RU2741248C2 - Staple cartridge assembly including staple guides - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical equipment.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to surgical stapling and cutting tools and cassettes with staples intended for use with them. Disclosed is a staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cassette body. Cassette body includes a proximal end of the cassette, a distal end of the cassette, a platform, a longitudinal slot for the blade and a staple cavity. Longitudinal groove for the blade is formed in the platform passing from the proximal end of the cartridge to the distal end of the cartridge. Staple cavity comprises an upper opening, a proximal end of the cavity, a distal end of the cavity, a proximal guide, a distal guide, slot of cavity and bracket. Upper hole is formed in the platform. Proximal guide extends above the platform. Distal guide extends above the platform. Cavity slot extends between the proximal end of the cavity and the distal end of the cavity. Proximal guide and the distal guide extend laterally in relation to the cavity groove. Bracket is stored with possibility of removal in staple cavity. Bracket comprises first leg, second leg and base. First leg is located within the distal guide. Second leg is located within proximal guide. Base passes between second leg and first leg. Base is located in slot of cavity. In the second version, a staple cartridge assembly is disclosed for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises a cassette body. Cartridge body comprises a proximal end of the cartridge, a distal end of the cartridge, a platform and a staple cavity. Staple cavity comprises a proximal end of the cavity, a distal end of the cavity, a proximal guide, a distal guide, a cavity groove and a bracket. Proximal guide extends over the platform and under it. Distal guide passes over the platform and under it. In the third version, the staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical suturing instrument comprises a cassette body. Cartridge body comprises a proximal end of the cartridge, a distal end of the cartridge, a platform and a staple cavity. Staple cavity comprises a proximal end of the cavity, a distal end of the cavity, a proximal guide, a distal guide, a proximal cavity extension, a distal cavity extension, a cavity groove and a bracket.EFFECT: group of inventions is characterized by the fact that the longitudinal groove is configured to accommodate the trigger element of the bracket and/or the tissue cutting element when the brackets are pushed out of the staple cavities.18 cl, 106 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

The suturing instrument may include a pair of interacting elongated jaw members, each jaw member being capable of being inserted into a patient's body and positioned relative to the tissue to be sutured and / or dissected. In various embodiments, one of the jaw elements can support a staple cartridge with at least two rows of staples contained therein, and the other jaw element can support an abutment with staple-forming recesses aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. As such, the stapling tool may further include a push rod and scalpel blade that are slidable relative to jaw members for sequentially pushing the staples out of the staple cassette by cam surfaces on the push rod and / or cam surfaces on a wedge-shaped slide that are pushed by a pusher rod. In at least one embodiment, the cam surfaces may be configured to activate a plurality of staple ejectors in the cassette and associated with the staples to push the staples against the abutment and form lateral rows of deformed staples in the tissue sandwiched between the jaw members. In at least one embodiment, the scalpel blade may follow the cam surfaces and cut tissue along a line between the rows of staples.

The foregoing description is only intended to illustrate various aspects of the prior art in the field of current application of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein are detailed in the appended claims. However, various options for implementation in terms of both methods and organizational features of their application, including their advantages, can be studied in accordance with the following description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. one.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the staple shown in FIG. one.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the staple shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. five.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a staple for use with a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. 7 in a formed configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the staple shown in FIG. 7 in the formed configuration shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. 7, in the formed configuration and a partial cross-sectional view of the abutment of the surgical suturing instrument.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of portions of the staple shown in FIG. eleven.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a staple for use with a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partial top plan view of a staple in a formed configuration including a plurality of staples in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical suturing instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stop illustrating a portion of the bracket of FIG. 15, which is formed from the unformed configuration to the formed configuration.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. 15 in a formed configuration.

FIG. 18 are side views of a plurality of staple ends in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment and an abutment forming recesses in accordance with a first structure.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the recess of the stop shown in FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the staple and shaping recesses shown in FIG. 19, in accordance with the second design.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the staple and shaping recesses shown in FIG. 19, in accordance with the third design.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the staple shown in FIG. 19 and forming recesses in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the recess of the stop shown in FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the staple shown in FIG. 19 and forming recesses in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the staple shown in FIG. 19 and forming recesses in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of a staple leg in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 27A is a partial cross-sectional end view of the staple leg shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 27B is a partial longitudinal section of the shackle leg of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple strip produced by a stamping with successive steps.

