely extend through the alignment matrix 1740, and it may be necessary to cut the alignment matrix 1740 with the legs of the bracket 1721 while pushing the legs of the bracket 1721 through it.

In various embodiments, the alignment matrix 1740 may be formed from a molded plastic body, which in at least one embodiment may be more rigid and less compressible than the inner layer 1712 and / or the outer layer 1711. In at least one such embodiment the alignment matrix 1740 may be formed of a plastic material and / or any other suitable material, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA). In certain embodiments, the alignment matrix 1740 can be attached to the inner layer 1712 and then the legs of the bracket 1721 can be inserted through the alignment matrix 1740 and placed in the inner layer 1712. In various embodiments, the bottom surface 1742 of the alignment matrix 1740 may contain, for example, one or more grooves , grooves or grooves, which can be configured to at least partially receive the bases 1722 of the brackets 1720. Similarly to the above, the outer layer 1711 can then be arranged around a node containing the inner layer 1712, the alignment matrix 1740 and the brackets 1720. In an alternative embodiment, the outer layer 1711 can be placed around the subassembly containing the inner layer 1712 and the alignment matrix 1740, and then the brackets 1720 can be inserted through the outer layer 1711, the alignment matrix 1740 and the inner layer 1712. In any case, as a result of the above, the inner layer 1712, the alignment matrix 1740 and / or the outer layer 1711 can be configured to hold the brackets 1720 in position until the moment of deformation under the influence using the stop as described above and / or after it. In at least one such embodiment, the alignment matrix 1740 can serve to hold the brackets 1720 in position before implanting the cassette with brackets 1700 into the patient’s body, as well as to attach tissue along the line of braces after implantation of the cassette with brackets 1700. In at least one embodiment the implementation of the bracket 1720 can be fixed, for example, in the alignment matrix 1740 without insertion into the inner layer 1712 and / or the outer layer 1711.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 34-40, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1800, can be installed by compressing the inner layer 1812, inserting brackets, such as, for example, staples 1820, into the inner layer 1812, and also wrapping the inner layer 1812 with the outer layer 1811. As mainly represented in FIG. 34, the compressible inner layer 1812 contains a plurality of bracket slots formed therein 1815, although other embodiments are possible in which the inner layer 1812 does not include a bracket slot, as described above. As represented in FIG. 35, a compressible inner layer 1812 may be located between the transfer plate 1850 and the support plate 1860 and compressed between the compression surfaces of the plates 1852 and 1862, respectively. As represented in FIG. 35, the upper and lower surfaces of the inner layer 1812 can be pressed against each other, and thus, the inner layer 1812 can protrude outward in the lateral directions. In certain embodiments, the inner layer 1812 may be compressed, for example, to a height of about one third of its original height, and its height or thickness may be, for example, from about 1.52 mm (0.06 inches) to about 2.03 mm (0.08 inches) in a compressed state. As represented in FIG. 35, the transfer plate 1850 may further comprise a plurality of brackets, such as, for example, brackets 1820 arranged in a plurality of recesses for the brackets 1853. In addition, the transfer plate 1850 may further comprise a plurality of ejectors 1851, which may be configured to push the brackets 1820 up and out of the recesses for the brackets 1853. As shown in FIG. 36, the pushers 1851 can be used to push the legs 1821 of the brackets 1820 inward and through the compressed inner layer 1812. In various embodiments, the pushers 1851 can be designed so that their upper surfaces are at the same level or at least almost at the same level with the surface compressing 1852 the transfer plate 1850 when the brackets 1820 are completely out of the recesses for the brackets 1853 of the transfer plate 1850. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 36, the support plate 1860 may comprise a plurality of receiving holes 1861, which may be configured to receive the legs of the brackets 1821 or at least the ends of the legs of the brackets 1821 after pushing them through the inner layer 1812. The receiving holes 1861 or the like. may be necessary in embodiments in which the inner layer 1812 is compressed to a height that is less than the height of the brackets 1820, and thus, when the brackets 1820 are completely removed from the grooves for the brackets 1853, the legs of the brackets 1821 may protrude from the upper surface of the compressed inner layer 1812. In other specific embodiments, the implementation of the inner layer 1812 may be compressed to a height that is greater than the height of the brackets 1820, and, thus, the presence of the receiving holes 1861 in the base plate 1860 may not be necessary.

After inserting the brackets 1820 into the inner layer 1812, as shown in FIG. 37, the support plate 1860 can be moved away from the transfer plate 1850 to decompress the inner layer 1812. In such situations, the inner layer 1812 may experience elastic back expansion to its original or at least close to the original height in an uncompressed state. When the inner layer 1812 undergoes back expansion, the height of the inner layer 1812 can increase so that it becomes greater than the height of the brackets 1820 and the legs 1821 of the brackets 1820 will no longer protrude from the upper surface of the inner layer 1812. In various situations, the receiving holes 1861 can be made with the ability to hold the legs of the brackets 1821 in position at least until the moment when the support plate 1860 will be moved a sufficient distance so that the legs 1821 are no longer located in the receiving holes 18 61. In such situations, the receiving holes 1861 can help maintain the mutual alignment of the brackets 1820 in the inner layer 1812 after it is back expanded. In various situations, the inner layer 1812 and the brackets 1820 located therein may comprise a subassembly 1801, which, as shown in FIG. 38, it is possible to insert, for example, into the outer layer 1811. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 1811 may comprise a cavity 1802 formed therein, which can be adapted to receive the subnode 1801. In various situations, a tool such as, for example, forceps 1855 for pulling the outer layer 1811 onto the subassembly 1801. After the subassembly 1801 is sufficiently positioned inside the outer layer 1811, as shown in FIG. 39, the outer layer 1811 can be sealed. In various embodiments, the outer layer 1811 can be sealed by applying thermal energy to its portion. In particular, in at least one embodiment, the outer layer 1811 can be formed of plastic material, the open end of the outer layer 1811 can be heat-sealed using one or more heating elements, or heat-sealing devices, 1856 for bonding and / or sealing the perimeter the open end of the outer layer 1811. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, the excess portion 1857 of the outer layer 1811 can be removed, and then the cassette with brackets 1800 can be used as described herein.

As described above, the cassette with brackets can be placed inside the part for attaching the cassette with brackets and / or fixed on it. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 41 and 42, the bracket mounting portion of the cartridge may include a bracket channel for the cartridge, such as, for example, a bracket channel 1930, which may be configured to receive at least a portion of the bracket cartridge, such as, for example cassette with brackets 1900. In at least one embodiment, the channel for the cassette with brackets 1930 may comprise a lower abutment surface 1931, a first side abutment wall 1940 and a second side abutment wall 1941. In use, the cassette with staples 1900 can be positioned inside to the cassette with brackets 1930 so that the cassette with brackets 1900 is adjacent to and / or adjacent to the lower abutment surface 1931, and also between the first side abutment wall 1940 and the second side abutment wall 1941. In certain embodiments, between the first side a support wall 1940 and a second side support wall 1941, a lateral space may be formed. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette with brackets 1900 can have a side width 1903 that is equal to and / or greater than the width of the side space formed between the support walls 1940 and 1941, so that the housing 1910 of the compressible implantable cassette with brackets 1900 can fit tightly between walls 1940 and 1941. In other specific embodiments, the lateral width 1903 of the cassette with brackets 1900 may be less than the width of the space formed between the first and second side walls 1940 and 1941. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the walls 1940 and 1941 and the lower abutment surface 1931 may be formed by a stamped metal channel, while in at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the lateral abutment wall 1940 and / or the lateral abutment wall 1941 may be formed from flexible material, such as, for example, elastomeric material. As mainly represented in FIG. 41, each of the first side wall 1940 and the second side wall 1941 of the cassette channel 1930 can be formed from a rigid portion 1933 extending upward from a lower abutment surface 1931 and a flexible portion 1934 extending upwardly from the rigid portions 1933.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the cassette body 1910 with brackets 1900 may be formed of one or more compressible layers, such as, for example, the first layer 1911 and the second layer 1912. When the cassette body 1910 is compressed to the lower abutment surface 1931 under the influence of the stop, as described above, the side parts of the cassette 1910 can expand on the sides. In embodiments in which the cassette with brackets 1930 is formed of rigid side walls, lateral expansion of the cassette body 1910 can be prevented or at least limited by the hard side walls, and thus significant internal pressure can occur within the cassette body 1910, or voltage. In embodiments in which at least a portion of the cassette with brackets 1930 is formed of flexible side walls, the flexible side walls can be configured to laterally extend, which facilitates lateral expansion of the side parts of the cassette body 1910 and reduces internal pressure or stress, arising inside the cassette body 1910. In embodiments where the channel for the cassette does not contain side walls or comprises side walls that are relatively shorter than the cassette with brackets, the side parts Asset staple can indefinitely or at least substantially laterally expand indefinitely. In any case, as presented in FIG. 42, the channel for the cassette with brackets 2030 may include side walls 2040 and 2041, which can be completely formed from a flexible material, such as, for example, elastomeric material. The cassette channel with brackets 2030 may further comprise side grooves 2033 extending along the sides of the lower supporting surface 2031 of the cassette channel with brackets 2030, which may be configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the side walls 2040 and 2041. In certain embodiments, the side walls 2040 and 2041 can be installed in the grooves 2033 with a snap and / or interference fit, while at least in some embodiments, the implementation of the side walls 2040 and 2041 can be fixed in the grooves 2033 using one or more Ziv. In at least one embodiment, the side walls 2040 and 2041 may be detached from the lower abutment surface 2031 during use. In any case, the casing of the compressible implantable cassette 2010 can be disengaged and / or disconnected from the side walls 2040 and 2041 after implantation of the cassette 2010 casing with brackets 2020.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 43, the surgical instrument may include a rod 2150 and an end effector extending from the distal end of the rod 2150. Similar to the above, the end effector may include a channel for a cassette with brackets 2130, an emphasis 2140 configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a cassette with brackets 2100, located between the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130 and emphasis 2140. Also similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 2100 may include a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 2110 and many brackets 2120, races laid in the housing of the cartridge 2110. In various embodiments, the channel for the cartridge with brackets 2130 may contain, firstly, a lower supporting surface 2131, adjacent to which a cartridge with brackets 2100 can be located, secondly, the distal end 2135 and, thirdly , proximal end 2136. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, the cassette with brackets 2100 may include a first end 2105 that can be configured to install a channel for the cassette with brackets 2130 at the distal end 2135, and a second end 2106 that can be configured to install a channel for the cassette at the proximal end 2136 brackets 2130. In various embodiments, the distal end 2135 of the cassette channel with brackets 2130 may comprise at least one distal retaining element, such as, for example, a retaining wall 2137, and the proximal end 2136 may likewise hold at least one proximal retaining element, such as, for example, a retaining wall 2138. In at least one such embodiment, a space may be formed between the distal retaining wall 2137 and the proximal retaining wall 2138, which may be equal to or less than the length of the cassette with brackets 2100, so that the cartridge with brackets 2100 can be held tightly inside the channel for the cartridge with brackets 2130 after inserting a cartridge with brackets 2100 into it.

In various embodiments, implementation, as also presented in FIG. 23 and 24, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 1200, may comprise a flat or at least substantially flat tissue-contacting surface 1219. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette body 1210 with brackets 1200 may comprise a first end 1205, which may be determined by a first height, or thickness, 1207, and a second end 1206, which may be determined by a second height, or thickness, 1208, wherein the first height 1207 may be equal to or at least substantially equal to the second height 1208 In certain In embodiments, the cartridge case 1210 may comprise a constant or at least substantially constant height, or thickness, between the first end 1205 and the second end 1206. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue-contacting surface 1219 may be parallel or at least at least substantially parallel to the bottom surface 1218 of the cassette 1210. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 43, the first end 2105 of the cassette body 2110 with brackets 2100 may be defined by a first height 2107 that is different from the second height 2108 of the second end 2106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 2107 is greater than the second height 2108, although in alternative embodiments, the second height 2108 may be greater than the first height 2107. In various embodiments, the height of the cassette 2110 may decrease linearly and / or exponentially between the first end 2105 and the second end 2106. In at least one such embodiment, ticipate in contact with the tissue surface 2119 extending between the first end 2105 and second end 2106 may be oriented along the angle formed between them. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue-contacting surface 2119 may not be parallel to the bottom surface 2118 of the cassette 2110 and / or parallel to the supporting surface 2131 of the cassette channel with brackets 2130.

In various embodiments, implementation, as also presented in FIG. 43 and 44, the abutment 2140 may comprise a fabric contacting surface 2141, which may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the support surface 2131 of the cassette channel with brackets 2130, when the abutment 2140 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 44. When the stop 2140 is in the closed position, it can be configured to compress the first end 2105 of the cassette with brackets 2100 to a greater extent than the second end 2106 due to the greater height of the first end 2105 and the lower height of the second end 2106. In some situations , including situations in which tissue T located between tissue-contacting surfaces 2119 and 2141 has a constant or at least substantially constant thickness, the pressure generated inside tissue T and cassette 2100 may be greater at the distal end of the end effector ctor than at the proximal end of the end effector. More specifically, when the fabric T located between the emphasis 2140 and the cassette with the brackets 2100 has a substantially constant thickness, the fabric T located between the distal end 2145 of the emphasis 2140 and the first end 2105 of the cassette 2100 can be compressed more than tissue T located between the proximal end 2146 of the abutment 2140 and the second end 2106 of the cassette with brackets 2100. In various embodiments, a pressure gradient can be created within the tissue T between the proximal end and the distal end of the end effector. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, when the tissue T located between the abutment 2140 and the cassette with brackets 2100 has a substantially constant thickness and the height of the cassette with brackets 2100 decreases linearly from the distal end to the proximal end of the end effector, the pressure inside tissue T can linearly decrease from the distal end of the end effector to the proximal end of the end effector. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, when the tissue T located between the abutment 2140 and the cassette with brackets 2100 has a substantially constant thickness and the height of the cassette with brackets 2100 decreases exponentially from the distal end to the proximal end of the end effector, pressure inside the tissue, T can decrease exponentially from the distal end of the end effector to the proximal end of the end effector.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 43, the fabric T located between the cassette with the brackets 2100 and the abutment 2140 may not have a constant thickness over its entire length. In at least one such situation, the tissue T located between the proximal end 2146 of the stop 2140 and the second end 2106 of the cassette 2100 may be thicker than the tissue T located between the distal end 2145 of the stop 2140 and the first end 2105 of the cassette 2100. Thus , in such situations, a thicker tissue T can essentially be located above the shorter proximal end 2106 of the cassette 2100, and a thinner tissue T can be essentially located above the higher distal end 2105. During use, the trigger sleeve 2152 of the rod 2150 can be moved distally along the trunnion of the rod 2151 so that the start clutch 2152 engages the cam part 2143 of the stop 2140 and rotates the stop 2140 to the cassette with brackets 2100, as shown in FIG. 44. After the stop 2140 is turned to the fully closed position, the fabric T can be compressed between the surfaces 2119 and 2141 in contact with the fabric, and the pressure or compressive force applied to the fabric T can be constant or at least substantially constant over the entire thickness even with given that the height of the cassette with brackets 2100 between the proximal and distal ends of the end effector may be unstable. More specifically, since a thicker fabric T can be connected with a higher cassette with brackets 2100, and a thinner fabric T can be connected with a lower cassette with brackets 2100, the total or total height of fabric T and cassettes with brackets 2100 can be constant or at least substantially constant between the proximal and distal ends of the end effector, and thus the compression of a given total height by the abutment 2140 may be constant or at least substantially constant throughout the thickness.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 43 and 44, the cassette with brackets 2100 may have an asymmetric configuration. In at least one such embodiment, the height of the cartridge with brackets 2100 at its first end 2105 may, for example, be greater than the height of the cartridge with brackets 2100 at its second end 2106. In certain embodiments, the cartridge with brackets 2100 and / or the channel for the cartridge with the brackets 2130 may contain one or more alignment and / or retaining elements, which can be configured to ensure that the cassette with brackets 2100 can be located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130 in only one orientation, i.e. in an orientation in which the first end 2105 is located on the distal end 2135 of the cassette channel with brackets 2130, and the second end 2106 is located on the proximal end of 2136. In various alternative embodiments, the cassette with brackets 2100 and / or the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130 may comprise one or more alignment and / or holding elements, which can be arranged to arrange the cartridge with brackets 2100 in the channel for the cartridge with brackets 2130 in more than one orientation. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, the cassette with brackets 2100 can be located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130 so that the first end 2105 of the cassette with brackets 2100 can be located at the proximal end 2136 of the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130, and the second end 2106 can be located at the distal end 2135. Thus, in various embodiments, a lower height of the cassette with brackets 2100 can be located in close proximity to the distal retaining wall 2137, and a large height of the cassette with brackets 2100 can be located in close proximity to the maximal retaining wall 2138. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette with brackets 2100 may be suitably positioned to apply a constant or at least substantially constant fixing pressure to the tissue T so that the thicker portion is located inside the distal end of the end effector , and the thinner part is inside the proximal end of the end effector. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets 2100, for example, can be selectively oriented within the channel for the cassette with brackets 2130. In at least one such embodiment, the alignment and / or holding elements of the cassette with brackets 2100 can be symmetrical, and the surgeon can selectively position a cassette with brackets 2100 inside the channel for a cassette with brackets 2130 in the orientations shown, for example, in FIG. 43 and FIG. 45.

In addition to the above, the implantable cartridge case 2110 may include a longitudinal axis 2109 that can extend between the proximal and distal ends of the end effector when the cartridge with brackets 2100 is located in the channel for the cartridge with brackets 2130. In various embodiments, the thickness of the cartridge case 2110 may substantially decrease and / or substantially increase between the first end 2105 and the second end 2106 along the longitudinal axis 2109. In at least one such embodiment, the distance, or height, between the bottom its surface 2118 and the tissue-contacting surface 2119 can substantially decrease and / or substantially increase between the first end 2105 and the second end 2106. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the cassette 2110 can both increase or decrease along the longitudinal axis 2109. At least in at least one such embodiment, the thickness of the cassette 2110 may comprise one or more parts whose thickness increases, and one or more parts whose thickness may decrease. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets 2100 may comprise a plurality of brackets 2120 located therein. During use, as described above, the brackets 2120 can become deformed when the stop 2140 moves to the closed position. In certain embodiments, each bracket 2120 may have the same or at least substantially the same height. In at least one such embodiment, the height of the bracket can be measured, for example, from the bottom of the base of the bracket to the top, or the tip, of the highest leg of the bracket.

In various embodiments, the staples inside the cassette with brackets may have different heights. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge may comprise a first group of staples having a first staple height that is located in a first portion of the compressible cassette body and a second group of staples having a second staple height that is located in a second part of the compressible cassette body. In at least one embodiment, the first bracket height may be greater than the second bracket height, and the first bracket group may be located at the first end 2105 of the cassette 2100, and the second bracket group may be located at the second end 2106. In an alternative embodiment, the higher first a group of brackets may be located at the second end 2106 of the cassette with brackets 2100, and a lower second group of brackets may be located at the first end of 2105. In certain embodiments, a plurality of bracket groups may be used, each of which I have different heights of staples. In at least one such embodiment, a third group having an intermediate height of staples may be located in the cassette 2110 between the first group of staples and the second group of staples. In various embodiments, each bracket in the row of brackets in the bracket cassette may have a different bracket height. In at least one embodiment, the highest bracket in a row may be located at the first end of the row of brackets, and the shortest bracket may be located at the opposite end of the row of brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the brackets located between the highest bracket and the shortest bracket can, for example, be positioned so that the height of the brackets decreases between the highest bracket and the shortest bracket.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 46, the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument may include a stop 2240, a cassette channel with brackets 2230 and a cassette with brackets 2200 supported by a channel for a cassette with brackets 2230. The cassette with brackets 2200 may include a compressible implantable cassette 2210 body and a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 2220a and 2220b. In various embodiments, the channel for the cassette with brackets 2230 may include a supporting surface for the cartridge 2231 and a plurality of support grooves formed therein for the brackets, such as, for example, the support grooves 2232a and 2232b. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette with brackets 2200 may comprise two outer rows of brackets 2220a and two inner rows of brackets 2220b, wherein the support grooves 2232a may be configured to support the brackets 2220a and the support grooves 2232b may be configured to support the brackets 2220b. As represented in FIG. 46 and 47, an abutment 2240 may comprise a plurality of recesses formed therein to form brackets 2242, which may be configured to receive and deform the brackets 2220a and 2220b as the abutment 2240 moves toward the cassette with brackets 2200. In at least one such embodiment the lower surfaces of the support grooves 2232a may be located at a first distance 2201a from the upper surfaces of the recesses to form the brackets 2242, and the lower surfaces of the support grooves 2232b may be located at a second distance 2201b from the upper surfaces of the recesses eny for forming staples 2242. In at least one such embodiment, the supporting grooves 2232b are located closer to the stop 2240 of raised steps on the support surface 2231 in which they are formed. Due to the different distances 2201a and 2201b in various embodiments, the outer rows of brackets 2220a and the inner rows of brackets 2220b may acquire different heights in the formed state upon deformation. In various situations, the brackets, which, when deformed, have acquired different heights in the formed state, may apply different fixing pressure or force to the stitched fabric T. In addition to the above, in the beginning, the brackets may have different heights of the unformed bracket. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46, the outer brackets 2220a may have an initial height in an unformed state that is greater than the initial height in an unformed state of the inner brackets 2220b. As represented in FIG. 46 and 47, the inner brackets 2220b having a lower height in an unformed state than the outer brackets 2220a can also have a lower height in the formed state than the outer brackets 2220a. In various alternative embodiments, the inner brackets 2220b may have a greater height in an unformed state than the outer braces 2220a, while still having a lower height of the deformed bracket than the outer braces 2220a.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the emphasis 2240 can be moved to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 47, for compressing the cartridge case 2210 and deforming the brackets 2220a and 2220b. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector shown in FIG. 46 and 47, may, for example, further comprise a cutting element that can be adapted to dissect the tissue T located between the stop 2240 and the cassette with brackets 2200. In at least one such embodiment, the stop 2240, the channel for the cassette with brackets 2230 and / or the cassette with brackets 2200 can form a groove configured to receive the cutting element in a sliding manner. More specifically, the stop 2240 may comprise a portion of a groove 2249, the channel for a cassette with brackets 2230 may comprise a portion of a groove 2239, and the cartridge with brackets 2200 may comprise a portion of a groove 2203 that may be aligned or at least substantially aligned with each other when emphasis 2240 is in a closed or at least substantially closed position. In various embodiments, the cutting element can be moved from the proximal end of the end effector to the distal end of the end effector after closing the stop 2240 and deforming the staples 2220a, 2220b. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be moved independently of the staple deformation process. In certain embodiments, the cutting element can be advanced simultaneously with the deformation of the staples. In any case, in at least one embodiment, the cutting element may be configured to cut tissue along a path extending between the inner rows of staples 2220b.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 47, the inner braces 2220b may have a lower height after forming than the outer braces 2220a, the inner braces 2220b may exert a higher fixing pressure or force on the fabric adjacent to the cut line created by the cutting element. In at least one such embodiment, a higher fixation pressure or force exerted by the inner brackets 2220b may provide various therapeutic effects, such as reducing bleeding from the cut tissue T, while a lower fixation pressure created by the outer brackets 2220a can provide flexibility inside stitched fabric. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 46 and 47, the abutment 2240 may further comprise at least one portion of the supporting material attached thereto, such as, for example, the supporting material 2260. In at least one such embodiment, the legs of the staples 2220a, 2220b may be configured to cut the supporting material 2260 and / or passing through holes in the supporting material 2260 when the cassette with brackets 2200 is compressed by a stop 2240 and then contacted with recesses to form brackets 2242 in the stop 2240. When the legs of the brackets 2220a are deformed, The legs 2220b may again contact and / or cut the supporting material 2260. In various embodiments, the support material 2260 may more likely help stop bleeding and / or provide additional strength to the stitched fabric.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 46 and 47, the bottom surface of the cassette 2210 may have a step contour that matches or at least substantially coincides with the step contour of the support surface for the cassette 2231. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface of the cassette 2210 can be deformed to fit, or at least substantially matching the contour of the abutment surface for the cartridge 2231. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 48, an end effector, for example, similar to the end effector shown in FIG. 46 may comprise a cassette with brackets 2300 located therein. A cassette with brackets 2300 may comprise a compressible implantable cassette body 2310 comprising an inner layer 2312 and an outer layer 2311, moreover, in addition to the above, in at least one embodiment, the outer layer 2311 may be formed from a waterproof material. In various embodiments, the outer layer 2311 may extend around the brackets 2220a, 2220b and may be located between the brackets 2220a, 2220b and the support grooves 2232a, 2232b, respectively. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 49, an end effector, for example, similar to the end effector shown in FIG. 46 may comprise a cassette with brackets 2400 located therein. Similarly to a cassette with brackets 2300, a compressible implantable cassette 2400 housing 2410 may include an inner layer 2412 and an outer layer 2411, however, in at least one embodiment, the cassette 2410 may not have a groove for the cutting element. In at least one such embodiment, a cutting element may be necessary, for example, to cut the inner layer 2412 and / or the outer layer 2411 while advancing through the cassette with brackets.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 50, the end effector of a surgical stapling instrument may include a stop 2540, a cassette channel with brackets 2530 and a cassette with brackets 2500 located in the channel for a cassette with brackets 2530. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 2500 may include a compressible implantable cassette 2510 body, outer rows staples 2220a and inner rows of staples 2220b. The channel for the cassette with brackets 2530 may contain a flat or at least essentially flat supporting surface for the cartridge 2531 and the supporting grooves for brackets 2532 formed therein. The stop 2540 may include a stepped surface 2541 and many recesses for forming brackets, such as, for example, the forming recesses 2542a and 2542b formed therein. Similar to the above, the distance formed between the forming recesses 2542a and the support grooves 2532 may be greater than the distance between the forming recesses 2452b and the support grooves 2532. In various embodiments, the stop 2540 may further comprise a portion of the supporting material 2560 attached to the stepped surface 2541 of the stop 2540. In at least one such embodiment, the supporting material 2560 may abut, or at least substantially abut, the stepped surface 2541. In various ways Ianthe of the supporting material 2560 can be releasably attached to surface 2541 using at least one adhesive, such as, e.g., fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. In certain embodiments, the cassette housing 2510 may also have a step profile that in at least one embodiment is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the step surface 2541 of the stop 2540. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the stop 2540 may include steps 2548 extending to a cassette with brackets 2500, the steps 2548 may have a height equal to or at least substantially equal to the height of the steps 2508 extending from the cassette 2510. At least one ACOM embodiment, as a result of the above, the magnitude of the housing of compressible cassette 2510 that can be captured in the first bracket 2220a may, for example, differ from the values compressible cassette housing 2510 which may be captured during the second bracket 2220b.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 51, the end effector may include a stop 2640, a cassette channel with brackets 2530, and a cassette with brackets 2600 located between them. The cassette with brackets 2600 may include a compressible implantable cassette 2610 body including an inner layer 2612, an outer layer 2611, and a plurality of inside staples, such as, for example, staples 2220a and 2200b. In various embodiments, the emphasis 2640 may comprise a plurality of recesses for forming the brackets 2642 in the surface 2641, and the channel for the cassette with the brackets 2530 may contain many grooves for forming the brackets 2532 formed in the supporting surface 2531. As shown in FIG. 51, the surface of the abutment 2641 may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the support surface for the cartridge 2531, in which each forming recess 2642 may be located at an equal or at least substantially equal distance from the opposite and corresponding support groove for the bracket 2532. B various embodiments, the cassette 2600 may comprise staples having the same or at least substantially the same initial height of the unformed staple, as well as the same or at least e substantially the same height formed staples. In other specific embodiments, the outer rows of staples may comprise staples 2220a, and the inner rows of staples may comprise staples 2220b, wherein, as described above, the staples 2220a and 2220b may have different heights of unformed staples. When the emphasis 2640 is moved toward the cassette with the brackets 2600 in the closed position, the brackets 2220a and 2220b can be formed so that they have the same or at least substantially the same height of the formed bracket. In at least one such embodiment, as a result of the above, the formed outer brackets 2220a and the inner brackets 2220b can capture the same or at least substantially the same amount of compressible cartridge case 2610. However, since the outer brackets 2220a have a large height in an unformed state than the inner brackets 2220b, and, however, can have the same height in the formed state, the outer brackets 2220a can, for example, create greater pressure than the inner braces 2220b.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 52, the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument may include an abutment 2740, a cassette channel with brackets 2530 and a cassette with brackets 2700 located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 2530. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 2700 may include a compressible implantable cassette 2710 housing containing an inner a layer 2712, an outer layer 2711 and a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 2220a and 2220b. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the cassette body 2710 may vary across its width. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge case 2710 may include a central portion 2708 and side portions 2709, the central portion 2708 may have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the side portions 2709. In various embodiments, the thickest portion of the cartridge case 2710 may be housed in the central part 2708, and the thinnest part of the cassette body 2710 may be placed in the side parts 2709. In at least one such embodiment, the thickness of the cassette body 2710 may gradually decrease between the center part 2708 and side parts 2709. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the cassette body 2710 may decrease linearly and / or exponentially between the central part 2708 and side parts 2709. In at least one such embodiment, the fabric contacting surface 2719 of the cassette 2710 may comprise two deviated, or inclined, surfaces, beveled downward from the central part 2708 to the lateral parts 2709. In various embodiments, the emphasis 2740 may comprise two inclined or inclined , Surfaces that are parallel or at least substantially parallel to the deflected contact with the tissue surface 2719. In at least one embodiment, the stop 2740 may further comprise at least one portion of the supporting material 2760 attached to the abutment surfaces 2740 rejected.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the inner rows of staples in the cassette with brackets 2700 may contain higher staples 2220a, and the outer rows of staples can contain shorter staples 2220b. In at least one embodiment, the higher brackets 2220a may be located inside and / or adjacent to the thicker central portion 2708, while the brackets 2220b may be located inside and / or adjacent to the side portions 2709. In at least one such embodiment, as a result of the above, the taller staples 2220a can capture more body material of the implantable cassette 2710 than the shorter staples 2220b. Such situations may cause the staples 2220a to exert a greater fixing pressure on the tissue T than the staples 2220b. In certain embodiments, although taller staples 2220a can absorb more cassette body material 2710 than shorter staples 2220b, taller staples 2220a can have a greater height than the shorter staples than shorter staples 2220b due to the inclined arrangement of the recesses to form staples 2742a and 2742b. Such considerations can be used to achieve the necessary fixing pressure inside the fabric captured by the brackets 2220a and 2220b, and thus, the fixing pressure in the brackets 2220a can be, for example, higher, lower, or equal to the fixing pressure applied to the fabric by the brackets 2220b. In various alternative embodiments, the end effector shown in FIG. 52, shorter brackets 2220b may be located inside and / or adjacent to the thicker central portion 2708 of the cassette 2710, and higher brackets 2220a may be located inside and / or adjacent to the thinner side portions 2709. Moreover, although the cassette in the figure brackets 2700 contains the inner and outer rows of brackets, the cassette with brackets 2700 may contain additional rows of brackets, such as, for example, rows of brackets located between the inner and outer rows of brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the intermediate rows of staples may comprise staples having, for example, a height of the unformed staple that is intermediate between the heights of the unformed staples 2220a and 2220b, and a height of the formed staple that is intermediate between the heights of the formed staples 2220a and 2220b.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 53, the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument may include a stop 2840, a cassette channel with brackets 2530 and a cassette with brackets 2800 located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 2530. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 2800 may include a compressible implantable cassette 2810 housing containing an inner layer 2812, outer layer 2811, and a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 2220a and 2220b. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the cassette body 2810 may vary across its width. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge case 2810 may include a central portion 2808 and side portions 2809, the central portion 2808 may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the side portions 2809. In various embodiments, the thinnest portion of the cartridge case 2810 may be housed in the central part 2810, and the thickest part of the cassette 2808 can be housed in the side parts 2809. In at least one such embodiment, the thickness of the cassette 2810 can gradually increase between cent the other part 2808 and the side parts 2809. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the cartridge case 2810 may increase linearly and / or exponentially between the central part 2808 and the side parts 2809. In at least one such embodiment, the fabric-contacting surface 2819 of the cartridge case 2810 may comprise two deflected, or inclined, surfaces that slope upward from the central portion 2808 to the side portions 2809. In various embodiments, the abutment 2840 may comprise two deflected , or inclined, surfaces that are parallel or at least substantially parallel to the deflected tissue-contacting surfaces 2819. In at least one embodiment, the abutment 2840 may further comprise at least one portion of the supporting material 2860 attached to the deflected surfaces of the abutment 2840. In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the outer rows of staples in the cassette with brackets 2800 may contain higher staples 2220a, and the inner rows of staples may contain more mouth braces 2220b. In at least one embodiment, higher brackets 2220a may be located inside and / or adjacent to thicker side portions 2809, while brackets 2220b may be located inside and / or adjacent to central portion 2808. In at least one such embodiment, as a result of the above, the taller staples 2220a can capture more body material of the implantable cassette 2810 than the shorter staples 2220b.

As described above in relation to the embodiment presented in FIG. 46, for example, the cassette channel with brackets 2230 may include a stepped support surface 2231 that can be configured to support the brackets 2220a and 2220b at different heights relative to the stop 2240. In various embodiments, the cassette channel with brackets 2230 may be formed of metal , and the steps of the abutment surface 2231 can be formed on the abutment surface 2231, for example, by grinding. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 54, the end effector of a surgical instrument may comprise a cassette channel with brackets 2930, comprising a support insert 2935 located therein. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the cassette channel with brackets 2930 may be formed so that it has a flat or at least a substantially flat abutment surface 2931, which, for example, can be configured to support an insert 2935 containing stepped surfaces for supporting brackets 2220a and 2220b in a cassette with brackets 2200 per heat heights. In at least one such embodiment, insert 2935 may comprise a flat or at least substantially flat bottom surface that may be located adjacent to abutment surface 2931. Insert 2935 may further comprise abutment grooves, grooves, or grooves 2932a and 2932b, which may be configured to support brackets 2220a and 2220b, respectively, at different heights. In the same way as described above, insert 2935 may comprise a groove for scalpel 2939 formed therein, configured to pass a cutting element through it. In various embodiments, the channel for the cassette with brackets 2930 may be formed from the same material as the support insert 2935, or from another material. In at least one embodiment, both the cassette channel with brackets 2930 and the support insert 2935 can, for example, be formed of metal, while in other embodiments, the cassette channel with brackets 2930 can, for example, be formed of metal, and the support insert 2935 may, for example, be formed of plastic. In various embodiments, the support insert 2935 may be attached and / or welded to the channel for the cassette with brackets 2930. In certain embodiments, the support insert 2935 may be installed in the channel for the cassette with brackets 2930 with snap and / or interference fit. In at least one embodiment, the support insert 2935 may be secured to the cassette channel with brackets 2930 using adhesive.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 55, the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument may include an abutment 3040, a cassette channel with staples 3030 and a compressible implantable cassette with brackets 3000 located in the cassette channel with staples 3030. Like the above, the abutment 3040 may contain a plurality of recesses formed therein for forming the staples 3042 and a groove for the scalpel 3049, which can be made with the possibility of receiving with the possibility of sliding the cutting element. Also, similarly to the above-described channel for the cassette with brackets 3030 may contain many formed in it support grooves for brackets 3032 and a groove for the scalpel 3039, which can also be made with the possibility of sliding to accept the cutting element. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets 3000 may comprise a first layer 3011, a second layer 3012, and a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 3020a and 3020b. In at least one embodiment, the height of the unformed brackets 3020a may be greater than the height of the unformed brackets 3020b. In various embodiments, the first layer 3011 may be formed from a first compressible material, and the second layer 3012 may be formed from a second compressible material. In certain embodiments, the first compressible material may be compressed with greater force than the second compressible material, while in other specific embodiments, the first compressible material may be compressed with less force than the second compressible material. In at least one embodiment, the first compressible material may be formed of elastic material with a first coefficient of elasticity, and the second compressible material may be formed of elastic material with a second coefficient of elasticity different from the first coefficient of elasticity. In various embodiments, the first compressible material may have a higher coefficient of elasticity than the second compressible material. In other specific embodiments, the first compressible material may have a lower coefficient of elasticity than the second compressible material. In various embodiments, the first compressible layer may have a first stiffness and the second compressible layer may have a second stiffness, the first stiffness being different from the second stiffness. In various embodiments, the first compressible layer may have a higher stiffness than the second compressible layer. In other specific embodiments, the first compressible layer may have lower stiffness than the second compressible layer.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 55, the second cassette layer 3012 of the brackets 3000 may have a constant or at least substantially constant thickness across the entire width. In at least one embodiment, the first layer 3011 may have a thickness varying in width. In at least one such embodiment, the first layer 3011 may comprise one or more steps 3008 that can increase the thickness of the cassette case 3010 in certain parts of the cassette case 3010, such as, for example, a central part. As represented in FIG. 55, shorter staples 3020b may be placed on or aligned with steps 3008, i.e. the thicker parts of the cassette 3010 and the higher staples 3020a may be located within the thinner parts of the cassette 3010 or aligned with them. In various embodiments, due to the presence of higher and lower portions of the cartridge case 3010, the rigidity of the cartridge case 3010 may be greater along the inner rows of staples 3020b than along the outer rows of staples 3020a. In various embodiments, the first layer 3011 may be coupled to the second layer 3012. In at least one such embodiment, the first layer 3011 and the second layer 3012 may contain interlocking elements that can hold layers 3011 and 3012 together. In certain embodiments, the first layer 3011 may comprise a first multilayer material, and the second layer 3012 may comprise a second multilayer material, wherein the first multilayer material may be adhesively adhered to the second multilayer material using one or more adhesives. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets 3000 may include a groove for the scalpel 3003, which can be configured to receive the cutting element in a sliding manner.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 56, the cassette with brackets 3100 may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 3110 containing one layer of compressible material, as well as a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 3020b. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the cassette 3110 may vary across its width. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette body 3110 may include steps 3108 extending along its side portions. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 57, the cassette with brackets 3200 may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 3210 containing one layer of compressible material, as well as a plurality of brackets located therein, such as, for example, staples 3020b. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the cassette 3210 may vary across its width. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette housing 3210 may include steps 3208 extending along its central portion. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 58, the cassette with brackets 3300 may comprise a casing of a compressible implantable cassette 3310, and similarly to the above, the thickness of the cassette 3310 can vary in width. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the cartridge case 3310 may increase exponentially between the side portions and the central part of the cartridge case 3310. In at least one such embodiment, the thickness of the cartridge case 3310 may be defined by an arcuate or curved profile and may comprise an arcuate or curved fabric contacting surface 3319. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the cassette 3310 and the contour of fabric contacting surface 3319 may determine a single radius of curvature or, in an alternative embodiment, for example, several radii of curvature. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 59, the cassette with brackets 3400 may comprise a casing of a compressible implantable cassette 3410, wherein the thickness of the cassette 3410 can increase linearly or at least substantially linearly between the side portions and the central part of the cassette 3410.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 60, the cassette with brackets 3500 may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 3510 and a plurality of brackets 3520 located therein. The body of an implantable cassette 3510 may include a first inner layer 3512, a second inner layer 3513 and an outer layer 3511. In at least one embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 may have a first thickness, and the second inner layer 3513 may have a second thickness, the second inner layer 3513 may be thicker than the first inner layer 3512. In at least one alternative embodiment the first inner layer 3512 may be thicker than the second inner layer 3513. In another alternative embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 may have the same or at least substantially the same thickness as the second inner layer 3513. In certain embodiments, each bracket 3520 may comprise a base 3522 and one or more deformable legs 3521 extending from the base 3522. In various embodiments, each leg 3521 may include a tip 3523 inserted in the first inner layer 3511, and also each is based 3522 brackets 3520 may be inserted into the second inner layer 3512. In at least one embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513 may contain at least one drug stored therein, and in various embodiments, the outer layer 3511 can encapsulate and isolate the first inner layer 3512 and the second inner layer 3513 so that the drug does not flow out of the cassette body with brackets 3510 until the brackets 3520 pierce the outer layer 3511. More specifically, in addition to the above, the emphasis can be pressed down close to the fabric adjacent to the tissue contact surface 3519 of the cassette with brackets 3500 so that the cassette 3510 is compressed and the surface 3519 moves down to the ends of the brackets 3523 and at least partially below them, so that the ends of the brackets 3523 break through or puncture the outer layer 3511. After piercing the outer layer 3511 with the legs of the brackets 3521, at least one drug M can flow out of the cassette 3510 around the legs of the brackets 3521. In various situations additional compression of the cassette 3510 may squeeze out an additional amount of the drug M from the cassette 3510, as shown in FIG. 61.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 60, the outer layer 3511 may comprise a waterproof or at least substantially waterproof shell, which may be configured to, firstly, prevent the drug from leaking prematurely from the cassette with brackets 3500, and secondly, to prevent premature fluid from entering inside a surgical field into a cassette with brackets 3500. In certain embodiments, the first inner layer 3512 may comprise a first drug stored or absorbable in the layer, and a second the inner layer 3513 may contain a second drug stored or absorbable in the layer, the second drug may be different from the first drug. In at least one embodiment, the initial compression of the cartridge case 3510, leading to the breakthrough of the outer layer 3511, can essentially lead to the release of the first drug from the first inner layer 3512, and the subsequent compression of the cartridge case 3510 can essentially lead to the release of the second drug from the second inner layer 3513. However, in such embodiments, portions of the first drug and the second drug may be detached simultaneously, although the pain most of the first drug to be released may consist of the first drug, and most of the drug released thereafter may consist of the second drug. In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, the first inner layer 3512 may be formed of a more compressible material than the second inner layer 3513 so that the initial compressive force or pressure, which may be weaker than the subsequent compressive force or pressure, can result to a stronger initial deformation in the first inner layer 3512 than in the second inner layer 3513. A stronger initial deformation inside the first inner layer 3512 can lead to the release more of the first drug from the first inner layer 3512 than the second drug from the second inner layer 3513. In at least one embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 may be more porous and / or more flexible than the second inner layer 3513. By in at least one such embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 may comprise a plurality of pores or voids formed therein, 3508, and the second inner layer 3513 may comprise a plurality of pores or voids formed therein, 3509, wherein in various embodiments, pores 3508 may be configured to store the first drug in the first inner layer 3512, and pores 3509 may be configured to store the second drug in the second inner layer 3513. In certain embodiments, pore size and density 3508 inside the first inner layer 3512 and pores 3509 inside the second inner layer 3513 may be selected so as to provide the desired result described herein.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 60 and 61, the outer layer 3511, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513 may be formed from bioabsorbable material. In at least one embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 may be formed of a first bioabsorbable material, the second inner layer 3513 may be formed of a second bioabsorbable material, and the outer layer 3511 may be formed of a third bioabsorbable material, the first bioabsorbable material, the second bioabsorbable the material and / or the third bioabsorbable material may be formed from different materials. In certain embodiments, the first bioabsorbable material may be bioabsorbable at a first speed, the second bioabsorbable material may bioabsorb at a second speed, and the third bioabsorbable material may bioabsorb at a third speed, the first speed, second speed and / or third speed may be different. In at least one such embodiment, when the material is biologically absorbed at a certain rate, that rate can be defined as the mass of material absorbed by the patient’s body per unit time. As you know, the organisms of different patients can absorb different materials at different speeds, and thus, to take into account such variability, such speeds can be described as average speeds. In any case, there may be a higher speed at which a larger mass of material is biologically absorbed per unit time than at a lower speed. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 60 and 61, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513 may be formed from a material that biologically absorbable faster than the material that the outer layer 3511 consists of. In at least one such embodiment, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513 can be formed from bioabsorbable foam, tissue sealant and / or hemostatic material, such as, for example, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), the outer layer 3511 can be formed from a supporting material and / or plastic material, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade name Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trade name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In such embodiments, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513 can have an immediate effect on the tissue, for example, reducing bleeding from the tissue, and the outer layer 3514 can provide long-term structural support and bioabsorb at a lower rate.

Due to the lower bioabsorption rate of the outer layer 3511, in addition to the one described above, the outer layer 3511 can support or strengthen the tissue structure within the staple line during healing. In certain embodiments, one of the first inner layer 3512 and the second inner layer 3513 can be formed from a material that can biologically absorb faster than the other material, so that in at least one embodiment, one of the layers can provide an initial release of therapeutic material, and another layer may provide a sustained release of the same therapeutic material and / or other therapeutic material. In at least one such embodiment, the rate of release of therapeutic material from layer 3512, 3513 may be a function of the bioabsorption of the substrate layer in which the drug is resorbed or dispersed. For example, in at least one embodiment, the substrate containing the first inner layer 3512 can biologically absorb faster than the substrate containing the second inner layer 3513, and thus, the drug can, for example, be released from the first inner layer 3512 faster, than from the second inner layer 3513. In various embodiments, as described herein, one or more layers 3511, 3512 and 3513 of the cassette housing 3510 can be adhered to each other using at least about one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. In certain embodiments, the adhesive may be water soluble and may be configured to break the bond between the layers upon implantation of the cassette with brackets 3500 and / or after some time. In at least one such embodiment, the adhesive may be bioabsorbable at a faster rate than the outer layer 3511, the first inner layer 3512 and / or the second inner layer 3513.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 62 and 63, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 3600, may comprise a cassette body 3610 including a compressible first layer 3611, a second layer 3612 attached to the first layer 3611, and a removable compressible layer 3613 attached to the second layer 3612. In at least one such embodiment, the first layer 3611 may be formed of compressible foam, the second layer 3612 may contain a multilayer material, adhesively attached to the first layer 3611 using one or more adhesives, and the third layer 3613 may consist of a compressible foam material adhesively attached detachably to the second layer 3612, e.g., using one or more adhesives. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets 3600 may further comprise a plurality of brackets, such as, for example, brackets 3620 located inside the cassette 3610. In at least one such embodiment, each bracket 3620 may, for example, comprise a base 3622 located in a third layer 3613, and one or more deformable legs 3621 extending upward from the base 3622 through the second layer 3612 and into the first layer 3611. In use, in addition to the above, the upper surface 3619 of the cassette body with brackets and 3610 can be pressed down with the stop until the legs of the staples 3621 pass through the upper surface 3619 and the target fabric until they contact the stop. After sufficient deformation of the legs of the staples 3621, the emphasis can be moved away from the cassette with staples 3600 so that its compressible layers can at least partially experience reverse expansion. In various situations, inserting staples through tissue can cause bleeding in the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the third layer 3613 may be formed from an absorbent material, such as, for example, a protein hydrogel that can drain blood from stitched tissue. In addition to or instead of the above, the third layer 3613 may be formed from a hemostatic material and / or tissue sealant, such as, for example, lyophilized thrombin and / or fibrin, which may be configured to reduce bleeding from the tissue. In certain embodiments, the third layer 3613 may serve as structural support for the first layer 3611 and the second layer 3612, wherein the third layer 3613 may be formed from bioabsorbable and / or bioresorbable material. In any case, in various embodiments, the third layer 3613 may be separated from the second layer 3612 after implantation of the cassette with brackets 3610. In embodiments in which the third layer 3613 contains implantable quality material, the surgeon may choose whether to remove the third layer 3613 from the cassette body 3610. In at least one embodiment, the third layer 3613 may be configured to separate from the second layer 3612 as a whole.

In various embodiments, the first layer 3611 may be formed from the first foam, and the third layer 3613 may be formed from the second foam, which may be different from the first foam. In at least one embodiment, the first foam may have a first density, and the second foam may have a second density, wherein the first density may be different from the second density. In at least one such embodiment, the second density may be higher than the first density, and thus, the third layer 3613 may be less compressible or have a lower compression ratio than the first layer 3611. In at least one alternative embodiment, the first density may be higher than the second density, and thus, the first layer 3611 may be less compressible or have a lower compression ratio than the third layer 3613. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 64 and 65, a cassette with brackets 3700, similar to a cassette with brackets 3600, may comprise a cassette body 3710 comprising a first layer of compressible foam 3711, a second layer 3712 attached to the first layer 3711, and a third layer of compressible foam 3713 configured to separation and removably attached to the second layer 3712. In at least one such embodiment, the third layer 3713 may contain many receiving grooves, or recesses, for brackets 3709, each of which can be configured to take at least an hour l brackets 3620, such as, for example, the base of the bracket 3622. In certain embodiments, the brackets 3620 can be slidable into the receiving slots for the brackets 3709, or, in other words, the third layer 3713 can be slidable relative to the brackets 3620, when, for example, the cassette with brackets 3700 is located close to the target fabric and is compressed by the stop. In at least one embodiment, the receiving grooves 3709 may be configured so that there is a gap between the brackets 3620 and the side walls of the receiving grooves 3709. In at least one such embodiment, as a result of the above, the brackets 3620 may not capture part of the third layer 3713 when the brackets 3620 undergo deformation, as shown in FIG. 64 and 65. In other specific embodiments, the ends of the receiving grooves for the brackets 3709 adjacent to the second layer 3712 may be covered by part of the third layer 3713, and thus at least part of the third layer 3713 may be caught by brackets 3620 when they are deformed. In any case, the third layer 3713 may contain, for example, one or more perforations and / or notches 3708, which can be configured to separate the third layer 3713 from the second layer 3712 in two or more parts, as shown in FIG. 64. In FIG. 64 illustrates the separation of one of the parts of the third layer 3713 using a tool 3755. In various embodiments, perforations 3708 may be located along a line running between the first row of staples and the second row of staples.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 64 and 65, the bases 3622 of the brackets 3620 can be located inside the receiving grooves 3709, and in at least one embodiment, the side walls of the receiving grooves 3709 can be made to come into contact and hold with the possibility of releasing the legs of the brackets 3621 in position. In certain embodiments, although not shown in the figures, the third layer 3713 may comprise an elongated groove surrounding all of the brackets in the staple line. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cassette comprising, for example, four rows of staples, may comprise an elongated groove aligned with each row of staples in the bottom layer of the staple cassette. In addition to the above, at least a portion of the cassette with brackets 3600 and / or a cassette with brackets 3700 can be implanted into the patient’s body, and at least a portion of the cassette with brackets can be removable from the patient’s body. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 64 and 65, the first layer 3711 and the second layer 3712 can be grasped with brackets 3620 and implanted with brackets 3620, while the third layer 3713 can optionally be removed or separated from the cassette with brackets 3700. In various situations, removing part of the implanted cassette with brackets can reduce the amount of material that the patient must absorb, which can provide various therapeutic effects. In the case of separating or removing part of the cassette with brackets, for example, using a laparoscopic instrument 3755, the separated part of the cassette with brackets can be removed from the surgical field through a trocar, such as, for example, a trocar with an opening of 5 mm. In certain embodiments, the cartridge case may comprise more than one layer that can be removed. For example, the cartridge case 3710 may comprise a fourth layer, the third layer 3713 of the cartridge case 3710 may be formed from hemostatic material, and the fourth layer may be formed of a support layer. In at least one such embodiment, the surgeon may remove the backing layer and then, for example, decide whether to remove the hemostatic layer.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 66, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 3800, may comprise a cassette body 3810 including an outer layer 3811 and an inner layer 3812. The inner layer 3812 may be formed of compressible foam, and the outer layer 3811 may be at least partially surround the inner layer 3812. In at least one embodiment, the outer layer 3811 may comprise a first portion 3811a arranged to be located on the first side of the inner layer 3812, and a second portion 3811b arranged to be located on the second the side of the inner layer 3812, the first part 3811a and the second part 3811b can be connected by a flexible hinge, such as, for example, hinge 3809. In at least one such embodiment, at least one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or a protein hydrogel, may be applied to the first side and / or second side of the inner layer 3812 to secure portions of the outer layer 3811 thereon. In various embodiments, the outer layer 3811 may comprise one or more fasteners extending therefrom. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 3811 may comprise a plurality of deformable legs 3821 extending from one side of the outer layer 3811 that can be installed in the compressible inner layer 3812. In at least one such embodiment, the legs 3821 may not protrude the second side of the inner layer 3812, while in at least one alternative embodiment, the legs 3821 can at least partially protrude from the inner layer 3812. The legs 3821 can be configured to the yaw of the inner layer 3812 and the second part 3811b of the outer layer 3811, if during use the compressible cartridge case 3810 is compressed. In certain embodiments, the second portion 3811b of the outer layer 3811 may comprise openings formed therein, such as, for example, openings 3808, which may be configured to receive the legs of brackets 3821. In certain embodiments, at least portions of the cassette with brackets 3800 may comprise a groove for the scalpel 3803, which can be made with the possibility of receiving with the possibility of sliding the cutting element. In at least one such embodiment, the groove for the scalpel 3803 may not completely extend through the thickness of the cassette 3810, and thus the cutting element may cut through the cassette 3810 when moving relative to it.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 67, similar to the cassette with brackets 3800, the cassette with brackets 3900 may comprise a cassette body 3910 including an inner layer 3812 and an outer layer 3811, the outer layer 3811 may include a first portion 3811a adjacent to the first side of the inner layer 3812 and a second portion 3811b adjacent to the second side of the inner layer 3812. In at least one embodiment, similarly to the above, the outer layer 3811 may comprise one or more fasteners extending therefrom. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 3811 may comprise a plurality of deformable legs 3921 extending from one side of the outer layer 3811 that may be installed in the compressible inner layer 3812. In certain embodiments, each deformable leg 3921 may comprise at least one the hook protruding from it, or notch, 3923, which can be adapted to engage the second portion 3811b of the outer layer 3811 and thereby hold the outer layer 3811 with the inner layer 3812. At least In one such embodiment, the notches 3923 can be configured to protrude from the second side of the inner layer 3812 and pass through the holes 3808 in the second part 3811b of the outer layer 3811 so that the notches 3923 can engage on the outer surface of the outer layer 3811 and block the outer a layer 3811 with an inner layer 3812. For the manufacture of a cassette with brackets 3900, the inner layer 3812 can be at least partially compressed so that the notches can protrude from it and enter the holes 3808. At least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge 3900 can be, for example, at least partially pre-compressed when inserted into the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, at least a portion of the legs 3921 may be placed in the first portion 3811a of the outer layer 3811, wherein in at least one embodiment, the outer layer 3811 may be formed of plastic material, such as, for example , polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a plastic material may be formed around at least a portion of legs 3921.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 68-72, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4000, may comprise a cassette body 4010 including a compressible first layer 4011 and a second layer 4012, as well as a plurality of brackets 4020 located inside the cassette 4010. In certain embodiments as presented in FIG. 70, each bracket 4020 may include a base 4022 and at least one deformable leg 4023 extending from the base 4022. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 68, the cassette with brackets 4000 may be located between the channel for the cassette with brackets 4030 and the stop 4040 of the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument, the second layer 4012 of the cassette body 4010 and / or the base 4022 of the brackets 4020 may be adjacent to the channel for the cassette with brackets 4030. B various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 69, the second layer 4012 may comprise a layer of tampons 4060 that are connected to each other by means of a support frame for tampons 4061. In at least one such embodiment, the tampons 4060 and the support frame for tampons 4061 may be formed of molded plastic material such as for example polyglycolic acid (PGA). Each tampon 4060 may contain one or more holes or grooves 4062, which may be configured to receive the leg of the bracket 4021 passing through them, as shown in FIG. 70 and 71. Each tampon 4060 may further comprise a receiving groove 4063 formed therein, which may be configured to receive a base 4022 of the bracket 4020. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 69, tampons 4060 and / or the support frame for tampons 4061 may comprise a plurality of notches, perforations, or the like, which may be configured to separate tampons 4060 from the support frame for tampons 4061 at the desired location. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 71, one or more swabs 4060 can be connected to each other along a line containing, for example, perforations and / or notches 4064. During use, the compressible foam layer 4011 can be placed close to the target fabric T, and the cassette body 4010 can be compressed by a stop 4040 so that the stop 4040 can deform the staples 4020. When the staples 4020 are deformed, the legs 4021 of each staple 4020 can grab the fabric T, part of the first layer 4011 and the tampon 4060 inside the deformed staple. When the cassette channel with brackets 4030 is moved, for example, from an implanted cassette with brackets 4060, the support frame for tampons 4061 can be separated from tampons 4060, and / or tampons 4060 can be separated from each other. In certain situations, the tampons 4060 may be separated from the frame 4061 and / or from each other during the deformation of the staples 4020 with the emphasis 4040, as described above.

In the various embodiments described herein, staples from a cassette with brackets are completely formed by the stop when it is moved to the closed position. In other various embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 73-76, the brackets of the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, the cassette with brackets 4100, can be deformed by the stop when it is moved to the closed position, as well as by the system of ejectors of brackets that moves the brackets to the closed stop. The cassette with brackets 4100 may comprise a housing of a compressible cassette 4110, which may be formed, for example, of foam, as well as a plurality of brackets 4120 at least partially located inside the housing of a compressible cassette 4110. In various embodiments, the bracket ejector system may include an ejector holder 4160 , a plurality of ejector brackets 4162 located inside the holder of the ejector 4160, and a tray for the cartridge with brackets 4180, which can be made with the possibility of holding the ejector brackets 4162 in holding Ejector barely 4160. In at least one such embodiment, the staple pushers 4162 may be located within one or more slots 4163 in holder 4160 ejectors, wherein the side walls of the grooves 4163 may help guide the pushers 4162 upwardly staples toward the anvil. In various embodiments, the brackets 4120 can be supported in the grooves 4163 using the ejector brackets 4162, in at least one embodiment, the brackets 4120 can be completely inside the grooves 4163 when the brackets 4120 and the ejector brackets 4162 are in the inactive positions. In other specific embodiments, at least a portion of the brackets 4120 may extend upward through the open ends 4161 of the grooves 4163 when the brackets 4120 and the ejectors of the brackets 4162 are in non-activated positions. In at least one such embodiment, as primarily presented in FIG. 74, the bases of the brackets 4120 can be located inside the holder of the ejectors 4160, and the ends of the brackets 4120 can be placed inside the housing of the compressible cartridge 4110. In certain embodiments, approximately one third of the height of the brackets 4120 can be located inside the holder of the ejectors 4160, and approximately two-thirds of the height of the brackets 4120 can located inside the cassette 4110. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 73A, the cassette with brackets 4100 may further comprise, for example, a waterproof casing or membrane 4111 surrounding the cassette 4110 and the ejector holder 4160.

In use, the cassette with brackets 4100 can be located, for example, inside the channel for the cassette with brackets, and the emphasis can be moved to the cassette with brackets 4100 in the closed position. In various embodiments, the emphasis may be in contact with the housing of the compressible cartridge 4110 and compress it as it moves to the closed position. In certain embodiments, the emphasis may not be in contact with the brackets 4120 when it is in the closed position. In other specific embodiments, the implementation of the emphasis may be in contact with the legs of the staples 4120 and at least partially deform the brackets 4120 when it moves to the closed position. In any case, the cassette with brackets 4100 may additionally contain one or more slides 4170, which can be advanced longitudinally inside the cassette with brackets 4100 so that the slide 4170 can sequentially engage the ejectors of the brackets 4162 and move the ejectors of the brackets 4162 and staples 4120 to the stop. In various embodiments, the slide 4170 may slide between the cassette tray with brackets 4180 and the ejectors of the brackets 4162. In embodiments in which closing the stop starts the process of forming the brackets 4120, moving the brackets 4120 up to the stop may complete the forming process and deform the brackets 4120 to their fully formed state, or at least to the necessary height. In embodiments in which the closure of the stop does not deform the brackets 4120, moving the brackets 4120 up to the stop may start and complete the process of forming and deform the brackets 4120 to their fully formed state or at least to the desired height. In various embodiments, the slide 4170 can be advanced from the proximal end of the cassette with brackets 4100 to the distal end of the cassette with brackets 4100 so that the brackets 4120 located on the proximal end of the cassette with brackets 4100 are fully formed before the brackets are fully formed 4120 located at the distal end of the cassette with brackets 4100. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 75, each slide 4170 may comprise at least one inclined, or deviated, surface 4711, which may be configured to slip under the ejectors of the brackets 4162 and raise the ejectors of the brackets 4162, as shown in FIG. 76.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the brackets 4120 may be formed so as to capture at least a portion of the fabric T and at least a portion of the compressible cartridge case 4110 with brackets 4100. After the brackets 4120 are formed, the stop and channel for the cartridge with the staples of the surgical stapling instrument 4130 can be moved away from the implanted cassette with the staples 4100. In various situations, the pallet for the cassette 4180 can be fixedly engaged with the channel for the cassette with staples 4130, and thus, the pallet can I cassette 4180 can be separated from the body of compressible cassette 4110 when cassette pulling channel 4130 of staple cartridge 4110. implanted housing In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 73, the cassette tray 4180 may include opposing side walls 4181 between which the cassette 4110 can be removably disposed between. In at least one such embodiment, the compressible cassette 4110 can be compressed between the side walls 4181 so that during In use, the cartridge case 4110 could be held between them removably, and when the tray for the cartridge 4180 was pulled out, it could be detached to release from the tray for the cartridge 4180. In at least one such case, Rianta of the ejector holder 4160 may be coupled with the cassette tray 4180 so that the ejector holder 4160, the pushers 4162 and / or 4170 can slide a pallet to remain in the cassette 4180 while removing the tray for cassette 4180 of the surgical field. In other specific embodiments, ejectors 4162 can be removed from ejector holder 4160 and left in the operative field. In at least one such embodiment, ejectors 4162 can be formed from a bioabsorbable material, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade name Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglecaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trade name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In various embodiments, the pushers 4162 can be attached to the brackets 4120 so that the pushers 4162 are placed together with the brackets 4120. In at least one such embodiment, each pusher 4162 may include a groove configured to receive, for example, the bases of the brackets 4120, moreover, in at least one embodiment, the grooves can be made with the possibility of accepting the base of the staples by the method of installation with interference or snap-fit.

In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, the ejector holder 4160 and / or the slide 4170 can be removed from the tray for the cartridge 4180. In at least one such embodiment, the carrier 4170 can slide between the cartridge tray 4180 and the ejector holder 4160 thus so that the slide 4170 can move the holder of the ejectors 4160 upward from the tray for the cartridge 4180, when the slide 4170 is advanced to push the ejectors staples 4162 and staples 4120 up. In at least one such embodiment, the ejector holder 4160 and / or the slide 4170 may be formed from a bioabsorbable material, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade name Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trade name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In various embodiments, the slide 4170 may be formed in one and / or may be attached to a push rod or a cutting element that pushes the slide 4170 through the cassette 4100. In such embodiments, the slide 4170 may not be removed from the tray 4180 and may leave on the surgical stapling instrument, while in other embodiments, in which the slide 4170 is not attached to the push rod, the slide 4170 can be left in the surgical field. In any case, in addition to the above, the compressibility of the cassette 4110 allows the use of wider cassettes with brackets inside the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument, since the cassette 4110 can compress when the stop of the stapling instrument is closed. In certain embodiments, as a result of at least partial deformation of the staples, when closing the stop, taller staples can be used, such as, for example, staples approximately 4.57 mm (0.18 in) high, with approximately 3.05 mm (0.12 inches) from the height of the staples may be located inside the compressible layer 4110, and wherein the compressible layer 4110 in the uncompressed state may have a height of, for example, approximately 3.56 mm (0.14 inches).

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 77-80, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4200, may comprise a compressible cassette 4210 body, a plurality of brackets 4220 located therein, and a plurality of flexible side support elements 4234. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 78, a cassette with brackets 4200 may be located between the stop 4240 and the channel for the cassette with brackets 4230, and in at least one embodiment, side support elements 4234 can be attached to the cassette channel with brackets 4230. When moving downward, the stop 4240 compresses the cassette body 4210 and at least partially deforms the brackets 4220, as shown in FIG. 79, the side portions of the cassette 4210 can be pulled out on the sides and push the side support elements 4234 out. In at least one such embodiment, the side support members 4234 may be attached to the cassette body 4210, and the side support members 4234 may be separated from the cassette 4210, as shown in FIG. 79 when the cassette body 4210 is distributed on the sides, as described above. In at least one embodiment, the lateral support elements 4234 may be adhesive attached to the cassette 4210 body using at least one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. Similar to the above, the closure of the stop 4240 can only partially deform the brackets 4220, and the formation of the brackets 4220 can result in the movement of one or more slides 4270 through the cassette with brackets 4200, as shown in FIG. 80. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 82 and 83, the slide 4270 can advance from the proximal end of the cassette with brackets 4200 to the distal end of the cassette with brackets 4200 using a cutting element 4280. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting element 4280 may be a cutting element, or a scalpel, 4283, which can advance through the fabric T and / or the housing of the compressible cartridge 4210. In certain embodiments, the cutting element 4280 may comprise cam elements 4282 that can move along the outer surfaces of the jaws 4230 and 4240 and move or hold branches in position. In various embodiments, as a result of the foregoing, the final shape may be attached to the brackets 4220 at the same time or at least substantially simultaneously with the cutting of the tissue T. In at least one such embodiment, the slide 4270 may be located distally relative to the scalpel 4283 so that the fabric T, for example, was cut only when the previous part of the fabric was completely stapled.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 82 and 83, the slide 4270 may comprise individual sliding members that are advanced together by the cutting member 4280. In at least one such embodiment, the slide 4270 may be inside the cassette with brackets 4200, and the trigger 4280 may advance into the cassette with brackets 4200 using the trigger rod 4281 so that the cutting element 4280 engages the slide 4270 and moves them distally. In certain embodiments, the slide 4270 may be coupled to each other. In any case, each slide 4270 may comprise an inclined surface, or cam, 4271, which may be configured to lift the brackets 4220 aligned within a row of staples. In certain embodiments, the inclined surfaces 4271 may be formed in one with the cutting element 4280. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 82 and 83, each bracket 4200 may include a base, at least one deformable element extending from the base, and a head 4229 molded onto and / or located around at least a portion of the base and / or deformable elements of the bracket 4200. In various embodiments such heads 4229 can be directly ejected, for example, by a slide 4270. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the heads 4229 of the brackets 4220 can be made so that the inclined surfaces 4 271 skids 4270 could slip under the heads 4229 and directly contact with them without placing between them the ejector brackets. In such embodiments, each head 4229 may comprise at least one interacting inclined, or deviated, surface that can engage with the inclined surface 4271 of the slide 4270 so that the interacting inclined surfaces can push the brackets 4220 upward when the slide 4270 slides under the brackets 4220.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 81, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4300, may include a compressible cassette 4310 and a plurality of brackets 4320 located inside the compressible cassette 4310. Similar to the above, the cassette with brackets 4300 may include flexible side support elements 4334, which can be attached to the channel for the cartridge with brackets and / or adhesive attached to the housing of the compressible cartridge 4310. In addition to the above, the flexible side support elements 4334 can be connected to each other using one or more beams, or dinitelnyh elements 4335 that may be configured to hold the lateral support members 4334 together. In use, the connecting elements 4335 may be configured to prevent or at least prevent premature separation of the side supporting elements 4334 from the cassette body 4310. In certain embodiments, the connecting elements 4335 may be configured to hold the side supporting elements 4334 together after compressing the cassette with staples 4300 focusing. In such embodiments, the lateral support elements 4334 may resist lateral bending or displacement of the side portions of the cartridge case 4310. In certain embodiments, a cutting element, such as, for example, a cutting element 4280, may be able to laterally cut the connecting elements 4335 when moving the cutting element 4280 distally inside the cartridge case 4310. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting element 4280 may be configured to push one or more a slide, such as, for example, a slide 4270, distally to form staples 4320 focusing. The slide 4270 can guide the cutting edge 4283 so that the cutting element 4280 does not cut the connecting element 4335 until the brackets 4320 adjacent to this connecting element 4335 are completely formed or at least formed to the required height. In various situations, the connecting elements 4335 together with the side support elements 4334 can prevent or at least reduce the lateral movement of the housing of the compressible cartridge 4310 and at the same time prevent or at least reduce the lateral movement of the brackets 4320 located inside the cartridge case 4310. In such situations, the connecting elements 4335 can hold the brackets 4320 in position until they are deformed, after which the connecting elements 4335 can be dissected to release the side parts to cartridge case 4310. As described above, the side support members 4334 can be connected to the cassette channel with brackets and thus can be removed from the surgical field with the cassette channel with brackets after implantation of the cassette with brackets 4300. In certain embodiments, the side brackets supporting elements 4334 can be formed from implantable material and remain in the surgical field. In at least one embodiment, the connecting elements 4335 may be located between the cartridge case 4310 and the tissue T, and after separating the connecting elements 4335 from the side support elements 4334, the connecting elements 4335 may remain implanted in the patient. In at least one such embodiment, the connecting elements 4335 may be formed of implantable material, and in certain embodiments, the connecting elements 4335 may be formed, for example, of the same material as the side support elements 4334. In various embodiments, the connecting elements 4335 and / or side support elements 4334 may be formed from a flexible bioabsorbable material, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade name Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglecaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trade name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In various embodiments, the connecting element may comprise a sheet of material connecting to the side support elements 4334. In certain embodiments, the cassette with brackets may include connecting elements passing through the upper surface of the cassette 4310, as well as connecting elements passing around the lower surface of the cassette 4310 .

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 84, the cassette with brackets may comprise staples, such as, for example, staples 4420, which may include a wire portion inserted in a portion of the head. In at least one embodiment, the wire portion may be formed of a metal, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel, and / or plastic, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA). In at least one embodiment, the head portion may be formed of metal, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel, and / or plastic, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA). In certain embodiments, the wire portion of each bracket 4420 may comprise a base 4422 and deformable legs 4421 extending from the base 4422, the portion of the head of each bracket 4420 may comprise a head 4429 that may be configured to receive at least a portion of the base 4422. To assemble together parts of each bracket 4420, as shown in FIG. 85A-85C, the legs 4421 of the wire portion can be inserted into the hole 4426 in the head 4429, and the hole 4426 can be configured to guide the legs 4421 into the chamber for the base 4427. The wire portion can be further inserted into the head 4429 so that the legs 4421 exited the chamber for the base 4427, and the base 4422 of the wire portion entered the chamber for the base 4427. In at least one such embodiment, the chamber for the base 4427 may be rotatable within the head 4429 when the base 4422 is inserted into the base chamber 4427 so that the legs of the bracket 4421 are directed upward or at least substantially upward. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 84, head 4429 may include outlet openings 4425, which may be configured to receive legs of brackets 4421.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the surgical stapling instrument may include a slide 4470 configured to extend laterally through the cassette with brackets 4400 and the channel for the cassette with brackets 4430 and move the brackets 4420 located inside the cassette 4410 to emphasis. In various situations, the slide 4470 can move from the proximal end of the cassette channel with brackets 4430 to the distal end of the channel for the cassette 4430 for implantation of the cassette 4410 and the brackets 4420. In certain situations, the slide 4470 can be retracted or returned to the proximal end of the channel for the cassette 4430, and another cassette with brackets 4400 can be inserted into the channel for cassette 4430. After placing a new cassette with brackets 4400 inside the channel for cassette 4430, the slide 4470 can be distally advanced again. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument may include one or more blocking elements that can prevent re-advancement of the slide 4470 distally without placing a new cassette with brackets 4400 inside the channel for the cassette 4430. In at least one such embodiment as shown in FIG. 84, the channel for the cassette with brackets 4430 may include a locking arm 4439, which can be configured to prevent or at least restrict the distal movement of the slide 4470. More specifically, the slide 4470 can be abutted against the shoulder 4439 if the slide 4470 is not will be at least partially raised up above shoulder 4439 using, for example, a lifting member 4428 extending between the most proximal staples 4420 inside the cassette with staples 4400. In other words, the slide 4470 cannot be moved forward in the absence of the most proximal staples 4420 in the new cassette with brackets 4400. Thus, if the used cassette with brackets 4400 is in the channel for the cassette 4430 or if the cassette with brackets 4400 is completely missing in the channel for the cassette 4430, the rails 4470 cannot be moved into the channel for cassettes 4430.

In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 86, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4500, may be located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530 and may include a compressible cassette 4510, a plurality of brackets 4520 located inside the cassette 4510, and a cassette tray, or holder , 4580. In various embodiments, the housing of the compressible cartridge 4510 may comprise an outer layer 4511 and an inner layer 4512, wherein in at least one embodiment, the outer layer 4511 may hermetically enclose the inner layer 4512. In at least one such variation In this embodiment, the outer layer 4511 may extend between the inner layer 4512 and the cassette tray 4580. In other specific embodiments, the outer layer 4511 can only partially surround the inner layer 4512, and in at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 4511 and the cassette tray 4580 may together comprise, or at least substantially enclose, an inner layer 4512. In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the brackets 4520 may be supported by a cassette tray 4580, whereby n for cartridge 4580 may comprise one or more bracket support channels configured to support brackets 4520. In certain embodiments, cartridge tray 4580 may be attached to cartridge case 4510, wherein in at least one such embodiment, cartridge case 4510 may be sandwiched between the opposite side walls of the cassette tray 4580. In various embodiments, the side walls of the cassette tray 4580 may support the cassette body 4510 on the sides, and at least one such embodiment, the cassette tray 4580 may comprise one or more walls, or ribs, 4582 extending upward from the lower support member 4583 into the cassette body 4510. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette body 4510 may comprise one or more grooves, or channels that can be configured to receive and / or engage walls 4582. In various embodiments, walls 4582 can extend partially or nearly the entire length of the cassette body 4510. In at least one such Rianta of the wall 4582 may extend longitudinally through the cassette 4500 between the first row of staples 4520 and a second row of staples 4520.

In various embodiments, the cassette body 4510 and / or the cassette tray 4580 may include interacting holding elements that can provide a snap connection between the cassette tray 4580 and the cassette body 4510. In certain embodiments, the cassette with brackets 4500 may be inside the channel for the cassette 4530 so that the tray for the cartridge 4580 was located close to the channel for the cartridge 4530 and / or was attached to it. In at least one embodiment, the cassette tray 4580 can be detachably connected to the cassette channel 4530 so that after compressing the cassette with the brackets 4500 with an emphasis 4540 and deforming the brackets 4520, the cassette pallet 4580 can be separated from the channel for the cassette 4530 and implanted into the cassette housing 4510. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette tray 4580 may be formed from a bioabsorbable material, such as, for example, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade name Vicryl polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglecaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trade name Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In certain embodiments, the surgical stapler may further comprise a trigger and / or ejector that can slide between the cassette channel with brackets 4530 and the lower ejection surface on the cassette tray 4580, which may be configured to lift or remove the cassette tray 4580 from the channel for the cartridge 4530. In certain embodiments, the housing of the cartridge 4510 can be detachably connected to the tray for the cartridge 4580 so that after compression of the cartridge with the brackets 4500, the stop 4540 and the deformation of the brackets 4520, the cartridge case 4510 could be separated from the tray for the cartridge 4580. In at least one such embodiment, the tray for the cartridge 4580 may remain stationary in engagement with the channel for the cartridge 4530 so that the cartridge tray 4580 was removed from the surgical field along with the cassette channel 4530. In certain embodiments, the surgical stapler may further include a trigger and / or an ejector that can slide between the pallet m for a cartridge with brackets 4580 and a lower ejection surface of the cartridge case 4510, which can be adapted to lift or remove the cartridge case 4510 from the tray for the cartridge 4580. In at least one such embodiment, the cartridge with brackets 4500 may further comprise staple ejectors, located between the cartridge tray 4580 and the brackets 4520 so that when the trigger is sliding, the distal ejectors of the brackets and staples 4520 can be pushed up to the stop. In at least one such embodiment, the bracket ejectors may be at least partially placed within the housing of the compressible cartridge 4510.

In various embodiments similar to those described above, the cassette with brackets 4500 may include a blocking element that can be configured to prevent or at least limit the distal movement of the cutting element until an inactive cassette with brackets is located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530 4500. In certain embodiments, the cassette tray with brackets 4580 may include a surface that lifts the cutting element up and above the locking surface Inside, for example, a channel for the staple cartridge 4530. If the channel cassette 4530 no cassette staples 4500 comprising a tray cassette 4580, the promotion of the cutting element is not possible. In at least one embodiment, the most proximal staples and / or any other suitable staples inside the cassette with brackets 4500 may include a lifting surface capable of sufficiently raising the cutting element above the blocking surface. In addition to or instead of the above, various parts of the cassette with brackets 4500 may be formed from materials having different colors. In such embodiments, the surgeon may be able to visually identify the presence of an unactivated and / or activated cassette with brackets in the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530. In at least one such embodiment, the outer layer 4511 of the cassette body 4510 may have a first color cassette tray 4580 may have a second color, and the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530 may have a third color. When the surgeon sees the first color, he can determine that the inactive cassette 4500 is in the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530. When the surgeon sees the second color, he can determine that the activated cassette 4500 is in the channel for the cassette with brackets 4530 and that the remaining tray for cassette 4580. When the surgeon sees the third color, he can determine that there are no parts of the cassette with brackets 4500 in the channel for cassette 4530.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 87, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4600, may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 4610 and a plurality of brackets 4620 located therein. Cassette case 4610 may comprise an outer layer 4611 and an inner layer 4612. In certain embodiments, the inner layer 4612 may comprise a plurality of recesses formed therein, such as, for example, recesses or cavities, 4615, which may cause creasing of the cassette 4610. In at least one such embodiment, the inner layer 4612 may contain amb pleated or honeycomb, frame which can be adapted to withstand a compressive force, or pressure, yet the compressive force, or pressure, exceeds a certain threshold. If the threshold value is not exceeded, the inner layer 4612 may be deformed with a linear or at least substantially linear relationship with respect to the applied compressive force or pressure. If the compressive force, or pressure, exceeds a threshold value, the inner layer 4612 can abruptly give in to the compressive load and become very bent or wrinkled. In various embodiments, the skeleton of the inner layer 4612 may be formed from a plurality of sublayers 4612a that can be connected to each other. In at least one embodiment, each sublayer 4612a may comprise a plurality of intermittent grooves and ribs, or waves, which can be aligned with the alternating grooves and ribs of an adjacent sublayer 4612a. In at least one such embodiment, the grooves of the first sublayer 4612a can be adjacent to the ribs of the second sublayer 4612a, and the edges of the first sublayer 4612a can be similarly adjacent to the grooves of the second sublayer 4612a. In various embodiments, adjacent sublayers 4612a may be adhered to each other and / or to the outer layer 4611 using at least one adhesive, such as, for example, fibrin and / or protein hydrogel. In FIG. 88 shows a cassette with brackets 4600 after crushing the cassette 4610 and deforming the staples 4620 to grip and hold fabric T close to the cassette 4610.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 89-91, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4700, may comprise a housing of a compressible implantable cassette 4710 and a plurality of brackets 4720 located inside the cassette 4710. Similar to the above, the cassette 4710 may include an outer layer 4711 and an inner layer 4712, the inner layer 4712 may contain many sublayers 4712a. Also similar to the above, each sublayer 4712a may comprise intermittent grooves 4717 and ribs 4718 that can be aligned with each other to form recesses, or cavities, 4715 between them. In at least one such embodiment, grooves 4717 and / or ribs 4718 may extend along axes that are parallel to each other and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis 4709. In various embodiments, the brackets 4720 may be aligned in a plurality of rows of staples that may extend along axes that are parallel to each other and / or arallelny longitudinal axis 4709. In various alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 87 and 88, the brackets 4620 contained in the cartridge case 4600 may extend along axes that are transverse or perpendicular to the axes formed by the grooves and ribs of the sublayers 4612a. As represented in FIG. 89-91, the brackets 4720 may extend through grooves 4717 and ribs 4718, and the frictional force between the brackets 4720 and the sub-layers 4712a can hold the brackets 4720 inside the cassette 4710. In certain embodiments, the plurality of sub-layers 4712a may be formed of a supporting material and / or plastic material, such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA), which can be configured to hold the brackets 4720, for example, in a standing position and / or to keep the brackets 4720 aligned with each other, as Leno in FIG. 89 and 90. In FIG. 91 shows a cassette with brackets 4700 after crushing the cassette 4710 and deforming the brackets 4720 to grip and hold the fabric T close to the cassette 4710.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 89-91, the cassette body 4710 can flexibly or elastically wrinkle upon compression. In at least one such embodiment, waves generated in each sublayer 4712a by grooves 4717 and ribs 4718 can become flat or at least substantially flat when the cassette 4710 is compressed, resulting in wrinkled or at least substantially crushed formed between they are cavities 4715. In various situations, the cassette body 4710 or at least part of the cassette body 4710 may experience elastic or elastic backward expansion after the compressive force or pressure is removed from the cassette body 4710. In at least one such embodiment, the engagement between the grooves 4717 and the ribs 4718 of adjacent sublayers 4712a can remain intact or at least substantially intact when compressing the cassette body 4710 so that after the compressive force is removed from the cassette body 4710, the sublayer 4712a can move relative to each other and, thus, at least partially again expand the cassette body 4710. In certain embodiments, the cassette body 4710 may undergo plastic deformation or crushing under compression, and, t kim, the cartridge housing 4710 may not experience despreading after removing from it a compressive force, or pressure. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 92, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4800, may comprise a casing of a crushable cassette 4810 comprising an outer layer 4811 and an inner layer 4812, the inner layer 4812 may comprise a folded, honeycomb, frame having a plurality of recesses formed therein , or cavities, 4815. In various embodiments, the walls forming the frame of the inner layer 4812 may contain one or more weakened, or thin, sections 4819, which can be designed so that the walls forming the frame break compressing the cartridge housing 4810. In such situations, the cassette housing 4810 may be crushed when the staple cartridge 4800 of implantation.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 93-95, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 4900, may comprise a cassette body 4910 comprising an outer layer 4911 and a plurality of crease elements 4912 located, for example, between the upper and lower parts of the outer layer 4911. As, the main as shown in FIG. 93 and 94, the cassette with brackets 4900 may further comprise a plurality of brackets 4920, each bracket 4920 may be located inside the crease element 4912. More specifically, each crease element 4912 may comprise a first part 4912a, a second part 4012b and a third part 4012c, which together form a cavity 4915 configured to receive a bracket 4920. In addition to the above described during use, the cassette with brackets 4900 can be located inside the channel for the cassette with brackets, and to the surface 4919 in contact with the fabric yt applied compressive force for compressing the cassette body 4910. When moving tissue contacting surface 4919 downwards collapsible elements 4912 may wrinkle. In such situations, the second part 4912b of each crease element 4912 can be wrinkled into the corresponding first part 4912a, and similarly, the third part 4912c of each crease element 4912 can be wrinkled into the corresponding second part 4912b. By compressing the cassette body 4910 and creasing the crease elements 4912, the brackets 4920 located inside the crease elements 4912 can deform, as shown in FIG. 95. In various embodiments, the second part 4912b of each crease member 4912 can be engaged by friction and / or pressed into the corresponding first part 4912a so that the first part 4912a and the second part 4912b can begin to slide relative to each other as soon as the compressive force applied to the crease member 4912 exceeds the holding force holding the first part 4912a and the second part 4912b in the extended position (FIG. 94). Similarly, the third part 4912c of each crease member 4912 can be engaged by friction and / or pressed into the corresponding second part 4912b so that the second part 4912b and the third part 4912c can begin to slide relative to each other as soon as the compressive force applied to the crease member 4912 exceeds the holding force holding the second part 4912b and the third part 4912c in the extended position (FIG. 94).

In many of the embodiments described herein, a staple cartridge may comprise a plurality of staples. In various embodiments, such brackets may be formed of a metal wire deformed into a substantially U-shape configuration with two legs of the bracket. Other embodiments are possible in which the brackets may have different configurations, such as two or more wires connected together with three or more legs of the bracket. In various embodiments, the wire or wires used to form the brackets may have a circular or at least substantially circular cross-section. In at least one embodiment, the staple wires may have any other suitable cross section, such as, for example, a square and / or rectangular cross section. In certain embodiments, the staples may be formed of plastic wire. In at least one embodiment, the staples may be formed of plastic coated metal wire. In various embodiments, the cassette may include any type of fastener in addition to or instead of staples. In at least one such embodiment, such a fastener may comprise pivotable arms that fold when engaged with the stop. In certain embodiments, two-part fasteners may be used. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette with brackets may comprise a plurality of first parts of the fastener, and the stop may comprise a plurality of second parts of the fastener that connect to the first parts of the fastener when the stop is pressed against the cassette with brackets. In certain embodiments, as described above, the slide or ejector can advance inside the staple cassette to complete the staple formation process. In certain embodiments, the slide or ejector can advance inside the abutment to move one or more forming elements down to engage them with the opposite cassette and with staples or fasteners located inside the cassette.

In various embodiments described herein, a staple cartridge may contain four rows of staples stored therein. In at least one embodiment, four rows of brackets may be located in two inner rows of brackets and two outer rows of brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the inner row of brackets and the outer row of brackets can be located on the first side of the groove for the cutting element, or the scalpel, inside the cassette with brackets, and the inner row of brackets and the outer row of brackets can likewise be located on the second side of the groove for cutting element, or scalpel. In certain embodiments, the cassette with brackets may not contain a groove for the cutting element; however, instead of the groove for the cassette with brackets, such a cassette with brackets may contain a special part adapted to be cut by the cutting element. In various embodiments, the implementation of the inner rows of staples can be located inside the cassette with staples so that they are at equal or at least substantially equal distance from the groove for the cutting element. Similarly, the outer rows of staples can be located inside the cassette with staples so that they are at equal or at least substantially equal distance from the groove for the cutting element. In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets may contain more or less than four rows of brackets stored therein. In at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge may comprise six rows of staples. In at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge may comprise three rows of staples on the first side of the groove for the cutting element and three rows of staples on the second side of the groove for the cutting element. In certain embodiments, the staple cartridge may contain an odd number of rows of staples. For example, a cassette with brackets may contain two rows of brackets on the first side of the groove for the cutting element and three rows of brackets on the second side of the groove for the cutting element. In various embodiments, the rows of staples may comprise staples of the same or at least substantially the same height of the unformed staple. In other specific embodiments, one or more rows of staples may comprise staples with a height of unformed staple other than the height of the other staples. In at least one such embodiment, the brackets on the first side of the groove for the cutting element may have a first height in the unformed state, and the brackets on the second side of the groove for the cutting element may have a second height in the unformed state, which, for example, differs from the first height.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 96A-96D, the end effector of a surgical stapling instrument may include a cassette attachment portion, such as, for example, a cassette channel with brackets 5030, a cassette with fasteners, removably located in a cassette channel with brackets 5030, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 5000, and a jaw 5040 located opposite the cartridge with brackets 5000 and the channel for the cartridge with brackets 5030. The cartridge with brackets 5000 may include a compressible housing 5010 and a plurality of brackets 5020 and / or any other suitable fasteners, at least partially located in a compressible housing 5010. In at least one such embodiment, each bracket 5020 may comprise a base 5022, as well as legs 5021 extending upward from the base 5022, wherein at least a portion of the legs 5021 may be housed in the cartridge case 5010. In various In embodiments, the compressible housing 5010 may comprise an upper or fabric contacting surface 5019 and a lower surface 5018, the lower surface 5018 may be adjacent to the supporting surface 5031 of the cassette with brackets 5030 and supporting fight with her. Similarly to the above, the supporting surface 5031 may contain, for example, a plurality of support grooves 5032 formed therein (FIG. 96D), which can be adapted to receive and support the bases 5022 of the brackets 5020. In various embodiments, the end effector of a surgical stapling instrument may further comprise a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5050, which can be adapted to engage the staples 5020 and trap tissue between the matrix and the staples. In at least one such embodiment, the retaining matrix 5050 can be removably mounted on the jaw 5040. During use, after the cassette with brackets 5000 is located in the channel for the cassette with brackets 5030, the jaw 5040 and the holding matrix 5050 attached thereto can move to the cassette with brackets 5000 and the channel for the cassette with brackets 5030. In at least one embodiment, the jaw 5040 can move down along the axis 5099 so that the jaw 5040 and the channel for the cassette with brackets 5030 remain parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other when the jaw 5040 is closed. More specifically, in at least one such embodiment, the jaw 5040 can be closed so that the tissue-contacting surface 5051 of the holding matrix 5050 remains parallel or at least substantially parallel to the tissue-contacting surface 5019 of the cassette with brackets 5000 while moving the jaw 5040 to cassette with brackets 5000.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 96A, the holding matrix 5050 can be detachably fixed to the jaw 5040 so that the relative movement between the holding matrix 5050 and the jaw 5040 when the matrix 5050 is attached to the jaw 5040 is small or absent. In at least one embodiment, the jaw 5040 may comprise one or more retaining elements, which may be configured to hold the retaining matrix 5050 in position. In at least one such embodiment, the retaining matrix 5050 may be snap-fit and / or tightened into the jaw 5040. In certain embodiments, the holding matrix 5050 may be adhesive attached to the jaw 5040 using at least one adhesive. In any case, the jaw 5040 can be moved to a position where the holding matrix 5050 is in contact with the fabric T and the fabric T is placed close to the fabric contact surface 5019 of the cassette with brackets 5000. When the fabric T is placed close to the cassette with brackets 5000 using the jaw 5040, the compressible cassette body 5010 with the brackets 5000 may or may not be compressed by the jaw 5040. In any situation, in various embodiments, the legs 5021 of the brackets 5200 may not protrude through the tissue-contacting surface 5019 of the cartridge with brackets 5000, as presented in FIG. 96A. Moreover, as presented in FIG. 96A, the jaw 5040 can hold tissue T close to the compressible body 5010 without engaging the holding matrix 5050 with brackets 5020. Such embodiments allow the surgeon to repeatedly open and close the jaw 5040, for example, to achieve the desired position of the end effector in the surgical field without damaging the tissue T. However, other embodiments are possible in which the ends of the brackets 5023 can protrude from the tissue-contacting surface 5019 until the cassette 5010 is compressed by the stop 5040. After the end effector is located which is suitably as presented in FIG. 96B, the jaw 5040 can be moved downward to the cassette channel with brackets 5030 so that the compressible body 5010 is pressed by the stop 5040 and that the tissue contact surface 5019 is moved downward relative to the brackets 5020. When pushing the fabric contacting surface 5019 downward, the tips 5023 the legs of the staples 5021 can puncture the tissue contact surface 5019 and puncture at least a portion of the fabric T. In such situations, the holding matrix 5050 can be positioned above the staples 5020 so that the holding holes 5052 hold vayuschey matrix 5050 are aligned or at least substantially aligned with the tips 5023 of staples 5021 feet.

By pushing down the holding matrix 5050 along the axis 5099, as shown in FIG. 96C, the legs 5021 of the brackets 5020 may fit into the holding holes 5052. In various embodiments, the legs of the brackets 5021 may engage the side walls of the holding holes 5052. In certain embodiments, as described in more detail below, the holding matrix 5050 may comprise one or more holding elements, extending inward and / or around the holding holes 5052, which can engage the legs of the brackets 5021. In any case, the legs of the brackets 5021 can be held in the holding holes 5052. In various situations, the tips 5023 of the legs of the brackets 5 021 can enter retaining holes 5052 and engage the retaining elements and / or side walls of the holes 5052 by friction. When pushing the retaining matrix 5050 toward the bases 5022 of the brackets 5020, the legs of the brackets 5021 can slide relative to the side walls and / or the holding elements. As a result of the above, between the legs of the brackets 5021 and the holding matrix 5050, a sliding friction force can be generated, and such a sliding friction force can create resistance when the holding matrix 5050 is inserted onto the brackets 5020. In various embodiments, when the holding matrix 5050 is slid down along the legs 5021 of the brackets 5020 the sliding friction force between the holding matrix 5050 and the brackets 5020 may be constant or at least substantially constant. In certain embodiments, the sliding friction force may increase and / or decrease during the sliding of the holding matrix 5050 down along the legs of the brackets 5021 due to variations in the geometric shape of the legs of the brackets 5021, the holding holes 5052 and / or the holding elements extending in and / or around, for example, retaining holes 5052. In various embodiments, the compressible cartridge case 5010 with brackets 5000 may also resist when the retaining matrix 5050 is inserted into the brackets 5020. More specifically, the compressible core the jig 5010 can be formed, for example, of an elastic material that can exert a counteracting force on the holding matrix 5050, which increases as the distance that the compressible housing 5010 is compressed increases. In at least one such embodiment, the increase in the opposing force created by the housing cassettes 5010 may be linearly proportional or at least substantially linearly proportional to the distance the cassette 5010 is compressed. In certain embodiments, the increase in the counteracting force generated by the cassette body 5010 can be proportionally or at least substantially proportionally exponentially to the distance by which the cassette 5010 body is compressed.

In various embodiments, in addition to the one described above, a trigger force sufficient to overcome the opposing and frictional forces described above can be applied to the jaw 5040 and the holding matrix 5050. In use, the holding matrix 5050 can be set to any suitable depth relative to the staples 5020. In at least one embodiment, the holding matrix 5050 can be set to such a depth relative to the bases 5022 of the staples 5020 so that two or more layers of fabric are secured together and created inside tissue compressive force, or pressure. In various situations, a system comprising a holding matrix 5050 and staples 5020 may allow the surgeon to select the amount of compressive force or pressure applied to the tissue, choosing the depth at which the holding matrix 5050 is set. For example, the holding matrix 5050 can push down to the brace bases 5022 5020 until the holding matrix 5050 is installed at a certain depth 5011 from the bottom of the support grooves 5032, and with a smaller value of depth 5011, the compressive force or pressure applied to the fabric T, may be greater than at a larger depth 5011, at which the compressive force or pressure exerted on the fabric T may be less. In various embodiments, the compressive forces or pressures applied to the fabric T may be linearly proportional or at least substantially linearly proportional to the depth 5011 onto which the holding matrix 5050 is mounted. In various situations, compressive forces or pressures applied to the fabric T , may depend on the thickness of the fabric T located between the holding matrix 5050 and the cassette with brackets 5020. More specifically, at a specified distance 5011 compressive forces, or pressures, with a thicker layer of fabric T can be l more than with a thinner layer of tissue T.