FIG. 28A is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the staple strip shown in FIG. 28 taken along line 28A-28A in FIG. 28.

FIG. 28B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the staple strip shown in FIG. 28 along line 28B-28B in FIG. 28.

FIG. 28C is a partial perspective view of a sled adapted to engage with the staple strip shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of a stamped staple strip in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the staple strip shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cassette and staples in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a detailed view of the distal end of the staple cassette assembly shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment, illustrating the staples being ejected from the staple cartridge assembly by a trigger.

FIG. 36 is a partial exploded view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 35, illustrating the deformation of the bracket against the stop by the trigger.

FIG. 38 is a partial plan view of a staple disposed in the staple cavity of the staple cassette assembly shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of a staple being lifted by the trigger of the staple cartridge shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the staple shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating the bracket shown in FIG. 39, in the initial position.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating the bracket shown in FIG. 39 in a bent position.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional plan view of a staple cavity configured to guide a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly located in a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument, in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrating a trigger located in a staple cartridge assembly cassette body.

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 44 illustrating a retaining member configured to retain the trigger within the cassette body when the staple cartridge assembly is not located in the jaw of the surgical stapling instrument.

FIG. 46 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 44, illustrating a retaining member configured to releasably retain the staple cartridge assembly in the jaw of a surgical stapling instrument.

FIG. 49 is a partial plan view of a staple disposed in a staple cavity of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a detailed view of a retaining member configured to releasably hold the staple in the staple cassette assembly shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the staple shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a front elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of the staple shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the staple shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly actuator in accordance with at least one embodiment including alignment channels.

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating the trigger shown in FIG. 57, and a staple located in the staple cavity of the staple cassette assembly.

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating the trigger shown in FIG. 57 aligning the bracket of FIG. 58 inside the staple cavity shown in FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the trigger shown in FIG. 57, and staples arranged in two longitudinal rows.

FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alignment channel of the trigger of FIG. 57 and part of the staple shown in FIG. 58.

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 58.

FIG. 63 is a partial exploded view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 58.

FIG. 64 is a partial bottom perspective cross-sectional view of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 58.

FIG. 65 is a partial perspective view of protrusions extending from a platform surface of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of protrusions extending from a platform surface of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment.

FIG. 67 is a bottom perspective view of a cassette body of a staple cassette assembly.

FIG. 68 is a bottom view of the cassette body shown in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a bottom perspective view of the cassette body of the staple cassette assembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the cassette body shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating the cassette body shown in FIG. 67 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the cassette body.

FIG. 72 is a partial top plan view of a staple cassette assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 73 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 32.

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cassette of FIG. 32 and the stop shown in FIG. 37 illustrating certain staples in an unactivated position and certain staples in an activated position.

FIG. 75 illustrates the staples of the staple cassette of FIG. 32 deformed at three different heights.

FIG. 76 illustrates the staples of the staple cassette of FIG. 32 implanted into patient tissue.

FIG. 77 illustrates the staple of the staple cassette of FIG. 32, in a deformed state.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the staple shown in FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a staple assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 81 is an elevational view of the staple assembly shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of an implantable staple accessory.

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the staple accessory shown in FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 is a partial perspective view of a staple assembly including the staple accessory shown in FIG. 82.

FIG. 85 illustrates the staple assembly of FIG. 84 implanted in tissue.

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment, illustrated in a deformed configuration.

FIG. 87 is a plan view of a circular cassette body containing the plurality of staple assemblies shown in FIG. 84 in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 88 illustrates the spacing of the staples of FIG. 35, in unstretched fabric.

FIG. 89 illustrates the spacing of the staples of FIG. 35, in stretched fabric.

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of a staple in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 91 illustrates the staple shown in FIG. 90 implanted in tissue.

FIG. 92 illustrates the bracket shown in FIG. 90, after partial dissolution.

FIG. 93 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 94 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 93.

FIG. 95 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 93.

FIG. 96 is a partial exploded perspective view of a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 96 illustrating the staples in a pre-loaded position.

FIG. 98 is a partial perspective view of the circular surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 96.

FIG. 99 is an end view of a circular surgical stapling configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 100 is an end view of a circular surgical stapling configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 101 is a partial cross-sectional view of the colon sutured using the circular suturing instrument described herein.

FIG. 102 is a partial perspective view of a curved stapling tool in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 103 is a partial exploded view of the curved stapling tool shown in FIG. 102.

FIG. 104 is a partial perspective view of the curved stapling tool of FIG. 102.

FIG. 105 is a partial perspective view of a curved stapling tool in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 106 is a partial perspective view of the curved stapling tool of FIG. 105.

Corresponding parts in different views are designated by corresponding symbols. The examples provided herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The applicant of this application owns the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same day, and each of them is fully incorporated herein by reference:

- U.S. Patent Application No. __________ entitled SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL; dossier of patent attorney No. END7687USNP / 150127;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING FEATURES FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE; dossier of patent attorney No. END7678USNP / 150118;

- U.S. Patent Application No. __________ entitled SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE; dossier of patent attorney No. END7727USNP / 150298;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled SURGICAL STAPLE STRIPS FOR PERMITTING VARYING STAPLE PROPERTIES AND ENABLING EASY CARTRIDGE LOADING; dossier of patent attorney No. END7680USNP / 150120;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; dossier of patent attorney No. END7682USNP / 150122;

- US patent application No. __________ entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT A BOTTOM COVER; dossier of patent attorney No. END7679USNP / 150119;

- U.S. Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE CAVITIES FOR PROVIDING BETTER STAPLE GUIDANCE; dossier of patent attorney No. END7681USNP / 150121;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE ALIGNMENT FEATURES ON A FIRING MEMBER; dossier of patent attorney No. END7688USNP / 150128;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING VARIOUS TISSUE COMPRESSION GAPS AND STAPLE FORMING GAPS; dossier of patent attorney No. END7684USNP / 150124;

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLES CONFIGURED TO SUPPORT AN IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT; dossier of patent attorney No. END7686USNP / 150126;

- U.S. Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLES COMPRISING A COVER; dossier of patent attorney No. END7689USNP / 150129; and

- US Patent Application No. __________ entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FEATURES FOR CONTROLLING THE ROTATION OF STAPLES WHEN BEING EJECTED THEREFROM; dossier of patent attorney No. END7683USNP / 150123.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed on December 23, 2013, and each of them is fully incorporated herein by reference:

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,554 entitled Surgical Instruments With Articulatable Shaft Arrangements;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,465 entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,474 entitled Articulatable Surgical Instruments With Separate and Distinct Closing and Firing Systems;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,485 entitled Surgical Cutting and Stapling Instruments With Independent Jaw Control Features;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,475, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,481 entitled SURGICAL STAPLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,489 entitled SURGICAL STAPLES, STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

- US patent application No. 29 / 477,488 entitled SURGICAL FASTENER;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,505 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN EXTENDABLE FIRING MEMBER;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,518 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE AND EJECT FASTENERS FROM THE FASTENER CARTRIDGE;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,530 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER INCLUDING FASTENER TRANSFER SURFACES;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,507 entitled Modular Surgical Instruments;

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,497 entitled Surgical Cutting and Stapling Instruments With Articulatable End Effectors; and

- US patent application No. 14 / 138,516 entitled Surgical Cutting and Stapling Methods.

This document provides a large amount of specific information necessary for a good understanding of the general design, function, manufacturing, and application of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operating principles, components, and elements have not been described in detail herein to avoid obscuring the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, it should be understood that particular design and functionality described herein may be indicative or illustrative. Variations and modifications to the embodiments described and illustrated herein may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form thereof such as “comprises” and “containing”), “have” (and any form thereof such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form such as "includes" and "including"), "to contain" (and any form thereof, such as "contains" and "containing") are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that “contains”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more elements, possesses these one or more elements, but is not limited to only these one or more elements. ... Likewise, an element of a system, device or apparatus that “contains”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more elements, possesses these one or more elements, but is not limited to only these one or more elements. ...