In various situations, in addition to the above, the surgeon can adjust the depth at which the retaining matrix 5050 is installed to take into account the thicker and / or thinner tissue located in the end effector, as well as to apply a specific or predetermined pressure to tissue T independently from its thickness. For example, the surgeon may set the holding matrix 5050 to a shallower depth 5011 when stitching a thinner tissue T or to a greater depth 5011 when stitching a thicker tissue T to obtain the same or at least substantially the same compressive pressure within the tissue. In certain embodiments, in addition to the one described above, the surgeon can selectively determine the amount of compressive pressure applied to the tissue T located between the holding matrix 5050 and the cassette with brackets 5010. In various situations, the surgeon can engage the holding matrix 5050 with brackets 5020 and place it on a first distance from the bases 5022 of the staples 5020 to apply a first compressive pressure to the fabric. In an alternative embodiment, the surgeon may position the holding matrix 5050 at a second distance from the bases 5022, which is less than the first distance, to apply a second compressive pressure to the tissue that is greater than the first pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the surgeon may position the holding matrix 5050 at a third distance from the bases 5022, which is less than the second distance, to apply a third compressive pressure to the tissue that is greater than the second pressure. In various embodiments, a crosslinking system comprising a holding matrix 5050 and staples 5020 may be configured such that the surgeon is able to apply a wide range of compressive pressures to the target tissue.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 96D, the legs of the brackets 5021 can be inserted through the holding matrix 5050 so that the ends of the legs of the brackets 5023 extend above the upper surface of the holding matrix 5050. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 96C, the jaw 5040 may further comprise separating holes 5042 formed therein, which may be configured to receive the ends of the legs of the brackets 5023 as they pass through the retaining holes 5052 in the holding matrix 5050. In at least one such embodiment, the separating holes 5042 may be aligned with the holding holes 5052 so that the legs 5021 do not come in contact with the jaw 5040. In various embodiments, the separation holes 5042 may have a depth sufficient to allow to staples 5021 feet do not contact jaws 5040 no matter at what depth set retaining matrix 5050. After engaging the retaining clips 5020 of matrix 5050 and setting it in the desired position, as shown in FIG. 96D, the cassette channel with brackets 5030 and jaw 5040 can be moved away from tissue T. More specifically, the cassette channel with brackets 5030 can be disconnected from the implanted cassette with brackets 5000, and the stop 5040 can be disconnected from the implanted holding matrix 5050. When moving the jaw 5040 from the holding matrix 5050 and moving the support elements of the brackets 5032 from the bases of the brackets 5022, the distance 5011 between the holding matrix 5050 and the bottom of the bases 5022 can be maintained even if the jaw 5040 and the cassette channel with brackets 5030 are no longer supported neigh them. In various embodiments, the static frictional force between the legs of the brackets 5021 and the holding matrix 5050 may be sufficient to keep the holding matrix 5050 in position despite the biasing force exerted by the compressed cassette body 5010 and / or the compressed fabric T. At least. in at least one such embodiment, the cassette body 5010 may be formed of an elastic material which, in a compressed state, can exert an elastic biasing force on the holding matrix 5050 and the brackets 5020 in such a way Oba retaining matrix 5050 and braces 5020 sought to repel each other, although such movement is opposed to the friction between the legs of the brackets 5021 and 5050 hold the matrix.

In various embodiments, as described above, the holding matrix may comprise a plurality of holding holes, with each holding hole being able to receive a leg of the fastener. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 97, a portion of the holding matrix 5150 may include a holding hole 5152, which is defined by the perimeter 5156. In various embodiments, the perimeter 5156 of the hole 5152 may have a circular or at least substantially circular profile and / or any other suitable profile. In certain embodiments, the holding matrix 5150 may comprise one or more holding elements, such as, for example, holding elements 5153 that can extend into the opening 5152 and can be engaged to engage the legs of the fastener when it is inserted into the hole. In at least one such embodiment, each holding member 5153 may comprise a cantilever extending inward to the central axis 5159, i.e. to the center of the hole 5152. In various embodiments, each cantilever may comprise a first end attached to the housing of the holding matrix 5158 and a second end forming the perimeter 5156 of the holding hole 5152. In certain embodiments, the perimeter 5156 of the holding hole 5152 may be defined by a first diameter, or width, and the leg of the fastener may be determined by a second diameter, or width, the second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. In at least one such embodiment, the leg of the fastener may be configured to come into contact and deflect one or more retaining elements 5153 to increase the diameter of the retaining hole 5152 when the legs of the fastener are inserted through it. In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, the leg of the fastener may be defined by a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter 5156 of the holding hole 5152, so that the leg of the fastener can expand the perimeter 5156 when it is inserted into the holding hole.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 97, the opening 5152 may be formed by deformable elements 5153, wherein each deformable element 5153 may be deflectable relative to or independent of other deformable elements 5153. In at least one such embodiment, adjacent deformable elements 5153 may be separated by grooves 5154, which can be made in such a way as to allow each deformable element 5153 to expand relative to other elements. In certain embodiments, each groove 5154 may include a first end 5155 located in the housing of the holding matrix 5158, a second end opening inside the holding hole 5152, and a constant or at least substantially constant width between the first end 5155 and the second end. In other various embodiments, the width of each groove 5154 may be unstable, and the width of each groove 5154 may increase and / or decrease between its first and second ends. In certain embodiments, the first ends 5155 of the grooves 5154 may include an expanded part, such as an annular part, which can, firstly, reduce the stress of the bases of the deformable elements 5153 attached to the housing of the holding matrix 5158, and secondly, a method of increasing the flexibility of the deformable elements 5153. In various embodiments, the geometric shape of the deformable elements 5153 and / or grooves 5154 can be selected so as to provide the deformable elements 5153 with the necessary flexibility. In certain embodiments, the grooves 5154, for example, can be extended to create longer deformable elements 5153, which can be more flexible than deformable elements 5153 of shorter length. In at least one embodiment, the width of each deformable member 5153 may be selected so as to provide the necessary flexibility. More specifically, deformable elements with a smaller width may be more flexible than deformable elements with a larger width. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 97, the first ends of the cantilevers of the deformable elements 5153 attached to the housing of the holding matrix 5158 may be wider than the second ends of the cantilevers. In at least one such embodiment, the cantilevers can linearly or at least substantially linearly narrow between their first and second ends.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 97, the housing of the holding matrix 5158 may comprise a flat or at least substantially flat sheet of material having a fabric contacting surface 5151 and an upper surface 5157. In at least one such embodiment, the fabric contacting surface 5151 and the upper surface 5157 may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other. In various embodiments, each deformable member 5153 may comprise a first part 5153a and a second part 5153b, with the first part 5153a extending in the first direction and the second part 5153b extending in the other or second direction. In at least one such embodiment, the housing of the holding matrix 5158 may form a plane, and the first parts 5153a of the deformable elements 5153 may lie in such a plane. In various embodiments, the second parts 5153b of the deformable members 5153 may extend at an angle relative to the first parts 5153a. In at least one such embodiment, the second parts 5153b may extend in directions extending from the upper surface 5157 of the holding matrix housing 5158, and in certain embodiments, the second parts 5153b may converge to the central axis 5159 of the holding hole 5152. In any case, in various embodiments the implementation of the second parts 5153b can be configured to deviate from the Central axis 5159 when inserting the legs of the fastener through the hole. In embodiments in which the leg 5021 of the bracket 5020 is inserted into the holding hole 5152, the deformable elements 5153 can be deformed in a direction substantially from the bases 5122 of the brackets 5120. Thus, in certain embodiments, the deformable elements 5153 can deviate in a general direction that matches or at least substantially coinciding with the direction in which the legs of the staples 5021 are inserted.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. BD, each of the second parts 5153b of the deformable elements 5153 may comprise a sharp tip, which, for example, can be slidable relative to the leg of the bracket 5021 when the leg of the bracket 5021 is inserted into it. The sharp tips of the second parts 5153b can also be configured to abut against the leg of the bracket 5021 if the leg of the bracket 5021 is to be pulled in the opposite direction, i.e. in the direction of removal of the leg of the bracket 5021 from the holding hole 5052. In certain situations, the second parts 5153b may be deflected relative to the side surface of the legs of the bracket 5021 at an angle of more than 90 degrees, and thus, the second parts 5153b may deepen, or penetrate, into the side surface of the leg staples 5021, when a force is exerted on the leg of the staple 5021 to extend the leg of the staple 5021 from the holding hole 5052. In certain embodiments, the surface of the legs of the staple 5021 may include cutouts and / or recesses, such as for example, microcuts, which, for example, can be adapted to receive the ends of deformable elements 5053. In at least one such embodiment, the ends of deformable elements 5053 can be caught and embedded in the cutouts in the legs of the bracket 5021 when a pulling force is applied to the legs of the bracket 5021. In various embodiments, as a result of the second parts 5153b being inserted into the legs of the bracket 5021, forces seeking to remove the legs of the bracket 5021 from the retaining holes 5022 can only further install the second parts 5153b into the legs of the bracket 5021 and increase the force required to remove the legs of the bracket 5021. Moreover , due to the upward movement of the second parts 5153b in at least one embodiment, the second parts 5153b may be more responsive to the insertion of the legs of the bracket 5021 into the holding hole 5152 and may provide greater resistance to pulling the legs off Oboi 5021. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the force required to insert the legs of the bracket 5021 into the holding hole 5022 may be less than the force required to remove the legs of the bracket 5021 from the holding hole 5022. In various embodiments, the force required to removing the leg of the bracket 5021 from the holding hole 5022 may, for example, be about 50 percent more than the force required to insert the legs of the bracket 5021 into the holding hole 5022. In various other embodiments, the force required the allowance for removing the legs of the bracket 5021 may, for example, be from about 10 to about 100 percent more than the force required to insert the legs of the bracket 5021. In certain embodiments, the force required to remove the legs of the bracket 5021 can be, for example, about 100 percent, about 150 percent, about 200 percent and / or more than about 200 percent more than the force required to insert the legs of the bracket 5021.

In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 97, the second parts 5153b may be arranged in a circle around the hole 5152, and a recess may be formed between them. More specifically, the second parts 5153b may form a recess 5160, which may be configured to receive the tip of the leg of the fastener when it is inserted into the holding hole 5152. In various embodiments, the second parts 5153b of the deformable elements 5153 may include annular or at least substantially annular contours that can together form, for example, an annular or at least substantially annular profile of a recess 1560. In at least one such embodiment, the second portions 5153b may form a recess in the shape of a cone or a truncated cone. In various embodiments, the recess may be formed by a suitable number of deformable elements, such as, for example, four deformable elements 5153 (FIG. 97), six deformable elements 5153 (FIG. 98), or eight deformable elements 5153 (FIG. 99). In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 100, deformable elements of a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5250, may form a pyramidal contour or at least a substantially pyramidal contour. In various embodiments, the holding matrix 5250 may comprise a plurality of holding holes, such as, for example, a holding hole 5252, which may be formed by a perimeter 5256. In various embodiments, the perimeter 5256 may have a polygonal or at least substantially polygonal profile and / or any another suitable profile. In certain embodiments, the holding matrix 5250 may comprise one or more holding elements, such as, for example, holding elements 5253 that extend into the opening 5252 and can be engaged to engage the legs of the fastener when it is inserted through the hole. In at least one such embodiment, each holding member 5253 may comprise a cantilever extending inwardly toward the central axis 5259, i.e. toward the center of the hole 5252. In various embodiments, each cantilever may comprise a first end attached to the housing of the holding matrix 5258 and a second end forming the perimeter 5256 of the holding hole 5252. In certain embodiments, the perimeter 5256 of the holding hole 5252 may be defined by a first diameter, or width, and the leg of the fastener may be determined by a second diameter, or width, the second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. In at least one such embodiment, the leg of the fastener may be configured to contact and deflect one or more retaining elements 5253 to increase the diameter of the retaining hole 5252 when the legs of the fastener are inserted through it. In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, the leg of the fastener may be defined by a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter 5256 of the holding hole 5252, so that the leg of the fastener can expand the perimeter 5256 when it is inserted into the holding hole.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 100, the hole 5252 may be formed by deformable elements 5253, each deformable element 5253 may be deflectable relative to or independently of other deformable elements 5253. In at least one such embodiment, adjacent deformable elements 5253 may be separated by grooves 5254, which can be made in such a way as to allow each deformable element 5253 to expand relative to other elements. In various embodiments, the implementation of the housing of the retaining matrix 5258 may comprise a flat or at least substantially flat sheet of material having a fabric contacting surface 5251 and an upper surface 5257. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue contacting surface 5251 and the upper surface 5257 may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other. In various embodiments, each deformable member 5253 may comprise a first part 5253a and a second part 5253b, with the first part 5253a extending in the first direction and the second part 5253b extending in the other or second direction. In at least one such embodiment, the housing of the holding matrix 5258 may form a plane, and the first parts 5253a of the deformable elements 5253 may lie in such a plane. In various embodiments, the second parts 5253b of the deformable members 5253 may extend at an angle relative to the first parts 5253a. In at least one such embodiment, the second parts 5253b may extend in directions extending from the upper surface 5257 of the housing of the holding matrix 5258, and in certain embodiments, the second parts 5253b may converge to the central axis 5259 of the holding hole 5252. In any case, in various embodiments the implementation of the second parts 5253b can be configured to deviate from the Central axis 5259 when inserting the legs of the fastener through the hole. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 100, the second parts 5253b may be circumferentially around the hole 5252, and a recess may be formed between them. More specifically, the second parts 5253b can form a recess that can be adapted to receive the end of the leg of the fastener when it is inserted into the holding hole 5252. In various embodiments, the second parts 5253b of the deformable elements 5253 can form, for example, polygonal or at least essentially a polygonal recess. In various embodiments, the recess may be formed by a suitable number of deformable elements, such as, for example, four deformable elements 5253 (FIG. 100), which can form a square, six deformable elements 5253 (FIG. 101), which can form a hexagon, or eight deformable elements 5253 (FIG. 102), which can form an octagon.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 103, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5350, may be formed from a flat or at least substantially flat sheet of material, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel. In at least one such embodiment, a plurality of holes 5352 may be formed in the housing 5358 of the holding matrix 5350 using one or more stamping processes. The sheet of material can be placed in a stamping die, which, when activated, can punch certain parts of the material to form, for example, grooves 5354, holes 5355 of grooves 5354 and / or perimeter 5356 of the holding hole 5352. The stamping can also be configured to bend deformable elements 5353 in a suitable configuration. In at least one such embodiment, the embossing stamp may deform the second parts 5353b by bending them upward relative to the first parts 5353a along the crease line 5353c. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 104, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5450, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5452. Similarly to the above, the perimeter 5456 of each holding hole 5452 may be formed by a plurality of deformable elements 5453 separated by grooves or slots, 5454. At least in one such embodiment, each deformable element 5453 can be completely bent upward, and the free ends of the cantilevers containing deformable elements 5453 can define a perimeter 5456. In various embodiments In the implementation, the holding matrix 5450 may comprise a plurality of holes 5455 surrounding or at least substantially surrounding the holding hole 5452. In at least one such embodiment, the holes 5455 can be arranged in a concentric circle surrounding or enclosing a perimeter formed by the fixed ends cantilevers of deformable elements 5453. In certain embodiments, each hole 5455 may have a circular or at least substantially circular perimeter and / or any other suitable perimeter. In use, holes 5455 can provide, firstly, a reduction in the voltage of the bases of deformable elements 5453 attached to the housing of the holding matrix 5458, and secondly, a method of increasing the flexibility of deformable elements 5453. In various embodiments, larger holes 5455 can provide a larger flexibility to deformable elements 5453 than smaller holes 5455. Moreover, holes 5455 located closer to deformable elements 5453 can provide greater flexibility than holes 5455 located further from deformable elements.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 105, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5550, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5552. Each holding hole 5552 may comprise an elongated groove 5554 with enlarged circular or at least substantially circular ends 5555. In at least one such embodiment the ends 5555 may be determined by a diameter that is larger than the groove 5554. In certain embodiments, the elongated groove 5554 and the ends 5555 may be located and / or centered along the longitudinal axis 5559. In various embodiments the implementation of the groove 5554 and the ends 5555 can form two opposite tongues 5553, which can be made with the possibility of engagement of the legs of the fastener and deviation when it is inserted through the groove. In at least one embodiment, ends 5555 having a larger perimeter or diameter may form longer tongues 5553, which may be more flexible than tongues 5553 formed by ends 5555 with a smaller perimeter or diameter. In various embodiments, ends 5555 may have the same perimeter and diameter, and in at least one such embodiment, each tongue 5553 may be symmetrical about an axis perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis 5559. In an alternative embodiment, ends 5555 may have other perimeters and / or diameters, in at least one embodiment, each tongue 5553 may not be symmetrical about its axis. In at least one such alternative embodiment, the tabs 5553 can rotate about their axis when inserting the legs of the fastener through the retaining hole 5552. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 106, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5650, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5652. Each holding hole 5652 may comprise an elongated groove 5654 with circular or at least substantially circular ends 5655. In at least one such embodiment the elongated groove 5654 and the ends 5655 may be located and / or centered along the longitudinal axis 5659. In various embodiments, each end 5655 may be determined by a diameter matching or at least substantially matching m with a groove width of 5654.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 107, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5750, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5752. Each holding hole 5752 may comprise a plurality of grooves, such as, for example, grooves 5754, with extended ends 5755. In at least one such embodiment of implementation, the grooves 5754 and the ends 5755 may be located and / or centered along the longitudinal axes 5759. In various embodiments, the axes 5759 may extend in directions that are perpendicular or transverse to each other. In certain embodiments, the grooves 5754 and the ends 5755 can form, for example, four tongues 5753, which can be adapted to engage the legs of the fastener and deflect when inserted through the retaining hole 5752. In at least one embodiment, each tongue 5753 may have a triangular or at least substantially triangular configuration, such as, for example, an equilateral triangle. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 108, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5850, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5852. Each holding hole 5852 may comprise a plurality of grooves, such as, for example, grooves 5854 having ends 5855, wherein grooves 5854 and ends 5855 may be arranged and / or centered along the longitudinal axes 5859. In various embodiments, the axles 5859 may extend in directions that are perpendicular or transverse to each other. In certain embodiments, the grooves 5854 and the ends 5855 can form tongues 5853, which can be adapted to engage the legs of the fastener and deflect when inserted through the retaining hole 5852. In at least one embodiment, each tongue 5853 may have an arcuate profile. More specifically, each tongue 5853 may comprise a curved end compared to the pointed end shown in FIG. 105, which may be configured to contact a leg of a fastener.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 109, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 5950, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 5952. Each holding hole 5952 may comprise a plurality of grooves, such as, for example, grooves 5954, each groove 5954 may extend and / or be centered along axles 5959. In various embodiments, axles 5959 can intersect with each other, and in at least one such embodiment, axles 5959 can be positioned so that all axes 5959 pass through the center of the retaining hole 5952 and the sludge and at the same or at least substantially equidistant from each other. In at least one embodiment, each groove 5954 may include an open end directed toward the center of the retaining hole 5952, and a second, closed, end 5955 at the opposite end of the groove 5954. Similarly to the above, the grooves 5954 and the ends 5955 can form, for example, three tongues 5953, which may be adapted to engage the legs of the fastener and deflect when inserted through the retaining hole 5952. In various embodiments, each tongue 5953 may have an arcuate configuration between adjacent my ends 5955 grooves 5954. In various embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 110, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 6050, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 6052. Each holding hole 6052 may include a tongue 6053, which may be adapted to engage the legs of the fastener and deflect when inserted through the holding hole 6052. In at least one such embodiment, the tongue 6053 may include a base attached to the housing of the retaining matrix 6058, and a free end having an arcuate or curved profile 6056, which can It can be configured to contact the leg of the fastener. In certain embodiments, the leg of the fastener may be a staple leg formed of a round wire, wherein the curved profile 6056 can be configured to match or at least substantially match the curved outer surface of the round wire.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 110, the housing of the holding matrix 6058 may comprise a plurality of grooves 6054 and holes 6055, which may be configured to form a tongue 6053 and various parts of the holding hole 6052. In at least one embodiment, the tongue 6053 may have a rectangular configuration with parallel or at least essentially parallel sides. In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 111, a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 6150, may comprise a plurality of holding holes 6152. Each holding hole 6152 may include a tongue 6153, which may be adapted to engage the legs of the fastener and deflect when inserted through the holding hole 6152. In at least one such embodiment, the tongue 6153 may include a base attached to the housing of the holding matrix 6158, and a free end having an arcuate or curved profile 6156, which can It can be configured to contact the leg of the fastener. In various embodiments, the housing of the retaining matrix 6158 may comprise a plurality of grooves 6154 and holes 6155, which may be configured to form a tongue 6153 and various parts of the retaining hole 6152. In at least one embodiment, the tongue 6153 may have a cone configuration with arched sides. In at least one such embodiment, the tongue 6153, for example, may taper exponentially, the base being wider than the free end.

In various embodiments, as described above, the crosslinking system may comprise a plurality of staples comprising staple legs that are inserted through a plurality of holding holes in the holding matrix. In certain embodiments, as described in more detail below, the brackets can be held in the first jaw, and the holding matrix can be held in the second jaw, at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw can move to the other. In various situations, the brackets located inside the first jaw can be fixed in it so that the legs of the brackets are aligned with the retaining holes when the retaining matrix is engaged by the legs of the brackets. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 112 and 113, the stapling system may include, for example, a cassette with brackets 6200 located in the first jaw of the surgical stapling instrument, and, for example, a holding matrix 6250 located in the second jaw of the surgical stapling instrument. As represented in FIG. 119 and 120, in addition to the above, the holding matrix 6250 may comprise a plurality of holding holes 6252, each holding hole 6252 may have a perimeter 6256 formed by one or more bendable elements 6253. In at least one such embodiment, in addition to as described above, the bendable elements 6253 forming each hole 6252 may form a recess 6201. In various embodiments, each recess 6201 may have, for example, a curved and / or concave surface that can It can be configured to guide the tip of the staple leg into the hole 6252 if the staple leg is offset relative to the retaining hole 6252 and will initially come into contact, for example, with the bending elements 6253 and / or the surface 6251 in contact with the fabric.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the crosslinking system may further comprise a plurality of staples 6220 containing staples 6221 that can be inserted through the retention holes 6252 in the retention matrix 6250. In at least one such embodiment, each staple 6220 can have for example, a substantially U-shaped configuration comprising a base 6222 from which legs of the bracket 6221 can extend upward. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 115 and 116, the holding holes 6252 in the holding matrix 6250 can be arranged, for example, in two parallel or at least substantially parallel longitudinal rows that can extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holding matrix. In certain embodiments, the holding holes 6252 in the first row can be offset, or staggered, relative to the holding holes 6252 in the second row. In at least one such embodiment, each bracket 6220 may comprise a first bracket leg 6221 located in the holding hole 6252 in the first row, and a second bracket leg 6221 located in the holding hole 6252 in the second row, and thus, bases 6222 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the holding matrix 6250. In at least one such embodiment, the brackets 6220 may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other. More specifically, the base 6222a of the bracket 6220a, for example, may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the base 6222b of the bracket 6220b, which may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the base 6222c of the bracket 6220c. In at least one embodiment, the legs 6221a of the bracket 6220a, for example, may form a plane parallel or at least substantially parallel to the plane formed by the legs 6221b of the bracket 6220b, which may be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the plane formed by the legs 6221 staples 6220c.

In various embodiments, as presented in FIG. 112 and 114, the cassette with brackets 6200 may comprise a plurality of brackets 6220, as well as an alignment matrix 6260 containing a plurality of alignment guides, such as, for example, grooves, grooves and / or holes that may be able to align the brackets 6220. B In different situations, the alignment matrix 6260 may be configured so that the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 are aligned with the retaining holes 6252 in the retaining matrix 6250 before engaging the retaining matrix 6250 in mesh with the legs of the brackets 6221. In various embodiments, lazy, as presented in FIG. 117 and 118, the alignment matrix 6260 may comprise a plurality of alignment holes 6262 that may be able to tightly receive the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220. In at least one such embodiment, each bracket 6220 may comprise a base 6222 and two legs of the bracket 6221 extending from the base 6222, the base 6222 of the brackets 6220 may extend around the bottom surface 6264 of the holding matrix 6260, and the legs of the brackets 6221 may extend upward through the alignment holes 6262. In certain embodiments, each alignment the hole 6262 may be circular or at least substantially circular and may be determined by a diameter that is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the legs of the bracket 6221 passing through it. In various embodiments, the alignment matrix 6260 may further comprise a plurality of convex elements 6263 that may extend upward from the upper surface 6261 of the alignment matrix 6260 and surround or at least partially surround the alignment holes 6262. In certain embodiments, the convex elements 6263 allow to obtain longer alignment holes 6262, and in various situations, longer holes 6262 allow better control of the alignment of the legs of the brackets 6221 than shorter holes 6262.

During use in various embodiments, the first jaw supporting the cassette with brackets 6200 may be located on one side of the stitched fabric, and the second jaw supporting the holding matrix 6250 may be located on the other side of the fabric. In certain embodiments, after arranging the jaws appropriately with respect to the fabric, the second jaw and the holding matrix 6250 can be moved to the cassette with brackets 6200. In various embodiments, during insertion of the legs, the brackets 6221 through the holding holes 6252 in the holding matrix 6250 are in contact with the fabric, or lower , the surface 6251 of the holding matrix 6250 may contact the fabric and press it against the fabric contacting surface, or the upper surface 6261 of the alignment matrix 6260. In other embodiments In other embodiments, as described in more detail below, the cassette with brackets 6200 may further comprise a compressible cassette body located, for example, above the upper surface 6261 of the alignment matrix 6260, which may come into contact with the fabric. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 114 and 118, the alignment matrix 6260 may further comprise one or more openings 6203 formed therein, which may be configured to receive a portion of the fabric when the alignment matrix 6260 is placed adjacent to the fabric. In embodiments where the compressible cartridge case is located above and / or adjacent to the alignment matrix 6260, a portion of the compressible cartridge case may enter holes 6203 when the cartridge case is compressed. The holding matrix 6250 may likewise comprise a plurality of holes 6202, which may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fabric when the holding matrix 6250 is placed adjacent to the fabric.

In addition to the above, when inserting the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 through the holding holes 6252 of the holding matrix 6250, the ends of the legs of the brackets 6221 may protrude upward from the upper surface 6257 of the holding matrix 6250. In various situations, as described above, the ends of the legs of the brackets 6221 may remain unbent after inserts through retaining holes 6252. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 121-124, a crosslinking system comprising a cassette with brackets 6200 and a holding matrix 6250 may further comprise a plurality of protective caps or covers, such as, for example, caps 6270 that can be attached to the legs of the brackets 6221 protruding above the holding matrix 6250. B in various embodiments, each cap 6270 may completely or at least partially cover the sharp end of the leg of the bracket 6221 so that the sharp end does not come into contact with adjacent tissue. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 124, each cap 6270 may comprise an opening 6271 formed therein, which may be configured to fit the tip of the leg of the bracket 6221 tightly. In various embodiments, caps 6270 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as, for example, silicone, polyisoprene, Sanoprene and / or natural rubber. In at least one embodiment, the opening 6271 may have a perimeter or diameter that is smaller than the perimeter or diameter of the bracket leg 6221 inserted into it. In at least one such embodiment, the hole 6271 in the protective cap 6270 may expand to receive the bracket leg 6221. B various alternative embodiments of the caps 6270 may not contain holes, and the ends of the legs of the staples 6221 can be configured to cut the caps 6270 when inserting the legs 6221. In any case, in various embodiments of existence, each cap 6270 can be mounted on the leg of the bracket 6221 until the base 6272 of the cap 6270 abuts or is adjacent to the upper surface 6257 of the holding matrix 6250. In various situations, the caps 6270 can be made so that they can be tight to install brackets 6221 on the ends of the legs and could not be easily removed from them. In certain embodiments, each cap 6270 may have, for example, a conical or at least substantially conical outer surface. In various embodiments, caps 6270 may have any suitable contour, such as, for example, contours containing a parabolic or at least substantially parabolic outer surface.

In various embodiments, the crosslinking system described above can be placed, for example, using the surgical crosslinking tool of FIG. 125-127. In various embodiments, the end effector may comprise a first branch or channel for a cassette with brackets, 6230, which may be configured to support a cartridge with brackets 6200, and a second jaw 6240, which may be configured to support a holding matrix 6250 and a plurality of protective caps 6270. As mainly presented in FIG. 125, which shows the second jaw 6240 in an open configuration, the jaws 6230 and 6240 can be positioned relative to the fabric T so that the fabric T is located between the holding matrix 6250 and the cassette with brackets 6200. In various embodiments, as described above, the cassette with the brackets 6200 may further comprise a compressible cartridge case, such as, for example, a cartridge case 6210, in which the brackets 6220 and the alignment matrix 6260 can be placed. In at least one such embodiment, the fabric T may be located close to the upper surface of the cartridge case 6210. In certain embodiments, the second jaw 6240 may comprise a plurality of recesses, or holes, 6245 configured to receive a plurality of protective caps 6270, as well as one or more retaining elements, or latches, which may be provided with the ability to hold the holding matrix 6250 in position above the caps 6270. In at least one such embodiment, the holding matrix 6250 may be configured to hold the caps 6270 in the hole openings 6245. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 137, each hole 6245 may be configured to receive all or part of cap 6270. In certain embodiments, the openings 6245 may be large enough to be configured such that caps 6270 can be secured to them using, for example, at least one of the pressed and / or snap-in joints. In some embodiments, at least one adhesive may be used to secure caps 6270 in openings 6245. In at least one such embodiment, the adhesive may be selected so that the caps 6270 can separate from the second jaw 6240 after engaging the caps 6270 with legs of brackets 6221 and moving the second jaw 6240 from the implanted fastener assembly. In certain embodiments, as presented in FIG. 138, the second jaw 6240 may further comprise at least one cover sheet 6246 that can be attached to the second jaw 6240 and can extend over the caps 6270 and hold them in the openings 6245. In at least one such embodiment, at least a portion of the coverslip the sheet 6246 may be attached to the jaw 6240, for example, using at least one adhesive. In at least one embodiment, during use, the cover sheet 6246 may be at least partially detached from the jaw 6240 before the end effector is inserted into the surgical field. In certain embodiments, the cover sheet 6246 may be formed from an implantable material, such as, for example, PDS and / or PGA, which can cut through the legs of the brackets 6221 protruding from the holding matrix 6250. In at least one such embodiment, the cover sheet 6246 may be fixed in a crosslinking system between coatings 6270 and retention matrix 6250.

In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 126, the jaw 6240 can be moved from an open position to a closed position in which the fabric T is adjacent to the holding matrix 6250 and the cassette 6210. In this position, the holding matrix 6250 may not yet engage with the brackets 6220. In various embodiments, the jaw 6240 can be moved between the open position and the closed position using the actuator 6235. In at least one such embodiment, the jaw 6240 may include a distal pin 6243 and a proximal pin 6244 extending from it, wherein the true pin 6243 can slide vertically or at least substantially vertically in the distal groove 6233 formed in the channel for the cartridge 6230, and the proximal pin 6244 can slide vertically or at least substantially vertically in the proximal groove 6234 also formed in the channel for the cartridge with brackets 6230. During use, the drive 6235 can be retracted proximally to push the pins 6243 and 6244 into the upper ends of the corresponding grooves 6233 and 6234, as shown in FIG. 126. In at least one such embodiment, the drive 6235 may include a distal drive groove 6236 and a proximal drive groove 6237, the side walls of the drive grooves 6236 and 6237 can be configured to contact the distal pin 6243 and the proximal pin 6244, respectively, and push the pins 6243 and 6244 upward when moving the 6235 actuator proximally. More specifically, when moving the actuator 6235, the proximal distal pin 6243 can slide upward along the inclined first portion 6236a of the distal drive groove 6236 into the intermediate, or second, part 6236b, and the proximal pin 6244 can similarly slide upward along the inclined first part 6237a of the distal drive groove 6237 in the intermediate, or second, part 6237b. When both pins 6243 and 6244 move up, the jaw 6240 can rotate down to the tissue T in the closed position.

In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 127, the actuator 6235 can be further extended proximally to push the second jaw 6240 down to the first jaw 6230, compress the cassette 6210 and engage the holding matrix 6250 and the plurality of protective caps 6270 with legs of brackets 6220. In at least one such embodiment, additional proximal movement of the drive 6235 may cause the side walls of the drive grooves 6236 and 6237 to contact the pins 6243 and 6244, respectively, and push the pins 6243 and 6244 down to the lower ends of the grooves 6233 and 6234, respectively. In such situations, the drive 6235 can be extended proximally so that, firstly, the distal pin 6243 exits the second part 6236b of the drive groove 6236 and enters the inclined third part 6236c, and the proximal pin 6244 likewise exits the second part 6237b of the drive groove 6237 and entered the inclined third part 6237c. By moving both pins 6243 and 6244 down, the second jaw 6240 can move down to the first jaw 6230 to the activated position. In at least one such embodiment, the second jaw 6240 can be moved downward so that the holding matrix 6250 remains parallel or at least substantially parallel to the upper surface of the cassette 6210 and / or parallel or at least substantially parallel to the alignment matrix 6260. In any case, after the retaining matrix 6250 and the protective caps 6270 enter into engagement with the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220, as shown in FIG. 129, the second jaw 6240 can be returned to the open or at least substantially open position. In at least one such embodiment, the actuator 6235 can be distally pushed to move the pins 6243 and 6244 into the upper ends of the slots 6233 and 6234, respectively, and then down to the lower ends of the slots 6233 and 6234 as soon as the pins pass through the intermediate parts 6236b and 6237b of the respective drive grooves 6236 and 6237. After opening the second jaw 6240, the first jaw 6230 can be disconnected from the implanted cassette with brackets 6200, and the first and second jaws 6230, 6240 can be removed from the implanted assembly of the fastener, as shown in FIG. 128.

In FIG. 127 pins 6243 and 6244 are not shown mounted at the very bottom of the corresponding slots 6233 and 6234, although the retaining matrix 6250 and caps 6270 are engaged with the legs of the brackets 6221. This situation may occur when a thick fabric T is located between the holding matrix 6250 and the cassette 6210 As presented in FIG. 130, in situations where a thinner fabric T is located between the holding matrix 6250 and the cassette 6210, the pins 6243 and 6244 can be pushed down into the corresponding grooves 6233 and 6234, as shown in FIG. 132. In general, in at least one such embodiment, the actuator 6235 can be pulled proximally to push the pins 6243 and 6244 up and down as described above and shown in FIG. 130-132 in series of movements, and due to the smaller thickness of the fabric T, the holding matrix 6250 and the protective caps 6270 can extend further onto the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220, as shown in FIG. 133 and 134. In various embodiments, due to the control capabilities provided by the holding matrix 6250, it is possible to obtain the same or substantially the same compressive force in the fixed tissue regardless of the thickness of the tissue trapped by the end effector. In certain embodiments, the adjustment capabilities provided by the holding matrix 6250 may allow the surgeon to select a greater compressive force or a lower compressive force applied to the tissue by selecting the depth at which the holding matrix 6250 is set. In at least one such embodiment, the installation range holding matrix 6250 on the legs of the brackets 6221 can be determined, for example, by the length or range of lengths of the grooves 6233 and 6234.

In various embodiments, implementation, as described above, the protective caps 6270 may be formed, for example, of soft or flexible material, which can be configured to grip the ends of the legs of the brackets 6221. In certain embodiments, the protective caps 6270 can be formed of bioabsorbable plastic, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the Vicryl trademark, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglycaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available oh Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or, for example, a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL, and / or a biocompatible metal such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel. As represented in FIG. 124, in at least one embodiment, each cap 6270 may not be connected to other caps 6270. In certain other embodiments, one or more caps 6270 may be mounted on a holding matrix 6250. In at least one such embodiment, caps 6270 may be connected to the holding matrix 6250 using, for example, at least one adhesive, and the holes 6271 in the caps 6270 can be aligned or at least substantially aligned with the holding holes 625 2 in a holding matrix 6270. As shown in FIG. 135, in various embodiments, a protective cap, such as, for example, cap 6370, may form an internal cavity, or dome, 6374, which may be configured to receive, for example, the tip of the leg of the bracket 6221. In at least one such embodiment cap 6370 may comprise a bottom 6372 and an opening 6371 extending through the bottom 6372. In various embodiments, the opening 6371 may be formed by one or more bendable elements 6373, which may be configured to deflect at the moment of insertion Application therethrough bracket legs 6221. In certain embodiments, for example, two or more caps 6370 may be joined together to form a matrix of caps 6370. As shown in FIG. 136, in at least one such embodiment, the plurality of caps 6370 may be joined by a sheet of material 6375. In certain embodiments, the sheet 6375 may be rigid enough to maintain the desired relative positioning and / or alignment of the caps 6370. In at least one embodiment, the caps 6370 may be formed from a biocompatible metal such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel, and sheet 6375 may be formed from bioabsorbable plastic, polyglycolic acid (PGA), available marketed under the trademark Vicryl, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglexaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the trademark Monocryl, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or, for example, a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. In various embodiments, sheet 6375 may be formed from a bioabsorbable polymer including an antimicrobial agent, such as, for example, colloidal silver and / or triclosan, stored and / or dispersed, for example, in sheet 6375 and released upon bioabsorption.

In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the sheet 6375 can be formed around the caps 6370, for example, by injection molding so that the caps 6370 are inserted into the sheet 6375. In certain other embodiments, the sheet 6375 can be formed, for example, by the method injection molding, wherein holes 6376 may be formed in sheet 6375 during injection molding and / or after completion of the injection molding process, for example, by stamping. In any case, the caps 6370 can be inserted into the holes 6376 and secured to them using a tight fit and / or snap fit and / or at least one adhesive. In certain embodiments, each cap 6370 may comprise an annular groove that completely or at least partially surrounds the perimeter of cap 6370 and which may be configured to receive the perimeter of aperture 6376. In certain embodiments, sheet 6375 may be formed from a flexible and / or pliable material allowing relative movement between caps 6370. In at least one such embodiment, flexible sheet 6375 may be formed, for example, of rubber, plastic or forces icon material, and caps 6370 can be formed from a rigid material, such as, for example, metal. In at least one such embodiment, similarly to the above, the flexible material can be cast around the caps 6370. In certain embodiments, the caps 6370 can, for example, be pressed into a pre-molded sheet 6375. In various embodiments, the hardness index of the flexible material used can be selected for obtain the necessary stiffness of the sheet 6375. In certain embodiments, the sheet 6375 may be configured to contain a flexible strip. In any case, the sheet 6375 can facilitate the installation of the caps 6370 in the end effector, since in this case, in the end effector it is possible to arrange and / or align many caps 6370. In addition, after implantation, the sheet 6375 connecting the caps 6370 can, for example, perform functions reinforcing or supporting element for fabric along the line of staples. In addition to or instead of using a sheet to connect the caps 6370, the caps 6370 can be joined together by a plurality of links. In at least one such embodiment, such links may be flexible and may allow relative movement between caps 6370.

As represented in FIG. 139 and 140, in various embodiments, the implementation of a protective cap, such as, for example, cap 6470, may contain a forming surface, which can be configured to deform the tip of the legs of the bracket. In at least one such embodiment, cap 6470 may include a base 6472, which may include a hole 6471 extending through it. In various embodiments, the hole 6471 may be configured to receive the staple leg, such as, for example, staple leg 6221 In at least one embodiment, the opening 6471 may be formed by a diameter or perimeter, which may be equal to or greater than the diameter or perimeter of the legs of the bracket 6221. In various embodiments, the cap 6 470 may further comprise a cavity, or dome, 6474, which may be configured to receive the tip of the leg of the bracket 6221 during insertion into the cap 6470. As is mainly shown in FIG. 140, cap 6470 may further comprise an abutment, or forming surface 6473, which may be configured to deflect and deform the legs of the bracket 6221. In various circumstances, forming surface 6473 may be, for example, curved and / or concave, and may be formed with the possibility of bending the legs of the bracket 6221 while inserting it into the cap 6470. In certain embodiments, the leg of the bracket 6221 can be deformed so that it cannot be pulled back through hole 6471, and thus, cap 6470 can be locked on the leg of the bracket 6221. In at least one such embodiment, the base 6472 of the cap 6470 may form a protrusion extending around the hole 6471, which may prevent the deformed leg of the bracket 6221 from being pulled out of the cavity 6474. In various circumstances, as a result of the above, one or more caps 6470 can prevent or inhibit the retention of the retention matrix, such as, for example, the retention matrix 6250, or its disengagement from the brackets 6220. Although this is not shown in the figures, various in embodiments, the cap 6470 may be formed symmetrical or at least substantially symmetrical, and the hole 6471 may be positioned along a central axis 6479 passing through the cap 6470. As also shown in FIG. 139, in various alternative embodiments, the hole 6471 may be offset relative to the central axis 6479. In at least one such embodiment, the offset hole 6471 may allow the leg of the bracket 6221 to contact the side of the forming surface 6473 and bend toward the other side of the forming surface 6473 instead contact with the center of the forming surface 6473, which may occur in embodiments with the above centered hole 6471.

As described above, in various embodiments, the holding matrix, such as, for example, the holding matrix 6250, may be formed from a sheet of material and a plurality of holding holes 6252 passing through it. At least in some embodiments, the implementation of the sheet of material containing the holding matrix 6250, may be rigid or substantially inflexible. In certain other embodiments, the holding matrix may be formed from a matrix of elements of the holding matrix and a plurality of flexible connectors, or links connecting the elements of the holding matrix. As represented in FIG. 141, in various embodiments, the holding matrix, or part of the holding matrix, 6550 may comprise a plurality of element housings 6505, which may be joined together by one or more connecting links 6507. In at least one embodiment, each element housing 6505 may comprise a plurality of deformable elements 6553, which form a holding hole 6552 therein. In certain embodiments, the element housings 6505 and the connecting links 6507 of the holding matrix 6550 can be made bottom and may be a single fragment of material. In various embodiments, the holding matrix 6550 may be, for example, stamped or cast and made of a metal material, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel. In at least one embodiment, the retention matrix 6550 may be formed from plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polypropylene, which is commercially available under the trademark Prolene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, which is commercially available under the trademarks Ethibond and Mersilene, polyvinylidene fluoride a polyvinylidene fluoride / hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a mixture of VDF polymers and hexafluoropropylene, which is commercially available under the brand name Pronova, and / or long chain aliphatic polymers nylon 6 and nylon 6.6, which are available under the trademarks of Ethilon and Nurolon, and can be formed by injection molding. In certain embodiments, the element housings 6505 may not be made in one piece with connecting links 6507. In various embodiments, it is possible to produce a plurality of individual element housings 6505, which are then joined together and placed in a holding matrix. In at least one such embodiment, the element housings 6505 can be stamped from a metal material, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel, and placed in an injection mold of plastic products, the plastic material being incorporated into the mold under pressure to create, firstly, a rim 6506 of material surrounding or at least partially surrounding the bodies of elements 6505, and secondly, connecting links 6507 extending from rims 6506. In certain other embodiments, One or more connecting grids may be formed comprising openings formed in a plurality of rims 6506, each such opening being able to receive an element case 6505. In at least one embodiment, each element element 6505 may contain an annular or at least at least a substantially annular outer perimeter, and similarly, each rim 6506 may form a circular or at least substantially circular hole, the diameter of the hole being equal to or less than the diameter of the case of element 6505. In at least one such embodiment, the cases of elements 6505 can be tightened or inserted into the holes of the rims 6505. In certain embodiments, the cases of elements 6505 can be fixed in the holes with at least one adhesive .

In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the holding matrix may comprise a plurality of element housings 6505 and a plurality of connecting links 6507 that can connect the element housings 6505 to any suitable matrix, for example, as shown in FIG. 142-145. Regardless of the location of the matrix in various embodiments, the connecting links 6507 may be configured to move the bodies of the elements 6505 and the holding holes 6552 relative to each other. In at least one such embodiment, the lattice of the element housings 6505 and the connecting links 6507 forming the retaining matrix 6550, after engagement with the fabric, can be stretched, twisted, compressed and / or otherwise deformed to provide at least some mobility in the fabric but at the same time prevent its substantial movement. In various embodiments, each link 6507 may comprise a flexible member configured to stretch, twist and / or compress to allow deformation of the holding matrix 6550, for example, between the holding elements of the matrix 6505. As shown in FIG. 141, each link 6507 extending from the rim 6506 may have a width that is less than the width of the element 6505 and / or rim 6506. As shown in FIG. 142-145, in certain embodiments, one or more links 6507 may comprise straight sections that, for example, extend along a line connecting adjacent bodies of elements 6506. In at least one such embodiment, each link 6507 may comprise a first end attached to a first rim 6506, and a second end attached to the second rim 6506. As also shown in FIG. 141, in certain embodiments, two or more links 6507 may be connected to each other. In at least one such embodiment, two or more links 6507 may be connected, for example, in an intermediate hinge 6509. In various embodiments, the hinge 6509 may comprise a narrowing in section in one or more directions compared to the thickness in section of the links 6507, which can provide, for example, the ability to move the connected links 6507 relative to each other. In certain embodiments, the holding matrix 6550 may further comprise hinges 6508 that can connect the links 6507 to the rims 6506 and allow relative movement of the links 6507 and the rims 6506. Similarly to the hinges 6509, the hinges 6508 can comprise, for example, a narrowing in section in one or more directions in comparison with the thickness of the links 6507 in cross section.

In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the connected links 6507 may extend in different directions. In at least one such embodiment, the first link 6507 may extend in a first direction, and the second link 6507 may extend in a second direction, the first direction may be different from the second direction. In certain embodiments, the first link 6507 may extend along the first line, and the second link 6507 may extend along the second line, the first line and the second line intersecting at an angle, such as, for example, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 60 degrees and / or approximately 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the hinges 6508 and / or hinges 6509 may be flexible hinges that allow links 6507 to move relative to each other several times without breaking the hinge. In certain embodiments, hinges 6508 and / or hinges 6509 may contain brittle or easily collapsing parts that can be destroyed if the deformation is strong enough or too many. In at least one such embodiment, such fragile parts may allow one or more parts of the holding matrix 6550 to separate from another part of the holding matrix 6550. In various embodiments, hinges 6508 and / or hinges 6509 may, for example, comprise sections of the holding matrix 6550, which easier to cut than other parts of the holding matrix 6550. More specifically, the often implanted holding matrix and tissue fixed by the implanted holding matrix can be cut with a cutting element for for various purposes, and to facilitate such a dissection in cross section, hinges 6508 and / or hinges 6509 may include, for example, tracks or thin sections along which the cutting element will be easier to pass through the holding matrix 6550. In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the implementation of the connecting links 6507 may contain, for example, one or more formed in them stamped or flattened sections to facilitate bending, tearing and / or incision of the connecting links 6507.

In various embodiments, the holding matrix may comprise a plurality of holding matrix elements, such as, for example, matrix element housings 6505 that can be placed on a flexible sheet or strip of material. In at least one embodiment, the flexible sheet of material may be formed from a bioabsorbable elastomeric material, such as, for example, silicone, wherein the flexible sheet may be made with a plurality of holes formed therein. In at least one such embodiment, a continuous flexible sheet may be cast first, and then a plurality of holes may be punched in the flexible sheet. In various alternative embodiments, a flexible sheet may be cast during the casting process and openings may be formed therein. In any case, for example, the elements of the holding matrix 6505 can be inserted and fixed in a flexible sheet. Similar to that described above in certain other embodiments, a flexible sheet may be formed around the elements of the matrix 6505. In at least one embodiment, the flexible sheet may be formed, for example, from a woven mesh and / or any other suitable material. In addition to the above, such a woven mesh can be easily cut.

As represented in FIG. 146 and 147, in various embodiments, a crosslinking system comprising a retaining matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 6250, may further comprise a coating, such as, for example, a coating 6670, which may cover the ends of the legs of the brackets 6221 as they extend over the top the surface 6257 of the holding matrix 6250. In various embodiments, the coating 6670 may be attached to the holding matrix 6250. In certain embodiments, the coating 6670 and / or the holding matrix 6250 may contain a holding elements that can be configured to hold the coating 6670 on the retaining matrix 6250. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive for affixing the cover 6670 to the retention matrix 6250 can be used at least one adhesive. In at least one embodiment, coating 6670 may be formed from one layer, although the coating 6670 shown in the figure contains two layers, as described in more detail below. As mainly presented in FIG. 147, in various embodiments, the ends of the legs of the brackets 6221 may extend through the lower surface 6673 of the coating 6670, however, the coating 6670 may be of sufficient thickness so that the ends of the legs of the braces do not extend through the upper surface 6675 of the coating 6670. Thus, in at least one such embodiment the implementation of the tips of the legs of the brackets 6221 may not protrude from the coating 6670. In various embodiments, the implementation of the coating 6670 may contain many layers. In at least one such embodiment, the coating 6670 may comprise a first layer 6671 and a second layer 6672. In at least one embodiment, the first layer 6671 and the second layer 6672 may be bonded to each other, in at least one embodiment of the second layer 6672 may comprise a lower surface 6676 adherently attached to the first layer 6671. In various embodiments, the first layer 6671 and the second layer 6672 may have different thicknesses, although in certain embodiments they may be the same thickness. In at least one embodiment, the first layer 6671 and the second layer 6672 may have substantially the same width and / or length. In alternative embodiments, layers 6671 and 6672 may have different widths and / or lengths.