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to the physician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the site closest to the physician and the term "distal" refers to the site farthest from the physician. Additionally, for convenience and clarity, this document suggests using spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "top" and "bottom" in relation to the drawings. However, since the use of surgical instruments involves many orientations and positions, these terms should not be construed as limiting and / or absolute.

Various examples of devices and methods have been proposed for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will appreciate that the various methods and devices described herein can be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, those associated with open surgical procedures. In the course of this detailed description, the reader will appreciate even more that the various instruments described herein can be inserted into the body in any way, such as through a natural opening, through an incision or puncture hole made in tissue, etc. The working portions or portions of the instrument end effectors can be inserted directly into the patient's body, or can be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and the elongated stem of the surgical instrument can be extended.

The staple or fastener described in this document is designed for use with a surgical stapling instrument. As described in more detail below, the staple is removably stored in the staple cavity of the staple cartridge. The cassette with staples contains a slide made with the possibility of receiving a trigger pulse from the surgical stapling instrument, which transmits force to the staple to push the staple out of the cavity for the staple. When the staple is pushed out or driven out of the staple cavity using a slide, the staple undergoes a deformation process in which the staple is formed into an activated configuration from an unactivated configuration. The staple is formed into an activated configuration when the staple contacts the corresponding forming recesses of the abutment of the surgical stapling instrument.

Various staples described herein include a flat-shaped staple that can, for example, be cut and / or stamped from a sheet of material. The sheet of material can be, for example, metallic, and can contain, for example, stainless steel and / or titanium. In at least one example, the outlines may be applied, etched, and / or cut into a sheet of material that is machined and / or laser cut to form a staple of the manufactured shape.

The staples contain a pair of staple legs and a portion of the staple base, or crown, from which the staple legs extend. Each leg of the staple contains the tip of the staple, or piercing area, which is configured to puncture the tissue and contact the corresponding forming recess of the abutment of the surgical stapling instrument. The legs of the staple are made with the possibility of changing the shape to achieve the formed configuration for fastening the fabric. The base portion of the staple defines a first plane and the legs of the staple define a second plane that is laterally offset but at least substantially parallel to the first plane. Embodiments are contemplated in which the first and second planes are not parallel.

The flat-shaped staple 100 shown in FIG. 1-4 includes a proximal staple stem 110, a distal staple stem 120, and a staple base portion 130. Bracket 100 further comprises vertical transitions, or kinks, 118, 128 and lateral transitions, or kinks, 116, 126. Vertical transitions 118, 128 fold or extend legs 110, 120 vertically, or upwardly, from bracket base section 130. Side transition portions 116, 126 extend laterally outward from the staple legs 110, 120, or at least substantially perpendicular to the staple base portion 130. The staple legs 110, 120 define the first plane and the staple base portion 130 defines the second plane. Together, the vertical transitions 118, 128 and the side transitions 116, 126 allow the staple legs 110, 120 to move laterally and parallel to the staple base portion 130. In other words, the first plane is offset and at least substantially parallel to the second plane. FIG. 1-4, the first plane is offset in the negative Y direction. Other staples can be used in combination with a plurality of staples 100, where other staples have a first plane that is offset in the positive Y direction. The use of both types of staples allows the use of nesting or interweaving of rows of staples in which the legs of the staples of adjacent rows may be at least substantially aligned and / or may have a common longitudinal axis. In various cases, rows of staples can be nested to provide tighter staple rows.

The proximal staple stem 110 and the distal staple stem 120 comprise staple tips 112, 122 and corners 114, 124, respectively. The ends 112, 122 are made with the possibility of puncturing the tissue and contacting the forming recess of the abutment of the surgical suturing instrument. The tips 112, 122 contact the abutment when the staple 100 is buoyant to push the staple 100 out of the corresponding staple cavity in the staple cassette. Then, the tips 112, 122 and / or legs 110, 120 of the staple 100 begin to form from an unactivated configuration to an activated configuration. The proximal staple leg 120 further includes an engagement guide tab 117 having a beveled surface or edge 119. When the sled contacts the shackle 100 during distal movement of the sled, the sled member can interact with the engagement guide tab 117 to help prevent, for example, longitudinal rotation or rotation. staples. The engaging foot 117 may include a pressure point that is configured to press thereto to load the staple 100 into the staple cassette.

Since the staple 100 is a flat staple, the staple legs 110, 120, the ends 112, 122, and / or other portions of the staple 100 can be further refined or processed after being stamped from a flat or at least substantially flat material. Further modification of the staple 100 can provide specific properties that create and / or alter, for example, preferred fold planes, toughness and / or elasticity. Conventional wire staples contain desirable properties that provide advantages for surgical anchoring and may be implemented with staple 100. Methods for constructing corners 114, 124 and / or tips 112, 122, for example, may include any suitable process, including, for example , cold processing. A particular process may include stamping by, for example, machining corners 114, 124 to produce a rounded, angular, oblique, and / or parabolic profile. The ends 112, 122 of the staple can also be processed using similar methods to provide a suitable tip that is capable of puncturing tissue and forming an abutment in the corresponding forming recess.

The staple base portion 130 includes an inclined ejection surface 132, an ejection end surface 131, and a distal wall 133. In various embodiments, the staple 100 is supported in a staple cassette by a tray where the ejection end surface 131 is configured to support the tray. In various other embodiments, where the staple cassette does not have a tray, the ejection end surface does not rest on the tray, but instead the ejection end surface has an initial position above the bottom surface of the staple cassette without a tray. This would allow the bottom surface of the sled and the bottom surface of the staple cassette without tray to be at least substantially level when the sled is moved through the cassette. The ejection surface 132 of each staple base portion 130 is adapted to receive the ejection force F_s from the sled of the surgical stapling instrument. As the slide moves distally through the staple cassette, the slide contacts the ejection surface 132, lifting the staple 100 out of the cassette, and also contacts the end ejection surface 131 to form the staple 100 into its activated configuration.

The distal wall 133 acts as the most distal wall of the staple base portion 130 and is located proximal to the distal staple stem 120, resulting in the absence of any portion of the staple base portion 130 under the distal staple stem 120. The presence of a greater mass in the base portion 130 of the clevis 100 increases the ability of the clevis 100 to resist the rotational motion caused by the moment M _S applied by the slide. Increasing the moment of inertia of the staple base portion 130 increases the ability to resist rotational motion. As a result, more torque or more torque would be required to induce caster rotation.

The staple base portion 130 further comprises an upper surface or compressive surface 136 comprising a proximal surface 139, an intermediate surface 138, and a distal surface 137. The proximal surface 139 is angled or tilted upward towards the proximal pedicle 110. The distal surface 137 is angled or tilted upwardly toward distal stem 120. Intermediate surface 138 is at least substantially parallel to end ejection surface 131. This notch-like configuration limits the stress concentration of the captured tissue adjacent to the transition regions 118, 128, 116, 126, where the legs 110, 120 extend from the staple base region 130. In various embodiments, these surfaces 137, 138, 139 may be curved to create a concave surface. In traditional staples, when they are formed, the joints in which the legs are connected to the base of the staple result in places that cause highly localized tissue tension. This is especially true if such a traditional staple is bent or crumpled or flattened rather than being formed into the desired "B" configuration. In various embodiments, the dynamic characteristics of the staple 100 are predictable when ejected from the staple cartridge. When the clip 100 is pushed out of its corresponding clip cavity, the ejection force F_s from the sled generates moment M_s... One precautionary measure for preventing shackle rotation includes increasing the moment of inertia of shackle 100, described above, which is preventable, as illustrated in FIG. 2, longitudinal rotation or rotation of the staple. In the event that the bracket 100 rotates longitudinally in the distal direction, or, in other words, rotates counterclockwise about the Y axis, the outer longitudinal surfaces 115, 125 of the legs of the bracket 100 will contact the guide surfaces or side walls of the staple cassette. This contact creates the corresponding forces F_C1 and F_C2 reactions. More specifically, as the staple 100 is pushed out of the staple cavity and rotates about the Y-axis, the wall 115 of the proximal staple leg 110 contacts the proximal side wall of the staple cassette, generating a force F_C2 reaction that acts on the shackle leg 110 below the center of mass (COM). The wall 125 of the distal stem 120 of the staple contacts the distal side wall of the staple cassette, generating a force F_C1 reaction that acts on the stem 120 of the bracket above the center of mass. Both reaction forces, F_C1 and F_C2, determine the moment M_RC reactions to counteract or balance the applied moment M_Sacting on the staple 100. The reaction forces described herein can be distributed loads that act on the surface area of each of the legs 110, 120 of the staples.