In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the first layer 6671 may be formed, for example, of compressible foam, mesh material and / or hydrogel, which can be cut by the legs of brackets 6211. In at least one embodiment, the second layer 6672 may consist of more durable material or shell, such as, for example, PGA and / or PDS, and / or any suitable support material. In at least one such embodiment, the legs of the brackets 6221 may be capable of piercing the first layer 6671, however, in various embodiments, the legs of the brackets 6221 may not be able to pierce the second layer 6672. In certain embodiments, the second layer 6672 may be formed of material having sufficient elasticity and / or strength to contact and displace the second layer 6672 with the leg of the bracket 6221, but without a notch or with a minimum notch with the tip of the leg of the bracket 6221. Although this is not shown in the figures, PTFE coating may consist of more than two layers wherein one or more of these layers may be resistant to puncture. During use in at least one such embodiment, the holding matrix 6250 can be positioned adjacent to the tissue to be fixed and fed down so that the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 pass through the fabric T and the holding holes 6252 in the holding matrix 6250 and enter the first layer 6271 of the cover 6270. In various embodiments, the ends of the legs of the staples 6221 may not enter or at least substantially not enter the second layer 6272 of the cover 6270. After holding the holding matrix 6250 in a suitable manner, the jaw 6240 can be opened so that the coating 6670 and the retaining matrix 6250 can be separated from the jaw 6240, as shown in FIG. 146. As represented in FIG. 146, jaw 6640 may be configured to hold more than one retaining matrix 6250 and cover 6670. In at least one such embodiment, jaw 6640 may include two channels 6679, each of which may be configured to receive cover 6670 and located below holding matrix 6250 such that the tissue-contacting surface 6251 of each holding matrix 6250 will face down from the base of jaw 6240. In at least one such embodiment, the holding matrix 6250 and Genesis 6270 can be placed in jaw 6640 on each side of the groove of scalpel 6678. In use, the holding matrices 6250 and coatings 6670 can be placed at the same time and / or at the same depth with respect to the cassettes with brackets located opposite them, such as for example, cassettes 6200 located along the entire length. Then, in various embodiments, the fixed tissue can be dissected along the cut line by a cutting element moving along the groove of the scalpel 6678, and the jaw 6640 can be opened again. In certain embodiments, the coatings 6670 may not be attached to the holding matrix 6250. In at least one such embodiment, the coatings 6670 may be located in channels 6679 and may be held in channels 6679 by holding matrices 6250, which may be attached to the jaw 6640. B in various embodiments, each holding matrix 6250 may have a larger width and / or length compared to respective coatings 6670, so that the holding matrices 6250 can completely hold the corresponding covering 6670 in position. In certain embodiments, each holding matrix 6250 may have, for example, the same length and / or width as the corresponding coating 6670.

In various embodiments, as described above, the crosslinking system may comprise a layer of material that can be attached to a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 6250. As shown in FIG. 150, in at least one embodiment, a layer of material 6870 may be attached to the bottom surface 6251 of the holding matrix 6250. In certain embodiments, the layer 6870 and / or the holding matrix 6250 may include holding elements that may be configured to hold the layer 6870 on a retention matrix 6250. In at least one embodiment, at least one adhesive may be used to adhere the layer 6870 to the retention matrix 6250. In any case, layer 6870 may comprise a lower, or tissue-facing, surface 6873 that can be contacted with tissue T by moving the holding matrix 6250 down to the brackets 6220 to engage the holding holes 6252 with the legs of the brackets 6221. In at least one In such an embodiment, layer 6870 may be formed of a compressible material, such as, for example, bioabsorbable foam, which can be compressed between the bottom surface 6251 of the holding matrix 6250 and the fabric T. In various embodiments, layer, the layer 6870 may further comprise at least one drug stored and / or absorbed therein, which may be released from the layer 6870 by compressing the layer 6870. In at least one embodiment, the drug may comprise at least one hemostatic tissue sealant an agent and / or antimicrobial material, such as, for example, ionized silver and / or triclosan. In various embodiments, the compression of layer 6870 can cause the drug to extrude from layer 6870 so that all or at least a substantial portion of the surface of tissue T is coated with the drug. In addition, as the layer 6870 is compressed and the tissue T and layer 6870 are punctured by the legs of the brackets 6221, the drug can flow down the legs of the brackets 6221 and, for example, process the tissue just cut by the legs of the brackets 6221. In various embodiments, the housing of the holding matrix 6250 may comprise a first layer formed of a biocompatible material, such as, for example, titanium and / or stainless steel, and a lower layer 6870 may comprise a second layer formed of a bioabsorbable material, such as oxidized regenerated cellulose per (ORC), biologically active substances, such as fibrin and / or thrombin (in liquid or lyophilized form), glycerin, absorbable pork gelatin in the form of gas or foam, and / or antimicrobial substances, such as, for example, ionized silver and / or triclosan. Additional bioabsorbable materials may contain, for example, Surgicel Nu-Knit, Surgicel Fibrillar, collagen / ORC, which is a hybrid material with an integrated collagen matrix and is commercially available under the trademark Promogran, polyglycolic acid (PGA), commercially available under the trade Vicryl brand, polylactic acid (PLA or PLLA), polydioxanone (PDS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyglecaprone 25 (PGCL), commercially available under the Monocryl brand name, polycaprolactone (PCL) and / or a composite of PGA, PLA, PDS, PHA, PGCL and / or PCL. Although in FIG. 150, only one layer 6870 is represented; any suitable number of layers may be used. In at least one embodiment, the first layer containing the first drug may be attached to the holding matrix 6250, and the second layer containing the second or other drug may be attached to the first layer. In at least one such embodiment, multiple layers can be used, each layer may contain a different drug and / or a different combination of drugs.

As represented in FIG. 148, in various embodiments, the crosslinking system may comprise a layer of material 6770 attached to the bottom surface 6251 of the holding matrix 6250. In certain embodiments, the layer 6770 and / or holding matrix 6250 may contain holding elements that can be configured to hold the layer 6770 on holding matrix 6250. In at least one embodiment, at least one adhesive may be used to adhere the layer 6770 to the holding matrix 6250. In any case, the layer 6770 may comprise a lower or fabric-facing surface 6773 that can be made to contact the fabric T by moving the holding matrix 6250 down to the brackets 6220 to engage the holding holes 6252 with the legs of the brackets 6221. In at least one In such an embodiment, layer 6770 may be formed from a compressible material, such as, for example, bioabsorbable foam, which may be compressed between the surface 6251 of the holding matrix 6250 and the fabric T. In various embodiments layer 6770 may further comprise one or more capsules or cells 6774 that can be configured to store therein at least one drug. As represented in FIG. 149, in certain embodiments, the capsules 6774 can be aligned or at least substantially aligned with the retaining holes 6252 such that when pushing the legs of the staples 6221 through the fabric T and the layer 6770 of the legs of the staples 6221 can puncture and / or otherwise disrupt the integrity of the capsules 6774 After the integrity of the capsules 6774 is compromised, at least one drug M stored in the capsules 6774 may leak onto tissue T. In at least one such embodiment, the drug M may contain a fluid that Single can flow or run down the legs of the staples 6221 and processed fabric T, freshly-cut staple legs. As a result of the above, the drug stored in capsules 6774 can provide local tissue processing. In certain embodiments, capsules 6774 in sheet 6770 may store various drugs. For example, the first group of capsules 6774 may contain a first drug or a first combination of drugs, and the second group of capsules may contain another drug or a different combination of drugs. In various embodiments, layer 6770 may be formed from a flexible silicone sheet, and capsules 6774 may be voids in the silicone sheet. In at least one such embodiment, the silicone sheet may comprise two layers that can be attached to each other, wherein capsules 6774 may be formed between the two layers. In various embodiments, the implementation of the layer 6770 may contain one or more thin or weakened parts, for example, in the form of partially perforated sections, which can facilitate the incision of the layer 6770 and violation of the integrity of the capsules 6774 legs 6221. In certain embodiments, the implementation of at least part of the capsules 6774 may be located in domes 6777, and domes 6777 may extend upward from sheet 6770. In at least one such embodiment, domes 6777 and / or at least a portion of capsules 6774 may be located in recesses 6201, forming tied in a holding matrix 6250. In certain embodiments, capsules 6774 may contain separate cells that are not connected to each other. In certain other embodiments, one or more capsules 6774 may be in fluid communication with each other, for example, through one or more channels, passages and / or ducts passing through layer 6770. US Patent Specification No. 7,780,685, entitled “ADHESIVE AND MECHANICAL FASTENING ELEMENT” issued August 24, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In addition to the cassette bracket described above in various embodiments, comprising a cassette body, staples, and / or an alignment matrix, may be loaded into the first end effector jaw, and similarly, a retaining matrix and / or one or more coatings may be loaded into the second branch of the end effector. As represented in FIG. 151, in certain embodiments, a special tool, such as, for example, a cartridge loader 6990, can be used to insert two or more cassettes with fasteners into the end effector at the same time. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge loader 6990 may include a handle 6991 and a cartridge holder 6992, wherein the cartridge holder 6992 may comprise a first holding part configured to hold the cassette body 6210 with brackets 6200, and also an additional second holding part made with POSSIBILITY retention which supports, for example, the cassette body 6980, first, a plurality of protective caps 6270, secondly, retention matrix 6250 along its bottom surface. In various embodiments, each of the first and second holding parts may comprise one or more holding elements configured to detachably engage the cartridge cases 6210 and 6980. In use, as shown in FIG. 152 and 153, the end effector may comprise a first or lower jaw 6230 and a second or upper jaw 6940, the cassette with brackets 6200 can be loaded into the first jaw 6230 and the cassette body 6980 can be loaded into the second jaw 6940. B in various circumstances, the upper jaw 6940 can be rotated from the open position (FIG. 152) to the closed position (FIG. 153) using the actuator 6235, the operation of the actuator 6235 described above and not repeated for brevity. After moving the upper jaw 6940 to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 153, the distal end 6993 of the cassette holder 6992 can be inserted into the end effector so that the cassette with brackets 6200 slides through the distal end 6938 of the first jaw 6930 into the first securing part or channel 6939 of the first jaw 6230. Similarly, the distal end 6993 of the holder cassettes 6992 can be inserted into the end effector so that the cassette 6980 slides through the distal end 6948 of the second jaw 6940 into the second securing part, or channel, 6949, of the second jaw 6940. A surgeon or other medical professional Holding the handle 6991 of the cassette loader 6990, it can push the cassette with brackets 6200 and the cassette body 6980 through channels 6939 and 6949, respectively, until the cassette with brackets 6200 and the cassette body 6980 are completely installed in the channels.

When installing a cartridge with brackets 6200 and cartridge case 6980, each of the cartridge with brackets 6200 and cartridge case 6980 may engage with one or more holding parts of respective branches 6230 and 6940, as described in more detail below. In any case, after installing the cassette with brackets 6200 and cassette body 6980, as shown in FIG. 154, the cassette loader 6990 can be disconnected from the cassette with brackets 6200 and cassette body 6980 and removed from the end effector. In at least one such embodiment, the holding force securing the cassette with brackets 6200 in the first jaw 6230 may exceed the holding force securing the cassette with brackets 6200 on the cassette holder 6992 so that when the cassette holder 6992 is pulled distally from the end effector, the cassette the brackets 6200 can remain in the first jaw 6230. Similarly, the holding force fixing the cassette 6980 in the second jaw 6940 may exceed the holding force fixing the cassette 6940 on the holder cassettes 6992 so that when pulling the cassette holder 6992 distally from the end effector, the cassette 6940 can remain in the second jaw 6940. After removing the cassette loader 6990 from the end effector, the first loaded jaw 6230 and the second loaded jaw 6940 can be located relative to the stitched fabric T. As represented in FIG. 155, the second jaw 6940 can be moved from the open position (FIG. 154) to the activated position (FIG. 155) to insert the retaining matrix 6250 and the plurality of protective caps 6270 that are on the cassette body 6980 into engagement with the brackets 6220 located in cassette with brackets 6200.

As represented in FIG. 156 and 157, the second jaw 6940 can be opened again, and the plurality of protective caps 6270 and the holding matrix 6250 can be detached from the cassette body 6980 so that the caps 6270 and the holding matrix 6250 can mesh with the T fabric and the cassette with brackets 6200 In at least one embodiment, the cassette body 6980 may comprise a plurality of recesses in which a plurality of caps 6270 can be removably housed, as well as one or more retaining slots configured to removably hold the retaining m atria 6250. In various embodiments, the holding elements of the second jaw 6940, engaged with the cassette body 6980, can hold the cassette body 6980 in the second jaw 6940 after moving the second jaw 6940 to the open position. In certain embodiments, the cassette body 6980 can be torn apart when the second jaw 6940 is moved to the open position so that part of the cassette body 6980 is implanted together with caps 6270 and holding matrix 6250, and part of the cassette body 6980 remains in the second jaw 6940 . Similarly, as shown in FIG. 156 and 157, the retaining elements of the first jaw 6230 engaged with the cassette 6210 can hold the cassette 6210 in the first jaw 6230 after moving the second jaw 6940 to the open position. In certain embodiments, the cassette 6210 can be torn apart at the time of removal of the first jaw 6230 from the implanted cassette 6200 so that part of the cassette 6210 is implanted with brackets 6220 and alignment matrix 6260, and part of the cassette 6210 remains in the first jaw 6230. As represented in FIG. 158-160, in various embodiments, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 6900, may comprise one or more longitudinal retaining grooves 6913 extending along the length of the cassette 6910, which may be configured to receive one or more longitudinal retaining rail 6916 extending from jaw 6930, for example, when inserting a cassette with brackets 6900 into a jaw 6930. In at least one embodiment, during use, before slipping the cassette with brackets 6900 through the distal the end end 6938 of the holding channel 6939 the end of the holding grooves 6913 can be aligned, for example, with the distal ends of the holding rail 6916.

As represented in FIG. 160, in various embodiments, the jaw 6940 may include two holding channels 6949, each holding channel 6949 may be configured to receive a cartridge case 6980 containing a plurality of caps 6270 and a holding matrix 6250. In certain embodiments, each cartridge case 6980 may contain one or more longitudinal holding arms 6917, which can be slidable along one or more longitudinal holding rail rails 6918 of the second jaw 6940 upon insertion cassette housings 6980 into respective holding channels 6949 of branch 6940. In various embodiments, holding rail guides 6918 and holding arms 6917 can together hold cassette body 6980 in second jaw 6940 while detaching cassette bodies 6980 from caps 6270 and holding matrix 6250 therein. How represented in FIG. 159, in various embodiments, the second jaw 6940 may further comprise one or more distal protrusions or retaining elements 6915 extending therefrom, which may be removably locked to the cartridge cases 6980 in respective holding channels. In at least one such embodiment, the second jaw 6940 may comprise a distal protrusion 6915 configured and disposed relative to each holding channel 6949 so that each cartridge case 6980 can bend from the protrusions 6915 when inserting the cartridge cases 6980 into the channels 6949, and when the cassette bodies 6915 are completely installed in the channels 6949, the distal ends of the cassettes 6980 can come off the tabs 6915 and click on them. To remove the cartridge housings 6980 after use, as described above, the cartridge housings 6980 can be pulled back over the protrusions 6915 and removed from the holding channels 6949. Similar to the above, the first jaw 6930 may contain one or more distal locking protrusions 6914 extending from it, which can be made with the possibility of entering one or more locking grooves, or grooves, 6912 (FIG. 158) in the cassette body 6910, when the cassette with brackets 6900 is fully installed.

In addition to the above described various embodiments, a first cassette with fasteners containing a plurality of first fasteners housed therein may be located in a first branch of a surgical stapler and a second cassette with fasteners containing a plurality of second fasteners housed therein, can be placed in the second branch of the surgical stapler. In use, the first jaw and / or second jaw can be moved to each other to engage the first fasteners with the second fasteners and fix the fabric between them. In certain embodiments, the first cassette with the fasteners and the second cassette with the fasteners can mesh with each other when the first fasteners are engaged with the second fasteners. In at least one embodiment, the housing of the first cassette with fasteners may be formed of a first compressible material, and the housing of the second cassette with fasteners may be formed of a second compressible material, the first housing and / or second housing may be pressed against the stitched tissue. After stitching the tissue, the first jaw can be moved away from the implanted first cassette with fasteners and the second jaw can be moved away from the implanted second cassette with fasteners. Then, the first jaw can be recharged with another first cassette with fasteners or the like, the second jaw can be recharged with another second cassette with fasteners or the like, and the surgical stapler can be used again. Although staples may be used in some embodiments, other embodiments are provided using other types of fasteners, such as, for example, two-piece fasteners that lock together when engaged. In at least one such embodiment, the first cassette with fasteners may comprise a first part for storing the first parts of the fasteners and the second cassette with fasteners may include a second part for storing the second parts of the fasteners. In various embodiments, in the crosslinking systems described herein, fasteners made of any suitable type of material and / or having any suitable shape can be used. In certain embodiments, fasteners may include piercing elements. Such piercing elements can be formed, for example, from a polymer or composite material and / or from a multilayer carrier. An example of a multilayer carrier can be a wire or sheet carrier with an elastomeric or polymer coating. It can be a thin sheet formed so that the piercing elements are oriented perpendicularly or at least substantially perpendicularly to the connecting element. The piercing elements may have a rectangular profile, a semicircular profile and / or the profile of any beam. In various embodiments, the fasteners described herein can be fabricated using any suitable method, such as, for example, a wire extrusion method. Another possibility is to use microprocessing to create hollow piercing elements. Such piercing elements may be made in a manner different from the method of extruding the wire, and may include a combination of materials.

As described above, the ends of the legs of the brackets passing through the holding matrix can be closed with one or more caps and / or coatings. In certain embodiments, the ends of the legs of the staples may be deformed after being held through the holding matrix. In at least one embodiment, the jaw supporting the holding matrix may further comprise abutment recesses located above and / or aligned with the holding holes, which may be able to deform the legs of the brackets protruding above the holding matrix. In various embodiments, the legs of each bracket may be folded inward, for example, to each other and / or to the center of the bracket. In certain other embodiments, one or more legs of the bracket may be bent outward from the other legs of the bracket and / or from the center of the bracket. In various embodiments, regardless of the direction of curvature of the legs of the staples, the ends of the legs of the staples may come in contact with the housing of the holding matrix and may not go into the stapled fabric. In at least one embodiment, deformation of the legs of the staples after passing them through the holding matrix may block the holding matrix in place.

As represented in FIG. 161 and 162, in various embodiments, a surgical stapler, such as, for example, a surgical stapler 7000, may include a first jaw 7030 and a second jaw 7040, the second jaw 7040 can be moved to and from the first jaw 7030 by moving the drive 6235. The operation of the drive 6235 described above and is not repeated for brevity. In various embodiments, the first jaw 7030 may comprise a distal end 7031 and a proximal end 7032, wherein the first jaw 7030 may form a channel extending between the distal end 7031 and the proximal end 7032, which is configured to receive a cassette with brackets. The casing of such a cassette with brackets is not shown for illustration in FIG. 161, however, such a cassette with brackets may include a cassette case, housed in the cassette case of the bracket 6220 and placed under the brackets 6220, ejectors brackets 7012. In certain embodiments, although in FIG. 161 this is not presented for clarity, the second jaw 7040 can be configured to place a holding matrix, such as, for example, a holding matrix 6250, over the brackets 6220 and / or moving the holding matrix until it engages with the legs of the brackets 6220, as described above . In at least one embodiment, the surgical stapler 7000 may further comprise a slide 7010 located in the first jaw 7030 that can slide, for example, from the distal end 7031 of the first jaw 7030 to the proximal end 7032 and lift the ejectors of brackets 7012 and staples 6220 supported thereon to the holding matrix and the second jaw 7040. In other various embodiments, for placement of the staples 6020, the slide 7010 can move, for example, from the proximal end 7032 to the distal end 7031. At least m D in one embodiment, slide 7010 can comprise one or more ramps or cams, surfaces 7011 that can be configured to slip under the ejectors staples 7012 and staple pushers 7012 lifting upwards. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument 7000 may further comprise a pulling or pushing rod operably connected to the slide 7010, which can be moved proximal and / or distally via a drive located, for example, on the handle and / or shaft of the surgical stapling tool 7000.

As also presented in FIG. 161, in various embodiments, the second jaw 7040 of the surgical suturing instrument 7000 may comprise a frame 7041, a distal end 7048, and a proximal end 7049 opposite the distal end 7048. In certain embodiments, the second jaw 7040 may further comprise a guide system comprising one or more guides such as, for example, guides 7045 and 7046 extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame 7041, which, as described in more detail below, can be configured to guide one or more stops or cams which can engage and deform the staple legs 6220 6221 feet after passing through the retaining clamps 6220 matrix. In at least one such embodiment, the guides 7045 and 7046 may include a guide wire or rod extending, for example, along the upper part or surface of the frame 7041, around the distal shaft 7047 and back along the upper part or surface of the frame 7041. In various embodiments, as indicated above and mainly presented in FIG. 163 and 165, the second jaw 7040 may further comprise one or more stops or cams, such as, for example, the first stop 7050 and the second stop 7060, which can be moved longitudinally along the second jaw 7040 to deform the legs of the brackets 6220 after passing through the holding matrix . In at least one embodiment, the surgical stapling instrument 7000 may further comprise an ejector, or drive, of a first stop 7051, coupled and / or functionally connected to a first stop 7050, which may be configured to extend the first stop 7050 proximally and / or eject the first stop 7050 distally. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the surgical stapling instrument 7000 may further comprise an ejector, or actuator, of a second stop connected and / or functionally connected to a second stop 7060, which may be configured to push the second stop 7060 distally and / or extend second stop 7060 proximally. In various embodiments, the first stop 7050 may include guide grooves 7052, and the second stop 7060 may include guide grooves 7062, each of which may be adapted to slideably guide 7045 or guide 7046. In at least one such embodiment the guides 7045 and 7046 can be tightly received in the guide grooves 7052 and 7062 in such a way as to prevent or at least limit lateral movement between them.

In addition to the one described above in certain embodiments, the first stop 7050 can be extended proximally, and the second stop 7060 can be drawn distally. As represented in FIG. 161, in at least one embodiment, the guides 7045 and 7046 and the distal shaft 7047 may comprise a block system configured to extend the second stop 7060 distally and / or extend the second stop 7060 proximally. In at least one such embodiment, the guide 7045 and the guide 7046 may comprise a continuous wire or rod extending around the distal rod 7047, wherein a portion of the continuous wire can be extended to guide the wire around the distal rod 7047. In various embodiments, the guide 7046, for example, can be fixed to the second stop 7060 in such a way that when pulling the continuous traction in the first direction, the second stop 7060 can be pulled distally to the distal end of the 7048 branch and 7040, and when pulling continuous traction in the second or opposite direction, the second stop 7060 can be pulled proximal to the proximal end 7049. As shown in FIG. 163, in at least one embodiment, the guide 7046 may be secured in the guide groove 7062 so that a pulling force can be transmitted between them. In at least one such embodiment, the guide 7045 can be slidable in another guide groove 7062. In various embodiments, the first stop 7050 can operate independently of the second stop 7060 and the block system, and the guide grooves 7052 formed in the first stop 7050 can be able to slidely guide rails 7045 and 7046 so that relative movement is ensured between them. In various embodiments, continuous traction, which is guides 7045 and 7046, can be flexible enough to allow the opening and closing of the upper jaw 7040. Continuous traction can also be flexible enough to allow vertical movement of the second stop 7060 to and from the lower jaw 7030 as described in more detail below.

As also presented in FIG. 163 and 165, in various embodiments, the first stop 7050 may comprise cam followers 7055 extending therefrom, which may be movable in one or more cam grooves, or guide grooves, such as, for example, cam groove 7070 (FIG. 166) formed in the frame 7041 of the second jaw 7040. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the frame 7041 may comprise a first cam groove 7070 extending longitudinally along the first side of the frame 7041 and a second cam groove 7070 extending longitudinally a second or opposite side of the frame 7041, wherein the cam followers 7055 extending from the first side of the first stop 7050 can move in the first cam groove 7070, and the cam followers 7055 extending from the second side of the first stop 7050 can move in the second cam groove 7070. In at least one such embodiment, the contours of each cam groove 7070 may be identical or at least substantially identical, and the grooves may be aligned or at least substantially aligned Rug with a friend. Similarly, in various embodiments, the second stop 7060 may comprise cam followers 7065 extending therefrom, which may be movable in the cam slots 7070 (FIG. 166) formed in the frame 7041 of the second jaw 7040. More specifically, at least in one embodiment, the cam followers 7065 extending from the first side of the second stop 7060 can move in the first cam groove 7070, and the cam followers 7065 extending from the second side of the second stop 7060, can can move in the second cam groove 7070. During use, the cam followers 7055 of the first stop 7050 and the cam followers 7065 of the second stop 7060 can slide in the cam grooves 7070 so that when pulling proximally and / or pushing the distal first stop 7050 and the second stop 7060, the first stop 7050 and the second stop 7060 will follow the contours of the cam grooves 7070. In various embodiments, each cam groove 7070 may comprise a plurality of locking or upper parts 7071 and a plurality of guide lower or lower parts 7072, which can be arranged to move the stops 7050 and 7060 vertically, i.e. to the lower jaw 7030 and from it, during the longitudinal movement of the stops 7050 and 7060, i.e. between the distal end 7048 and the proximal end 7049 of the frame 7041, as described in more detail below.

As represented in FIG. 166, when the surgical stapler 7000 is in an inactive state, the first stop 7050 can be located at the distal end 7048 of the frame 7041, and the second stop 7060 can be located at the proximal end 7049 of the frame 7041. In addition, as shown in FIG. 167, when the surgical stapler 7000 is in an inactive state, the brackets 6220 located in the first jaw 7030 may not yet be inserted into tissue T and / or into the retaining matrix located above it. In use, as presented in FIG. 168, the brackets 6220 can be pushed upward in the bracket slots 7033 of the cassette with the brackets using ejectors 7012. In addition, the first stop 7050 can be moved proximal from the distal end 7048 of the frame 7041 to the proximal end 7049 to engage the legs 6221 of the brackets 6220. In at least one embodiment, the brackets 6220 can be pushed upward until the first stop 7050 engages with their legs of the brackets 6221. In various embodiments, all brackets 6220 can be placed upward by the slide 7010 before the first stop 7050 is children are advanced to contact the legs of the brackets 6221, or, in an alternative embodiment, the slide 7010 can move proximally simultaneously with the proximal movement of the first stop 7050, although the slide 7010 can be well ahead of the first stop 7050 to place the brackets 6220 before they contact the first stop 7050. As represented in FIG. 168, in various embodiments, cam grooves 7070 may be formed and positioned such that forming surfaces, such as, for example, forming, or cam, surfaces 7053 and 7054 of the first cam 7050 can contact at least a portion of the legs of the brackets 6221 when holding the first cam 7050 through the stop position, or the upper position. In various circumstances, each of the cam followers 7055 of the first stop 7050 can be placed in the locking part 7071 of the cam grooves 7070 so that the forming surfaces 7053 and 7054 are in a raised position and when the stop 7050 is in the stop position, only the legs of the brackets 6221 are partially deformed As presented in FIG. 169, as the first cam 7050 moves further along the cam grooves 7070, the cam followers 7055 of the first stop 7050 can be guided into the guides or lower parts 7072 of the cam grooves 7070 so that the forming surfaces 7053 and 7054 move vertically down to the legs of the staples 6021 for bringing the legs of the staples 6021 into their finally formed configurations. Then, with further movement of the first stop 7050 along the cam grooves 7070, the first stop 7050 can be fed vertically upward into another set of locking parts 7071 of the cam grooves 7070. As shown in FIG. 168 and 169, it can be noted that the first stop 7050 can engage only with part of the legs of the brackets without engaging the remaining legs of the brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the first stop 7050 can be configured to deform only a group of staple legs, for example, containing distal legs 6221 staples 6220. In at least one such embodiment, the first stop 7050 can be made to deform distal legs the brackets 6221 to the center of the brackets 6220. In various embodiments, the first stop 7050 can contact each proximal leg of the bracket 6221 twice, that is, the first forming surface 7053 and the second forming surface 7054, which is aligned with the first forming surface 7053. In at least one such embodiment, the first forming surfaces 7053 can deform the distal legs of the brackets 6221 into a partially deformed configuration when the first stop 7050 is in the stopped position, or in the upper position, and the second forming surfaces 7054 can deform the distal legs of the brackets 6221 into a fully formed configuration when the first stop 7050 moves to an excited, or lower, position. As represented in FIG. 163 and 164, in various embodiments, the first stop 7050 may comprise a plurality of first forming surfaces 7053 and a plurality of second forming surfaces 7054 for deforming the distal legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 when the legs of the brackets 6221 are arranged in more than one row or line. In various embodiments, as described in more detail below, deformation of the proximal legs 6221 of the brackets 6020 may be performed, for example, by a second stop 7060.

In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the first stop 7050 can move from the distal end 7048 of the frame 7041 to the proximal end 7049 to deform all the distal legs 6221 of the brackets 6220. As can be noted, the first stop 7050 can move up and down relative to undeformed proximal legs brackets 6221, and for the possibility of using such relative movement in various embodiments, the first stop 7050 may contain one or more clearance-forming grooves 7057 (FIG. 165), which may be are capable of receiving the non-curved proximal legs of the brackets 6221 when the first stop 7050 bends the distal legs of the bracket 6221. In the same manner as also shown in FIG. 163, the second stop 7060 may include a gap-forming groove 7067, which may be configured to use the vertical movement of the drive of the first cam 7051, which moves up and down when the first stop 7050 moves between the stop positions and the excited position, as described above. After bending all the distal legs of the brackets 6221 in at least one embodiment, the second stop 7060 can be moved from the proximal end 7049 of the frame 7041 to the distal end 7048 by means of the stop 7061. As described above, as shown in FIG. 170, the cam followers 7065 of the second stop 7060 can slide in the cam grooves 7070 so that the second stop 7060 moves between the stop positions or the upper positions and the excited or lower positions to deform the proximal legs of the brackets 6221, for example, inward to the centers of the brackets 6220. Similarly to the above, the second stop 7060 may contain many of the first forming, or cam, surfaces 7063 and many of the second forming, or cam, surfaces 7064, each of which can be made with the possibility of at least partial deformation and / or complete deformation of one or more proximal legs of the brackets 6021. As also shown in FIG. 164, the second stop 7060 may comprise a plurality of first forming surfaces 7063 and a plurality of second forming surfaces 7064, which may be capable of deforming the proximal legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 arranged, for example, in a plurality of rows or lines. As also presented in FIG. 164, the first forming surfaces 7063 and the second forming surfaces 7064 of the second stop 7060 may not be aligned with the first forming surfaces 7053 and the second forming surfaces 7054 of the first stop 7050, and thus the proximal legs 6221 of the brackets 6220 may be arranged in other rows or lines compared to the distal legs 6221 of the brackets 6220. As can also be noted, the second stop 7060 can push the first stop 7050 while distally moving the second stop 7060. In at least one such embodiment, the second stop 7060 may push the first stop 7050 back to the distal end 7048 of the frame 7041 so that the first stop 7050 can be returned to its original, or inactive, position. After deformation of all proximal legs 6221, brackets 6220, the second stop 7060 can be extended proximally and returned to its original, or inactive, position. Thus, the surgical stapler 7000 can be returned to its initial position, so that a new cassette with brackets can be placed in the first jaw 7030, and a new holding matrix can be located in the second jaw 7040 for reusing the surgical stapler 7000.

In various embodiments, as described above, a surgical stapling instrument may comprise two or more stops that can be moved longitudinally to engage multiple staples in the transverse direction with the legs. In certain embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument may include an abutment that moves, for example, proximal to deform the first group of staple legs and, for example, distally to deform the second group of staple legs. In at least one such embodiment, such an abutment may comprise, for example, proximal facing forming surfaces and distally facing forming surfaces.

As represented in FIG. 171, in various embodiments, an abutment, such as, for example, an abutment 7140, may comprise a lower or fabric contacting surface 7141 and a plurality of forming recesses 7142 formed therein. In at least one embodiment, the abutment 7140 may comprise more than one plate such as, for example, a plate with recesses 7143, which can be welded to the frame 7144. In at least one such embodiment, each plate with recesses 7143 can be placed in the channel for the plate 7145 in the frame 7144 and welded to the frame 7144 Erez extending through the frame 7144 weld groove 7146 for receiving the longitudinal seam 7147. In various circumstances, a longitudinal seal 7147 may be a continuous weld extending over the entire length of the weld groove 7146, or, for example, a series of spaced apart spot welds extending along its entire length. In various embodiments, each recessed plate 7143 may comprise two or more parts of the plate welded together. In at least one such embodiment, each plate with recesses 7143 may include a first part of the plate 7143a and a second part of the plate 7143b, which can be welded together along the seam 7148. In various embodiments, the first part of the plate 7143a and the second part of the plate 7143b of each plate 7143 can be welded together before welding the plates 7143 to the channels for the plates 7145 in the frame 7144. In at least one such embodiment, the first part of the plate 7143a and the second part of the plate 7143b can have interacting profiles such as shown in FIG. 171 zigzag profiles that can be fitted together to form a tight seam 7148. In at least one embodiment, each plate 7143 may have a height of, for example, approximately 0.51 mm (0.02 inches), which may exceed the depth of the channels for plates 7145 in such a way that their surfaces 7141 in contact with the fabric extend from the frame 7044 of the stop 7040. As shown in FIG. 172, in certain embodiments, plates 7143 can be joined together, for example, using at least one weld 7149 at the distal ends of plates 7143.

As represented in FIG. 171 and 172, each plate with recesses 7143 may comprise a plurality of forming recesses 7142 formed therein. In various embodiments, forming recesses 7142 can be formed in plates 7143 using any suitable manufacturing process, such as, for example, grinding and / or electrode burning . As represented in FIG. 173 and 174, in at least one such embodiment, each forming recess 7142 can be produced, for example, by first forming a deep hole 7150, then forming an arched or curved surface 7151 around a deep hole 7150, and then forming a guide groove for the leg of the bracket 7152 in a curved surface 7151. In other various embodiments, the implementation of these stages can be performed in any suitable order. As represented in FIG. 175, in various embodiments, recesses for forming the brackets 7142 can be formed so that the inner edges 7153 of the forming recesses are separated by a constant or at least substantially constant gap 7154. In at least one such embodiment, the gap 7154 may be, for example, approximately 0.20 mm (0.008 in). In addition, in at least one such embodiment, the forming recesses 7142 may be arranged in two or more rows, or lines, the center lines of which may be separated by a constant or at least substantially constant interval 7155. In at least one such embodiment the implementation interval of 7155 between the center lines may be, for example, approximately 0.89 mm (0.035 inches). As also presented in FIG. 175, in various embodiments, each forming recess 7142 may taper smoothly between a smaller width 7156 and a larger width 7157. In at least one such embodiment, a smaller width 7156 may be, for example, approximately 1.14 mm (0.045 inches), and a larger 7157 may be approximately 1.91 mm (0.075 in) wide. In various embodiments, plates 7143 may be formed from the same material as frame 7144. In at least one such embodiment, both plates 7143 and frame 7144 may be formed of stainless steel, such as, for example, stainless steel 300 or 400, and / or, for example, from titanium. In various other embodiments, plates 7143 and frame 7144 may be formed from different materials. In at least one such embodiment, plates 7143 may be formed, for example, of ceramic material, and frame 7144 may be formed, for example, of stainless steel and / or titanium. In various circumstances, depending on the materials used, for attaching the plates 7143 to the frame 7144, for example, at least one soldering process may be used in addition to or instead of the welding processes described above.

As represented in FIG. 176-178, in various embodiments, the abutment 7240 may comprise a frame 7244 and a plurality of plates with recesses 7243 that can be inserted into the frame 7244. Similarly to the above, each plate with recesses 7243 may comprise a plurality of forming recesses 7242 formed therein. At least in one embodiment, the stop frame 7244 may comprise retaining grooves 7246 formed therein, each of which may be adapted to receive a retaining rail 7247 extending from the plate from a recess E 7243. To install the plates with recesses 7243 to the frame 7244 sidewalls abutment 7245 abutment 7244 frames may be bent or moved apart, as illustrated in FIG. 177 to increase the width of the retaining grooves 7246 so that each retaining groove 7246 can receive the retaining rail guide 7247 of the plate with recesses 7243. After placing the retaining rail guides 7247 in the retaining grooves 7246, the side walls 7245 can be released, as shown in FIG. 178, thereby allowing the frame 7244 to elastically contract and / or return to its expanded state. In such circumstances, the retaining grooves 7246 may contact and thereby grasp the retaining rail guides 7247. In certain embodiments, the retaining rail guides 7247 and / or the retaining grooves 7246 may contain one or more interacting conical surfaces that, after releasing the curved retaining grooves 7246, may form a cone-shaped lock that can hold the holding rail rails 7247 in the holding grooves 7246. Similar to the above plate with recesses 7243 can be formed from the same material as the frame 7244, or other material. In at least one such embodiment, plates 7243 may be formed, for example, of ceramic material, and frame 7244 may be formed, for example, of stainless steel and / or titanium. In various circumstances, depending on the materials used, for attaching the plates 7243 in the frame 7244, for example, at least one soldering process and / or at least one welding process can be used.

Shown in FIG. 179 and 180, the surgical stapling and dissecting instrument 8010 may include an abutment 8014 capable of repeatedly opening and closing by pivotally attaching to an elongated channel for staples 8016. The stapling unit 8012 may include an abutment 8014 and a channel 8016, whereby the assembly 8012 can be proximally attached to the elongated the rod 8018, forming the working part 8022. When the overlay unit staples 8012 is closed or at least essentially closed, the working part 8022 may have a sufficiently small cross section suitable for introducing the overlay unit Cob 8012 through a trocar. In various embodiments, the assembly 8012 can be manipulated using a handle 8020 connected to the shaft 8018. The handle 8020 may include user controls, such as a rotary handle 8030 that rotates the elongated shaft 8018 and the stitching unit 8012 around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 8018. The closing trigger 8026, capable of pivoting in front of the pistol grip 8036 around the pin of the closing trigger 8152 (FIG. 181), mounted laterally across the handle housing 8154, may be pressed to close the overlay assembly 8012. In various embodiments, the release trigger release button 8038 may protrude outward on the handle 8020 while squeezing the release trigger 8026 so that the release button 8038 can be pressed to release the closing trigger 8026 and open the overlay staples 8012, as described in more detail below. The trigger 8034, capable of pivoting in front of the closing trigger 8026, can act on the overlay site staples 8012 to simultaneously dissect and stitch the tissue clamped in it. In various situations, described in more detail below, a plurality of trigger cycles performed using the trigger hook 8034 can be used to reduce the force the surgeon has to exert with his hand in each cycle. In some embodiments, the implementation of the handle 8020 may include a rotary right and / or left indicator wheels 8040, 8041 (FIG. 181), which can indicate the progress of the start-up process. For example, for a full trigger path, three full trigger cycles of the trigger 8034 may be required, and therefore the indicator wheels 8040, 8041 can rotate up to a third of a revolution for each trigger cycle of the trigger 8034. As described in more detail below, the manual trigger 8042 , if necessary, allow the trigger system to be pulled back until the trigger path is complete, and, in addition, the trigger lever 8042 may allow the surgeon or other doctor to pull the trigger system back in case the trigger system the theme is stuck and / or out of order.

As shown in FIG. 179 and 181, the elongated shaft 8018 may include an outer part including a longitudinally reciprocating closing tube 8024 that pivots the stop 8014 to the closed position by proximal pressing the closing trigger mechanism 8026 of the handle 8020. The extended shaft 8018 can be connected to the handle 8020 by means of a frame 8028 (FIG. 181) located inside the cover tube 8024. The frame 8028 can be rotatably connected to a handle 8020, so that the rotation of the rotary handle 8030 (FIG. 179) can ra ot rotation of the working part of 8022. As in particular shown in FIG. 181, the rotary handle 8030 may be formed of two half-shells, which may include one or more internal protrusions 8031, which may extend through one or more elongated side holes 8070 in the cover tube 8024 and engage the frame 8028. As a result of the above, the rotary handle 8030 and the frame 8028 can be rotated together or synchronously, so that the rotation position of the handle 8030 determines the rotation position of the working part 8022. In various embodiments, the longitudinal length of the longer hole 8070 is sufficient Olsha to provide longitudinal closing and opening movement of the closure tube 8024. With reference to ensure closing movement of the closure tube 8024 as shown mainly in FIG. 181 and 183, the upper part 8160 of the closing trigger 8026 can push forward the closing yoke 8162 by means of the closing link 8164. The closing link 8164 is pivotally attached to its distal end by a pin of the closing yoke 8166 to the closing yoke 8162, and also hinged by its proximal end the pin of the closing yoke 8168. In various embodiments, the closing trigger 8026 can be moved to the open position by means of a tension spring of the closing trigger 8246, which is proximally connected to the upper part 8160 of the closing trigger 8026 and the handle housing 8154 formed by the right and left half shells 8156, 8158. The tensile force exerted by the tension spring 8246 can be overcome by applying a closing force to the closing trigger 8026 for distal advancement of the traverse 8162, the closing link 8164 and the closing tube 8024.

By activating or depressing the release trigger 8026 as described above, the release button of the release trigger 8038 can take such a position that the surgeon or other doctor can press the release button of the release trigger 8038 if necessary, allowing the release trigger 8026 and the rest surgical instrument return to inactive position. In various embodiments, the release button of the closing release mechanism 8038 may be connected to the pivoting locking lever 8172 via a central lateral hinge 8173 so that movement between the release button 8038 and the locking lever 8172 can be transmitted. Refer again to FIG. 181. The compression spring 8174 can bias the release button of the closing release mechanism 8038 proximally, i.e. clockwise around the central lateral hinge 8173, when viewed from the right, and the upper part 8160 of the closing trigger 8026 may include a proximal ridge 8170 with a rear slot 8171. When you press the closing trigger 8026, the pivoting locking lever 8172 can run onto the proximal ridge 8170 and when the closing trigger 8026 reaches the fully pressed position, it should be understood that under the pivoting locking lever 8172 will be the rear slot 8171 and the lever will fall into this rear slot 8171 and udet is locked in it under the pressure of compression spring 8174. At this moment, when manually pressing the release button of the closing release mechanism 8038, the rotary locking lever 8172 rotates up and out of the rear slot 8171, as a result of which the closing release mechanism 8026 will be unlocked and will return to its unlocked position .

After the proximal compression of the closing trigger 8026, as described above, the trigger 8034 can be pulled to the pistol grip 8036 to distally advance the trigger rod 8032 from the handle 8020. In various embodiments, the trigger 8034 can rotate around the trigger pin 8202, which runs laterally and connects to the right and left half shells 8156, 8158 of the handle 8020. An activated trigger 8034 can advance the trigger with the clutch gear 8150. The trigger with the clutch With this gear 8150, it can be brought into a retracted, inactive position by a spring 8184, which, firstly, is attached to the pistol grip 8036 of the handle 8020 and, secondly, is attached to one of the links, for example, a trigger mechanism with the clutch gear 8150, as more described in detail below. The spring 8184 may include a fixed end 8186 connected to the housing 8154 and a movable end 8188 connected to the proximal end 8190 of the steel strip 8192. The distally located end 8194 of the steel strip 8192 can be attached to the connecting element 8195 on the front link 8196a from the set of links 8196a 8196d forming a connecting rail 8200. The connecting rail 8200 can be flexible so that it can be easily pulled into the pistol grip 8036 and minimize the length of the handle 8020 and still form a straight rigid rack assembly capable of transmit significant starting force to and through or from the trigger rod 8032. As described in more detail below, the trigger 8034 may come into contact with the first link 8196a upon the first activation of the trigger 8034, come into contact with the second link 8196b with the second trigger activation 8034, and come into contact with the third link 8196c with the third trigger activation 8034 and come into contact with the fourth link 8196d during the fourth activation of the trigger 8034, and each activation of the trigger 8034 can distally translate the connecting rail 8200 a certain distance. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, a plurality of strokes of the trigger 1034 can rotate the right and left indicator control wheels 1040, 1041 to indicate the distance the connecting rail 8200 has been advanced.

As shown in FIG. 181 and 183, the 8250 backstop can prevent the connecting rail 8200 from being pulled in with the combined tension / compression spring 8184 between the start strokes. In various embodiments, the connecting slide tube 8131 abuts against the first link 8196a and connects to the trigger rod 8032 to transmit the trigger movement. The trigger rod 8032 extends proximally through the proximal end of the frame 8028 and through the through hole 8408 of the backstop 8266. The size of the through hole 8408 allows the trigger rod 8032 to be slidingly sliding during perpendicular alignment and held in an inclined position. The lower reed fastener 8271 extends proximally from the lower protrusion of the proximal end of the frame 8028, passing through the hole 8269 on the lower edge of the backstop 8266. This lower reed fastener 8271 guides the bottom of the backstop 8266 near the frame 8028 so that the plate the backstop 8266 is perpendicular when the trigger rod 8032 moves distally and allows the upper rear to deviate into the holding position when the trigger is attempted rod 8032 retract. The backstop lock compression spring 8264 is compressed distally by the proximal end of the frame 8028 and proximally abuts against the top of the backstop lock plate 8266, deflecting the backstop lock plate 8266 to the lock state. Counteracting the bias of the spring, the backstop lock tube 8268 slidably connects the sliding sliding tube 8131 and abuts against the backstop lock plate 8266. The proximal protruding backstop lock beam 8256 attached to the backstop lock cam tube 8268 extends over the closing cross member 8162.

As shown in FIG. 181, an automatic pull-pull mechanism 8289 is integrated into the surgical stapling and dissecting instrument 8010 and causes the scalpel to retract at the end of the full trigger path. To this end, the distal link 8196d includes a shank 8290 protruding upward when the distal link 8196d extends into the rail channel 8291 (FIG. 181) formed in the closing traverse 8162. This shank 8290 is aligned to activate the lower proximal cam 8292 on the release lever lock backstop 8248 (FIG. 186). As shown, in particular, in FIG. 186 and 187, the parts formed in the right and left half shells 8156, 8158 limit the movement of the release lever of the back lock 8248. The socket for the pin 8296 and the round pin 8293 formed respectively between the right and left half shells 8156, 8158 are received through a longitudinally elongated hole 8294, made in the backstop release lever 8248, distal to the lower proximal cam 8292, which allows longitudinal movement, as well as rotation around the round pin 8293. In the right half-shell 8156 the maximally open channel 8295 includes a proximal horizontal portion 8295a that communicates with the upwardly and distally inclined portion 8295b that receives the rear right-hand pin 8297 (FIG. 187) near the proximal end of the back lock release lever 8248, thereby facilitating upward rotation when the backstop 8248 release lever reaches the extreme distal part of its path. A blocking part formed in the right half-shell 8156 proximal to the backstop release lever 8248 prevents its proximal movement in assembled form by holding the right-hand rear pin 8297 in the proximal open channel 8295.