The moment of inertia of the staple 100 is also designed to be prevented, as illustrated in FIG. 4, lateral rotation or rotation of the staple 100. The staple base portion 130 includes a slot 134 formed in the upper surface 136 on the side of the staple base portion 130 closest to the legs 110, 120. The slot 134 provides predictability of the dynamic characteristics of the staple 100 before and during formation when ejected from the staple cassette. For example, as advantageously shown in FIG. 4, the slot 134 is configured to cause the bracket 100 to rotate towards a particular sidewall of the cavity. In the case when the bracket 100 rotates in the lateral direction or, in other words, rotates in the direction of the applied moment M_S, the outer side walls of the legs 111, 121 of the staple 100 will contact the guide surfaces or the side walls of the staple cassette, generating the corresponding forces F_C1 and F_C2 reactions. For example, as the shackle 100 is pushed out of the shackle cavity and rotates in the direction of the applied moment M_S, the walls 111, 121 of the staple legs 110, 120 contact the corresponding side wall of the staple cassette, generating a force F_C1 reaction that acts on the legs 110, 120 of the staple above the center of mass. The outer side wall 135 of the staple base portion 130 contacts another corresponding side wall of the staple cassette, generating a force F_C2 reaction that acts on the base portion 130 of the bracket below the center of mass. Forces F_C1 and F_C2 reactions provide the moment M_RC reactions to counteract or balance the applied moment M_Sacting on the bracket 100 from the slide. The reaction forces described herein can be distributed loads that act on the surface area of each of the staple legs 110, 120 and the staple base portion 130. In various embodiments, the shackle 100 is pivoted laterally in the direction of the applied moment M_Sto control which walls of the staple cavity will contact to guide the staple as the bracket 100 is pushed out of the corresponding staple cavity 100.

FIG. 5 and 6, a wire staple 200 is illustrated having staple legs 210 and a staple base portion 230. The staple legs 210 are offset and bent at an angle of substantially ninety degrees from the staple base portion 230. The staple legs 210 are in a first plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by the staple base portion 230 and the curved portions 220 of the staple legs 210.

FIG. 7-10, a staple 300 is illustrated comprising a proximal staple stem 310, a distal staple stem 320, and a staple base portion or crown 330 having an ejection surface 332. The staple legs 310, 320 extend from the staple base portion 330, and each staple leg 310, 320 includes a laterally extending outer curved portion and an upper curved portion. The laterally extending outer curved portions of the staple legs fold over the staple legs extending laterally outward with respect to the base portion of the staple. The upper curved parts of the staple legs bend the staple legs vertically in relation to the base portion of the staple. The staple 300 comprises a first zone 331 having a first rigidity, second zones 311, 321 having a second rigidity, and third zones 312, 322 having a third rigidity. Embodiments are contemplated where staple 300 comprises more or fewer zones than shown. Varying certain properties, such as stiffness, of different portions of the staple 300 can provide a greater degree of control and predictability in forming the staple in respective forming recesses, such as, for example, the forming recesses 341 of the stop 340. The first stiffness of the first zone 331 may be greater than the second stiffness of the second zones 311, 321. In many cases, it is desirable to have plastic legs 310, 320 of staples that are capable of constantly changing shape without breaking, or, in other words, have legs 310, 320 of staples with high ductility, while having a section 330 of the base of the staple that supports the legs 310 , 320 staples and has, for example, a stiffness greater than the legs 310, 320 staples. Higher stiffness would increase the ability of the staple base portion 330 to resist deformation by external and / or internal force, such as, for example, the force from the staple legs when pressed against a stop.

Metalworking the different sections of the staples described in this document can have several advantages. One of these advantages may be the ability to prevent the staple legs from collapsing or bending during formation, and instead promote deformation of the staple legs into the desired configuration by contact with the respective shaping recesses.

The staple 300 can be formed in any desired shape. In the unformed configuration, the legs 310, 320 of the staple define the first plane P ₁ and the staple base portion 330 defines the second plane P ₂ . FIG. 9 and 10 show an example of the formation of a staple 300 in which the legs 310, 320 of the staple are formed laterally towards the second plane P ₂ . Changes stiffness certain zones and / or sections of the bracket 300 may provide support aimed in contact with forming recesses 341. Assumed embodiments where the legs 310, 320 are formed in the brackets direction extending laterally from the second plane P _2.

FIG. 11-11C show a staple 400 having staple legs 410 and a staple base portion 430 formed from a flat sheet of material. The staple base portion 430 has a rectangular cross-section profile 431 and the staple legs have a circular cross-section of profile 411. The presence of round staple legs 410 that extend from the staple base portion 430 having a rectangular cross-section 431 may provide a staple base and leg portion staples without preferred fold planes. The staple 400 includes curved portions 420 where the legs of the staple 410 extend from a base portion 430 of the staple. Curved portions 420 comprise a profile 421 with a substantially square cross-section. The square profile 421 and rectangular profile 431 of the curved portions 420 and the staple base portion 430 respectively provide a rigid connection and base for the round legs 410 of the staple. Round staple legs 410 eliminate the preferred fold planes that may have staple legs with square, rectangular, or any shape with vertices or irregular cross-sectional shapes.

FIG. 12 shows a staple 500, in accordance with at least one embodiment, comprising a proximal staple stem 510, a distal staple stem 520, and a staple base portion 530 from which the staple legs 510, 520 extend. The proximal leg of the staple 510 is bent laterally outward from the staple base portion 530 in the first direction. The staple distal leg 520 is bent laterally outward from the staple base portion in the second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The staple base portion 530 forms a first plane and the staple legs 510, 520 form a second plane that intersects the first plane. One advantage of having the staple legs 510, 520 bent in opposite directions can help prevent lateral rotation by counteracting the moment applied to the sled on either side of the staple base portion 530. This results in an S-shaped configuration and requires complementary shaping recesses.

FIG. 13 shows a staple 600 comprising a proximal stem 610, a distal stem 620, and a staple base portion 630 having an ejection surface 632. The distal stem 620 is longer than the proximal stem 610, resulting in a shift in the contact time of the ends 611, 621 of the staple legs 610, 620 with the abutment shaping recesses. In various embodiments, the distal stem may include a tip that has an initial configuration prior to folding in order to aid the forming process upon initial contact with the abutment. This preformed tip 621 would require less compressive force than the tip 611 of the staple to begin deforming against the abutment. With a longer staple stem, in this case the distal staple stem 620, when in contact with the abutment to the shorter, or proximal, staple leg 610 may require the tip 621 of the staple of the longer leg 620 to have a somewhat preformed tip before the tip 611 will be deformed.

FIG. 14 illustrates the structure 700 of the formed staples 711, 721. Staples 711 are located in the first row 710, and the staples 721 are located in the second row 720, which is adjacent to the first row 710. The staples 711, 712 may be similar to the bracket 600 illustrated in FIG. 13 and described above. The staples 711 comprise laterally opposing legs 713, 715. The staples 721 have laterally opposing legs 723, 725. Each of the laterally opposing legs 713, 715 comprises tips adapted to contact the abutment forming recesses at points 713c, 715c contact accordingly. Also, each of the laterally opposing legs 723, 725 comprises tips adapted to contact the abutment forming recesses at the contact points 723c, 725c, respectively. Each of the laterally opposing legs 713, 715 is formed inwardly toward a portion of the bracket base from which they extend. Also, each of the laterally opposing legs 723, 725 is formed inwardly toward a portion of the bracket base from which they extend.