In addition to the foregoing, as shown in FIG. 187 and 188, the distal end 8254 of the reverse lock release lever 8248 is thus moved distally and downward, as a result of which the front right-hand pin 8298 enters the distally open stepped part 8299 formed in the right half-shell 8156, which is introduced by the compression spring 8300 (FIG. 188) attached to a left-handed hook 8301 on a backstop release lever 8248 between a right-hand front pin 8298 and a longitudinally elongated hole 8294. The other end of the compression spring 8300 is attached to the hook 8302 (FIG. 186, 188, 189), formed on the right half-shell 8156 in a more proximal and lower position, directly above the closing traverse 8266. Thus, the compression spring 8300 pulls the distal end 8254 of the release lever lock backward 8248 down and back as a result of which the front right-hand pin 8298 is blocked in the distally open stepped part 8299 during distal advancement. Thus, after engagement, as shown in FIG. 189, the backstop release lever 8248 remains in front, holding the backstop lock plate 8266 in a perpendicular position and therefore allowing the connecting rod 8200 to be pulled back. When the closing yoke 8266 is then pulled back while expanding the end effector 8012, the upward discharge tail 8303 on closing traverse 8266, contacts the lower distal cam 8305 of the backstop 8248 release lever, raising the front right-hand pin 8298 from the distal about the open stepped part 8299 so that the compression lock back spring 8264 can proximally push the back lock cam tube 8268 and the back lock release lever 8248 into the retracted position (FIG. 186).

In various embodiments shown in FIG. 179 and 189, the trigger 8034 may be operatively connected to the connecting rail 8200 in any suitable manner. As shown, in particular, in FIG. 180 and 185, the trigger 8034 rotates around the pin of the trigger 8202, which is connected to the housing 8154. As the trigger 8034 is pressed against the pistol grip 8036, stretching the proximally located tension spring trigger 8206 (FIG. 181), proximally connected between the upper part 8204 of the trigger hook 8034 and the housing 8154, the upper part 8204 of the trigger hook 8034 moves distally around the pin of the trigger hook 8202. The upper part 8204 of the trigger hook 8034 engages the connecting rail 8200 each time you press Skov hook by means of a spring deflectable lateral safety mechanism 8210. When released, the trigger safety mechanism side is disconnected from the connection rack 8200, and the trigger can return to the unactivated or unpressed position. During use, the inclined right-hand track formed by the proximal and rightwardly sloping surface 8284 in each of the links 8196a-8196d is engaged with the side safety assembly 8285. In particular, the fuse slider 8270 (FIGS. 181 and 183) has right and left lower guides 8272 which slide respectively in the left track 8274 (FIG. 181) formed in the closing traverse 8266 under the channel for the rail 8291, and the right track 8275 in the rail of the closing beam 8276, parallel to the channel for the rail 8291 and attached to the cover of the channel for rail 8277, which covers the part of the channel for rail 8291 that is open to the right, in the closing beam 8266, located distal to the path of the fuse slider 8270. In FIG. 181, 182 and 185, a compression spring 8278 is attached between the hook 8279 at the upper proximal position of the railing of the traverse beam 8276 and the hook 8280 on the distal right slider of the fuse 8270 and holds the slider of the fuse 8270 pulled proximally until it contacts the upper part 8204 of the trigger 8034.

As shown, in particular, in FIG. 181, the fuse block 8318 is located on the slider of the fuse 8270, turning around the vertical rear pin 8320, which passes through the left proximal corner of the fuse block 8318 and the slider of the fuse 8270. A recess for the ejector block 8322 is formed on the distal part of the upper surface of the block 8318 for receiving the ejector block block 8324, pivotally connected by a vertical pin 8326, the lower end of which passes into the recess for the spring of the fuse 8328 on the upper surface of the slider of the fuse 8270. the fuse 8330 in the recess for the spring of the fuse 8328 protrudes to the right of the vertical front pin 8326 and causes the fuse block 8318 to turn counterclockwise when viewed from above, engaging with the inclined right-hand track 8282. A small coil spring 8332 in the recess for the ejector unit 8322 forces the ejector unit 8324 is rotated clockwise, when viewed from above, brings its proximal end into contact with a simulated protrusion 8334 formed in the closing traverse 82 66 above the channel for rail 8291. As shown in FIG. 184, the more mechanically strong fuse spring 8330, superior to the small coil spring 8332, causes the fuse block 8318 to engage with the ejector block 8324 rotated clockwise. As shown in FIG. 185, when the trigger hook 8034 is fully depressed and release starts, the ejector unit 8324 hits the rib 8336 in the simulated protrusion 8334 as the fuse 8270 retracts, causing the eject unit 8324 to rotate clockwise when viewed from above, and thus eject the fuse block 8318 out of engagement with the connecting rail 8200. The shape of the recess for the ejector unit 8322 prevents the ejector unit 8324 from turning clockwise in a position perpendicular to the simulated protrusion 8334, and such a violation of the connection is maintained during the entire retraction, as a result of which the noise of the ratchet mechanism is eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 181, 183, 190, and 195, the surgical stapling and dissecting instrument 8010 may include a manual retraction mechanism 8500 designed to manually release the trigger, manually retract, and, in one embodiment (FIG. 196-202), additionally automatically retracts into end of the full launch path. As shown in FIG. 181, 190 and 191, in particular, the front idler gear 8220 is engaged with the upper left gear surface 8222 of the connecting rail 8200, the front idler gear 8220 is also engaged with the idler gear 8230 having a smaller right-handed ratchet gear 8231. Like the front idler gear 8220, and the rear intermediate gear 8230 are rotatably connected to the handle housing 8154, respectively, using the shaft of the front intermediate gear 8232 and the shaft of the rear intermediate gear 8234. The ends of the rear Ala 8232 pass through the corresponding right and left half shells of the housing 8156, 8158 and are attached to the left and right indicator control wheels 8040, 8041, and, since the rear shaft 8234 rotates freely in the handle housing 8154 and is connected by a tongue to the rear gear 8230, the indicator control wheels 8040 , 8041 rotate together with the rear gear 8230. The gear ratio between the connecting rail 8200, the intermediate gear 8220 and the rear gear 8230 can advantageously be selected so that, with an appropriate tooth size On the gear front surface 8222, the rear gear 8230 made no more than one revolution during the full trigger path of the trigger mechanism with the clutch gear 8150. In addition to the gear mechanism 8502 clearly showing the trigger path or progress, gear mechanism 8502 can also be used to manually retract the scalpel . In various embodiments, the smaller right-handed ratchet gear 8231 of the rear idler gear 8230 extends into the sleeve 8506 of the manual retraction lever 8042, which is specifically aligned with a vertical longitudinally aligned groove 8508 (FIG. 190), bisecting the sleeve 8506. The lateral through hole 8510 of the sleeve 8506 communicates with the upper recess 8512. The front portion 8514 is configured to receive a proximal directional locking fuse 8516 that pivots around the right-side lateral pin 8518 formed at the distal end of the upper recess 8512. The rear portion 8520 is shaped, configured to receive an L-shaped spring tongue 8522 that pushes the locking fuse 8516 down into engagement with a smaller right-handed ratchet gear 8231. Holding The locking part 8524 (FIGS. 186 and 193) protrudes from the right half-shell 8156 into the upper recess 8512, holding the locking guard 8516 from engaging with the smaller right-hand ratchet gear 8231 when the manual retraction lever 8042 (FIG. 193) is lowered. The coil spring 8525 (FIG. 181) pushes the manual pull lever 8042 down.

In use, as shown in FIG. 192 and 193, the combined tension / compression spring 8184 may be detached from the connecting rail in a distal position. As shown in FIG. 194 and 195, when the manual retraction lever 8042 is raised, the locking fuse 8516 rotates clockwise and is no longer held by the holding part 8524 and engages in the smaller right-hand ratchet gear 8231, turning the rear intermediate gear 8230 clockwise when viewed from the left. In response to this, the front idler gear 8220 rotates counterclockwise, retracting the connecting rail 8200. In addition, a right-side curved rib 8510 protrudes from the sleeve 8506, the size of which allows it to contact the release lever of the backstop 8248 and move it distally, releasing the locking mechanism backward stroke 8250 when turning the manual retraction lever 8042.

As shown in FIG. 196-202, the automatic retraction mechanism 8600 for surgical stapling and dissecting instrument 8010a may include automatic retraction at the end of the full trigger path, implemented using the front idler gear 8220a having a tooth 8602 that moves inside the circular groove 8604 in the cam gear 8606 until it collides with blocker 8608 after an almost complete turn, corresponding to three start cycles. In this situation, the right-side rib 8610 is rotated upward to contact the recess of the lower cam 8612 to distally move the release lever of the back lock 8248a. As shown, in particular, in FIG. 197, the backstop 8248a release lever includes a distal end 8254 operating as described above. A round pin 8293 and a socket for a pin 8296 formed between the right and left half shells 8156, 8158 pass through a substantially rectangular hole 8294a formed in the release lever of the backstop 8248a behind the lower cam 8192, which allows longitudinal movements as well as blocking movement down the distal end 8254 of the backstop release lever 8248a. In the right half-shell 8156, a horizontal proximal open channel 8295a near the proximal end of the reverse lock release lever 8248a receives the right-hand rear pin 8297.

During operation, before starting, as shown in FIG. 198, 198A, the connecting rail 8200, and the backstop 8268 cam tube are retracted, locking the backstop 8250, while the backstop 8264 compression spring tilts the backstop 8266 proximally. The 8600 auto retractor is in its original position and the reverse lock release lever 8248a is retracted so that the link 8196a is in contact with the front idler gear 8220a. The tooth 8602 is in the “at six o’clock” position, and the full path of the circular groove 8604 runs counterclockwise from it, and the right-hand rib 8610 is located directly near the tooth 8602. As shown in FIG. 199, 199A, one start-up cycle was performed by displacing one distal link 8196b in contact with the front idler gear 8220a. The tooth 8602 has traveled one third of its path along the circular groove 8604 of the fixed cam gear 8606. As shown in FIG. 200, 200A, a second start-up cycle was performed, displacing another link 8196c in contact with the front idler gear 8220a. The tooth 8602 has traveled two-thirds of its way along the circular groove 8604 of the fixed cam gear 8606. As shown in FIG. 201, 201A, a third start-up cycle was performed by displacing one distal link 8196d in contact with the front idler gear 8220a. The tooth 8602 went around the entire circumference of the circular groove 8604 until it came into contact with the blocker 8608, causing the cam gear 8606 to turn counterclockwise (when viewed from the right), as a result of which the right-hand rib 8608 came into contact with the release lever of the back lock 8248a. As shown in FIG. 202, as a result, the backstop release lever 8248a moved distally, locking the right-hand front pin 8298 in the distally stepped step 8299 and releasing the backstop 8250. Related surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in US Patent No. 7,083,075, issued August 1, 2006, the contents of which are fully incorporated into the present application by reference.

As shown in FIG. 203, the stapling unit 9012 of the surgical stapling instrument 9010 performs the functions of clamping tissue, pushing the staples and stapling the tissue by two separate movements longitudinally transmitted down the shaft 9016 relative to the frame of the shaft 9070. The frame of the shaft 9070 is attached proximally to the handle of the surgical stapling tool and connected to it for rotation around the longitudinal axis. An illustrative multi-stroke handle for a surgical stapling and dissecting instrument is described in more detail in a simultaneously filed and owned by the same authors application for a US patent under the name “SURGICAL STAPLING TOOL WITH INDICATOR FOR POSITION OF THE MULTI-START STARTING AND MECHANISM OF RETRIEVING. No. 10 / 374,026, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. Other applications according to the present invention may include a single-cycle start, as described in a patent application filed simultaneously by the same authors and entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLOSING AND STARTING SYSTEMS", ser. No. 10 / 441,632, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

As shown, in particular, in FIG. 204, the distal end of the shaft frame 9070 is attached to the channel for brackets 9018. The stop 9022 has a proximal swivel end 9072, which can be rotated into the proximal end 9074 of the channel for brackets 9018 directly distal from its connection with the shaft frame 9070. When the stop 9022 is turned down the abutment 9022 moves the surface 9028 in contact with the fabric and the forming recesses 9026 to the opposite cassette with brackets, described below in more detail. The pivot end 9072 of the stop 9022 includes a closure member 9076 located close to but distal to its pivot mount to the bracket channel 9018. Thus, the closure tube 9078, the distal end of which includes a horseshoe-shaped opening 9080, engages with this closure 9076, selectively forces the stop 9022 to make an opening movement with proximal longitudinal movement and a closing movement with distal longitudinal movement of the closure tube 9078 sliding over the frame of the shaft 9070 in from veto on the action of the closing trigger, similar to the above. The frame of the rod 9070 performs and directs the trigger movement from the handle to the longitudinal component reciprocating two-component scalpel and trigger rod 9090. In particular, the frame of the rod 9070 includes a longitudinal slot of the trigger rod 9092, which includes the proximal part of the two-component scalpel and trigger rod 9090 in particular, a multilayer tapering trigger rod 9094. It should be understood that the multilayer tapering trigger rod 9094 can be replaced by a trigger rod of solid and / or l God other suitable material.

The three-horned element 9102 is the distal part of the two-component scalpel and trigger rod 9090, which facilitates separate closing and starting, and also separates the stop 9022 from the elongated channel for brackets 9018 at startup. As shown, in particular, in FIG. 204 and 205, along with any type of attachment, for example, by soldering or adhesive, the scalpel and trigger rod 9090 are formed so that the corresponding pin connector 9106, which is located proximally in the three-horned element 9102, is received in the vertical fixing hole-socket 9102 distally on a multilayer tapering starting rod 9094, which allows each part to be formed from the selected material and processed separately, taking into account their unequal functions (for example, strength, flexibility, friction). The three-horned element 9102 can advantageously be made of a material having properties suitable for forming a pair of upper pins 9110, a pair of middle pins 9112 and a lower pin or support 9114, as well as suitable for creating a sharp cutting edge 9116. In addition, made for one and protruding proximally, the upper guide 9118 and the middle guide 9120, covering the cutting edge 9116 from each vertical end, further form the fabric preparation area 9122, helping to direct the fabric to the sharp cutting edge 9116 before cutting low. The middle guideline 9120 also serves to engage and start the clamping device 9012 by abutting the central stepped element 9124 of the wedge-shaped slide 9126 (FIG. 206), which enable the brackets to be molded by the clamping unit 9012, as described in more detail below. Due to the fact that these elements (for example, the upper pins 9110, the middle pins 9112 and the lower support 9114) form a single unit with the three-horned element 9102, their manufacture is simplified with stricter tolerances relative to each other in comparison with the assembly of many parts and the desired operation is ensured at startup and / or effective interaction with various blocking elements of the node overlay staples 9012.

In FIG. 207 and 208, the stapling unit 9012 is shown in the open state with the three-horn element 9102 fully retracted. During assembly, the lower support 9114 of the three-horn element 9102 passes through the expanded hole 9130 in the channel for the brackets 9018, and then the three-horn element 9102 moves further so that the three-horned the element 9102 distally slides along the lower track 9132 formed in the channel for the brackets 9018. In particular, the lower track 9132 includes a narrow groove 9133 opening in the form of an expanded groove 9134 on the lower surface of the channel for the brackets 9018 to form m inverted T-shaped configuration in lateral cross-section, as shown in particular in FIG. 208 and 209, which communicates with the widened groove 9130. Assembled components proximally connected to the multilayer tapering trigger rod 9094 do not allow the lower support 9114 to move proximally further into the widened opening 9130 and allow disengagement. As shown in FIG. 210, a multilayer tapering trigger rod 9094 facilitates insertion of the staple assembly 9012 through the trocar. In particular, a more distal downward projection 9136 lifts the three-horned element 9102 in a fully retracted position. This is achieved by installing the downward protrusion 9136 in the place where it rises upward at the proximal edge of the widened channel opening 9130 for the staples 9018. As shown in FIG. 211, the multi-layered tapering trigger rod 9094 also improves the operation of some locking elements that can be embedded in the channel for the brackets 9018 through a more upwardly projecting protrusion 9138 that pushes the frame of the rod 9070 down at the initial stage of the trigger path. In particular, between the pair of square holes 9142 in the frame of the shaft 9070, a side shaft 9140 is formed (FIG. 204). A clamping spring 9144, which encompasses the lateral shaft 9140, pushes down a portion of the multilayer tapering trigger rod 9094 protruding distally from the longitudinal groove for the trigger rod 9092, which engages at some suitable moment some advantageous locking elements. Such an ejection is more pronounced or limited solely to that portion of the starting path in which the upward projection 9138 is in contact with the clamping spring 9144.

In FIG. 207 and 208, the three-horned element 9102 is retracted and its upper pins 9110 are located inside the recess of the abutment 9150 near the pivoting proximal end of the abutment 9022. The vertical downward groove of the abutment 9152 (FIG. 203) extends in the abutment 9022 to the sides, passing into the inner track of the abutment 9154, which captures the upper pins 9110 of the three-horned element 9102 during their distal movement during start-up, as shown in FIG. 210 and 211, structurally separating the abutment 9022 from the channel for staples 9018. Thus, when the three-horned element 9102 is retracted, the surgeon can repeatedly open and close the overlay unit staples 9012 until the location and orientation of the tissue captured in it for dissection and stitching will be satisfactory, moreover, the three-horned element 9102 helps to correctly position the fabric even in the case of using the overlay unit 9012 of reduced diameter and, therefore, reduced stiffness. In FIG. 203, 204, 206, 207, 209, and 215, there is shown a clamping unit 9012 with a removable cassette with brackets 9020, including wedge-shaped slides 9126. A plurality of parallel longitudinally aligned open downward wedge-shaped grooves 9202 (FIG. 209) receive corresponding wedges 9204, which are an integral part of the wedge-shaped slide 9126. As shown in FIG. 209-211, the wedge-shaped slide 9126 thus lifts a plurality of bracket ejectors 9206 that are vertically slidable inside the recesses for the bracket ejectors 9208. In this illustrative embodiment, each bracket ejector 9206 includes two vertical pins, each of which moves upward into a corresponding an opening for the bracket 9210 or a cavity 9024 for pushing upward and deforming the bracket 9023 placed therein by means of a surface for forming the brackets 9214 (FIG. 211) of the stop 9022. Central trigger I recess 9216 (FIG. 204), formed in a cassette with brackets 9020 near the channel for brackets 9018, allows the passage of the lower horizontal part 9218 (FIG. 206) of the wedge-shaped slide 9126, as well as the middle pins 9112 of the three-horned element 9102. In particular, the tray cassettes with brackets 9220 (FIG. 204, 209) are attached to the polymer case of the cassette with brackets 9222 (and located underneath), in which recesses for ejectors of brackets 9208, holes for brackets 9210 and a central starting recess 9216 are made. As the brackets 9023 are formed in this way on either side, the sharp cutting edge 9116 enters the vertical through groove 9230, extending along the entire longitudinal axis of the cartridge with brackets 9020, with the exception of only its most distal end.

The start of the overlay assembly 9012 begins as shown in FIG. 211, with the fact that the two-component scalpel and trigger rod 9090 is pulled proximally until the downward protrusion 9136 lifts the middle guide 9120 on the three-horned element 9102 up and back, which allows you to insert a new cassette with brackets 9020 into the channel for brackets 9018 with an open stop 9022 as shown in FIG. 203 and 207. As shown in FIG. 212, the two-component scalpel and trigger rod 9090 are distally advanced a small distance, allowing the downwardly extending protrusion 9136 to enter the expanded opening 9130 of the lower track 9132 by the action of a clamping spring 9144 opposite the upwardly extending protrusion 9138 of the multilayer tapering launching rod 9094. The middle guideline 9120 prevents an additional turning down, since it is located on the stepped central element 9124 of the wedge-shaped slide 9126, resulting in the middle pin 9112 of the three-horned element os melts inside the central launch recess 9216. As shown in FIG. 213, the two-component scalpel and trigger shaft 9090 are distally activated, advancing the wedge-shaped slides 9126, which leads to the formation of staples 9023 and dissection of the tissue 9242, sandwiched between the stop 9022 and the cassette with brackets 9020, using a sharp cutting edge 9116. Next, as shown in FIG. 214, the two-component scalpel and trigger shaft 9090 retracts, leaving the tapered slide 9126 in a distal position. As shown in FIG. 215, the middle pin 9112 gets the opportunity to move down into the blocking recess 9240 formed in the channel for the brackets 9018 (also see FIG. 208, 211). Thus, if the wedge-shaped slide 9126 (not shown in FIG. 215) is not in the proximal position (i.e., if the cassette with the brackets 9020 is missing or used up), the operator will be able to tactilely feel that the middle pin 9112 abuts the distal edge blocking recess 9240. Related surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in US Patent No. 7,380,696, issued June 3, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In various embodiments, as described above, the cassette with brackets may comprise a cassette body including a plurality of bracket sockets formed therein. The cassette body may comprise a panel and an upper surface of the panel, wherein each bracket socket may form an opening in the surface of the panel. As described above, the staples can also be located inside each staple slot so that the staples are stored inside the cassette body until they are pushed out. Before being ejected from the cartridge case, in various embodiments, the brackets may be contained within the cartridge case so that the brackets do not protrude above the panel surface. Since in such embodiments, the staples are below the surface of the panel, the possibility of damage and / or premature contact with the target tissue can be reduced. In various situations, the brackets can move between the inactive position at which they do not protrude from the cassette body and the activated position at which they protrude from the cassette body and can come in contact with a stop located opposite the cassette with brackets. In various embodiments, the abutment and / or forming recesses formed in the abutment can be located at a predetermined distance from the panel surface so that when brackets are placed from the cassette body, the brackets are deformed to acquire a predetermined height in the formed state. In some situations, the thickness of the fabric trapped between the stop and the cassette with the brackets can be changed, and therefore, with some brackets you can grab a thicker fabric, and with some other brackets you can grab a thinner fabric. In any case, the pressure or clamping force applied to the fabric by the brackets may, for example, differ for different brackets or may vary between brackets at one end of a row of brackets and at the other end of a row of brackets. In some situations, the gap between the stop and the cassette panel with brackets can be controlled so that the brackets overlap with the creation of some minimum clamping force inside each bracket. However, in some such situations, there may still be significant variability in the clamping force within different staples.

In the various embodiments described herein, the staple cartridge may include means for compensating for the thickness of the tissue captured by the staples placed from the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 216, a cassette with brackets, for example a cassette with brackets 10000, may include a rigid first part, for example a support part 10010, and a compressible second part, for example a fabric thickness compensator 10020. In at least one embodiment, as shown mainly in FIG. 218, the support portion 10010 may include a cassette body, an upper surface of the panel 10011 and a plurality of bracket slots 10012, where, similarly to the foregoing, each bracket slot 10012 may form an opening on the surface of the panel 10011. The bracket 10030, for example, can be removably mounted in the bracket slot 10012 In at least one such embodiment, as shown mainly in FIG. 245 and as described in more detail below, each bracket 10030 may include a base 10031 and one or more legs 10032 extending from the base 10031. Before placing the brackets 10030, which is also described in more detail below, the bases 10031 of the brackets 10030 can be supported by ejector brackets located inside the support part 10010, and, at the same time, the legs 10032 of the brackets 10030 can at least partially be contained within the slots for the brackets 10012. In various embodiments, the brackets 10030 can be placed from an inactive to an activated position so that the legs 10032 pass through the fabric thickness compensator 10020, penetrate the upper surface of the fabric thickness compensator 10020, penetrate the fabric T and contact the stop opposite the cassette with brackets 10000. When the legs 10032 are deformed against the stop, these legs 10032 of each bracket 10030 can capture a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 10020 and a portion of fabric T inside each bracket 10030 and apply a compressive force to the fabric. In addition to the above, the legs 10032 of each bracket 10030 can be deformed downward to the base of the bracket 10031 to form a grip region of the bracket 10039 into which tissue T and tissue thickness compensator 10020 can be gripped. In various situations, the grip region of the bracket 10039 can be formed between the inner surfaces of the deformed legs 10032 and the inner surface of the base 10031. The size of the grip area of the bracket may depend on several factors, for example, the length of the legs, the diameter of the legs, the width of the base, and / or the degree of deformation tion of legs.

In previous embodiments, the surgeon often needed to select staples suitable for stitched tissue in height. For example, the surgeon could choose high staples for use on thick tissue and short staples for use on thin tissue. However, in some situations, the thickness of the stitched fabric was uneven, and therefore, some staples might not achieve the desired activated configuration. For example, in FIG. 250 shows the high staple used when working with a thin cloth. As shown in FIG. 251, when a tissue thickness compensator, such as a tissue thickness compensator 10020, is used when operating, for example, with thin tissue, a desired activated configuration can be imparted to the large bracket.

Due to its compressibility, the tissue thickness compensator can compensate for the thickness of the fabric trapped by each bracket. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 245 and 246, a tissue thickness compensator, for example a fabric thickness compensator 10020, can use a larger and / or smaller portion of the grip area 10039 of each bracket 10030 depending on the thickness and / or type of fabric located in the grip region of the bracket 10039. For example, if the bracket 10030, a thinner fabric T is captured, a tissue thickness compensator 10020 can occupy a larger part of the grip area of the bracket 10039 than in a situation where a thicker fabric T is caught inside the bracket 10030. Accordingly, if a thicker fabric T is caught in the bracket 10030, the thickness compensator The fabric 10020 may occupy a smaller portion of the grip area of the bracket 10039 than in a situation where a thinner fabric T is trapped inside the bracket 10030. Thus, a tissue thickness compensator can compensate for a thinner and / or thicker fabric and allow compressive pressure to be applied to the fabric, independently or at least substantially independently of the thickness of the tissue captured by the brackets. In addition to the foregoing, a tissue thickness compensator 10020 can compensate for the difference in types or compression ratios of tissues captured by various braces 10030. As shown in FIG. 246, tissue thickness compensator 10020 may exert a compressive force on vascular tissue T, which may include vessels V, and thereby restrict blood flow through worse compressible vessels V, while applying the desired compressive pressure to surrounding tissue T. In various situations, in addition to the foregoing, a tissue thickness compensator 10020 can also compensate for malformed staples. As shown in FIG. 247, the improper formation of various staples 10030 can lead to the formation of more extensive gripping areas 10039 in such staples. Due to the elasticity of the fabric thickness compensator 10020, as shown in FIG. 248, a tissue thickness compensator 10020 located within improperly formed brackets 10030 can still exert sufficient compressive pressure on fabric T, although gripping areas 10039 formed by such improperly formed braces 10030 can be enlarged. In various situations, a tissue thickness compensator 10020 placed between adjacent brackets 10030 can be displaced relative to fabric T by correctly formed brackets 10030 surrounding the malformed bracket 10030, and as a result, apply compressive pressure to the fabric surrounding and / or trapped inside the malformed bracket 10030. In various situations, a tissue thickness compensator can compensate for a difference in tissue density, which may be due, for example, calcification, fibrous zones and / or tissue, previously not stapled or processed.

In various embodiments, a fixed or unchanged tissue gap can be formed between the support portion and the abutment, as a result of which the staples can be deformed to a predetermined height regardless of the thickness of the tissue gripped by the brackets. When using a tissue thickness compensator in such embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator can adapt to the tissue trapped between the stop and the supporting portion of the cassette with brackets, and due to its elasticity, the tissue thickness compensator can apply additional compressive pressure to the fabric. As shown in FIG. 252-257, the bracket 10030 is formed with a predetermined height H. In FIG. 252 a tissue thickness compensator was not used, and tissue T occupies the entire grip area of staples 10039. In FIG. 259, a bracket 10030 captures a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 10020, fabric T is compressed, and at least a portion of the grip region of the bracket 10039 is occupied. In FIG. 254, the thin tissue T is gripped by the bracket 10030. In this embodiment, the compressed tissue T has a height of approximately 2 / 9H, and the compressed tissue thickness compensator 10020 has a height of, for example, approximately 7 / 9H. As shown in FIG. 255, a fabric T having an intermediate thickness is gripped by a bracket 10030. In this embodiment, the compressed fabric T has a height of approximately 4 / 9H, and the compressed tissue thickness compensator 10020 has a height of, for example, approximately 5 / 9H. As shown in FIG. 256, a fabric T having an intermediate thickness is gripped by a bracket 10030. In this embodiment, the compressed fabric T has a height of approximately 2 / 3H, and the compressed tissue thickness compensator 10020 has a height of, for example, approximately 1 / 3H. In FIG. 255, the thick tissue T is gripped by the bracket 10030. In this embodiment, the compressed tissue T has a height of approximately 8 / 9H, and the compressed tissue thickness compensator 10020 has a height of, for example, approximately 1 / 9H. In various situations, the tissue thickness compensator may have a compressed height of, for example, about 10% of the grip height of the bracket, about 20% of the grip height of the bracket, about 30% of the grip height of the bracket, about 40% of the grip height of the bracket, about 50% of the grip height staples, approximately 60% of the staple grip height, about 70% of the staple grip height, about 80% of the staple grip height and / or about 90% of the staple grip height.

In various embodiments, staples 10030 in an unformed state may have any suitable height. For example, in some embodiments, the brackets 10030 may have an unformed height from about 2 mm to about 4.8 mm. For example, staples 10030 may have an unformed height of approximately 2.0 mm, approximately 2.5 mm, approximately 3.0 mm, approximately 3.4 mm, approximately 3.5 mm, approximately 3.8 mm, approximately 4.0 mm, approximately 4.1 mm and / or approximately 4.8 mm. In various embodiments, the height H that the brackets may acquire after deformation may be due to the distance between the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 and the opposite stop. For example, in at least one embodiment, the distance between the surface of the panel 10011 and the contact surface of the fabric may be approximately 2.46 mm (0.097 inches). The height H may also be due to the depth of the forming recesses formed in the abutment. In at least one embodiment, the depth of the forming depressions may be measured, for example, from a tissue contact surface. In various embodiments, as described in more detail below, the cassette with brackets 10000 may further comprise staple ejectors capable of lifting the brackets 10030 against the stop, and in at least one embodiment, capable of lifting or “squeezing” the brackets above the surface of the panel 10011. In such embodiments the implementation of the height H, which the brackets 10030 acquire during formation, can also be determined by the distance by which the brackets 10030 extruded relative to the surface of the panel. For example, in at least one such embodiment, the brackets 10030 can extrude to a distance of about 0.71 mm (0.028 inches), resulting in a height of approximately 4.80 mm (0.189 inches) after the brackets 10030 are formed. For example, in various embodiments, the height of the staples 10030 after formation may be approximately 0.8 mm, approximately 1.0 mm, approximately 1.5 mm, approximately 1.8 mm, approximately 2.0 mm and / or approximately 2.25 mm . For example, in some embodiments, the height of the staples after formation may be from about 2.25 mm to about 3.0 mm. In addition to the foregoing, the height of the grip area of the bracket can be determined by the height of the bracket in the formed state and the thickness or diameter of the wire from which the bracket is made. In various embodiments, the height of the grip region 10039 of the bracket 10030 can be defined as the height of the bracket in the formed state H minus two wire diameters. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the staple wire may be approximately 0.23 mm (0.0089 inches). In various embodiments, the diameter of the staple wire, for example, may be from about 0.18 mm (0.0069 inches) to about 0.30 mm (0.0119 inches). For example, in at least one embodiment, the height H of the bracket 10030 in the formed state may be approximately 4.80 mm (0.189 inches) and the diameter of the wire for the bracket may be approximately 0.23 mm (0.0089 inches), resulting in The grip area will be approximately 4.34 mm (0.171 in) high.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator may have a height in an uncompressed (prior to placement) state and may be configured to deform to one of a plurality of heights in a compressed state. In some embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator when uncompressed may be, for example, approximately 3.18 mm (0.125 in). In various embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator when uncompressed may be, for example, about 2.03 mm (0.080 inches) or more. In at least one embodiment, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed (prior to placement) condition may exceed the height of unactivated staples. In at least one embodiment, the height of the uncompressed (prior to placement) tissue thickness compensator may be, for example, about 10% more, about 20% more, about 30% more, about 40% more, about 50% more , about 60% more, about 70% more, about 80% more, about 90% more, and / or about 100% more than the height of unactivated staples. In at least one embodiment, the height of the uncompressed (prior to placement) tissue thickness compensator may be, for example, not more than about 100% greater than the height of unactivated staples. In some embodiments, the height of the uncompressed (prior to placement) tissue thickness compensator may be, for example, more than 100% greater than the height of unactivated staples. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may have an uncompressed height equal to the height of unactivated staples. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may have an uncompressed height that is less than the height of unactivated staples. For example, in at least one embodiment, the height of the uncompressed (prior to placement) tissue thickness compensator may be about 10% less, about 20% less, about 30% less, about 40% less, about 50% less, about 60% less, about 70% less, about 80% less and / or about 90% less than the height of unactivated staples. In various embodiments, the compressible second portion may have a height in the uncompressed state that is greater than the height of the stitched fabric T in the uncompressed state. In some embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may have an uncompressed height that is equal to the height of the stitched fabric T in the uncompressed state. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may have a height in an uncompressed state that is less than a height of a stitched fabric T in an uncompressed state.

As described above, the tissue thickness compensator can be clamped inside a plurality of formed staples, regardless of whether thin or thick tissue is gripped into the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples within one line or row of staples can be deformed such that the height of the grip area of each staple is, for example, approximately 2.0 mm, with fabric T and fabric thickness compensator being compressed to this height . For example, in some situations, the compressed tissue height T can be approximately 1.75 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the compressed tissue thickness compensator height can be approximately 0.25 mm in the grip area, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the height of the tissue T in a compressed state can be approximately 1.50 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the height of the fabric thickness compensator in the compressed state can be approximately 0.50 mm in the grip area of the staple, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the compressed tissue height T may be approximately 1.25 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the compressed tissue thickness compensator height can be approximately 0.75 mm in the grip area of the staple, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the height of the fabric T in a compressed state can be approximately 1.0 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the height of the fabric thickness compensator in a compressed state can be approximately 1.0 mm in the grip area of the staple, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the compressed tissue height T may be approximately 0.75 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the compressed tissue thickness compensator height can be approximately 1.25 mm in the grip area, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the height of the tissue T in a compressed state can be approximately 1.50 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the height of the fabric thickness compensator in the compressed state can be approximately 0.50 mm in the grip area of the staple, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm. For example, in some situations, the compressed tissue height T may be approximately 0.25 mm in the grip area of the staple, while the compressed tissue thickness compensator height can be approximately 1.75 mm in the grip area of the staple, resulting in a total height of the grip area the staples will be approximately 2.0 mm.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state may be less than the height of the activated brackets. In some embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state may be equal to the height of the activated brackets. In some other embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state may be greater than the height of the activated staples. In at least one such embodiment, the height of the fabric thickness compensator when uncompressed can be, for example, about 110% of the height of the formed staple, about 120% of the height of the formed staple, about 130% of the height of the formed staple, about 140% of the height of the formed staple, about 150 % of the height of the formed bracket, approximately 160% of the height of the formed bracket, approximately 170% of the height of the formed bracket, approximately 180% of the height of the formed bracket, approximately 190% of the heights s of the formed bracket and / or approximately 200% of the height of the formed bracket. In some embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state can be more than double the height of the activated staples. In various embodiments, the height of the tissue thickness compensator in a compressed state may be, for example, from about 85% to about 150% of the height of the formed staple. In various embodiments, as described above, the height of the tissue thickness compensator may vary from a thickness in an uncompressed state to a thickness in a compressed state. In some embodiments, the thickness of the fabric thickness compensator in a compressed state can be, for example, about 10% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 20% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 30% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 40% of its thickness in an uncompressed state state, about 50% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 60% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 70% of its thickness in an uncompressed state, about 80% of its thickness in an uncompressed state and / or approx mately 90% of its thickness in an uncompressed state. In various embodiments, the thickness of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state may, for example, be approximately doubled, approximately ten times, approximately fifty times, and / or approximately one hundred times greater than its thickness in a compressed state. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the tissue thickness compensator in a compressed state can be, for example, from about 60% to about 99% of its thickness in an uncompressed state. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state can be at least 50% greater than its thickness in a compressed state. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the tissue thickness compensator in an uncompressed state can be one hundred times greater than its thickness in a compressed state. In various embodiments, the compressible second portion may be elastic or at least partially elastic and may bias the fabric T against the deformed legs of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, the compressible second portion can elastically expand between the fabric T and the base of the staple, pushing the fabric T against the legs of the staple. In some embodiments, described in more detail below, a tissue thickness compensator may be located between tissue T and deformed staple legs. In various situations, as a result of the foregoing, a tissue thickness compensator can be configured to fill any gaps within the grip area of the bracket.

In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a polymer composition. The polymer composition may contain one or more synthetic polymers and / or one or more non-synthetic polymers. The synthetic polymer may comprise a synthetic absorbable polymer and / or a synthetic non-absorbable polymer. In various embodiments, the polymer composition may comprise, for example, a biocompatible foam. The biocompatible foam may comprise, for example, porous foam with open cells and / or closed cells. The biocompatible foam may have a uniform pore morphology or gradient pore morphology (i.e., small pores gradually increase in size to large pores in one direction across the thickness of the material). In various embodiments, the polymer composition may comprise one or more of a porous framework, a porous matrix, a gel matrix, a hydrogel matrix, a solution matrix, a fibrous matrix, a tubular matrix, a composite matrix, a membrane matrix, a biostable polymer, a biodegradable polymer, and combinations thereof. For example, a tissue thickness compensator may include foam reinforced with a fiber matrix, or may contain foam having an additional hydrogel layer that expands in the presence of body fluids to further compress tissue. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may also comprise a coating on the material and / or a second or third layer expanding in the presence of body fluids to further provide tissue compression. Such a layer may be a hydrogel, for example, of synthetic and / or natural origin, which may be biologically stable and / or biodegradable. In specific embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may be reinforced, for example, with fibrous nonwoven fabric or mesh-type fibrous elements that can provide additional flexibility, rigidity, and / or strength. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator has a porous morphology showing a gradient structure, for example, small pores on one surface and larger pores on another surface. Such morphology may be more optimal for tissue ingrowth or hemostatic properties. Additionally, the gradient can be combined with a variable bioabsorption profile. A short-term resorption profile may be preferable to stop bleeding, while a long-term resorption profile can provide better healing of the tissue without separation of fluids.

Examples of non-synthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, lyophilized polysaccharide, glycoprotein, elastin, proteoglycan, gelatin, collagen, and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC). Examples of synthetic resorbable polymers include, but are not limited to, poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly (trimethylene carbonate) (TMC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a copolymer of glycolide and ε-caprolactone (PGCL), a copolymer of glycolide and trimethylene carbonate, poly (glycerol sebacinate) (PGS), polydioxanone, poly (orthoesters), polyanhydrides, polyisides, polyisides tyrosine-based, tyrosine-based polyiminocarbonates, polycar tyrosine-based onates, poly (D, L-lactide-urethane), poly (B-hydroxybutyrate), poly (E-caprolactone), polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly [bis (carboxylate phenoxy) phosphazene], poly (amino acids), pseudo-fields (amino acids), absorbable polyurethanes and their combinations. In various embodiments, the polymer composition may, for example, contain from about 50% to about 90% by weight. the polymer composition PLLA and from about 50% to about 10% weight. PCL polymer composition. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may comprise, for example, about 70% by weight. PLLA and approximately 30% weight. PCL. In various embodiments, the polymer composition may, for example, contain from about 55% to about 85% by weight. the polymer composition PGA and from 15% to 45% weight. PCL polymer composition. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain, for example, about 65% weight. PGA and approximately 35% weight. PCL. In various embodiments, the polymer composition may, for example, contain from about 90% to about 95% by weight. PGA polymer composition and from about 5% to about 10% weight. polymer composition PLA.

In various embodiments, the synthetic resorbable polymer may comprise a bioresorbable biocompatible elastomeric copolymer. Suitable bioresorbable biocompatible elastomeric copolymers include, without limitation, copolymers of epsilon-caprolactone and glycolide (preferably with a molar ratio of epsilon-caprolactone to glycolide from about 30:70 to about 70:30, preferably from 35:65 to about 65:35, more preferably from 45:55 to 35:65); elastomeric copolymers of epsilon-caprolactone and lactide, including L-lactide, D-lactide or mixtures thereof, or copolymers of lactic acid (preferably with a molar ratio of epsilon-caprolactone and lactide from about 35:65 to about 65:35 and more preferably from 45:55 to 30:70), elastomeric copolymers of p-dioxanone (1,4-dioxan-2-one) and lactide, including L-lactide, D-lactide and lactic acid (preferably with a molar ratio of p-dioxanone and lactide from approximately 40:60 to approximately 60:40); elastomeric copolymers of epsilon-caprolactone and p-dioxanone (preferably with a molar ratio of epsilon-caprolactone to p-dioxanone from about 30:70 to about 70:30); elastomeric copolymers of p-dioxanone and trimethylene carbonate (preferably with a molar ratio of p-dioxanone and trimethylene carbonate from about 30:70 to about 70:30); elastomeric copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and glycolide (preferably with a molar ratio of trimethylene carbonate and glycolide from about 30:70 to about 70:30); an elastomeric copolymer of trimethylene carbonate and lactide, including L-lactide, D-lactide, mixtures thereof or lactic acid copolymers (preferably with a molar ratio of trimethylene carbonate and lactide from about 30:70 to about 70:30) and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the elastomeric copolymer is a copolymer of glycolide and epsilon-caprolactone. In another embodiment, the elastomeric copolymer is a copolymer of lactide and epsilon-caprolactone.

The descriptions given in US Pat. No. 5,468,253 under the name ʺ ELASTOMERIC MEDICAL DEVICE ’, issued November 21, 1995, and US Pat. by reference.

In various embodiments, the synthetic resorbable polymer may comprise, for example, one or more of a 90/10 poly (glycolide-L-lactide) copolymer commercially available from Ethicon, Inc. under the trade name VICRYL (polyglactic 910), a polyglycolide marketed by American Cyanamid Co. under the trade name DEXON, a polydioxanone marketed by Ethicon, Inc. under the trade name PDS, a statistical block copolymer of poly (glycolide trimethylene carbonate) marketed by American Cyanamid Co. under the trade name MAXON, a copolymer of 75/25 poly (glycolide-E-caprolactone-polyglexaprolactone 25) marketed by Ethicon under the trade name MONOCRYL.

Examples of synthetic non-absorbable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyurethane foam, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate, polyamides such as nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyester, polyester ether ( PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polytrifluorochloroethylene (PTFCE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyacetal, polysulfone and combinations thereof. Synthetic non-absorbable polymers can include, without limitation, foam elastomers and porous elastomers, for example, silicone, polyisoprene and rubber. In various embodiments, synthetic polymers may contain porous polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) marketed by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. under the trade name GORE-TEX Soft Tissue Patch; and urethane ester polyester foam copolymer marketed by Polyganics under the trade name NASOPORE.

The polymer composition of the tissue thickness compensator may be characterized, for example, by a coefficient of porosity, pore size and / or hardness. For example, in various embodiments, the porosity coefficient of the polymer composition may be from about 30% vol. up to about 99% vol. For example, in some embodiments, the porosity coefficient of the polymer composition may be from about 60% vol. up to about 98% vol. For example, in various embodiments, the porosity coefficient of the polymer composition may be from about 85% vol. up to approximately 97% vol. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may comprise, for example, about 70% by weight. PLLA and approximately 30% weight. PCL, and its porosity coefficient may be approximately 90% vol. As a result, in at least one such embodiment, the polymer composition will contain about 10% vol. copolymer. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain, for example, about 65% weight. PGA and approximately 35% weight. PCL, and its porosity coefficient may be from about 93% vol. up to about 95% vol. In various embodiments, the porosity coefficient of the polymer composition may be more than 85% vol. The pore size of the polymer composition can be, for example, from about 5 micrometers to about 2000 micrometers. In various embodiments, the pore size of the polymer composition may, for example, be from about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers. In at least one such embodiment, the polymer composition, for example, may comprise a copolymer of PGA and PCL. In some embodiments, the pore size of the polymer composition may, for example, be from about 100 micrometers to about 1000 micrometers. In at least one such embodiment, the polymer composition, for example, may comprise a copolymer of PLLA and PCL. In accordance with some aspects, the hardness of the polymer composition can be expressed as Shore hardness, which is defined as the long-term indentation resistance of a material and is measured by a durometer, for example, a Shore durometer. To measure the value of the durometer for a particular material, pressure is applied to it using the pressure tip of the durometer in accordance with ASTM D2240-00 procedure called “Standard Method for Analyzing Rubber Hardness on a Durometer”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The pressing tip of the durometer can act on the material for a sufficient time, for example 15 seconds, after which readings are taken from the corresponding scale. Depending on the type of scale used, a value of 0 can be obtained if the pressing tip has completely penetrated into the material, and a value of 100 can be obtained if the penetration of the tip into the material is not observed. This value is dimensionless. In various embodiments, the value of the durometer can be determined on any suitable scale, for example, on scales of type A and / or type OO in accordance with ASTM D2240-00. In various embodiments, the implementation of the polymer composition of the tissue thickness compensator may have a Shore A value of, for example, from about 4 A to about 16 A, which corresponds to values from about 45 OO to about 65 OO on a Shore OO scale. In at least one such embodiment, the polymer composition may comprise, for example, a PLLA / PCL copolymer or a PGA / PCL copolymer. In various embodiments, the polymer composition of the tissue thickness compensator may have a Shore A hardness of less than 15 A. In various embodiments, the polymer composition of the tissue thickness compensator may have a Shore A hardness of less than 10 A. In various embodiments, the polymer composition of the tissue thickness compensator may have a Shore A hardness value of less than 5 A. In some embodiments, the polymer composition may have a Shore hardness of OO of, for example, from about 35 OO to about 75 OO.

In various embodiments, the polymer composition may have at least two of the properties described above. In various embodiments, the polymer composition may have at least three of the properties described above. The polymer composition may have porosity, for example, from 85% to 97% vol., Pore size from 5 micrometers to 2000 micrometers, shore hardness A from 4 A to 16 A, shore hardness OO from 45 OO to 65 OO. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain, for example, 70% by weight. the polymer composition PLLA and 30% weight. PCL polymer composition, have a porosity of 90% by volume, pore size from 100 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, shore hardness A from 4 A to 16 A and shore hardness OO from 45 OO to 65 OO. In at least one embodiment, the polymer composition may contain, for example, 65% by weight. PGA polymer composition and 35% weight. PCL polymer composition, having a porosity of 93% to 95% by volume, pore size of 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers, Shore A hardness of 4 A to 16 A and Shore OO hardness of 45 OO to 65 OO.

In various embodiments, the polymer composition may comprise a pharmaceutically active agent. The polymer composition may release a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent. In various embodiments, the pharmaceutically active agent may be released as the polymer composition is dissolved / resorbed. In various embodiments, the pharmaceutically active agent may be released into a liquid, for example, into the blood, passing through or on top of the polymer composition. Examples of pharmaceutically active agents include, but are not limited to, hemostatic agents and drugs, for example fibrin, thrombin, and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC); anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, diclofenac, aspirin, naproxen, sulindac and hydrocortisone; antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs or agents, for example triclosan, silver ions, ampicillin, gentamicin, polymyxin B, chloramphenicol; and anti-cancer agents, for example cisplatin, mitomycin, adriamycin.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 216, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 10000, may comprise a support portion 10010 and a compressible tissue thickness compensator 10020. As shown in FIG. 218-220, the support portion 10010 may comprise a panel surface 10011 and a plurality of sockets for brackets 10012 formed in the support portion 10010. Each bracket socket 10012 may be shaped and sized to include brackets, for example, brackets 10030, to be removed from it. The cassette with brackets 10000 may further comprise a plurality of bracket pushers 10040, each of which may be configured to support one or more brackets 10030 inside the bracket pockets 10012 when the brackets 10030 and the bracket pushers 10040 are in an unactivated state laying down. In at least one such embodiment, as shown mainly in FIG. 224 and 225, each bracket ejector 10040 may include, for example, one or more sockets, or grooves, 10041, which may be configured to support brackets and restrict relative movement between the brackets 10030 and the bracket ejectors 10040. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 218, the cassette with brackets 10000 may further comprise a slide to activate the brackets 10050, which can be moved from the proximal end 10001 to the distal end 10002 of the cassette with brackets for sequentially lifting the ejectors brackets 10040 and brackets 10030 from their inactive position to the stop located opposite the cassette with brackets 10000. In some embodiments, implementation, as shown mainly in FIG. 218 and 220, each bracket 10030 may comprise a base 10031 and one or more legs 10032 extending from the base 10031, each bracket may have, for example, at least one of a substantially U-shaped and substantially V-shaped. In at least one embodiment, the brackets 10030 may be configured so that the ends of the legs of the brackets 10032 are recessed relative to the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. In at least one embodiment, the brackets 10030 may be configured such that the ends of the legs of the brackets 10032 are flush with the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. In at least one embodiment, the brackets 10030 may be configured such that the ends of the legs of the brackets 10032 or at least some of the legs of the brackets 10032 protrude above the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. In such embodiments, the legs of the staples 10032 can pass through the thickness compensator of the fabric 10020 and can be placed in it when the staples 10030 are in an inactive position. In at least one such embodiment, the legs of the brackets 10032 may protrude above the surface of the panel 10011, for example, approximately 1.91 mm (0.075 inches). In various embodiments, the legs of the brackets 10032 may protrude above the surface of the panel 10011, for example, from about 0.64 mm (0.025 in.) To about 3.18 mm (0.125 in.). In some embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may, in an uncompressed state, have a thickness of from about 2.03 mm (0.08 inches) to about 3.18 mm (0.125 inches).

In use, in addition to the foregoing and as shown mainly in FIG. 233, an emphasis, such as an emphasis 10060, can be moved to the closed position opposite the cartridge with brackets 10000. As described in more detail below, the emphasis 10060 can position the fabric, for example, close to the tissue thickness compensator 10020 and, in various embodiments, press the thickness compensator fabric 10020 close to the surface of the panel 10011 of the supporting part 10010. After the emphasis 10060 has taken a suitable position, it is possible to place the brackets 10030, as shown in FIG. 233. In various embodiments, as noted above, the slide for activating the staples 10050 can be moved from the proximal end 10001 of the cassette with staples 10000 to the distal end 10002, as shown in FIG. 234. When advancing the slide 10050, these slide 10050 can contact the staple ejectors 10040 and lift the staple ejectors 10040 up inside the staple sockets 10012. In at least one embodiment, the slide 10050 and staple ejectors 10040 each may contain one or more inclined surfaces that can jointly move the ejectors staples 10040 up from their inactive position. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 221-225, each bracket ejector 10040 may include at least one inclined surface 10042, and the slide 10050 may contain one or more inclined surfaces 10052, which may be configured so that these inclined surfaces 10052 can slide under the inclined surface 10042 with distal advancing the sled 10050 in the cassette with staples. When the bracket pushers 10040 rise up in the respective bracket slots 10012, the bracket pushers 10040 can lift the brackets 10030 upward so that the brackets 10030 can exit the bracket slots 10012 through the holes in the bracket panel 10011. In one example of a start sequence, as shown, mainly in FIG. 227-229, the slide 10050 may first contact the bracket 10030a and begin to lift the bracket 10030a up. With further distal advancement, the sled 10050 can begin to lift the staples 10030b, 10030c, 10030d, 10030e and 10030f and all other subsequent staples in turn. As shown in FIG. 229, the slide 10050 can push the brackets 10030 upward so that the legs of the brackets 10032 contact the opposite stop, deform to become the desired shape, and are ejected from the support portion 10010. In various situations, the slide 10030 during the start-up sequence can move several brackets simultaneously upwards . If we consider the starting sequence shown in FIG. 229, the brackets 10030a and 10030b are moved to the fully activated position and ejected from the support portion 10010, the brackets 10030c and 10030d are in the activation process and at least partially placed in the support portion 10010, and the brackets 10030e and 10030f are still in the inactive position.

As described above and as shown in FIG. 235, the legs 10032 of the brackets 10030 may protrude above the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 when these brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. If we additionally consider the starting sequence shown in FIG. 229, the brackets 10030e and 10030f are depicted in an inactive position, and their legs of the brackets 10032 protrude above the surface of the panel 10011 and enter the fabric thickness compensator 10020. In various embodiments, the ends of the legs of the brackets 10032 or some other part of the legs of the brackets 10032 may not pass through the upper tissue-contacting surface 10021 of the tissue thickness compensator 10020 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. As the brackets 10030 move from an inactive position to an activated one, as shown in FIG. 229, the legs of the staple legs may extend through the tissue contacting surface 10032. In various embodiments, the ends of the legs of the staples 10032 may include sharp ends capable of cutting through and penetrating the thickness compensator of the fabric 10020. In some embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may comprise a plurality of holes that can be adapted to receive the legs of the brackets 10032 and allow the legs of the brackets 10032 to slide relative to the tissue thickness compensator 10020. In some embodiments, the support portion 10010 may further comprise a plurality of guides 10013 protruding from the surface of the panel 10011. The guides 10013 may be adjacent to the holes of the slots for the brackets in the surface of the panel 10011 so that the legs of the brackets 10032 m The guide can be at least partially supported by these guides 10013. In some embodiments, the guide 10013 may be located at the proximal end and / or distal end of the opening of the bracket socket. In various embodiments, the first guide 10013 may be located on the first end of each hole of the bracket socket, and the second guide 10013 may be located on the second end of each hole of the bracket socket so that each first guide 10013 can support the first leg 10032 of the bracket 10030, and each the second guide 10013 could support the second leg 10032 of the bracket. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 235, each guide 10013 may include a groove or groove, such as a groove 10016, into which the leg of the bracket 10032 can be slidably received. In various embodiments, each guide 10013 may include a hook, protrusion and / or spike that may protrude from the surface of the panel 10011 and extend into the fabric thickness compensator 10020. In at least one embodiment, as described in more detail below, these hooks, protrusions and / or spikes can reduce the relative movements of the fabric thickness compensator 10020 and the support parts 10010. In some embodiments, the ends of the legs of the brackets 10032 may be located inside the guides 10013 and may not protrude above the upper surface of the guides 10013 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position. In at least one such embodiment, the guides 10013 may determine the height of the guides, and the brackets 10030 may not protrude above this height of the guides when the brackets are in an inactive position.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator, such as a tissue thickness compensator 10020, may be formed from a single sheet of material. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a continuous sheet of material capable of covering the entire upper surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010 or, in an alternative embodiment, not covering the entire surface of the panel 10011. In some embodiments, the material sheet may cover the holes of the sockets for the brackets in the supporting part 10010, while in other embodiments, the sheet of material may contain holes that can be aligned or at least partially aligned with the holes of the brackets. In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator may be formed from multiple layers of material. In some embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 217, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a compressible core and a sheath surrounding this compressible core. In some embodiments, the shell 10022 may be configured to releasably hold the compressible core on the support portion 10010. In at least one such embodiment, the support portion 10010 may comprise one or more protrusions protruding therefrom, such as protrusions 10014 (FIG. 220), which can be received in one or more holes and / or grooves, for example, holes 10024 formed in the shell 10022. The protrusions 10014 and the holes 10024 can be made so that the protrusions 10014 can hold the shell 10022 on about of the orthogonal part 10010. In at least one embodiment, the ends of the protrusions 10014 can be deformed, for example, by thermal stretching, to increase the ends of the protrusions 10014 and thereby limit the relative movement between the shell 10022 and the supporting part 10010. In at least one embodiment the implementation of the shell 10022 may contain one or more holes 10025, which can facilitate the release of the shell 10022 from the supporting part 10010, as shown in FIG. 217. As shown in FIG. 226, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a sheath 10222 including a plurality of holes 10223, wherein the holes 10223 can be aligned or at least partially aligned with the holes of the bracket slots in the support portion 10010. In some embodiments, the core of the tissue thickness compensator may also comprise holes that are aligned or at least partially aligned with holes 10223 in the shell 10222. In other embodiments, the core of the tissue thickness compensator may have a solid body and may extend beneath holes 10223 so that a solid body covers the holes of the bracket slots in the surface of the panel 10011.

In various embodiments, as described above, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a sheath for releasably holding the compressible core on the support portion 10010. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 218, the cassette with brackets may further comprise holding clips 10026, which may be configured to prevent premature separation of the shell and compressible core from the support portion 10010. In various embodiments, each holding clip 10026 may include holes 10028 that may be configured to receive therein, protrusions 10014 extending from the supporting portion 10010 so that the holding clips 10026 can be held on the supporting portion 10010. In some embodiments, each udder the swaging clip 10026 may comprise at least one part of the pallet 10027, which can extend under the support part 10010 and support and hold the ejector clips 10040 inside the support part 10010. In some embodiments, as described above, the tissue thickness compensator can be removably mounted on the support part 10010 with brackets 10030. More specifically, as also described above, the legs of the brackets 10030 can extend into the fabric thickness compensator 10020 when the brackets 10030 are in an inactive position, thereby holding them a fabric thickness compensator 10020 on the support portion 10010. In at least one embodiment, the legs of the brackets 10030 can contact the side walls of the respective bracket slots 10012, and due to friction between the legs of the brackets 10032 and the side walls of the bracket 10030 and the fabric thickness compensator 10020 can be held in the position before placing the staples 10030 from the cassette with staples 10000. After placing the staples 10030, the fabric thickness compensator 10020 can be gripped by staples 10030 and can be held close to the stitched fabric T. When then the emphasis will be remeschen the open position to release the tissue T, 10010 supporting part can be moved from attachment to the tissue thickness of tissue compensator 10020. In some embodiments, for removably attaching the compensator thickness tissue supporting portion 10020 to 10010 adhesive may be used. In at least one embodiment, a two-component adhesive may be used, wherein in at least one embodiment, the first adhesive component may be applied to the surface of the panel 10011, and the second adhesive component may be applied to the fabric thickness compensator 10020 such that when the fabric thickness compensator 10020 placed close to the surface of the panel 10011, the first component can come into contact with the second component, as a result of which the adhesive is activated with the formation of a detachable connection between ensatorom thickness tissue supporting portion 10020 and 10010. In various embodiments may apply any other suitable means for creating a releasable retaining connection between the compensator thickness tissue supporting part and the staple cartridge.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the sled 10050 can advance from the proximal end 10001 to the distal end 10002, fully accommodating all the brackets 10030 contained within the cassette with brackets 10000. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 258-262, the slide 10050 can move distally inside the longitudinal cavity 10016 in the support portion 10010 by means of a trigger element or scalpel holder 10052 of a surgical stapler. In use, a cassette with brackets 10000 can be inserted into the channel for the cassette with staples in the jaw of the surgical stapling instrument, for example, in the channel for the cassette with brackets 10070, and slide the trigger 10052 into contact with the rails 10050, as shown in FIG. 258. When the slide 10050 is distally advanced by the launching element 10052, the slide 10050 can contact the extreme proximal ejector or ejectors of the brackets 10040 and activate or push the brackets 10030 from the cassette body with the brackets 10010, as described above. As shown in FIG. 258, the trigger element 10052 may further comprise a cutting edge 10053, which can move distally along the groove for the scalpel made in the supporting part 10010, as the brackets 10030 are activated. In various embodiments, the corresponding groove for the scalpel can pass through a stop located opposite the cartridge with brackets 10000, so that in at least one embodiment, the cutting edge 10053 can protrude between the abutment and the supporting part 10010 and dissect the tissue located between them and the fabric thickness compensator. In various situations, the trigger element 10052 can advance the slide 10050 distally until the slide 10050 reaches the distal end 10002 of the cassette with brackets 10000, as shown in FIG. 260. At this point, the trigger element 10052 can be retracted proximally. In some embodiments, the trigger 10052 can retract the slide 10050 proximally, however, in various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 261, when the trigger element 10052 is retracted, the slide 10050 may remain at the distal end 10002 of the cartridge with brackets 10000. After the trigger element 10052 is sufficiently retracted, the emphasis can be opened again, the tissue thickness compensator 10020 can be separated from the supporting part 10010, and the remaining unimplanted portion of the used cartridge with brackets 10000, including the supporting part 10010, can be removed from the channel for the cassette with brackets 10070.

After removing the used cassette with brackets 10000 from the channel for the cassette with brackets, in addition to the above, in the channel for the cassette with brackets 10070, you can insert a new cassette with brackets 10000 or any other suitable cassette with brackets. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the channel for the cartridge with brackets 10070, the trigger element 10052 and / or the cartridge with brackets 10000 may contain auxiliary elements that can prevent the distal advancement of the trigger element 10052 for the second, subsequent time, without installing a new, inactive cassettes with brackets 10000 per channel for cassettes with brackets 10070. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 258, when pushing the trigger 10052 into contact with the slide 10050, and also when the slide 10050 is in the proximal inactivated position, the nose of the trigger 10055 of the trigger 10052 can be located on and / or over the support of the protrusion 10056 on the slide 10050 so that the trigger 10052 was held high enough so that the fuse, or crossbar, 10054, passing from the trigger element 10052, did not fall into the recess for the fuse formed in the channel for the cartridge with brackets. Since fuse 10054 will not fall into the fuse hole, in such a situation, fuse 10054 will not be able to abut against the distal side wall 10057 of the fuse hole while advancing the trigger element 10052. As the trigger element 10052 distally pushes the slide 10050, the trigger element 10052 can be supported in the upper starting position due to the fact that the supporting nose 10055 lies on the supporting protrusion 10056. When the starting element 10052 is retracted relative to the slide 10050, as described above and shown in FIG. 261, the trigger 10052 may move out of the raised position and fall down because the nose nose 10055 no longer lies on the support lip 10056 of the slide 10050. In at least one such embodiment, the surgical brace may include a spring 10058 and / or any other suitable bias an element that can be configured to bias the trigger 10052 to a lower position. After fully retracting the trigger element 10052, as shown in FIG. 262, the trigger element 10052 cannot again be distally advanced through the used cassette with brackets 10000. More specifically, the trigger element 10052 cannot be held in the upper position by the slide 10050, since the slide 10050 at this point in the operating sequence remains in the distal end 10002 of the bracket cassette 10000. Therefore, as noted above, if the trigger element 10052 is again advanced forward without replacing the cassette with brackets, the fuse bar 10054 will come into contact with the side wall 10057 of the fuse holder that will not allow once again distally push the trigger 10052 into the cartridge with brackets 10000. In other words, after replacing the used cartridge with brackets 10000 with a new one in the new cartridge with the brackets, the rails 10050 will be located proximally, they will be able to hold the trigger 10052 in the upper position and provide the ability to distally advance the trigger element 10052 again.

As described above, the slide 10050 can be configured to move the ejector brackets 10040 between the first non-activated position and the second activated position to eject the brackets 10030 from the support portion 10010. In various embodiments, the ejectors of the brackets 10040 after ejecting the brackets 10040 from the support portion 10010 may located within the slots for the brackets 10012. In some embodiments, the support portion 10010 may include one or more retaining elements that can be configured to preventing the ejection or dropping of the ejectors of the brackets 10040 from the slots for the brackets 10012. In various other embodiments, the slide 10050 can be configured to eject the ejectors of the brackets 10040 from the support part 10010 together with the brackets 10030. In at least one such embodiment, the ejectors of the brackets 10040 can be formed from such a bioabsorbable and / or biocompatible material as, for example, Ultem. In some embodiments, the staple ejectors may be coupled to the staples 10030. In at least one such embodiment, the staple ejector can be molded over and / or around the base of each staple 10030 so that the ejector is integral with the staple. U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 541,123 entitled ʺ SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHING ELEMENTS FOR FIXING IN THEM FABRIC, AND SEWING TOOLS FOR PLACING THESE TAPES, is hereby incorporated by reference in September 2006.

In various situations, in addition to the foregoing, a compressible tissue thickness compensator can move, twist and / or deviate relative to the underlying rigid supporting part of the cassette with brackets. In various embodiments, the support portion and / or any other suitable portion of the cassette with brackets may comprise one or more elements configured to limit relative movement between the tissue thickness compensator and the support portion. As described above, at least a portion of the brackets 10030 may protrude above the surface of the panel 10011 of the support portion 10010, in some situations, as shown in FIG. 263 and 264, the lateral loads applied to the fabric thickness compensator 10120, for example, can withstand the brackets 10030 and / or the hooks 10013 extending from the support portion 10010. In various situations, the brackets 10030, resisting the lateral movement of the fabric thickness compensator 10120, can tilt and / or bend inside the nests for the brackets 10012, and in various embodiments, the nests for the brackets 10012 and the brackets 10030 can be made in shape and size with the ability to maintain the relative alignment of the legs 10032 of the brackets 10030 and the forming recesses 10062 in dix opposite abutment 10060, whereby the staples 10000 acquire the correct shape during formation. In various embodiments, the brackets 10030 and / or hooks 10013 may be configured to prevent or at least limit lateral deformation within the tissue thickness compensator 10020, as shown in FIG. 264. In at least one embodiment, the brackets 10030 and / or hooks 10013, for example, can be configured to provide stiffness or restrict lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the first tissue contacting surface 10021 of the tissue thickness compensator relative to the second or lower surface 10029. In various embodiments, a cassette with brackets and / or a channel for a cassette with brackets in which the cassette with brackets is located may contain at least one element that minimizes deformation, which can protrude upward and limit lateral and / or longitudinal movement or deformation of the tissue thickness compensator. A shell that at least partially surrounds the tissue thickness compensator, as described above, can also prevent or at least limit lateral and / or longitudinal movement or deformation of the tissue thickness compensator.

In various embodiments, also shown in FIG. 263 and 264, a tissue thickness compensator, such as a tissue thickness compensator 10120, may comprise a core 10128 and a sheath 10122. Sheath 10122 and a compressible core 10128 may be formed from different materials or, in an alternative embodiment, from one material. In any case, the shell 10122 may have a higher density than the core 10128. In cases where the shell 10122 contains the upper part of the fabric thickness compensator 10120, the ends of the legs of the staples 10032 can be placed in the shell 10122. In embodiments where the shell contains a bottom part of the compensator for the thickness of the fabric 10120, the legs of the staples 10032 can pass through the shell, as well as into the core. In any case, the sheath of the tissue thickness compensator can help keep the legs of the brackets 10032 aligned with the forming recesses 10062 of the stop 10060. In various embodiments, sheath 10122 may have a density that, for example, is about 10% more than the density of the core 10128, about 20% more than the density 10128 cores, approximately 30% higher than the density of the core 10128, approximately 40% higher than the density of the core 10128, approximately 50% higher than the density of the core 10128, approximately 60% higher than the density cores 10128, approximately 70% higher than the density of the core 10128, approximately 80% higher than the density of the core 10128, approximately 90% higher than the density of the core 10128 and / or approximately 100% higher than the density of the core 10128. In various embodiments, cladding 10122 may, for example have a density that is greater than the density of the core 10128 and less than twice the density of the core 10128. In various embodiments, the shell 10122 may, for example, have a density that is greater than twice the density of the core 10128. In different In embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the shell 10122 and the core 10128 may be formed or fabricated simultaneously. In at least one such embodiment, a liquid containing any suitable material described herein can be molded into a dish or mold, and after solidification of the liquid, a shell or layer having a higher density than the rest of the material can be obtained. In various embodiments, multiple layers of material can be formed during a process in which one or more successive layers of material are poured onto a previously hardened layer. In some embodiments, two or more layers may be bonded to each other, for example, using an adhesive. In some embodiments, two or more layers, for example, can be fastened to each other by one or more fasteners and / or one or more mechanical interlocking elements. In at least one embodiment, adjacent layers may, for example, be joined together by one or more dovetail compounds. In some embodiments, the implementation of the shell may contain a sealed surface that can prevent or at least limit the penetration of fluid through it. In some other embodiments, the implementation of the shell may contain, for example, a porous structure with open cells.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the sheath may be cut from the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may be cut from a larger block of material so that the tissue thickness compensator does not contain a sheath. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may be formed, for example, from a homogeneous or at least substantially homogeneous material containing large pores.

In various embodiments, the cassette with brackets may contain many slots for brackets, each of which contains a bracket, and the slots for brackets can be arranged in many rows, and the emphasis located opposite the cassette with brackets may contain many forming recesses corresponding to the slots for brackets in the cassette with brackets. In other words, the emphasis may comprise a plurality of rows of forming recesses, where each forming recess may be located opposite the bracket for the bracket in the cassette. In various embodiments, each forming cavity may comprise, for example, two forming holes configured to receive legs 10032 of the bracket 10030, each forming hole configured to receive the leg of bracket 10032 into it and shape or bend the bracket leg 10032 to the other side the legs of the bracket 10032. In various situations, the legs of the bracket 10032 may or may not fall into the forming holes, as a result of which the legs of the bracket 10032 may acquire the wrong shape during the starting sequence y. In various embodiments described herein, the emphasis may comprise either a mesh of forming recesses, each of which is configured to receive and form the leg of the bracket. In at least one such embodiment, the matrix of forming recesses may comprise a number of forming recesses that exceeds the number of staples contained in the cassette with staples. In at least one embodiment, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, six longitudinal rows of slots for brackets, the emphasis may comprise six rows of forming recesses aligned with six rows of slots for brackets, and, in addition, may contain forming recesses located between the indicated rows of forming recesses. For example, on one side of the stop, a first row of forming recesses may be contained that can be positioned above the first row of bracket slots, a second row of forming recesses that can be positioned above the second row of bracket slots that is adjacent to the first row of bracket slots, and, in addition, a series of forming depressions located between the first row of forming depressions and the second row of forming depressions. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 276-279, an emphasis 10260 may comprise six rows of forming recesses 10261, which may be arranged to fit over six corresponding rows of bracket slots in a cassette with brackets 10200. In at least one such embodiment, rows of intermediate forming recesses 10262 may be located between and / or adjacent to the rows of forming recesses 10261. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 277, 278 and 280, each forming cavity 10261 and 10262 may have two forming holes, each forming hole may contain a distal portion 10263, which can be configured to form or proximal bend the legs of the bracket 10032, and the proximal portion 10264, which can be configured to form or distally bend the legs of the bracket 10032. In various other situations, the formation of the staples 10030 may be performed in various other ways. For example, the bracket 10030 can be formed so that one leg 10032 bends outward and the other leg 10032 bends inward (FIG. 281), or so that both legs 10032 bend outward (FIG. 282), depending, firstly on whether the legs of the staples 10032 fall into the forming wells, and / or, secondly, on whether the legs 10032 fall into the proximal part 10263 or the distal part 10064 of each forming hole.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, each forming recess 10261 and / or forming recess 10262, for example, may have a triangular or diamond-like shape. In at least one embodiment, each distal portion 10263 and / or each proximal portion 10264 of the forming recesses may have a triangular shape, and in at least one such embodiment, the triangular distal parts 10263 and the proximal parts 10264 may be located so that their vertices are directed in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the emphasis may comprise, for example, a matrix of substantially square forming recesses. In at least one such embodiment, the forming surface of each square forming recess may comprise an arched surface extending between the sides of the square. In some embodiments, the implementation of the emphasis may contain, for example, a matrix of round or spherical holes. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, forming recesses 10261 can be located along one or more lines, similarly, forming recesses 10262 can also be located along one or more lines. In various other embodiments, forming recesses 10261 and / or forming recesses 10262 may be arranged in one or more circular rows. In at least one such embodiment, the forming recesses 10261 may be located along the main circumference, and the forming recesses 10262 may be located along the other circle. In various embodiments, the implementation of the main circle and the other circle may be concentric or at least substantially concentric. In some embodiments, forming recesses 10262 may be located, for example, along an inner circumference radially inside relative to the main circumference and / or along an outer circumference radially outside the main circumference. In various embodiments, the implementation of the main circle can be determined by the main diameter, the inner circle can be determined by the inner diameter, and the outer circle can be determined by the outer diameter. In at least one such embodiment, the inner diameter may be smaller than the main diameter, and the outer diameter may be larger than the main diameter.

In various embodiments, as described above, the emphasis can move from the open position to the closed position and compress the fabric with a tissue thickness compensator of the cassette with brackets, for example fabric thickness compensator 10020. In various situations, the fabric thickness compensator may be adjacent to the support before it is positioned relative to the fabric part of the cassette with brackets. In some embodiments, before moving the emphasis to the closed position, the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may occupy a position in which it abuts against the support portion 10018. In some other embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may be in a position in which between the tissue thickness compensator 10020 and the supporting part 10018 there is a gap. In at least one such embodiment, the abutment can bias the fabric and fabric thickness compensator 10020 down until the fabric thickness compensator 10020 abuts the support portion 10018, at which point the emphasis can be moved to the closed position and create pressure within the fabric . If the surgeon does not satisfy the position of the tissue between the stop and the cassette with brackets, the surgeon can open the stop, adjust the position of the stop and the cassette with brackets and close the stop again. Due to this installation and reinstallation of the cassette with brackets relative to the fabric in various situations, the distal end of the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may, for example, detach from the support portion 10010. In some such situations, the distal end of the tissue thickness compensator 10020 may come into contact with the fabric and peel or wrap relatively the supporting part 10010. In various embodiments, as described in more detail below, the cassette with brackets may contain one or more elements that are removable the life of the tissue thickness compensator on the underlying supporting part of the cassette with brackets.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 265, the cassette with brackets 10300 may comprise a support portion 10310, a tissue thickness compensator 10320 held by the support portion 10310, and a distal end 10302 including a nose 10303 configured to detachably hold the distal end 10325 of the tissue thickness compensator 10320 in the desired position. In at least one embodiment, the nose 10303 may include a groove 10305 configured to receive the distal end 10325 of the tissue thickness compensator 10320. In various embodiments, the distal end 10325 can be pressed or pinched into the groove 10305 so that the distal end 10325 can hold in place when the cassette with brackets 10300 relative to the fabric. In at least one such embodiment, the groove 10305 may be oriented in a direction parallel or at least substantially parallel to the surface of the panel 10311 of the support portion 10310. In various embodiments, the groove 10305 may be horizontal to the surface of the panel 10311. In various other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 266, the cassette with brackets 10400 may include a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator 10420 supported by the support portion, and a distal end 10402 including a nose portion 10403 configured to detachably hold the distal end 10425 of the tissue thickness compensator 10420 in a desired position. In at least one embodiment, the distal end 10425 may comprise a protrusion extending from it, and the nose 10403 may include a vertical groove 10405 configured to receive a protrusion of the distal end 10425. In various embodiments, the distal end 10425 and / or the protrusion extending therefrom can be pressed or pinched into the groove 10405 so that the distal end 10425 can be held in place when the cassette with staples 10400 relative to the fabric. In some embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10420 may include a groove, such as a groove 10429, that may be configured to receive at least a portion of the nose 10403. In at least one embodiment, the groove 10405 may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the support portion panel 10411. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 267, the cassette with brackets 10500 may include a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator 10520 supported by the support portion, and a distal end 10502 including a nose portion configured to detachably hold the distal end 10525 of the tissue thickness compensator 10520 in a desired position. In at least one embodiment, the nose can include a vertical groove 10505 configured to receive the distal end 10525 of the tissue thickness compensator 10520. In various embodiments, the distal end 10525 can be clamped or pinched into the groove 10505 so that the distal end 10525 can hold in place when the cassette with brackets 10500 relative to the fabric.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 265, the tissue thickness compensator 10320 may comprise an upper surface 10324 that may be located above the upper surface 10304 of the bow 10303. Another embodiment in which the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator is located above the bow of the staple cartridge is shown in FIG. 238, the upper surface 10721 of the thickness compensator fabric 10720 is located, for example, above the upper surface 10004 of the bow 10003. During use, as shown in FIG. 265, the fabric can creep onto the upper surface 10304 of the bow 10303 and, in a certain situation, the fabric can come into contact with the distal end 10325 of the tissue thickness compensator 10320 and exert a force on the tissue thickness compensator 10320, which can lead to the separation of the tissue thickness compensator 10320 from the support portion 10310. In the embodiments described herein, a part of the distal end 10325 sandwiched in the bow 10303 can resist this separating force. In any case, after the optimal location of the tissue, Finally, the cassettes with brackets 13000, the emphasis can be turned to the closed position and the fabric and tissue thickness compensator 10320 can be pressed close to the supporting part 10310. In at least one such embodiment, the emphasis can be turned into the position in which it contacts the upper surface 10304 of the bow 10303 As a result, further stop rotation is prevented. In various situations, due to the fact that the upper surface 10324 of the tissue thickness compensator 10320 is located above the upper surface 10304 of the bow 10303, the upper surface 10324 may be pressed down towards the supporting part 10310 when closing the stop, and in some situations, the upper surface 10324 may be for example, depressed below the upper surface 10304 of the bow 10303. After placing the staples contained within the cassette with the brackets 10300 and dissecting the tissue thickness compensator 10320, as described herein, the supporting part 10310 and the bow the portion 10303 can be moved away from the tissue thickness compensator 10320 so that the distal end 10325 of the tissue thickness compensator 10320 can slide out of the groove 10305.

As described above, the emphasis, such as emphasis 10060, can be rotated to the closed position in which the emphasis 10060 is in contact with the upper surface of the bow portion 10004 of the cassette with brackets, for example the cassette with brackets 10000. After the stop has reached the closed position, the compression ratio of the thickness compensator tissue, for example tissue thickness compensator 10020, will depend, inter alia, on the thickness in the uncompressed state or the height of the tissue thickness compensator, as well as on the thickness of the fabric. As shown in FIG. 236 and 237, the tissue thickness compensator 10920 may comprise an upper surface located at the same level or at least substantially flush with the upper surface 10004 of the nose 10003. In such embodiments, the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator 10920 may be pressed below the upper surface 10004 of the bow 10003. As shown in FIG. 241 and 242, a tissue thickness compensator, such as a tissue thickness compensator 10820, may include an upper surface 10821 below the upper surface of the bow 10004 before the tissue thickness compensator 10820 is compressed by the fabric T and the stop 10060. In situations where the fabric T is relatively thin, as shown in FIG. 239 and 240, the tissue thickness compensator 10920 may undergo relatively small compression. As shown in FIG. 241 and 242, the tissue thickness compensator 10820 may undergo more compression if the tissue T is relatively thicker. In situations where the T fabric has both thin and thick sections, as shown in FIG. 243 and 244, the tissue thickness compensator 10820 can contract to a greater extent under the thicker fabric T, and to a lesser extent under the thinner fabric T. Thus, as described above, the tissue thickness compensator can compensate for differences in tissue thickness.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 268-270, the surgical stapling instrument may comprise, firstly, a cassette channel 16670 configured to receive a cassette with brackets 16600, and secondly, a stop 16660 pivotally connected to a channel for a cassette 16670. A cassette with brackets 16600 may comprise a support portion 16610 and a tissue thickness compensator 16620, wherein the distal end 16625 of the tissue thickness compensator 16620 can be held removably on the support portion 16610 by the nose 16603 on the distal end 16602 of the cassette with brackets 16600. In at least one embodiment, The nose portion 16603 may include a groove 16605 and may be formed from a flexible material. In use, as shown mainly in FIG. 269, the nose 16603 may bend downward to widen the opening of the groove 16605. In some embodiments, the nose 16603 may include slots or cutouts 16606 that may be configured to allow the nose 16603 to bend downward. In any case, in different situations, the widened opening of the groove 16605 can simplify the insertion of the distal end 16625 of the fabric thickness compensator 16620 into the groove 16605. After the fabric thickness compensator 16620 is properly positioned, the nose 16603 can be released and, due to the elasticity of the material of which the nose 16603 consists , the nose 16603 may return or at least substantially return to an unbent state and clamp the distal end 16625 of the tissue thickness compensator 16620 against the surface of the panel 16611, as shown in FIG. 270. During use, similarly to the foregoing, the distal end 16625 can be pulled out from the groove 16605 when the support portion 16610 is moved away from the stitched fabric. In various situations, the flexible nose 16603 may be configured to deflect upon disconnecting the tissue thickness compensator 16620 from the support portion 16610. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 270, the tissue thickness compensator 16620 may comprise an upper surface 16621 aligned with or at least substantially aligned with the upper surface 16604 of the nose 16603.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 271, the surgical stapling instrument may include, firstly, a channel 10770 configured to receive a cassette with brackets 10700, and secondly, an emphasis 10760, rotatably connected to a channel for a cassette 10770. The cassette with brackets 10700 may include a support a portion 10710 and a tissue thickness compensator 10720. In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator 10720 may be held in place by the opener of the nose portion 10703, which can slide along the support portion 10710. In at least one embodiment, as shown, the main m manner in FIG. 272, the opener of nose portion 10703 may comprise one or more lateral grooves 10707, which, for example, may be configured to receive one or more rail guides extending along support portion 10710. In various embodiments, tissue thickness compensator 10720 may be located between the side grooves 10707. In some embodiments, the opener of the nose 10703 may further comprise a distal end 10702 and a cavity 10706 formed at the distal end 10702, and the cavity 10706 can also can be configured to receive at least a portion of the support portion 10710. During use, the opener of the nose portion 10703 can be worn on the support portion 10710 in the direction from the distal to the proximal end. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10720 can be detachably attached to the opener of the nose 10703 so that after activating the brackets through the thickness adjuster 10720, the tissue thickness compensator 10720 can be separated from the opener of the nose 10703 while moving the support 10710 and the opener of the nose 10703 from the tissue thickness compensator 10720. In various embodiments, the upper surface 10721 of the tissue thickness compensator 10720 may be located below the upper surface 10704 of the bow 10703.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 273 and 274, the surgical stapling instrument may include, firstly, a cassette channel with brackets 11070 configured to receive a cassette with brackets 11000, and, secondly, an emphasis 11060 rotatably connected to a channel 11070. Cassette with brackets 11000 may comprise a support portion 11010 and a tissue thickness compensator 11020. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 11020 may be held in position by one or more longitudinal rail guides 11019 extending from the panel 11011 of the support portion 11010. At least one th embodiment, the longitudinal guide rails 11019 can be placed in tissue thickness compensator 11020. In some embodiments, as shown mainly in FIG. 274, the tissue thickness compensator 11020 may comprise a longitudinal recess 11029, which may be configured to receive longitudinal rail guides 11019. In at least one such embodiment, a recess 11029 may be configured and shaped, for example, to receive rail guides 11019 by fitting with an interference fit. Such elements, in addition to the foregoing, can be performed, for example, with the possibility of preventing or at least limiting the relative lateral movements between the tissue thickness compensator 11020 and the supporting part 11010 and, in addition, limiting the premature separation of the fabric thickness compensator 11020 from the supporting part 11010 In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 275, the surgical stapling instrument may comprise, firstly, a cassette channel with brackets 11170 configured to receive a cassette with brackets 11100, and secondly, an emphasis 11160, rotatably connected to a channel 11170. A cassette with brackets 11100 may comprise a support portion 11110 and a tissue thickness compensator 11120. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 11120 may be held in position by one or more longitudinal rows of spikes or teeth 11119 extending from the panel 11111 of the support portion 11110. In at least one var ante longitudinal rows of spikes 11119 can be placed in tissue thickness compensator 11120.

With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 273, in addition to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 11020 of the cassette with the brackets 11000 can gradually separate from the supporting portion 11010 as the brackets are pushed out of the brackets 10012 formed therein. More specifically, in addition to the above, the brackets located in the brackets 10012 can be pushed sequentially from the proximal end 11001 of the cassette with brackets 11000 to the distal end 11002 of the cassette with brackets 11000 so that the brackets when pushing out can exert an upward biasing force on the thickness compensator otherwise, fabric 11020, which leads to a shift of the fabric thickness compensator 11020 from the rail 11019. In such circumstances, the proximal end 11006 of the fabric thickness compensator 11020 may separate from the supporting part 11010 as the brackets are pushed out of the most proximal bracket slots 10012. Then, the fabric thickness compensator 11020 can gradually separate from the supporting part 11010 as the staples are gradually ejected from the supporting part 11010 from the proximal end 11001 to the distal end 11002 of the cassette with staples 11000. When staples are ejected, most distal staple slots 10012, 11010 of the support portion distal end tissue thickness compensator 11007 11020 may be separated from the base portion 11010. With regard to the embodiment shown in FIG. 275, the tissue thickness compensator 11120 may gradually separate from the studs 1119 extending from the support portion 11110 as the staples are gradually ejected from the cassette from the proximal end 11101 to the distal end 11102.

As described above, the tissue thickness compensator can gradually be detached from the support portion of the cassette with the brackets as the brackets are gradually ejected from the support portion and contacted with the tissue thickness compensator. In various embodiments, the legs of the bracket, such as, for example, the legs of the bracket 10032, may be able to pass through the tissue thickness compensator without separating the tissue thickness compensator from the support portion. In such embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may remain engaged with the support portion until the bases of the brackets, such as bases 10031, come into contact with the tissue thickness compensator and are pushed upward. However, in various embodiments, the planks and / or other holding elements extending from the support portion can, for example, counteract the separation of the tissue thickness compensator from the support portion. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the support portion may comprise holding elements that can be configured to gradually separate the tissue thickness compensator from the support portion as the brackets gradually activate from the bracket cassette. As shown in FIG. 283, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 11200, may include a support portion 11210 including retaining elements 11213, which can be arranged to detachably hold the tissue thickness compensator 11220 (FIG. 284) on the support portion 11210 In various embodiments, the holding elements 11213 may be positioned, for example, at the ends of each nests for the bracket 11212, wherein each holding element 11213 may comprise a guide groove 11216 formed therein formed to be received in os slidably leg staples 10032 10030. In such embodiments, the staple legs as the 10032 and 11213 holding elements may be configured to releasably hold the tissue thickness compensator 11220 on the support portion 11210. In use, as shown in FIG. 284, the ejector brackets 10040 contained within the support portion 11210 can be pushed upward by the slide 10050, as described above, the ejector brackets 10040 can be configured to contact the holding elements 11213, at least partially separating the holding elements 11213 from the supporting part 11210 and moving the holding elements 11213 outward from the brackets 10030 and the slots for the brackets 11212. When separating the holding elements 11213 from the support portion 11210 and / or moving them outward, as shown in FIG. 284, the holding elements 11213 may already be unable to hold the tissue thickness compensator 11220 on the support portion 11210, and as a result, the tissue thickness compensator 11220 may separate from the support portion 11210. Similarly, the tissue thickness compensator 11220 may gradually separate from the support portion 11210 as it gradually pushing the brackets 10030 from the cassette with the brackets to a stop, such as, for example, a stop 11260. In various embodiments, the ejectors of the brackets 10040 can contact the holding elements 11213 when the upper the surfaces of the ejector brackets 10040 extend to the same level or at least substantially the same level as, for example, the surface of the panel 11211 of the support portion 11210. In such embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 11220 may separate from the support portion 11210 at that moment and / or just before the brackets 10030 will be formed to their fully formed, or fully activated, configuration. In at least one such embodiment, as shown mainly in FIG. 285, the pushers 10040 can be pushed out so much that they extend beyond the surface of the panel 11211 to completely form the brackets 10030 and during this pushing, the retaining elements 11213 will be separated from the support portion 11210. In various embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 284, the retaining elements 11213 can protrude above or go into the slots for the brackets 11212 until they separate or slide outward, so that the ejectors 10040 can contact the holding elements 11213 just at the moment when the ejectors 10040 reach the surface of the panel 11211. In any case, after separating the tissue thickness compensator 11220 from the support portion 11210, as shown in FIG. 285, the support portion 11210 can be moved away from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 11220.

As described above, the compressible tissue thickness compensator of the cassette with brackets can gradually be separated from the supporting part, or the housing, of the cassette with brackets as the brackets are activated, or placed, from the cassette with brackets. In various circumstances, this separation may include the gradual detachment of the tissue thickness compensator from the support portion, and in some circumstances, complete separation of the tissue thickness compensator from the support portion may not occur until the stop is opened and the support portion moves from the implanted tissue thickness compensator. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 289, the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, the cassette with brackets 11300, may include a fabric thickness compensator 11320 that is fixed so that it can be separated on the support portion 11310. In at least one embodiment, the support portion 11310 may include a plurality of protruding elements 11313 configured to detachably compress and hold the longitudinal sides of the tissue thickness compensator 11320 on the supporting portion 11310. In at least one such embodiment, each holding element 11313 can t contain an inwardly facing channel or groove 11316 that can be adapted to receive the longitudinal sides of the tissue thickness compensator 11320 therein. In various circumstances, the plurality of retaining elements 11313 may protrude along the first longitudinal side of the support portion 11310 and the plurality of retaining elements 11313 may protrude along the second the longitudinal side of the support portion 11310, and in some circumstances, the holding elements 11313 may be configured to prevent, or at least limit i, the relative lateral movement of the tissue thickness compensator 11320 and the support portion 11310, as well as preventing, or at least limiting, prematurely separating the tissue thickness compensator 11320 from the support portion 11310. In various embodiments, the holding elements 11313 may be made in one piece with the support portion 11310, and in at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 290, the holding elements 11313 may be configured to detach, or at least partially detach, from the support portion 11310 to allow the tissue thickness compensator 11320 to separate from the support portion 11310, as shown, for example, in FIG. 291. In some embodiments, the abutment, such as, for example, abutment 11360, can be configured to compress the tissue thickness compensator 11320, and, in response to the pressure created within the tissue thickness compensator 11320, the fabric thickness compensator 11320 can expand laterally to at least partially detaching, or separating, the retaining elements 11313 from the tissue thickness compensator 11320. In various embodiments, the implementation of the above-described advancement of the scalpel element through an abutment 11360 and a cassette with brackets 11300 may result in placement staples contained in the cassette and simultaneous closer pressing of the stop 11360 and the cassette with brackets 11300 to each other, which can exert additional compressive force on the tissue thickness compensator 11320 and thereby lead to sequential unfastening of the retaining elements 11313 as the scalpel passes through the cassette with brackets 11300.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 292-294, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 11400, may include a tissue thickness compensator 11420, removably mounted on the support portion 11410. In at least one embodiment, the cassette with brackets 11400 may contain one or more holding strips 11413, which may be configured to hold the longitudinal sides of the tissue thickness compensator 11420 on the surface of the panel 11411. In at least one such embodiment, each retaining strip 11413 may comprise having shoulders 11418 which can form a channel 11416 between each other. In such embodiments, one of the shoulders 11418 may be configured to extend over the tissue thickness compensator 11420, and the other shoulder 11418 may be configured to extend under a protrusion 11419 extending from support portion 11410. As shown mainly in FIG. 292, the size and configuration of the channel 11416 of each retaining bar 11413 can be selected to exert a compressive force on the longitudinal sides of the tissue thickness compensator 11420 before using the cassette with brackets 11400. During use, as shown mainly in FIG. 293, the cassette with brackets 11400 can be placed inside the channel for the cassette with brackets, and after appropriate placement of the cassette with brackets 11400 the emphasis, such as, for example, emphasis 11460, can be moved to a position where it can compress the tissue thickness compensator 11420. Similar to the above , the tissue thickness compensator 11420 may expand laterally or outwardly during compression and, as a result, separate the retaining bars 11413 from the cassette with brackets 11400. In some other embodiments, closing the stop 11460 may not lead to If the retaining strips 11413 are not completely removed from the cassette with the brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the above-described advancement of the launch rod through the cassette with brackets 11400 can lead to the placement of the brackets 10030 from the support portion 11410 and simultaneously pressing the stop 11460 and the cassette with brackets 11400 closer to each other to apply compressive force to the tissue thickness compensator 11420, sufficient for expansion of the tissue thickness compensator 11420 sideways and separation of the retaining bars 11413 from the cartridge with brackets 11400. After separating the retaining bars 11413 from the cartridge with brackets 11400, as shown in FIG. 294, the support portion 11410 can be moved away from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 11420 and removed from the surgical field. In some alternative embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 295, the cassette with brackets 11400 ’may contain retaining bars 11413’, which, similarly to the above, may contain shoulders 11418 ’extending from them. In at least one such embodiment, each of the shoulders 11418 ’may comprise a wedge-shaped retainer 11417’, which may be removably adapted to hold the retaining bars 11413 ’on the cassette with brackets 11400’. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the support portion 11410 'of the cassette with brackets 11400' may include lower grooves 11419 ', which together with the wedge-shaped latches 11417' can be configured to releasably hold the retaining bars 11413 'on the cassette with brackets 11400 and block premature separation of the tissue thickness compensator 11420 from the supporting portion 11410 '. During use, similar to the above, the retaining strips 11413 ’can separate from the cassette with brackets 11400’, for example, by applying sufficient compressive force to the fabric thickness compensator 11420.

In various circumstances, as described above and as also shown in FIG. 259 and 260, the slide 10050 of the cartridge with brackets 10000 and the trigger element 10052 of the surgical stapling instrument can be moved from the proximal end 10001 of the cartridge with brackets 10000 to the distal end 10002 (FIG. 219) of the cartridge with brackets 10000 to place the brackets 10030 from the supporting part 10010. in at least one such circumstance, each bracket 10030 can be moved from an inactive position to an activated position and pushed out from the support portion 10010 to capture the entire tissue thickness compensator 10020 close to the fabric located between the stop 100 60 and the cassette with brackets 10000. In some circumstances, the surgeon may need to activate not all the brackets 10030 from the cassette with brackets 10000, and the surgeon may stop the advancement of the slide 10050 and the trigger rod 10052 at the point between the proximal end 10001 and the distal end 10002 of the cassette with brackets 10000. In such circumstances, tissue thickness compensator 10020 can only be partially implanted in tissue T, and to separate the unimplanted portion of tissue thickness compensator 10020 from support part 10010, the surgeon can extend the support part 10010 from the cal implanted tissue thickness compensator 10020 such that the unimplanted portion separated or detached from the support portion 10010. Although such embodiments may be used in different circumstances, in FIG. 300-302 shows an improved embodiment in which a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 11520 of a cassette with brackets 11500, may comprise a plurality of connected segments that can be configured to separate from each other. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 11520 may, for example, comprise a first, or most proximal, segment 11520a, a second segment 11520b, detachably coupled to a first segment 11520a, a third segment 11520c, detachably connected to a second segment 11520b, a fourth segment 11520d detachably connected to a third segment 11520c, and a fifth segment 11520e connected detachably to a fourth segment 11520d. In various embodiments, the fabric thickness compensator 11520 may comprise at least one thin portion 11529 located between any two adjacent segments 11520a-11520e, which may be configured to form a predetermined tear-off or separation point at which the fabric thickness compensator segments may separate apart from each other. In some embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may include any suitable set of perforated holes, thin sections, and / or any other means of creating a split point within the tissue thickness compensator. As shown mainly in FIG. 301, the stop 11560 is in the closed position and the trigger 10052 is partially advanced through the cassette with brackets 11500 so that the brackets 10030 from the first segment 11520a, the second segment 11520b and the third segment 11520c are activated to grip the fabric thickness compensator 11520 close to the fabric T. In this position, the trigger element 10052 has not yet been held so far as to accommodate, for example, the brackets 10030 from the fourth segment 11520d and the fifth segment 11520e. In the position shown in FIG. 302, the emphasis 11560 is moved to the open position and the support portion 11510 of the cassette with brackets 11500 is moved from the portion of the tissue thickness compensator 11520 that has been implanted. As shown in FIG. 302, a thin portion 11529 (FIG. 300) located between the third segment 11520c and the fourth segment 11520d allowed the unimplanted portion of the tissue thickness compensator 11520 to separate from its implanted portion.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the cassette with brackets may comprise a plurality of fasteners configured to detachably hold the tissue thickness compensator on the supporting portion of the cassette with brackets. In some embodiments, the support portion may comprise a plurality of holes formed, for example, in the surface of the panel, the fastening elements being able to extend through the tissue thickness compensator and releasably be held in the holes of the support portion. In use, the fasteners may gradually become detached from the support portion as the brackets are gradually ejected from the support portion. In at least one such embodiment, the fasteners can be implanted together with a tissue thickness compensator, and in at least one embodiment, the fasteners can be formed, for example, from at least one bioabsorbable material. In some embodiments, the fasteners may separate from the support portion after at least partially implanting the tissue thickness compensator and while moving the support portion from the implanted tissue thickness compensator. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 323-325, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 11600, may comprise a fabric thickness compensator 11620 that is detachably fixed to the support portion 11610 by a plurality of fasteners 11613. Each fastener 11613 may include a first end 11618 placed inside and / or otherwise associated with a tissue thickness compensator 11620, a second end 11618 connected to a support portion 11610, and a connector 11616 that connects the first end 11618 to the second end 11618. In various embodiments, fasteners 11613 may extend By cutting the scalpel groove 11615 formed in the support portion 11610. When using the trigger 10052 described above, it can move the scalpel blade through the groove of the scalpel 11615 in the support portion 11610 and cut the fasteners 11613 to separate the tissue thickness compensator 11620 from the support portion 11610. In at least one such embodiment, the trigger rod 10052 can advance from the proximal end 11601 of the cassette with brackets 11600 to the distal end 11602 of the cassette with brackets 11600, in order, first, to distally advance the slide 10050 and gradually activate the brackets 10030, as described above, and, secondly, gradually cut and / or break the fasteners 11613 to gradually separate the tissue thickness compensator 11620 from the support portion 11610. In some embodiments, similarly to the above, the fabric thickness compensator 11620 may comprise a plurality of detachable segments 11620a-11620e, each of which, for example, can be held onto the support portion 11610 by one or more fasteners 11613. If the trigger 10052 is stopped between the proximal end 11601 and the distal the end end 11602 of the cassette with brackets 11600, as shown in FIG. 324, fasteners 11613 can help hold the non-implanted portion of the tissue thickness compensator 11620 on the abutment portion 11610 after opening the abutment 11660 and moving the abutment portion 11610 from the tissue T, as shown in FIG. 325. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the cutting edge 10053 of the trigger element 10052 may be configured to notch and / or break fasteners 11613. In some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 327 and 328 accommodating slide brackets, such as, for example, slide 11650, may include a scalpel blade 11653, which may be configured to incise connectors 11616 of fasteners 11613 when moving the slide 11650 on a cassette with brackets 11600. In at least one such an embodiment, each connector 11616 may comprise a cylindrical element extending between the T-shaped ends 11618 of the fasteners 11613, wherein the scalpel blade 11653 may comprise a concave profile 11653, which, for example, may be configured to You must accept the cylindrical connector 11616.

As described above, the cassette with staples can be loaded into the channel for the cassette with staples of a surgical stapling instrument. In various circumstances, the surgeon or other doctor can insert the cassette with brackets into the channel for the cassette with brackets by applying downward force to the cassette with brackets to fix the cassette with brackets in place. In some such circumstances, for the application of such a downward force, the doctor may, for example, place his thumb on the upper surface of the staple cassette. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the cassette with brackets may comprise the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator, wherein, as described above, the tissue thickness compensator can be compressible, and in some embodiments, the downward force exerted on the tissue thickness compensator can compress the compensator tissue thickness to such an extent that the doctor’s thumb touches the ends of the staples located in the supporting part. In various embodiments, a bracket cartridge applicator may be used to insert a bracket cartridge into the bracket cartridge channel, which may be configured to prevent, or at least limit, the likelihood of a physician touching the braces located in the bracket bracket. After properly placing the cassette with the brackets inside the channel for the cassette with the brackets, as described in more detail below, the applicator can be separated from the cassette with the brackets.

In some embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 305 and 306, the applicator for the cassette with the brackets may include a hard cover, such as, for example, the cover 10080, which can be fixed on the cassette with the brackets 10000. In addition to the above, the cover 10080 can be configured to prevent, or at least restrictions, the likelihood of contact, for example, of the doctor’s thumb with the ends of staples 10030 located in the cassette with staples 10000 when inserting the cassette with staples 10000 into the channel for the cassette with staples. As shown in FIG. 307 and 308, the cover 10080 may be distributed over the upper surface 10021, or at least a portion of the upper surface 10021, of the fabric thickness compensator 10020, and may include, firstly, a lower surface 10081, which may be distributed over and / or abut into the tissue thickness compensator 10020, and secondly, the upper surface 10082, which can, for example, provide a surface on which the doctor can press to apply the required downward force. In use, the physician may take the handle 10084 of the lid 10080, align the cassette support portion 10010 with brackets 10000 with the bracket for the cassette, and at least partially insert the bracket with the brackets 10000 inside the bracket for the cassette. The physician can then fully seat the cassette with brackets 10000 into the channel for the cassette with brackets by applying a downward force to the upper surface 10082 of the lid 10880, which in various embodiments can transmit the downward force directly to the supporting part 10010. In at least one such embodiment the implementation of the cover 10080 may contain proximal supports 10087, which can pass down and in contact with the surface of the panel 10011 of the supporting part. In some embodiments, the cap 10080 may further comprise a distal abutment 10083, which can be abutted against the nose 10003. When a downward force is applied to the cap 10080, a downward force can be transmitted through the proximal supports 10087 and / or the distal abutment 10083 without transmission, or at least substantially without transmission, a downwardly directed force toward the supporting portion 10010 through a tissue thickness compensator 10020. In various circumstances, as a result of the above, h can not directly contact the tissue thickness compensator 10020. Also as a result of the above-described cap 10080 may not compress, or at least does not substantially compress the fabric thickness compensator 10020 when inserting the staple cartridge 10000 within the channel to the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the cap may comprise any suitable number of supports configured to transmit downward force to the support portion without transmission, or at least substantially without transmission, downward force through the tissue thickness compensator. In some embodiments, the supports may extend along the distal end, proximal end and / or longitudinal sides of the tissue thickness compensator. In some embodiments, the supports may extend through a tissue thickness compensator. In at least one such embodiment, the supports may extend through holes in the tissue thickness compensator and abut against the panel of the support portion. In some embodiments, at least some of the supports may not contact the panel until a downward force is applied to the lid; however, in various embodiments, the lid may be configured to bend, or move, down to contact the supports with the panel of the support portion. At this point, bending or moving the lid down may be stopped, or at least substantially stopped.

As described above, the lid 10080 can be attached to the cassette with brackets 10000 and used to control the position of the cassette with brackets 10000. In various embodiments, the lid 10080 may contain any suitable number of gripping elements that can be made, for example, with the ability to detachably hold the cover 10080 on the support portion 10010 of the cassette with brackets 10000. In at least one such embodiment, the cover 10080 may further comprise one or more retaining elements, such as, for example, latches 10088 and / or 10089. In various embodiments, latches 10089 may be configured to extend around the sides of the nose 10003 and engage with the bottom surface 10009 (FIG. 306) of the nose 10003. Similarly, the latches 10088 can extend around the sides latch protrusions 10008 extending from the support portion 10010 and engage with the lower surfaces of the latch protrusions 10008. Such latches in various embodiments may be configured to place cover 10080 over an area or region y, in which the brackets are located inside the supporting part 10010. In any case, after properly placing the cartridge with brackets 10000, the cover 10080 can be separated from the cartridge with brackets 10000. In at least one embodiment, the doctor can exert an upward lifting force on the handle 10084 to separating the distal end of the lid 10080 from the distal end 10002 of the cassette with brackets 10000. In at least one such embodiment, the latches 10088 and 10089 can bend outward when the handle 10084 is lifted upward so that the latches 10088 and 10089 can bend around retaining tabs 10008 and nose 10003, respectively. Then, the proximal end of the lid 10080 can be lifted from the proximal end 10001 of the cassette with brackets, and the lid 10080 can be moved from the cassette with brackets 10000.

In some embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 309 and 310, a cassette applicator with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette applicator with brackets 10680, may be arranged to accommodate an upper tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, tissue thickness compensator 10690, relative to the stop in addition to placing the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 10600, inside the channel for a cassette with brackets. Similarly to the foregoing, the applicator 10680 may include latches 10688 that can releasably engage with locking tabs 10608 extending from the cassette support portion 10610 with brackets 10600 so that the applicator 10680 can be held in position above the thickness compensator of the cassette 10620 with brackets 10600. In various embodiments, the upper tissue thickness compensator 10690 can be removably mounted on a cassette applicator with brackets 10680 so that the abutment of a surgical instrument, such as, for example, then 10060, you can close it on the applicator 10680, engage with the tissue thickness compensator 10690 and separate the tissue thickness compensator 10690 from the applicator 10680. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10690 and / or the stop 10060 may contain one or more retaining elements that may be configured to releasably hold the tissue thickness compensator 10690 on the stop 10060. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 10690 may comprise, for example, a longitudinal rail an adhesive 10695 extending from the upper surface 10691 of the tissue thickness compensator 10690, which can be received in a longitudinal groove for the scalpel 10065 formed in the abutment 10060. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 10690 and the longitudinal rail guide 10695 may be formed from any suitable compressible material, for example, such as described in this application, and the longitudinal rail guide 10695 can be, for example, squeezed and / or inserted by a wedge into the groove for scalpel 10065. After the stop 10060 enters the bite stitching with tissue thickness compensator 10690, the stop 10060 can be moved back to the open position, and in such circumstances, the tissue thickness compensator 10690 can separate from the applicator 10680. Then, the applicator 10680 can be separated from the cassette with brackets 10600, so that the stop 10060 and the cassette with brackets 10600 can be positioned relative to the fabric to be sewn and / or cut. When used, the mounting rails of the slide, such as, for example, the slide 10050 (FIG. 236), can be moved distally through the cassette with brackets 10600 using, for example, the trigger element 10052 (FIG. 236) to eject the brackets from the cassette with brackets 10060, such as described above. When the brackets are deformed, each bracket can grab a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 10690 close to the upper surface of the fabric and a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 10620 close to the lower surface of the fabric. At the same time, the trigger element 10052 can advance the scalpel blade 10053 (FIG. 236) through the tissue thickness compensator 10620 and / or tissue thickness compensator 10690, wherein in at least one embodiment, the scalpel blade 10053 can advance through the longitudinal rail for notching 10695 rail 10695 and the gradual separation of the tissue thickness compensator 10690 from the stop 10060. After placing the brackets, the stop 10060 can be opened and moved again from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 10690, and similarly , the support portion 10610 of the cassette with brackets 10600 may be moved away from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 10620. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, tissue thickness compensator 10620 and / or tissue thickness compensator 10690 may comprise a plurality of detachable segments that may be provided with the possibility of separation from each other if only parts of the tissue thickness compensators 10620 and 10690 are implanted with brackets.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the applicator 10680 may include one or more retaining elements, which may be removably capable of holding the tissue thickness compensator 10690 on the applicator 10680. In at least one such embodiment, as shown, main way in FIG. 310, the applicator 10680 may comprise a longitudinal retaining rail 10685 that can be adapted to receive into the longitudinal retaining groove 10694 formed in the lower surface 10692 of the tissue thickness compensator 10690, for example, when fitted with an interference fit. In various circumstances, the retaining rail 10685 and the retaining groove 10694 may be configured to hold the tissue thickness compensator 10690 in the applicator 10680 until 10060 applies sufficient upward lifting force to the tissue thickness compensator 10690, as described above. In at least one such embodiment, the retaining rail 10685 extending from the applicator 10680 may further comprise end stops 10686 located at the proximal and distal ends of the retaining rail 10685, which may be configured to prevent, or at least limit, the relative longitudinal movement of the tissue thickness compensator 10690 and the applicator 10680. In some embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 310, one or more adhesives can be placed on the contact surface 10691 of the fabric thickness compensator 10690, such as, for example, longitudinal adhesive strips 10693, so that when the stop 10060 contacts the fabric thickness compensator 10690, as described above, the adhesives can be releasably fixed tissue thickness compensator 10690 at stop 10060. In various embodiments, one or more adhesives may be used, for example, in addition to or instead of the compressible holding elements described above. In some embodiments, one or more adhesives can be used to releasably hold the tissue thickness compensator on the bracket cassette applicator. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 310A, cover 10080, for example, may include one or more adhesive pads 12185, which may be removably capable of holding an upper tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, tissue thickness compensator 12190, on top surface 10082 of cover 10080. in at least one such embodiment, similar to the embodiments described above, the emphasis may be closed on the tissue thickness compensator 12190 to engage with the longitudinal expansion rail retaining rail 12195 other aspects of fabric 12190. In some embodiments, a release mechanism may be placed between the fabric thickness compensator 12190 and the lid 10080, which can be used to break the adhesive bonds holding the fabric thickness compensator 12190 and the lid 10080 together, and separate the fabric thickness compensator 12190 from the lid 10080. In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism may comprise a tongue 12196 and a loop 12197, wherein the loop 12197 may include first and second ends secured to the tongue 12196. The loop 12197 may comprise, For example, a thread that can form a perimeter surrounding the adhesive pads 12185 so that when distally pulling the tab 12196, the thread can slide between the tissue thickness compensator 12190 and the lid 10080 and come into contact with the adhesive pads 12185. In such circumstances, the thread can lead to at least one of, for example, separating adhesive pads 12185 from tissue thickness compensator 12190, separating adhesive pads 12185 from cover 10080 and / or dissecting adhesive pads 12185.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 311, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a support portion 10710, which, similarly to the above, may comprise a longitudinal groove for the scalpel 10715 passing through it. In at least one such embodiment, the applicator for the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, an applicator 10780, may include a longitudinal retaining and leveling element 10786, which may extend into the groove for the scalpel 10715 in the support portion 10710. In some embodiments, the holding element 10786 may be configured to fit into adhesion to the side walls of the scalpel groove 10715, for example, when installed with an interference fit, so that the applicator 10780 can detachably be held on the supporting part 10710. In various embodiments, although not shown in the figures, the first part of the tissue thickness compensator can be located on the first the side of the holding member 10786, and the second part of the tissue thickness compensator may be located on the opposite or second side of the holding member 10786. Similarly to the above, the first and second parts of the thickness compensator These fabrics can be fixed to the supporting part 10710 of the cassette with brackets using, for example, retaining elements 10013. Also, similarly to the above, the upper tissue thickness compensator 10790 can be detachably fixed to the applicator 10780 using a longitudinal holding element 10785 extending from the loading surface 10782 applicator 10780, and the retaining element 10785 can be detachably mounted with an interference fit in a longitudinal groove 10794 formed, for example, on the lower surface 10792 of the fabric thickness compensator 10790. B In various embodiments, also similarly to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 10790 may further comprise a longitudinal retaining element 10795 extending from the upper surface 10791 of the tissue thickness compensator 10790, which can be detachably held, for example, in a longitudinal scalpel groove 10065 formed in the abutment 10060. In at least one such embodiment, the longitudinal retaining element 10795 may have a wedge-shaped cross section containing an upper part that is larger than the lower part, the lower I part may, for example, to fix the retaining member 10795 on the tissue thickness compensator 10790.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 312 and 313, a cassette with brackets 10800, containing a support portion 10810 and a fabric thickness compensator 10820, can be loaded into the channel for the cassette with brackets, for example, with a cassette applicator with brackets 10880. Similar to the above, the cassette applicator with brackets 10880 can also be arranged to accommodate the upper fabric thickness compensator 10890, for example, relative to the stop, such as, for example, the stop 10060, so that when the stop 10060 is closed, the stop 10060 can contact and engage the fabric thickness compensator 10890. In at least one embodiment, the fabric thickness compensator 10890 may comprise a plurality of retaining legs 10895 extending from the upper surface 10891 of the fabric thickness compensator 10890, which can be adapted to engage with the stop 10060 and detach the fabric thickness compensator 10890 on the stop 10060. In at least one such embodiment, legs 10895 may be arranged in a longitudinal row, wherein each leg 10895 may comprise at least one foot made with possibly the ability to enter and engage with the groove formed in the abutment 10060 for the scalpel 10065. In some embodiments, some of the legs of the legs 10895 can extend in one direction and the rest of the legs can extend in the other direction. In at least one embodiment, some of the legs may extend in opposite directions. In any case, after the abutment 10060 engages with the tissue thickness compensator 10890, as shown in FIG. 313 and 314, the stop 10060 can be opened again, and the doctor can move the cartridge applicator with brackets 10880 from the tissue thickness compensators 10820 and 10890. Then, as shown in FIG. 314A, an upper tissue thickness compensator 10890 may be located on the first side of the target fabric, and a tissue thickness compensator 10820, which may include a lower tissue thickness compensator, may be located on the second side of the fabric. After the proper location of the fabric thickness expansion joints 10820 and 10890, as shown in FIG. 314B, a scalpel blade of a trigger element, such as, for example, a scalpel blade 10053, can be advanced through tissue and through tissue thickness compensators. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 318, the applicator for the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, the applicator 12280, may include a tissue thickness compensator 12290 mounted on it with a possibility of separation, which, similarly to the above, can be inserted into the channel for the cassette with brackets, as shown in FIG. 319, and engaged with the stop 10060 while moving the stop 10060 to the closed position. In at least one such embodiment, the fabric thickness compensator 12290 may comprise a plurality of retaining elements 12295 extending upward from the upper surface 12291 of the fabric thickness compensator 12290, each holding element 12295 may comprise a plurality of flexible legs 12296 that can be inserted into a groove for the scalpel 10065 of the stop 10060. As shown mainly in FIG. 321 and 322, the flexible legs 12296 of each holding member 12295 can be separated by a gap 12298 so that when the legs 12296 are inserted into the groove for the scalpel 10065, the legs 12296 can bend inward and then spring back outward after the enlarged legs of the flexible legs 12296 pass through the groove for scalpel 10065. In various embodiments, the enlarged tabs of the flexible legs 12296 can bend behind the oppositely located holding protrusions 12297 formed in the abutment 10060, and as a result of the interaction between the legs 12296 and you in steps 12297, the tissue thickness compensator 12290 can be held on an abutment 10060. Then, the cassette applicator with brackets 12280 can be moved from the fabric thickness compensator 12290, as shown in FIG. 320. When using the tissue thickness compensator 12290 close to the fabric after implantation, for example, with brackets placed from a cartridge with brackets 10000, the stop 10060 can be opened again, and when the stop 10060 is moved from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 12290, the legs 12296 of the holding elements 12995 can bend inward so that they can be pulled out of the groove for scalpel 10065.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 315 and 316, a fabric thickness compensator, such as, for example, fabric thickness compensator 11990, can be longitudinally loaded into a stop, such as, for example, stop 11960. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, fabric thickness compensator 11990 may comprise one or more longitudinal rail 11995, which can be inserted into the distal hole in the scalpel groove 11965 of the stop 11960 and then proximally pushed until the tissue thickness compensator 11990 is properly placed in the stop 11960. In at least one such embodiment, uschestvleniya each guide rail 11995 can comprise a longitudinal retaining tab 11996, which may be disposed, for example, longitudinal retaining protrusion 11997, which at least partially defines a recess for scalpel 11965. As shown in FIG. 316, tab 11996 may extend in opposite directions to accommodate behind retaining protrusions 11997 located on opposite sides of scalpel groove 11965. In various embodiments, a longitudinal clearance 11998 may be formed between the rail guides 11995, which may be configured to allow bending of the rail guides 11995 inward to each other while separating the fabric thickness compensator 11990 from the stop 11960. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 317, a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a fabric thickness compensator 12090, may include one or more latches 12098 that can extend around the sides of the stop, such as, for example, the stop 12060. In use, the latches 12098 can engage with the stop 12060 and detachably hold the tissue thickness compensator 12090 on the abutment 12060. In at least one such embodiment, the abutment 12060 may comprise, for example, one or more recesses or retainer shoulders, 12097, each of which may be adapted to receive a latch extending from tab 12098. When using the latches 12098 can be bent outward and separated from the abutment 12060 when moving the abutment 12060 from the tissue thickness compensator 12090 after at least partial implantation of the tissue thickness compensator 12090.

As described above, the surgical stapling instrument may include a cassette channel with brackets configured to receive a cassette with brackets, an emphasis pivotally connected to the channel for the cassette with brackets, and a trigger element containing a scalpel blade that is configured to movements relative to the stop and channel for the cassette with brackets. In use, the cassette with brackets can be placed inside the channel for the cassette with brackets, and after at least partially spending the cassette with brackets, the cassette with brackets can be removed from the channel for the cassette with brackets and replaced with a new cassette with brackets. In some such embodiments, the channel for the cassette with brackets, the emphasis and / or trigger element of the surgical stapling instrument can be reused with a removable cassette with brackets. In some other embodiments, the cassette with brackets may comprise a portion of a disposable assembly of a loading module, which may include, for example, a channel for a cassette with brackets, a stop and / or trigger, which can be replaced with a cassette with brackets as part of a replacement of a disposable assembly loading module. Some variations of the disposable loading module assembly are disclosed in US Patent Application No. 12 / 031,817 entitled “CONSTRUCTIONS FOR CONNECTING AN END EFFECTOR FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND BINDING INSTRUMENT”, filed February 15, 2008, the full description of which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 370, a disposable loading module, such as, for example, a disposable loading module 12500, may comprise a support portion 12510, an abutment 12560 rotatably coupled to the support portion 12510, and an elongated shaft 12570 extending from the support portion 12510. Like cassettes with brackets, described herein, the support portion 12510 may comprise a plurality of bracket slots 10012 and brackets, such as, for example, brackets 10030 housed, for example, in each bracket bracket 10012. The disposable loading module 12500 may further comprise a trigger 1255 2, which can be moved distally to move the stop 12560 from the open position, as shown in FIG. 370, in the closed position. In various embodiments, the disposable loading module 12500 may further comprise a tissue thickness compensator 12520 located on and / or fixed to the support portion 12510, wherein, when the stop 12560 is in its closed position, the stop 12560 can be located opposite the fabric thickness compensator 12520, and in some embodiments, the stop 12560 may at least partially compress the tissue thickness compensator 12520 when the stop 12560 is in its closed position. In any case, the trigger element 12552 can be advanced further to push the brackets out of the support portion 12510. As the push-outs, the staples can be deformed by the stop 12560 and grab at least part of the tissue thickness compensator 12520 inward. Then, the trigger element 12552 can be retracted proximally, the stop 12560 can be opened again, and the support portion 12510 can be moved away from the implanted tissue thickness compensator 12520.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 12520 may be detachably mounted on the support portion 12510. In at least one such embodiment, the support portion 12510 may include a longitudinal retaining rail rail 12526 mounted on both sides thereof, moreover, each rail guide 12526 may contain one or more holes 12528, which can be configured to receive at least part of the compensator for the thickness of the fabric 12520. After at least partially implanting the tissue thickness compensator 12520, the tissue thickness compensator 12520 can be pulled out of the holes 12528 by moving the support portion 12510. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 371-373, the disposable loading module 12600 may comprise a support portion 12610, a tissue thickness compensator 12620 mounted to separate on the support portion 12610, and one or more retaining rail guides 12626, which may be configured to extend under the tissue thickness compensator 12620 and securing the tissue thickness compensator 12620 to the supporting portion 12610. Each holding rail rail 12626 may comprise, for example, a plurality of holding hooks 12628, which may engage with the supporting portion 12610, on an example, through retaining grooves 12614 formed in the supporting portion 12610. When used in at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 12620 can be configured to separate from the retaining rail guides 12626 after at least partially implanting the tissue thickness compensator 12620 and moving the supporting portion 12610 from the tissue thickness compensator 12620. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 374-376, the disposable loading module 12700 may comprise one or more retaining rail guides 12726, each of which may include a lower bar 12725, which may extend under the fabric thickness compensator 12720, and an upper bar 12727, which may extend over the upper surface 12621 of the thickness compensator fabric 12620. In some embodiments, the thickness compensator fabric 12620 may be at least partially compressed between the upper bars 12727 and the lower bars 12725 so that the retaining rail 1272 6 may detachably hold the tissue thickness compensator 12620 relative to the support portion 12610. In at least one such embodiment, each holding rail rail 12726 may comprise one or more holding hooks 12728 that may engage with the supporting portion 12610 to hold the holding rail guides 12726 on the supporting part 12610.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 377 and 378, the disposable loading module 12800 may comprise a holding member 12822, which may be configured to mount a tissue thickness compensator 12620 on the supporting portion 12610. In at least one such embodiment, the holding member 12822 may comprise a sheet of material placed adjacent to the surface panel 12611 supporting part, and the compensator for the thickness of the fabric 12620 can be attached to a sheet of material, for example, at least one adhesive. The holding member 12822 may further comprise a longitudinal holding rail 12825 configured to extend down into the scalpel groove 12615 formed in the supporting portion 12610. In at least one such embodiment, the dimensions and configuration of the holding rail 12825 can be selected in such a way that it will be sandwiched between the side walls of the groove for scalpel 12615. When using trigger element 12552 may contain a blade of a scalpel that can pass through the groove for Alpel 12615 during distal advancement of the trigger element 12552 and longitudinally cut the tissue thickness compensator 12620 and the retaining rail 12825. Also, when using brackets, ejected from the support portion 12610, the retaining element 12822, the tissue thickness compensator 12820 and the tissue located between the tissue thickness compensator can be pierced. 12820 and focus 12560. In various embodiments, the holding member 12822 may be formed from biocompatible and / or bioabsorbable material. In some embodiments, the holding member 12822 may be formed of sufficiently compressible material to comprise a tissue thickness compensator defining a tissue thickness compensator 12620. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 379-381, the disposable loading module 12900 may comprise a loading assembly including a lower portion 12922 that can be removably secured to a support portion 12610, an upper portion 12990 that can be removably secured to a removable support 12560, and a flexible connector an element 12991 connecting the lower part 12922 and the upper part 12990. Similarly to the above, the longitudinal retaining rail guide 12825 can extend downward from the lower part 12922 and into the groove for scalpel 12615 formed in the supporting part 12610, thus so that the lower part 12922 can be detachably held on the supporting part 12610. Similarly, the longitudinal holding rail 12995 can extend upward from the upper part 12990 into the scalpel groove formed in the abutment 12560, so that the upper part 12990 can be detachably held on the stop 12560. As shown in FIG. 380 and 381, the tissue thickness compensator 12620 can be installed on the lower part 12922 of the loading unit, and to place the fabric thickness compensator 12620 relative to the supporting part 12610, the doctor can bend the upper part 12990 and the lower part 12922 to each other, place the loading unit between the stop 12560 and the supporting part 12610 and release the curved loading unit so that it can elastically expand and move the upper part 12990 close to the stop 12560 and the lower part 12922 close to the supporting part 12610. At least in one embodiment I, as shown in FIG. 382-384, the boot assembly may further comprise one or more locking hooks extending therefrom, such as, for example, locking hooks 12994, which may be removably connected to the upper part 12990 with a stop 12560 and / or to detachably connect the lower part 12922 with supporting part 12610.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 385, the disposable loading module 15900 may, for example, comprise a stop 15960 and a cassette channel with brackets 15970, wherein the cassette channel with brackets 15970 can rotate relative to the stop 15960. In at least one such embodiment, the stop 15960 may not be able to rotate. In some embodiments, the fabric may be positioned between the stop 15960 and the cassette channel with brackets 15970, and then the cassette channel with brackets 15970 can be rotated to the fabric to press the fabric against the stop. In at least one such embodiment, the disposable loading module 15900 may further comprise a tissue thickness compensator 15920, which may be configured to contact the tissue.

As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 332, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 10000, may comprise a support portion 10010 and a tissue thickness compensator 10020, wherein a plurality of brackets 10030 can be stored at least partially in the support portion 10010 and can extend into a tissue thickness compensator 10020, when the brackets 10030 are in their inactive positions. In various embodiments, the ends of the brackets 10030 do not protrude from the tissue thickness compensator 10020 when the brackets 10030 are in their inactive positions. When the brackets 10030 are moved from their non-activated positions to their activated positions by the ejector brackets 10040, as discussed above, the ends of the brackets 10030 can pierce the tissue thickness compensator 10020 and / or pierce the top layer or sheath 10022. In some alternative embodiments, the ends of the brackets 10030 can pass through the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator 10020 and / or the sheath 10022 when the brackets 10030 are in their inactive positions. In any case, the brackets 10030, passing upward from the support part 10010 before placement, can tilt and / or deviate relative to the support part, as also discussed above. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 329, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 13000, may contain a plurality of guide elements or stops that can be configured to limit the relative movement of the supporting portion 13010 of the cassette with brackets 13000 and the ends of the brackets located therein. As shown mainly in FIG. 330, the cassette with brackets 13000 may comprise a tissue thickness compensator 13020 mounted on the support portion 13010, and in addition, a plurality of tampons 13022 mounted on the upper surface 13021 of the tissue thickness compensator 13020. In various embodiments, each tampon 13022 may comprise a plurality of holes 13029, which can be made with the possibility of accepting with the possibility of sliding and / or guide the legs 13022 staples 13030. In addition to or instead of such holes, the tampon may contain any suitable opening s, such as, e.g., a groove, a guide and / or groove which can be configured to receive slidingly and / or guide legs 13022. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 330, the ends of the legs of the staples 13032 can be located inside the holes 13029 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions. In at least one such embodiment, the ends of the legs of the staples 13032 may protrude above the tampons 13022 when the staples are in their inactive positions. In some other embodiments, the ends of the legs of the staples 13032 can be located directly below the tampons 13022 when the staples 13030 are in their inactive positions, so that when the staples 13030 move upward through the tissue thickness compensator 13020, the legs of the staples 13032 can enter the holes 13029 of the tampons 13022 and slide through them. In any case, when the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 are inside the swabs, the lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the legs of the staples 13032 can be limited without blocking the vertical movement of the legs of the staples 13032 when placing the staples 13030. When placing the staples 13030, as shown in FIG. 331, the legs of the staples 13032 can slide upward through the tampons 13022 and pierce the fabric T, contact the stop located opposite the cassette with the staples 13030, and deform downwardly with the fabric T and tissue thickness compensator 13030.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, tampons 13022 may be secured to a tissue thickness compensator 13020 using, for example, at least one biocompatible and / or bioabsorbable adhesive. In some embodiments, the tampons 13022 and / or the retaining element passing through each tampon may be at least partially placed in the tissue thickness compensator 13020. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 13020 may comprise recesses formed therein that configured to at least partially receive a tampon 13022. In some embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator 13020 may be formed in one, or formed around, tampons 13022 in the process of production during production. In various embodiments, the swabs 13022 may contain separate stops that can be moved independently of each other. In at least one embodiment, as shown mainly in FIG. 330, each swab 13022 may contain interlocking and / or curly elements that may be configured to allow and to some extent limit the relative lateral and longitudinal movement of the swabs 13022. In at least one such embodiment, each swab 13022 may comprise the protrusion 13026 and one or more recesses 13027, and the protrusion 13026 of the first tampon 13022 can be placed inside and / or aligned with the recesses 13027 adjacent to the second and third tampons 13022. In various embodiments, There can be gaps between adjacent tampons 13022 that can allow the tampons 13022 to move or slide relative to each other before contacting the adjacent tampon 13022. In some embodiments, the tampons 13022 can be freely connected to each other. In various embodiments, the swabs 13022 may be detachably connected to each other. In at least one such embodiment, the tampons 13022 may be made in the form of a sheet of tampons connected to each other, and when sufficient force is applied to such a sheet, one or more tampons 13022 may separate from the rest. In some embodiments, implementation, as also shown in FIG. 329, the first sheet 13024 of tampons 13022 can be placed on the first side of the longitudinal groove 13025 and the second sheet 13024 of tampons 13022 can be placed on the second side of the groove 13025. In at least one embodiment, passing through the tissue thickness compensator 13020 the longitudinal groove 13025 may be configured to facilitate the passage of the scalpel blade of the trigger element through the tissue thickness compensator 13020, and when the trigger element passes, the trigger element may apply a compressive force to the sheets 13024 and to separate or separate at least some tampons 13022.

In various embodiments, tampons 13022 may be formed, for example, from biocompatible and / or bioabsorbable plastic. In some embodiments, tampons 13022 may be formed, for example, from a solid material, a semi-solid material, and / or a flexible material. In some embodiments, tampons 13022 may be placed in a tissue thickness compensator such that the tampons 13022 move with the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one such embodiment, tampons 13022 may be flexible enough to bend along with the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator. In some embodiments, the tampons 13022 may be configured to remain in the tissue thickness compensator, while in some other embodiments, the tampons 13022 may be configured to exit or separate from the tissue thickness compensator. In various embodiments, tampons 13022 may comprise an upper surface that is flush with the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator. In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the tampons 13022 may be located above and / or below the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator. In various embodiments, the upper surfaces of the tampons 13022 may be positioned so that they will be visible when looking at the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator, while in other embodiments, the upper surfaces of the tampons 13022 may be located, for example, below the layer of the tissue thickness compensator. In some embodiments, for example, guide elements may be formed on the upper surface of the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may not contain a composite material and may, for example, be made from a single piece of material.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 338, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13620 and a sheath or topcoat 13621. In at least one such embodiment, one or more tampons or guards, for example, 13622 may be placed in sheath 13621. In some embodiments, each stop 13622 may comprise one or more openings 13629 formed therein, which may be configured to receive legs 13032 of staples 13030 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 338. In use, in addition to the above, the legs of the brackets 10032 can slide through the holes 13629 when the brackets 13030 move from their inactive position to their activated position until the bases 13031 of the brackets 13030 come into contact with the fabric thickness compensator 13620 and, for example, at least a portion of tissue thickness compensator 13620 will not be pressed against the lower surfaces of tampons 13622. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 333, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13120 and a sheath or topcoat 13122. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 13120 may comprise, for example, conical legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13128, which can extend upward from the upper surface 13121 of the fabric thickness compensator 13120. The protrusions 13128 can be configured to receive and embrace the ends of the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 when the staples 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 333. The top layer 13122 may also contain conical legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13129 that can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with protrusions 13128. When using the legs, the brackets 10032 can pierce the protrusions 13128 and 13129 and exit the compensator fabric thicknesses 13120. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 337, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13520 and a sheath or topcoat 13522. In at least one such embodiment, the sheath 13522 may comprise, for example, conical legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13529, which may extend upward from the upper surface 13521 of the fabric thickness compensator 13520. Similarly to the foregoing, the protrusions 13529 can be configured to receive and embrace the ends of the legs 13032 of the brackets 13030 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 337. When using the legs of the staples 10032, they can pierce the protrusions 13529 and exit the shell 13522.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 334, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13220 and a sheath or topcoat 13222. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 13220 may comprise, for example, conical dimples and / or recesses 13128, which may extend down to the upper surface 13221 of the tissue thickness compensator 13220. In various embodiments, the ends of the legs of the staples 13032 can extend through the recesses 13128 when the staples 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 334. In at least one embodiment, topcoat 13222 may also comprise conical dimples and / or recesses 13229 that can be aligned or at least substantially aligned with recesses 13228. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 335, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a fabric thickness compensator 13320 and a sheath or topsheet 13322. In at least one such embodiment, the sheath 13320 may include thickened portions 13329 that can extend downward to the upper surface 13321 of the fabric thicknesses 13320. In various circumstances, the thickened portions 13329 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 335. In such embodiments, the thickened portions 13329 can hold the legs of the staples 13032 in position so that the legs 13032 are aligned or at least substantially aligned with the recesses to form stop brackets opposite the fabric thickness compensator 13320. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 336, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13420 and a sheath or topcoat 13422. In at least one such embodiment, the sheath 13422 may comprise thickened portions 13429 that may extend upward from the top surface 13421 of the tissue thickness compensator 13420. In various circumstances, the thickened portions 13429 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions, as shown in FIG. 336. In such embodiments, the thickened portions 13429 can hold the legs of the staples 13032 in position so that the legs 13032 are aligned or at least substantially aligned with the recesses to form the stop brackets opposite the fabric thickness compensator 13420.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 339 and 340, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13720 and a sheath or topcoat 13721. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 13720 may comprise, for example, pyramidal and / or step legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13728, which can extend upward from the upper surface 13721 of the tissue thickness compensator 13720. The protrusions 13728 can be configured to receive and embrace the tips of the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 when the staples 13030 are in their inactive positions, as It seemed to FIG. 340. Similarly, the top layer 13721 may comprise pyramidal and / or step legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13729 that can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with protrusions 13728. In various embodiments, the casing 13721 may further comprise one or more teeth 13727 extending upward from protrusions 13729, which may be adapted to mesh with a fabric adjacent to the upper layer 13721 and block, or at least limit, the relative lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the fabric, top layer 13721 and / or the ends of the legs of the staples 13032. When using the legs of the staples 13032, they can pierce the protrusions 13728 and 13729 and exit the tissue thickness compensator 13720 when the staples 13030 move from their inactive positions to their activated positions. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 341 and 342, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13820 and a sheath or topcoat 13821. In at least one such embodiment, a tissue thickness compensator 13820 may comprise, for example, pyramidal and / or step legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13828, which can extend upward from the upper surface 13821 of the fabric thickness compensator 13820. The protrusions 13828 can be configured to receive and embrace the tips of the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 when the staples 13030 are in their inactive positions, as It seemed to FIG. 342. Similarly, top layer 13821 may comprise pyramidal and / or step legs, outgrowths and / or protrusions 13829 that can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with protrusions 13828. In various embodiments, top layer 13821 may further contain one or more teeth 13827 extending downward into the tissue thickness compensator 13820, which may be configured to prevent or at least limit relative lateral and / or longitudinal movement of, for example, top layer 13821 and tissue thickness compensator 13820. When using staples, staples 10032 can pierce tabs 13828 and 13829 and exit tissue thickness compensator 13820 when the brackets 13030 move from their inactive positions to their activated positions.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 343, the cassette with brackets may comprise a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 13920, which may include ribs 13923 and grooves 13924 formed thereon, wherein in at least one embodiment, grooves 13924 may be formed between the ribs 13923. In various embodiments, each rib 13923 may have the same height, substantially the same height, or different heights. Similarly, each groove 13924 may have the same depth, substantially the same depth, or different depths. In various embodiments, the plurality of staples 13030 may be at least partially placed within the thickness compensator of the fabric 13920 so that the ends of the staples 13030 can be placed inside the ribs 13923. In at least one such embodiment, the legs 13032 of the staples 13030 may, for example, not protrude from a tissue thickness compensator 13920 and / or a sheath or top layer 13921 attached to a tissue thickness compensator 13920 when the brackets 13030 are in their inactive positions. In various embodiments, ribs 13923 and / or grooves 13924 may extend laterally along the cassette with brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette with brackets may comprise a longitudinal groove for the scalpel, wherein the ribs 13923 and grooves 13924 may extend in a direction transverse and / or perpendicular to the groove for the scalpel. In various circumstances, the ribs 13923 can be configured to hold the ends of the legs of the staples 13032 in position until the staples 13030 are moved from their inactive position to their activated position. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 344, the tissue thickness compensator and / or the sheath covering the tissue thickness compensator may include longitudinal ribs and / or grooves. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise an upper surface defined by ribs 14023 and grooves 14024, and grooves 14024 may, for example, be formed between ribs 14023. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a sheath 14021, which may include a plurality of holes 14029 formed therein, each of which may be configured to receive a bracket leg 13032. In some embodiments, holes 14029 may be images they are located in the ribs 14023, and the ends of the legs of the brackets 13032 can be located below the vertices 14028 of the ribs 14029, can be flush with the vertices 14028 and / or located above the vertices 14028. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of the above, holes 14029 can be formed for example, in grooves 14024. In some embodiments, each hole may be surrounded, or at least partially surrounded, for example, by a bulge that can strengthen the sheath and / or tissue thickness compensator around the holes. In any case, in addition to the foregoing, the sheath 14021 may be secured to the tissue thickness compensator in any suitable manner, including, for example, using at least one adhesive.

As described above and as also shown in FIG. 233, the surgical stapling instrument may include an abutment, such as, for example, an abutment 10060, which can be moved between the open position and the closed position, for example, to compress tissue T against the tissue thickness compensator 10020 of the cassette with brackets 10000. In various circumstances, the abutment 10060 may turn to the cassette with brackets 10000, until its downward movement is stopped by some part of the cassette with brackets 10000 and / or some part of the channel in which the cassette with brackets 10000 is located. In particular, the stop 10060 can be turned downward until the nose 10003 of the cassette with brackets 10000 and / or fabric T located between the nose 10003 and the cassette with brackets 10000 begins to interfere with its movement. In some circumstances, the stop 10060 can compress the tissue thickness compensator 10020 quite strongly to ensure that fabric T is in contact with the ends of staples 10030. In certain circumstances, depending on fabric thickness T, emphasis 10060 may compress fabric thickness compensator 10020 strongly enough to provide contact between emphasis 10060 and brackets 10030 by the time the stop 10060 reaches its fully closed position. In other words, in such circumstances, the stop 10060 may deform the brackets 10030 before the trigger 10052 is advanced into the cassette with brackets 10000 to activate the brackets 10030. Such circumstances may be acceptable in some embodiments; however, as shown in FIG. 358 and 359, other embodiments are provided in which a distal clearance element is used, such as, for example, element 10059, to limit the distance at which the stop 10060 can be closed before the trigger rod 10052 is advanced into the cartridge with brackets 10000 In various embodiments, the element 10059 can extend upward from the upper surface 10021 of the fabric thickness compensator 10020 so that the downward movement of the stop 10060 can be blocked by pressing the fabric T against the element 10059 and the establishment between the resistance forces. When used as described above, the trigger 10052 can move distally into the cassette with brackets 10000 to the distal end 10002 of the cassette with brackets 10000 to push the brackets 10030 out of the support portion 10010. At the same time, the trigger 10052 can engage with the stop 10060 and place the stop 10060 at the required distance from the surface of the panel 10011 (FIG. 218) of the supporting part 10010 above the formed brackets 10030. Thus, the trigger element 10052 can control the distance, or gap, between the contact surface of the contact 10060 with the fabric and the surface panel 10011 in a particular place, and this particular place can move distally when distally moving the trigger element 10052. In various circumstances, the size of this gap may be less than the gap between the stop 10060 and the surface of the panel 10011 and is controlled or set by the distal gap-setting element 10059 on the distal the end of the tissue thickness compensator 10020. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 359, the scalpel blade 10053 of the trigger element 10052 can be configured to dissect the distal gap-setting member 10059 when the trigger 10052 reaches the distal end of the tissue thickness compensator 10020, so that after the 10059 is dissected, the trigger 10052 can extend the stop 10060 down to the support portion 10010 and reduce the gap to the desired height when activating the brackets 10030 at the distal end of the cartridge with brackets 10000. In some alternative embodiments, the implementation of the distal gap-setting element may be l made with the possibility of crushing when approaching the launch element to the distal end of the cassette with brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the distal gap-setting member may comprise a column that can provide resistance to abutment, as described above, and then crumple sharply when the creasing strength of the gap-setting member is reached as the trigger starts closer to the distal end of the cassette with brackets. In at least one embodiment, the crushing strength may be, for example, approximately 44.5 N (10 psi). In some embodiments, the gap-setting element may be configured to fall downward on the panel of the support portion, for example, when a force is applied to the gap-setting element in excess of a predetermined value. In some other embodiments, the distal clearance can be controlled using the bow of the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the downward movement of the stop 10060 may be limited by the nose until the trigger element reaches the distal end of the cartridge, at which point a compressive force applied to the nose may cause the nose to wrinkle. In some embodiments, the nose can comprise a cavity formed by the walls of the cavity, which can allow the cavity to crumple when a compressive force is applied to it that exceeds a predetermined value. In at least one such embodiment, the cavity may be formed by crushable walls.

In various embodiments, as described above, an emphasis, such as, for example, emphasis 10060, can be moved between the open position and the closed position to compress the tissue thickness compensator between the emphasis and the supporting portion of the cassette with brackets. In certain circumstances, as shown in FIG. 360 and 361, the tissue thickness compensator of the cassette with brackets, such as, for example, the tissue thickness compensator 14120 of the cassette with brackets 14100, can expand laterally and / or longitudinally when the tissue thickness compensator 14120 is pressed against the supporting part 14110 of the cassette with brackets 14100 In some embodiments, the ends and / or sides of the tissue thickness compensator 14120 may not be limited by the support portion 14110 and / or the stop 10060, and as a result, the tissue thickness compensator 14120 can expand in these directions without creating a compressive pressure, or at least undesirable compressive pressure, inside the tissue thickness compensator 14120. In such embodiments, a trigger element, such as, for example, trigger element 10052 (FIG. 236) passing through the tissue thickness compensator 14120, may, for example, not be tested excessive resistance from the unwanted compressive pressure inside the tissue thickness compensator 14120. In some other embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 360, the distal end 14125 of the tissue thickness compensator 14120 may be limited, for example, to the nose portion 14103 of the cassette with brackets 14100. In this particular embodiment, similarly to the above, the distal end 14125 of the tissue thickness compensator 14120 may be bounded by the nose portion 14103 to reduce the likelihood of premature separation tissue thickness compensator 14120 from the supporting part 14110. In any case, as a result of the above, significant internal pressure can be created inside the distal end 14125, which can obstruct to promote the trigger element 10052, especially when the trigger element 10052 reaches the distal end 14125. More specifically, in certain circumstances, the trigger element 10052 can distally push, raise and / or move the tissue thickness compensator 14120 when it crosses the tissue thickness compensator 14120, and as a result inside an even greater internal pressure can be created at the distal end 14125 of the tissue thickness compensator 14120. In order to at least partially quench this pressure inside the tissue thickness compensator 14120, the nose 14103 can be formed from a flexible material that can allow the nose 14103, for example, to distally bend and create additional space for the tissue thickness compensator 14120. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 362 and 363, the bow of the cassette with brackets may contain a part that can slide distally. More specifically, the nose portion 14203 of the cassette with brackets 14200 may include a sliding portion 14204, which can be slidably connected to the nose portion 14203 so that when closing the stop 10060 and / or moving the trigger element 10052 into the distal end of the cartridge with the brackets 14200 sliding part 14204 can glide distally and create additional space for tissue thickness compensator 14200 and thereby at least partially weaken the internal pressure created in it. In at least one embodiment, one of the bow 14203 and the sliding part 14204 may contain one or more rail guides, and the other of the bow part 14203 and the sliding part 14204 may contain one or more channels configured to slide into the rails . In at least one such embodiment, the channels and rail guides may be configured to jointly limit the movement of the sliding portion 14204, for example, to a longitudinal distal path.

In various circumstances, in addition to the foregoing, some staples, such as, for example, the most distal staples in a staple cassette, can grab most of the tissue thickness compensator compared to proximal staples in a staple cassette. As a result of this, in such circumstances, a greater compressive force will be applied to the tissue trapped in the distal braces as compared to the tissue in the proximal staples. Such circumstances may occur when at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator is moved toward and / or assembled at the distal end of the staple cassette when used as described above, even though the tissue thickness compensator can be formed from a substantially uniform material, having a substantially constant thickness. In various circumstances, it may be desirable for some staples to apply a greater compressive force to the fabric than the rest of the staples, and in various embodiments, the design of the support portion and / or the tissue thickness compensator may be selected so as to control which staples can be applied to the fabric more compressive force and which staples can apply less compressive force to the fabric. As shown in FIG. 364, the cassette with brackets 14300 may include a support portion 14310 and, in addition, a tissue thickness compensator 14320 located on the surface of the panel 14311 of the support portion 14310. Compared to the embodiments disclosed herein that comprise a support portion 14310 having a flat or at least substantially flat, the surface of the panel, the surface of the panel 14311 may be tilted in one direction or another between the distal end 14305 and the proximal end 14306 of the support portion 14310. In at least one embodiment, the surface Aneli 14311 of the support portion 14310 may have a surface height at its distal end 14305 that is less than the surface height at its proximal end 14306. In at least one such embodiment, the brackets 10030 at the distal end of the cassette with brackets 14300 can extend over the surface of the panel 14311 to a larger distance than staples 10030 at the proximal end. In various alternative embodiments, the surface of the panel of the support portion may have a surface height at its distal end that is greater than a surface height at its proximal end. As also shown in FIG. 364, the tissue thickness compensator 14320 may have a thickness varying along its longitudinal length. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 14320 may, for example, have a thickness at its distal end 14325 that is greater than the thickness at its proximal end 14326. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 14322 may include a lower surface 14322 that may be inclined in one direction or another to match, or at least essentially match, the surface of the panel 14311 of the supporting part 14310 tilted to one side or another. As a result, the upper, or in contact with the fabric, The valence 14321 of the tissue thickness compensator 14320 may comprise a flat, or at least substantially flat, surface on which tissue T can be placed. In any case, since the tissue thickness compensator 14320 is thicker at its distal end 14325, distal staples 10030 can capture a large a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 14320 compared to the proximal brackets 10030, and as a result, the distal braces 10030 can exert a greater compressive force on the tissue T, especially with a constant, or at least substantially constant, gap between focus 10060 and the surface of the panel 14311 at the proximal and distal ends of the cassette with brackets. In certain circumstances, however, the stop 10060 may not reach the fully closed position, and as a result, the gap between the stop 10060 and the surface of the panel 14311 may be larger at the distal end of the cassette with brackets 14300 than at the proximal end. In various circumstances, the distal staples 10030 may not be fully formed, and as a result, the distal staples 10030 may not apply the required compressive force to the tissue T. In embodiments where the tissue thickness compensator has a greater thickness at the distal end of the staple cassette, the tissue thickness compensator can compensate for incomplete staple formation and apply sufficient pressure to T tissue.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 365, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 14400, may include a support portion 14410 and, in addition, a tissue thickness compensator 14420 located on the surface of the panel 14411 of the support portion 14410. Similarly to the above, the surface of the panel 14411 can be tilted in one and / or the other side such that, in at least one embodiment, the distal end 14405 of the support portion 14410 may, for example, have a panel surface height that is less than the panel surface height at the proximal end 14406. In some embodiments, of existence, the tissue thickness compensator 14420 may have a constant, or at least substantially constant, thickness along its length, and as a result, the upper, or in contact with the fabric, surface 14421 of the tissue thickness compensator 14420 may be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, the contour of the surface of the panel 14411. In various embodiments, the brackets 10030 of the cassette with brackets 14400 can be completely placed in the tissue thickness compensator 14420 and the supporting part 14410 when the brackets 10030 are in their inactive floor zhenii. In some embodiments, the brackets 10030 located at the proximal end of the cassette with brackets 14400 can be fully placed in the tissue thickness compensator 14420 and the support portion 14410 when the brackets 10030 are in their inactive position, while due to the downward inclination of the surface of the panel 14411 and the top surface 14421 the tips of some staples 10030, including the brackets 10030 located at the distal end of the cassette with brackets 14400, may protrude from the top surface 14421 of the fabric thickness compensator 14420 when the brackets 10030 are in Unactivated position.

In various embodiments, as described above, the tissue thickness compensator may be formed of one material, the entire tissue thickness compensator may have the same, or at least substantially the same, material properties, such as, for example, density, stiffness, coefficient of elasticity strength and / or elasticity at each of its points. In various other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 368, a fabric thickness compensator, such as, for example, fabric thickness compensator 14520, may comprise a plurality of materials or layers of materials. In at least one embodiment, the fabric thickness compensator 14520 may comprise a first or central layer 14520a, second or intermediate layers 14520b fixed to the first layer 14520a on both sides thereof, and a third or outer layer 14520c fixed to each of the second layers 14520b. In some embodiments, the intermediate layers 14520b may be secured to the center layer 14520a using at least one adhesive, and similarly, the outer layers 14520c may be secured to the second layers 14520 using at least one adhesive. In addition to or instead of adhesive, layers 14520a-14520c can be bonded together, for example, by one or more pairs of interlocking elements and / or fasteners. In any case, the inner layer 14520a can be formed, for example, from a first material having a first set of material properties, the intermediate layers 14520b can be formed from a second material having a second set of material properties, and the outer layers 14520c can be formed from a third material having third set of material properties. Such sets of material properties may include, for example, density, stiffness, coefficient of elasticity, strength and / or elasticity. In some embodiments, the cassette with brackets may comprise, for example, six rows of brackets 10030, the row of brackets 10030 may be at least partially located, for example, in each of the outer layers 14520c and in each of the inner layers 14520b, and wherein two rows of brackets 10030 may be at least partially located in the inner layer 14520a. When using, similarly to the above, the brackets 10030 can be pushed out of the cassette with the brackets so that the legs 10032 of the brackets 10030 pierce the upper surface 14521 of the fabric thickness compensator 14520, pierce the fabric pressed against the upper surface 14521 firmly, and then contact the stop so that that the legs 10032 are deformed with the grip of the tissue thickness compensator 14520 and the fabric inside the staples 10030. Also, similarly to the above, the fabric thickness compensator 14520 can be dissected by the launch element while advancing the launch element cop through the cassette with brackets. In at least one such embodiment, the trigger element can dissect the inner layer 14520a and tissue along a path defined, for example, by axis 14529.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, rows of staples 10030 located within the inner layer 14520a may contain rows of staples closest to the edges of the dissected tissue. Accordingly, the rows of staples 10030 located inside the outer layers 14520c may contain rows of staples farthest from the edges of the dissected tissue. In some embodiments, the first material constituting the inner layer 14520a may, for example, have a density higher than the density of the second material constituting the intermediate layers 14520b, and, likewise, the density of the second material may exceed the density of the third material constituting the outer layers 14520c. As a result, in various circumstances, the brackets 10030 located inside the inner layer 14520a can create a greater compressive force compared to the brackets 10030 located inside the intermediate layers 14520b and the outer layers 14520c. Similarly, the brackets 10030 located inside the intermediate layers 14520b can, for example, create a greater compressive force than the brackets 10030 located inside the outer layers 14520c. In various alternative embodiments, the first material constituting the inner layer 14520a may, for example, have a density that is lower than the density of the second material constituting the intermediate layers 14520b, and, similarly, the density of the second material may be less than the density of the third material constituting the outer layers 14520c . As a result, in various circumstances, the brackets 10030 located inside the outer layers 14520c can create a greater compressive force than the brackets 10030 located inside the intermediate layers 14520b and the inner layer 14520a. Similarly, the brackets 10030 located inside the intermediate layers 14520b can, for example, create a greater compressive force than the brackets 10030 located inside the inner layer 14520a. In various other embodiments, any other suitable combination of layers, materials, and / or material properties may be used. In any case, in various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator layers 14520a-14520c of the fabric thickness 14520 may be configured to remain bonded to each other after implantation. In some other embodiments, tissue thickness compensator layers 14520a-14520c 14520 may be configured to separate from each other after implantation. In at least one such embodiment, the layers 14520a-14520c can be glued together using one or more bioabsorbable adhesives that can initially hold the layers together and then allow the layers to separate from each other over time.

As described above, a tissue thickness compensator of a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 14520, may comprise a plurality of longitudinal layers. In various other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 369, the cassette with brackets may comprise a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 14620, which may comprise a plurality of horizontal layers. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 14620 may comprise a first or lower layer 14620a, a second or intermediate layer 14620b fixed to the lower layer 14620a, and a third or upper layer 14620c fixed to the intermediate layer 14620b . In various embodiments, the first layer 14620a may comprise, for example, a flat, or substantially flat, lower surface 14626a and a triangular, or pyramidal, upper surface 14625a. In at least one such embodiment, the second layer 14620b may comprise a triangular, or pyramidal, lower surface 14626b, which may be configured to extend in parallel and abut against the upper surface 14625a of the first layer 14620a. Similarly to the foregoing, the second layer 14620b may comprise, for example, a triangular, or pyramidal, upper surface 14625b, which may extend parallel to and abut against the lower triangular, or pyramidal, surface 14626c of the third layer 14620c. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the third layer 14626c may comprise a flat, or at least substantially flat, fabric contacting surface 14621. Also, similarly to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 14620 may be configured to at least partially accommodate six rows of staples such as, for example, staples 10030, and the trigger element can cut through the tissue thickness compensator 14620 between the two innermost rows of staples along a path running, for example, along axis 14629. Similarly, you aforesaid, each layer 14620a, 14620b and 14620c can be made of different materials, which can have different material properties, and as a result of the triangular or pyramidal configuration of the layers 14620a-14620c, the fabric thickness compensator 14620 as a whole can have different properties at different points . For example, the outermost rows of staples 10030 can absorb more of the third layer 14620c than the first layer 14620a, while the innermost rows of staples 10030 can absorb less than the third layer 14620c than the first layer 14620a, and as a result, the fabric thickness compensator 14620 can for example, compressing the tissue gripped by the outermost brackets 10030 is not the same as the tissue gripping the innermost brackets 10030, even though the tissue thickness compensator 14620 may have the same, or at least substantially one and same, common at all points Thickness.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 286, a tissue thickness compensator of a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 14720 of a cassette with brackets 14700, may contain, for example, voids, recesses, channels and / or grooves formed therein, which can change the thickness of the tissue thickness compensator 14720. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 14720 can be placed close to the surface of the panel 14711 of the cassette support portion 14710 with brackets 14700 so that voids 14723 formed in the lower surface 14722 of the tissue thickness compensator and 14720 may be opposite certain sockets for brackets 10012, but not others. In various embodiments, the voids 14723 may extend, for example, transversely to the scalpel groove 14715 of the support portion 14710, perpendicularly to the scalpel groove 14715 and / or parallel to the scalpel groove 14715. In some embodiments, the voids 14723 may form a protrusion arrangement on the bottom surface 14722 the compensator for the thickness of the fabric 14720. In any case, when placing brackets, such as, for example, staples 10030, from the supporting part 14710, as shown in FIG. 287 and 288, some staples 10030 can grip the tissue thickness compensator 14720 inside the region containing the void 14723, while other staples 10030 can grip the tissue thickness compensator 14720 inside the region located between the voids 14723. In addition to or instead of the above, the tissue thickness compensator 14720 may contain, for example, voids, recesses, channels and / or grooves formed in the upper, or in contact with the fabric, surface 14721. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 366 and 367, the cassette with brackets 14800, for example, may comprise a tissue thickness compensator 14820, which may include a plurality of pads 14823 extending in at least one of the upward directions from the upper surface 14821 of the tissue thickness compensator 14820, inward to the central groove 14825 and / or distally to the distal end of the cassette with brackets 14800. In at least one such embodiment, the pads 14823 can be separated by channels, grooves and / or grooves, such as, for example, channels 14824. As a result of the above, in various circumstances stances total thickness compensator tissue thickness may vary between the rows of staples and / or vary between staples in one row of staples. In some circumstances, the protrusions, or thickened parts, can be made and arranged in such a way that they can move in the desired direction, for example, inward, while compressing the tissue thickness compensator.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 303, a cassette with brackets, such as, for example, a cassette with brackets 14900, may include a support portion 14910 and, in addition, a tissue thickness compensator 14920 located close to the support part 14910. Similarly, the support portion 14910 may include ejector brackets that can be lifted up by the mounting rails to raise the brackets, such as, for example, the brackets 10030, at least partially located inside the supporting part 14910, to the stop, such as, for example, the stop 10060, located opposite the cassette with brackets 14900. In some In embodiments, the support portion 14910 may comprise six rows of bracket slots, such as, for example, two outer rows of bracket slots, two inner rows of bracket slots and two intermediate rows of bracket slots located between the inner rows and outer rows, with the stop 10060 may contain six rows of forming recesses 10062, aligned, or at least essentially aligned, with slots for brackets. In various embodiments, the inner rows of bracket slots may include brace ejectors 14940a located therein, the intermediate rows of bracket brackets may include brace pushers 14940b located therein and the outer rows of bracket brackets may include bracket ejectors 14940c, wherein each of the ejector brackets 14940a may include a socket 14949a configured to support the bracket 10030, each of the ejector brackets 14940b may include a socket 14949b configured to Stu support bracket 10030 and each of the ejectors 14940c staples can include slot 14949c, adapted to support bracket 10030. In its unactivated positions, i.e. when the ejector brackets 14940a-14940c are on the supports of the ejector 14926 that extend under the support portion 14910, the ejector sockets 14949a of the ejector brackets 14940a can be placed closer to the stop 10060 than the ejector sockets 14949b of the ejector brackets 14940b and the ejector sockets 14949c of the ejector brackets 14940c. In this position, the first forming distance between the sockets 14949a and the forming recesses 10062 located above the sockets 14949a can be determined, the second forming distance between the sockets 14949b and the forming recesses 10062 located above the sockets 14949b can be determined, and the third forming distance between the sockets 14949c and forming recesses 10062 located above the sockets 14949c, and in various embodiments, for example, the first forming distance may be less than the second forming its distance, and the second forming distance may be less than the third forming distance. When moving the ejector brackets 14940a-14940c from their inactive positions (FIG. 303) to their activated positions, each ejector brackets 14940a-14940c can move upward by an equal, or at least substantially equal, distance to the stop 10060 under the action of the slide rails such so that the first ejectors 14940a push their respective brackets 10030 to a first height in the formed state, the second ejectors 14940b push their respective brackets 10030 to a second height in the formed state and third the alkylators 14940c will push their respective brackets 10030 to a third height in the formed state, for example, the first height in the formed state may be less than the second height in the formed state, and the second height in the formed state may be less than the third height in the formed state . Various other embodiments are also contemplated in which the first ejector brackets 14940a are displaced upward by a first distance, the second ejector brackets 14940b are displaced upward by a second distance and the third ejector brackets 14940c are displaced upward by a third distance, one or more of the first distance, the second distance, and third distances may be different.

In various embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 303, the surface of the panel 14911 of the support portion 14910 may have a variable height relative to the fabric contacting surface 10061 of the abutment 10060. In some embodiments, such a change in height may occur in the transverse direction, and in at least one embodiment, for example, the height of the surface of the panel 14911, surrounding the inner rows of bracket slots may be greater than the surface height of the panel 14911 surrounding the outer rows of bracket brackets. In various embodiments, the bottom surface 14922 of the tissue thickness compensator 14920 may be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the surface of the panel 14911 of the support portion 14910. In addition to the above, the thickness compensator of the fabric 14920 may also have a variable thickness, with at least in one embodiment, the upper, or tissue-contacting, surface 14921 of the tissue thickness compensator 14920 may be tilted inward from its outer or lateral edges. In at least one such embodiment, as a result of the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator 14920, for example, may be thinner in the region located above the inner rows of the bracket slots, and thicker in the region located above the outer rows of the bracket slots. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 304, the panel surface of the support portion 15010 may comprise, for example, a step surface of the panel, for example, the highest sections of the step surface may surround the inner rows of slots for brackets and the lowest sections of the step surface may surround the outer rows of slots for the brackets. In at least one such embodiment, intermediate height portions may surround the intermediate rows of staple sockets. In some embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 15020, may include a bottom surface that can extend parallel to and abut against the panel surface of the support portion 15010. In at least one embodiment, the top, or in contact with the fabric, the tissue thickness compensator surface 15021 may comprise, for example, an arched, parabolic and / or curved surface, which in at least one such embodiment may extend from the first side the other side of the fabric thickness compensator 15020 to the second side of the fabric thickness compensator 15020, and its apex, for example, will be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the center of the cassette with staples 15000. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 299, the cassette with brackets 15300, for example, may comprise a support portion 15310, a plurality of ejector brackets 15340 arranged to move in the bracket slots formed in the support portion 15310, and a tissue thickness compensator 15320 located above the surface of the panel 15311 of the support portion 15310. The cassette with brackets 15300 may additionally contain one or more parts of the pallet 15326, which can be mounted on the support part 15310 and pass around the lower part of the support part 15310 and support the ejectors 15340 and staples 15330 in their inactive positions. By advancing the sliding bracket rails through the cassette with the brackets, the rails can also be supported by the lower parts of the pallet 15326 as the rails slide the pushers 15340 and the brackets 15330 upwards through the fabric thickness compensator 15320. In at least one embodiment, the fabric thickness compensator 15320 may comprise a first or internal part 15322a located above the inner row of bracket slots, a second or intermediate part 15322b located above the intermediate row of bracket slots and a third or outer part 15322c is located above the outer row of slots for brackets, for example, the inner part 15322a may have a greater thickness than the intermediate part 15322b, and the intermediate part 15322b may have a greater thickness than the outer part 15322c. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 15320 may comprise, for example, longitudinal channels formed therein, which can create thinner parts 15322b and 15322c of the tissue thickness compensator 15320. In various alternative embodiments, longitudinal channels can be formed on the upper surface and / or in the lower surface of the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the upper surface 15321 of the tissue thickness compensator 15320 may comprise, for example, a flat, or at least substantially flat, surface.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 296, the cassette with brackets may comprise a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 15120, which may comprise a plurality of parts having different thicknesses. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 15120 may comprise a first or inner part 15122a that may have a first thickness, second or intermediate parts 15122b extending from a first part 15122b, each of which may have a second thickness, and third or outer parts 15122c extending from second parts 15122b, each of which may have a third thickness. In at least one such embodiment, for example, the third thickness may exceed the second thickness, and the second thickness may exceed the first thickness, although any suitable thickness values may be used in various other embodiments. In various embodiments, tissue thickness compensator portions 15122a-15122c 15120 may comprise stepped portions with different thicknesses. In at least one embodiment, similar to the foregoing, the cassette with brackets may comprise several rows of brackets 10030 and a plurality of ejector brackets having different heights that can deform the brackets 10030 to different heights in the formed state. Also similar to the above, the cassette with brackets may contain the first ejector brackets 15140a, which can push the brackets 10030 supported by them to the first height in the formed state, the second ejector brackets 15140b, which can push the brackets they support 10030 to the second height in the formed state, and the third ejectors brackets that can push the brackets 10030 supported by them to a third height in the formed state, for example, the first height in the formed state may be less than second height in the formed state, and a second height in the formed state may be less than a third the height in the formed condition. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 296, each bracket 10030 may have the same, or substantially the same, height in an unformed or inactive state. In some other embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 296A, first pushers 15140a, second pushers 15140b and / or third pushers 15140c can support brackets of different heights in an unformed state. In at least one such embodiment, the first ejector brackets 15140a can support the brackets 15130a having a first height in an unformed state, the second ejector brackets 15140b can support the brackets 15130b having a second height in an unformed state, and the third ejector brackets 15140c can support the brackets 15130c, having a third height in an unformed state, for example, the first height in an unformed state may be less than a second height in an unformed state, and the second height in an unformed Rowan state may be less than a third the height at the unshaped state. In various embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 296A, the ends of the brackets 15130a, 15130b and / or 15130c may lie, or at least substantially lie, in one plane, while in other embodiments, the ends of the brackets 15130a, 15130b and / or 15130c may not lie in the same plane. In some embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 297, the staple cartridge may include a tissue thickness compensator 15220 having a plurality of parts with different thicknesses that can be implanted close to the tissue T with brackets 15130a, 15130b and 15130c, as described above. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 298, the brackets 15130a, 15130b and / or 15130c can be deformed to different heights in the formed state, the first brackets 15130a can be formed to a first height in the formed state, the second brackets 15130b can be formed to a second height in the formed state, and the third brackets 15130c be formed to a third height in the formed state, and wherein, for example, the first height in the formed state may be less than the second height in the formed state, and the second height in the formed state may be less e third height in the formed state. Other embodiments are also contemplated in which the brackets 15130a, 15130b and 15130c may be formed to any corresponding height values in the formed state and / or any relative height values in the formed state.

In various embodiments, implementation, as described above, the emphasis of the surgical stapling instrument may move between the open position and the closed position. In such circumstances, the abutment surface in contact with the fabric can be moved to its final or forming position when the abutment moves to its closed position. After moving the stop to the closed position, in some embodiments, the tissue-contacting surface can no longer be adjusted. In some other embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 351, a surgical stapling instrument, such as, for example, a surgical stapling instrument 15500, may include an abutment channel 15560 and an adjustable tissue contacting abutment adjustment plate 15561 located within the abutment channel 15560. In such embodiments, the abutment plate 15561 may be raised and / or omitted inside the stop channel 15560 to adjust the position of the contact surface of the stop plate 15561 with the tissue relative to the cassette with brackets opposite the stop plate 15561. In various embodiments surgical stapling instrument 15500 may comprise an adjustable slide member 15564, which, as shown in FIG. 356 and 357, can slide between the stop channel 15560 and the stop plate 15561 to adjust the distance between the stop plate 15561 and the cassette with brackets. In some embodiments, implementation, as also shown in FIG. 351 and 352, the surgical stapler 15500 may further comprise an actuator 15562 associated with the adjusting slide 155564, which can be advanced proximally to proximal advance the adjusting sliding element 15564 and / or distally advanced to distally advance the adjusting sliding element 15564. In various embodiments as also shown in FIG. 356 and 357, the drive 15562 can advance between two or more predefined positions to adjust the stop plate 15561, respectively, between two or more positions. In at least one embodiment, such predetermined positions can be marked on the surgical stapling instrument 15500, for example, tags 15563 (FIG. 351). In some embodiments, implementation, as shown in FIG. 357, the adjustment sliding member 15564 may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces, such as, for example, a first abutment surface 15565a, a second abutment surface 15565b, and a third abutment surface 15565c that can be aligned with a plurality of plate-positioning surfaces, such as, for example, a first positioning surface 15569a, a second positioning surface 15569b and a third positioning surface 15569c, respectively, on the back side of the stop plate 15561 to set the stop plate 15561 in the first position. To set the stop plate 15561 in the second position, the drive 15562 and the sliding member 15564 can, for example, be advanced proximally to re-align the bearing surfaces 15565a-15565c of the sliding member 15564 with the positioning surfaces 15569a-15569c of the stop plate 15561. More specifically, as shown in FIG. . 356, the sliding member 15564 can be distally advanced so that the first supporting surface 15565a of the sliding member 15564 can be located behind the second positioning surface 15569b of the stop plate 15561, and so that the second supporting surface 15565b of the sliding member 15564 can be located behind the third positioning surface 15569c of the stop plate 15561 to move the stop plate 15561 closer to the cassette with brackets. When the stop plate 15561 moves from its first position to its second position, in such circumstances, the adjustable stop plate 15561 can further compress the fabric T located between the stop plate 15561 and the cassette with brackets. In addition to the above, the height of the staples in the formed state can be adjusted by the position of the stop plate 15561 relative to the cassette with brackets, since the forming recesses formed in the stop plate 15561, when adjusting the stop plate 15561 will move closer to and / or further from the cassette with brackets. Although only two positions were discussed above, the sliding member 15564 can advance to a suitable number of positions to move the stop plate 15561 closer to and / or further from the cassette with brackets. In any case, after a suitable placement of the stop plate 15561, the placement slides 15550 can be distally advanced inside the cassette with brackets for lifting the pushers 15540 and brackets 15530 to the stop plate 15561 and stitching the fabric T, as shown in FIG. 354. Similar surgical stapling instruments are described in US Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT”, filed February 28, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 353, the cassette with brackets may be placed inside the channel for the cassette with brackets 15570 of the surgical stapling instrument 15500, which may include a tissue thickness compensator, such as, for example, a tissue thickness compensator 15520. When moving the stop plate 15561 to the cassette with brackets, as described above, the stop plate 15561 can compress the tissue thickness compensator 15520 and / or the fabric T located between the stop plate 15561 and the tissue thickness compensator 15520. When placing the brackets 15530 from the cassette with brackets, as shown in FIG. 355, the brackets 15530 can compress and implant the tissue thickness compensator 15520 close to the tissue T. In various embodiments, when the stop plate 15561 is adjacent to the sliding member 15564 and the fabric is not placed between the stop plate 15561 and the tissue thickness compensator 15520, between the stop plate 15561 and the upper surface 15521 of the tissue thickness compensator 15520, a gap may be formed when the stop plate 15561 is in the first position. When the stop plate 15561 is moved to the second position, the stop plate 15561 can contact the fabric thickness compensator 15520. In various alternative embodiments, when the stop plate 15561 is adjacent to the sliding member 15564 and the fabric is not yet placed between the stop plate 15561 and the fabric thickness compensator 15520, a gap can be formed between the stop plate 15561 and the upper surface 15521 of the tissue thickness compensator 15520 when the stop plate 15561 is in the first position and / or second position. In at least one such embodiment, the abutment plate 15561 cannot contact the fabric thickness compensator 15520. In further alternative embodiments, when the abutment plate 15561 is adjacent to the sliding member 15564 and no fabric is placed between the abutment plate 15561 and the fabric thickness compensator 15520 , the stop plate 15561, for example, can contact the upper surface 15521 of the fabric thickness compensator 15520 regardless of whether the stop plate 15561 is in the first position and / or the second position and. Although only two positions of the stop plate 15611 are described herein, the stop plate 15611 may fit, or translate, into any suitable number of positions.

In various embodiments, as a result of the foregoing, the surgical stapling instrument may include means for adjusting the height of the staples in the formed state, which in various circumstances can compensate for the difference in tissue thickness. In addition, the surgical stapling instrument may contain other means to compensate for differences in tissue thickness and / or, for example, variations in tissue thickness. In at least one such embodiment, the abutment plate 15561 can be raised upward or outward from a cassette with brackets opposite it to increase the height of the brackets in the formed or activated state. Accordingly, the stop plate 15561 can be lowered downward or inward to the cassette with brackets opposite it to reduce the height of the brackets in the formed or activated state. In various embodiments, the adjustment of the stop plate 15561, for example, can adjust, for example, the gap between the forming recesses formed in the stop plate 15561 and the height of the ejector brackets in the activated state, or, more specifically, the height of the nests of the ejector brackets in the activated state. Even with such possibilities, it is possible to adjust the height of the staples in the formed state, for example, for working with thicker and / or thinner fabrics, the tissue thickness compensator also allows compensation for working with thicker and / or thinner fabrics and / or compensation for variation in tissue thickness as described above. In such embodiments, the surgeon may have at his disposal several means of compensation in the same surgical stapling instrument.

As described above and shown in several embodiments, a cassette with staples with a linear arrangement of staples and staples can be used in the surgical stapler, moreover, to position the staples from the staples, the trigger element can be moved distally through the staple cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette with brackets may contain rows of slots for brackets and staples that are curved. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 345 and 346, a surgical stapling instrument, such as, for example, a stapling instrument 15600, may comprise one or more circular or annular rows of nests for staples formed in a circular or annular supporting portion 15610. Such circular rows of staples may include, for example, a circular row inner slots for brackets 15612 and a circular row of external slots for brackets 15613. In at least one such embodiment, the circular rows of slots for brackets may surround a circular or annular hole 15615 formed in a stapling tool 15600, in which ozhet disposed movably circular or annular scalpel. In use, the fabric can be placed close to the surface of the panel 15611 of the support portion 15610 and a stop (not shown) can be mounted on the surgical stapler 15600 through the drive passing through and / or placed inside the opening 15615 so that when the drive is activated, the stop can be pressed against the supporting part 15610 and can press the fabric against the surface of the panel 15611. After the fabric has been pressed sufficiently, the brackets located in the slots for the brackets 15612 and 15613 can be pushed out of the supporting part 15610 and pushed through the fabric Kim that the staples can contact with the stop and be sufficiently deformed inward to grip tissue. As staples are activated and / or after all staples are activated, a circular scalpel can be advanced to dissect the tissue. Then, the abutment can be moved from the support portion 15610 and / or separated from the surgical stapling instrument 15600 so that the abutment and the surgical stapling instrument 15600 can be removed from the surgical field. Such surgical crosslinking instruments 15600 and such surgical methods in various embodiments can be used, for example, to join two parts of the large intestine. In various circumstances, the circular lines of the staples may be configured to hold together parts of the large intestine for the duration of tissue healing and at the same time allow the retained parts of the large intestine to expand elastically. Similar surgical stapling instruments and surgical methods are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,285,945 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING TOOL FOR APPLICATION OF ANASTOMOSIS", issued February 15, 1994, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, a tissue thickness compensator may, for example, be placed and / or fastened close to a support portion 15610 of a surgical stapling instrument 15600. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator may be formed from a circular or annular fragment a material having, for example, an inner radius and an outer radius. In some circumstances, the fabric may be adjacent to this material ring, and if the emphasis is used to move the fabric to the supporting portion 15610, the fabric thickness compensator may be squeezed between the fabric and the surface of the panel 15611. During use, the staples can be activated through the fabric thickness compensator and the fabric in such a way that the brackets can contact with the stop and deform to their activated position to capture parts of the fabric and the tissue thickness compensator inside the brackets. In various circumstances, in addition to the above, the ring of material containing the tissue thickness compensator must be sufficiently elastic to allow the parts of the large intestine surrounding the staple line to expand. In various embodiments, as also shown in FIG. 345 and 346, the flexible tissue thickness compensator 15620 may comprise, for example, a circular or annular flexible inner ring 15624, which in at least one embodiment may form a circular or annular opening 15625. In some embodiments, the inner ring 15624 may be configured in this way so that it is not caught by staples placed from a surgical stapling instrument 15600; instead, in at least one embodiment, the inner ring 15624 may be radially inside relative to the inner row of slots 15612. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 15620 may comprise a plurality of reeds, such as, for example, inner tongues 15622 and external tongues 15623 passing from it in such a way that the tongues can be at least partially caught in the brackets when they are deformed. More specifically, as shown mainly in FIG. 345, each inner tongue 15622 may comprise a head located above the staple socket 15612 formed in the surgical stapling instrument 15600, wherein the head may be attached to the inner ring 15624, for example by the neck 15626, and similarly, each outer tongue 15623 may comprise a head located above the bracket socket 15613 formed in the surgical stapling instrument 15600, the head being attached to the inner ring 15624, for example, the neck 15627. In various embodiments, the inner heads the tongues 15622 and the outer tongues 15623 may have any suitable shape, such as, for example, round, oval and / or elliptical. The necks 15626 and / or 15627 can also have any suitable shape, and in at least one embodiment, the necks 15627 connecting the heads of the outer tongues 15623 with the inner ring 15624 can be made to extend between adjacent inner slots for brackets 15612 in the support 15610 so that the necks 15627 are not trapped inside the staples placed from the inner slots for the staples 15612.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 347 and 348, the flexible tissue thickness compensator 15720 may comprise, for example, a circular or annular flexible outer ring 15724. In some embodiments, the outer ring 15724 may be designed so that it is not caught by staples placed from a surgical stapling instrument 15600; instead, in at least one embodiment, the outer ring 15724 may be radially outward with respect to the outer row of slots for brackets 15613. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator 15720 may comprise a plurality of reeds, such as, for example, inner tongues 15622 and external tongues 15623 passing from it in such a way that the tongues can be at least partially caught in the brackets when they are deformed. More specifically, as shown mainly in FIG. 347, each inner tongue 15622 may comprise a head located above the staple socket 15612 formed in the surgical stapling instrument 15600, the head being attached to the outer ring 15724, for example, the neck 15726, and similarly, each outer tongue 15623 may comprise a head located above the bracket socket 15613 formed in the surgical stapling instrument 15600, the head being attached to the outer ring 15724, for example, the neck 15727. In various embodiments, the head of the inner tongues 156 22 and the outer tongues 15623 may have any suitable shape, such as, for example, round, oval and / or elliptical. The necks 15726 and / or 15727 can also have any suitable shape, and in at least one embodiment, the necks 15726 connecting the heads of the inner tongues 15622 with the outer ring 15724 can be configured to extend between adjacent outer slots for brackets 15613 in this way so that the necks 15726 are not trapped inside the brackets placed from the external slots for the brackets 15613. In some alternative embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a circular or annular flexible inner ring, circular or flexible outer ring and, in addition, many reeds that can be connected to the inner ring and / or outer ring. In at least one embodiment, some tabs may be connected to the inner ring and some other tabs may be connected to the outer ring. In some embodiments, at least some of the tongues may be simultaneously connected to both the inner ring and the outer ring. In any case, in addition to the above, the inner tissue thickness compensator ring 15624 15620, the outer tissue thickness compensator ring 15724 15720 and / or any other suitable tissue thickness compensator can be elastically expandable and / or compressed to expand and / or compression of the tissue to which it was implanted. In addition, although circular or annular support rings are used in the various embodiments described herein, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a support structure of any suitable shape for connecting tongues to it. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, a circular scalpel promoted by a surgical stapling instrument for dissecting tissue, sandwiched between the abutment and the supporting part, can also dissect the supporting material. In at least one such embodiment, the scalpel may, for example, separate the inner support ring from the reeds by dissecting their necks.

In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise detachable and / or relatively movable portions that can be configured to allow the tissue thickness compensator to expand and / or contract to move the tissue to which it was implanted. As shown in FIG. 349 and 350, a circular or annular tissue thickness compensator 15820 can be placed close to and / or supported by the surface of the panel 15611 of the surgical stapling instrument 15600, which can be held in the unexpanded position (FIG. 349) during implantation close to the tissue, and after implantation of the compensator the thickness of the fabric 15820, the compensator for the thickness of the fabric 15820 can be configured to expand outward, as shown in FIG. 350. In various embodiments, the fabric thickness compensator 15820 may comprise a plurality of arcuate portions 15822 that can be joined together, for example, by an inner ring 15824. In at least one embodiment, the arcuate portions 15822 can be separated by seams 15828. At least in at least one other embodiment, the arcuate portions 15822 may be connected to each other, and in at least one such embodiment, the location of the perforations may allow the arcuate portions 15822 to be separated from each other. In any case, in various embodiments, each of the arcuate portions 15822 may contain interlocking elements, such as, for example, protrusions 15826 and recesses 15823, which may jointly limit the relative movement of the arcuate portions 15822 before implantation of the tissue thickness compensator 15820. In addition to the above, each the arcuate portion 15822 may be connected to the inner ring 15824, for example, one or more connectors 15827, which may be removably held to hold the arched parts 15822 in position. After using staples, such as, for example, staples 10030 stored inside the support portion 15610, to implant a tissue thickness compensator 15620 close to the tissue, as shown mainly in FIG. 350, connectors 15827 may separate from inner ring 15824 and allow tissue thickness compensator 15820 to at least partially expand to perform movement within the respective fabric. In various circumstances, all arched parts 15822 can be separated from the inner ring 15824, while in other circumstances only some of the arched parts 15822 can be separated from the inner ring 15824. In some alternative embodiments, the arched parts 15822 can be joined by flexible parts that can allow the arched parts 15822 move relative to each other, but do not separate from each other. In at least one such embodiment, the flexible parts cannot receive the brackets and can be configured to stretch and / or contract to perform relative movement of the arcuate parts 15822. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 349 and 350, the tissue thickness compensator 15820 may comprise, for example, eight arcuate portions 15822. In some other embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator may comprise any suitable number of arcuate portions, such as, for example, two or more arcuate portions.

In addition to the foregoing, tissue thickness compensators 15620, 15720 and / or 15820, for example, can be configured to compensate for a larger and / or smaller thickness of tissue trapped between the abutment and the supporting portion 15610 of the surgical instrument 15600. In various embodiments, the implementation is similar to the above. , the height of the brackets in the formed or activated state can be adjusted by moving the stop to and / or from the support part 15610. More specifically, the stop can be moved closer to the support part 15610 to reduce the height of the brackets in the form Wann state, and accordingly, the focus can be moved further from support portion 15610 for increasing the height of staples in forming condition. As a result, in such embodiments, the surgeon can deflect the stop from the supporting part 15610 for working with thick tissue and bring the stop to the supporting part 15610 for working with thin tissue. In various other circumstances, the surgeon may decide not to adjust the stop position and rely on a tissue thickness compensator to work with thinner and / or thicker tissue. As a result, in various embodiments, the surgical instrument 15600 may comprise at least two means for compensating for different tissue thicknesses and / or variations in tissue thicknesses.

In various embodiments, as described above, a tissue thickness compensator may be secured to a support portion of a cassette with brackets. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the tissue thickness compensator may comprise one of a layer of hooks or a layer of loops, and the surface of a panel of the support portion may comprise another of a layer of hooks or a layer of loops. In at least one such embodiment, the hooks and loops can be adapted to engage with each other and detachably hold the tissue thickness compensator on the support portion. In various embodiments, each hook may comprise, for example, an enlarged head extending from the neck. In some embodiments, for example, a plurality of pads containing loops can be glued to the bottom surface of the fabric thickness compensator, and a plurality of pads containing hooks can be glued to the surface of the support portion panel. In at least one embodiment, the support portion may comprise, for example, one or more holes and / or recesses, which may be configured to receive an insert comprising hooks and / or loops. In addition to or instead of the foregoing, a tissue thickness compensator can, for example, be mounted removably against a stop using such hook and loop structures. In various embodiments, hooks and loops may comprise, for example, a fibrous surface.

In various embodiments, as described above, the cassette with brackets may comprise a support portion and a tissue thickness compensator fixed to the support portion. In some embodiments, as also described above, the support portion may comprise a longitudinal groove configured to receive the cutting element, and the tissue thickness compensator may comprise a retaining element that can be held in the longitudinal groove. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 386, the cassette with brackets 16000 may include a support portion 16010 including the surface of the panel 16011 and a longitudinal groove 16015. The cassette with brackets 16000 may further comprise a tissue thickness compensator 16020 located above the surface of the panel 16011. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator 16020 may include a longitudinal holding member 16025 that extends downward into the longitudinal groove 16015. In at least one such embodiment, the holding member 16025 can be pressed into the groove 16015 so that the interaction The action between the holding member 16025 and the groove 16015 may prevent the relative movement of the support portion 16010 and the tissue thickness compensator 16020. In various embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator body 16020 may be formed from the first material, and the holding member 16025 may be formed from the second or the other material. In some embodiments, the body of the tissue thickness compensator 16020 may be formed of a material having a first strength, and the holding member 16025 may be formed of a material having a second strength, the second strength may, for example, be higher than the first strength. When used in at least one embodiment, the brackets 10030 can be fed upward by the ejectors staples 10040 so that the tips of the staples 10030 can pass through the tissue thickness compensator body 16020, exit the tissue contacting surface 16021 and grab at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator 16020 close to the target tissue. In various embodiments, the cutting element extending through the groove 16015 may cut through the retaining element 16025 as the brackets 10030 are placed. In various embodiments, after implanting the tissue thickness compensator 16020, the holding element 16025 can be pulled out from the groove 16015. In some other embodiments, the thickness compensator body fabric 16020 may be configured to separate from the holding member 16025.

As shown in FIG. 387 and 389, the cassette with brackets 17000 may comprise a support portion 17010 including the surface of the panel 17011 and a longitudinal groove 17015. The cassette with brackets 17000 may further comprise a fabric thickness compensator 17020 located above the surface of the panel 17011. In various embodiments, the fabric thickness compensator 17020 may include a longitudinal retaining member 17025 that extends downward into the longitudinal groove 17015. In at least one such embodiment, the retaining member 17025 may be pressed into the groove 17015 so that the interaction between the holding member 17025 and the groove 17015 may prevent the relative movement of the support portion 17010 and the tissue thickness compensator 17020. In various embodiments, the holding member 17025 can pass through the entire tissue thickness compensator 17020 to its upper surface 17021, and parts of the body 170 170 of the tissue thickness compensator 17020 may be secured to opposite sides of the holding member 17025. In at least one such embodiment, the holding member 17025 may also be configured it is capable of resisting, for example, lateral deviation of the tissue thickness compensator 17020. In various embodiments, parts of the body 17024 may be formed of the first material, and the retaining element 17025 may be formed of the second or other material. In some embodiments, parts of the housing 17024 may be formed of a material having a first strength, and the holding member 17025 may be formed of a material having a second strength, the second strength may, for example, be higher than the first strength. In various embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, a cutting element extending along groove 17015 may cut through the retaining element 17025 as the brackets 10030 are placed. In various embodiments, after implanting the tissue thickness compensator 17020, the retaining element 17025 can be pulled out from the groove 17015. In some in other embodiments, parts of the housing 17024 may be configured to separate from the holding member 17025.

As shown in FIG. 388, the cassette with brackets 18000 may include a support portion 18010 including the surface of the panel 18011 and a longitudinal groove 18015. The cassette with brackets 18000 may further comprise a fabric thickness compensator 18020 located above the surface of the panel 18011. In various embodiments, the fabric thickness compensator 18020 may include a longitudinal holding member 18025 that extends downward into the longitudinal groove 18015. In at least one such embodiment, the holding member 18025 can be pressed into the groove 18015 so that the action between the retaining element 18025 and the groove 18015 may prevent the relative movement of the supporting part 18010 and the tissue thickness compensator 18020. In various embodiments, the holding element 18025 can pass through the entire tissue thickness compensator 18020 to its upper surface 18021, and parts of the body 18024 tissue thickness compensator 18020 may be secured to opposite sides of the holding member 18025. In at least one embodiment, the holding member 18025 may comprise an enlarged portion l 18026, which can be inserted into the cavity 18016 formed in the groove 18015. In at least one such embodiment, the enlarged portion 18026 may prevent the retaining element 18025 from being withdrawn from the groove 18015.

The devices described herein can be designed for both disposable and reusable use. However, in each case, after at least one use, the device can be reused after appropriate recovery. Recovery may include any combination of the following steps: disassembling the device, cleaning or replacing individual items, followed by reassembly. In particular, it is possible to disassemble the device and selectively replace or remove in any combination any row of individual elements or parts. After cleaning and / or replacing individual parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use in repair centers or in the operating unit immediately before the surgical operation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various methods of disassembling, cleaning / replacing, and reassembling can be used in rebuilding a device. The use of such methods, as well as the resulting reconditioned device, are included in the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the invention described herein undergoes processing before use in a surgical operation. First a new or used tool is received and always cleaned. Then it can be sterilized. According to one sterilization method, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or a Tyvek bag (TYVEK). The container and instrument are then placed in a field of exposure to radiation that can penetrate into the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays or high energy electrons. Radiation kills bacteria on the surface of the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. A sealed container keeps the instrument in a sterile condition until it is opened in a medical facility.

Any patent, publication, or other information that is fully or partially incorporated herein by reference is an integral part of this document only to the extent that they do not contradict the definitions, statements and other information presented in this document. In this regard, the description, expressly presented in this document, to the extent necessary, prevails over any information contrary to the provisions of this document, which was incorporated herein by reference. Any material or part thereof, indicated as incorporated herein by reference, but contrary to the definitions, provisions or other information presented herein, is included in this document only to the extent that between the material incorporated by reference and this document is not contradictions arise.

Along with the fact that the description of the present invention provides examples of industrial designs, the present invention can be further modified within the essence and scope of the description. Therefore, it is intended that the present application cover all possible variations, methods of use, or modifications of the present invention using its basic principles. Moreover, it is intended that the present application cover such deviations from the present description that are suitable for known or accepted practice in the field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims (29)

1. An emphasis for use in a surgical stapling instrument, comprising: a plurality of main recesses for the brackets, each said main recess for the brackets being configured to receive the leg of the bracket; and a plurality of intermediate recesses for the brackets surrounding each specified main recess for the brackets, wherein each specified intermediate recess for the brackets is configured to receive said bracket leg, wherein each said main recess for the brackets comprises a first main forming hole and a second main forming hole, where each forming hole includes a distal portion configured to proximal bend the staple legs and a proximal part configured to distally bend the staple legs. 2. The emphasis of claim 1, further comprising a proximal end and a distal end, said main recesses for staples being located along one or more lines. 3. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein said main recesses for staples are located in a first circle containing a first circle, and in which said intermediate recesses for staples are located in a second circle containing a second circle. 4. The emphasis of claim 3, wherein said second circle is larger than said first circle. 5. The emphasis of claim 3, wherein said first circle is concentric with said second circle. 6. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein said main recesses for the brackets are located in the main circle containing the main circle, and in which these intermediate recesses for the brackets are located in the inner circle formed inside the specified main circle and the outer circle formed outside of the specified main circle. 7. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein at least one of said intermediate recess for staples is adjacent to said first main forming hole and at least one of said intermediate recess for brackets is located adjacent to said second main forming well. 8. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein said plurality of intermediate recesses for the brackets comprises sets of forming holes, and each set of forming holes consists of a matrix of forming holes at least partially surrounding the main recess for the brackets. 9. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein said plurality of main recesses for staples are located in a first plurality of rows and in which said plurality of intermediate recesses for staples are located in a second plurality of rows that are parallel to said first plurality of rows. 10. The emphasis of claim 1, wherein said plurality of main recesses for staples are arranged in a first row and a second row and in which said plurality of intermediate recesses for staples are located between said first row and said second row. 11. An emphasis for use in a surgical stapling instrument, comprising: a plurality of main recesses for the brackets, wherein each said main recess for the brackets comprises a first forming hole and a second forming hole, and wherein said first forming hole and said second forming hole are each configured to receive and deform the bracket leg; and a plurality of intermediate recesses for staples containing a plurality of forming holes, wherein at least one said forming well of intermediate recesses for staples is adjacent to each said first forming well, and at least one forming well of intermediate recesses for staples is adjacent to each specified second a forming hole, and wherein said forming wells of intermediate recesses for staples are configured to receive said staple legs, moreover, each forming hole includes a distal portion configured to proximal bend the legs of the bracket, and a proximal portion configured to distally bend the legs of the bracket. 12. The emphasis of claim 11, further comprising a proximal end and a distal end. 13. The emphasis of claim 11, wherein said emphasis is circular. 14. The emphasis of claim 11, wherein said plurality of forming wells of intermediate recesses for staples comprises a matrix of forming holes of intermediate recesses for staples at least partially surrounding each of said first forming hole and each of said second forming hole. 15. The emphasis of claim 11, wherein said plurality of main recesses for staples are located in a first plurality of rows and in which said plurality of intermediate recesses for staples are located in a second plurality of rows that are parallel to said first plurality of rows. 16. The emphasis of claim 11, wherein said plurality of main recesses for staples are arranged in a first row and a second row and in which said plurality of intermediate recesses for staples are located between said first row and said second row. 17. An emphasis for use in a surgical stapling instrument, comprising: a matrix of main recesses for staples, each specified main recess for staples made with the possibility and is intended to take the leg of the bracket; and a matrix of intermediate recesses for staples, wherein said intermediate recesses for staples are located between said main recesses for staples, and wherein said intermediate recesses for staples are configured to receive said staple legs, wherein each said main recess for the brackets comprises a first main forming hole and a second main forming hole, where each forming hole includes a distal portion configured to proximal bend the staple legs and a proximal part configured to distally bend the staple legs. 18. The emphasis of claim 17, further comprising a proximal end and a distal end. 19. The emphasis of claim 17, wherein said emphasis is circular. 20. The emphasis of claim 17, wherein said matrix of main recesses for staples comprises sets of recesses for staples, each set of recesses for staples consisting of a first main recess for staples and a second main recess for staples, with at least one said intermediate recess for the brackets is adjacent to said first main recess for the brackets, and wherein at least one said intermediate recess for the brackets is located adjacent to the specified second main recess for the brackets.

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