Rows 710, 720 of staples are intertwined such that contact points 723c, 713c are substantially aligned. This design provides a configuration with a tighter placement of rows of staples in a cassette with staples and / or a configuration with a tighter placement of the forming recesses on the stop. Also, intersecting support planes can provide a better fulcrum and a larger support area in the fabric. Intersecting support planes can ensure that whatever has been caught between the rows of staples and forming indentations is guaranteed to be properly secured. This fact can provide assistance for suturing small vessels and / or subtle vessels, which in traditional staple designs may move apart from the row of staples, resulting in insufficient anchoring.

FIG. 15-17, a staple 800 is shown comprising staple legs 810, 820 and a staple base portion 830 having an ejection surface 832. Staple legs 810, 820 include ends 842 configured to engage with abutment forming recesses, such as abutment forming recess 861, for example abutment 860. Staple ends 842 comprise a piercing tip or portion 842T, curling surface 842S, and concave notch portion 842C. The piercing tip 842T is configured to puncture the tissue T when ejected from the staple cartridge and after contacting the forming recess 861 of the deformation stop 860 within the forming recess 861. Deformation of the tip 842 of the staple causes a defined recess shape using predictable deformability of the concave portion 842C. The curling surface 842S of the tip 842 of the staple is twisted or deformable from a piercing position 812A to an intermediate formed position 812B as well as a non-piercing position 812C. After the tip 842 of the staple has been completely deformed, the piercing tip 842T is closed or sealed from the tissue T with the curling surface 842S. This prevents further piercing of the tissue T after the tip 842 is punctured by the ejection tip. This design also prevents additional trauma and / or unwanted irritation that a piercing tip exposed after the initial piercing can cause. Preventing further piercing of the T tissue after the pedicle has been formed also reduces the likelihood that the staple 800 will extend through the T tissue. The curling surface 842S acts as a shield configured to protect the 842T piercing tip from the T tissue.

FIG. 18 shows many examples of different types of staple tips 871, 872, 873, 874, and 875 that can be used with any suitable surgical staple, such as the staples described herein. The tip 871 of the staple has a triangular shape with an at least substantially flat surface. The tip 872 of the staple has a variable contour surface. The tip of the staple 873 is rocket-shaped. The tip 874 of the staple has a convex profile. For example, the convex profile may be substantially cone-shaped. The tip 875 of the staple has a sharpened pencil profile.

In various embodiments, the ends of the staples described herein may contain a material other than the material of the staples to which the tip of the staple is connected to facilitate the required deformation, however, the material of the tip of the staple may still be strong enough to prevent the tip of the staple from expanding once secured. fabrics.

Surgical staples can receive impulse to shape into a desired configuration by changing the shape, size, configuration, and / or other aspects of the shaping recesses configured to form the staples. FIG. 19 shows forming recesses 911, 921 configured to form a staple 900. Staple 900 includes staple legs 901, 902, staple tips 910, 920 and a staple base 930, with staple legs 901, 902 extending from staple base 930. The staple 900 is configured to contact and form in respective shaping recesses 911, 921. The shaping recess 911 includes a shaping channel surface 917 configured to receive a corresponding tip 910 and assist in shaping the tip 910 in the P1 direction. Shown in FIG. 20, the shaping recess 911 includes lateral notch-like surfaces 915 and longitudinal notch-like surfaces 913 configured to guide or grip the tip 910 of the staple in the event of slight contact displacement. The staple 900, the staple leg 901, and / or the tip 910 of the staple can be moved away from the target with respect to the forming channel surface 917 when ejected from the cassette. Notch-like surfaces allow longitudinal and lateral rotation of the bracket. Although shown as concave surfaces, the surfaces of the recess may be convex or flat, for example.

The shaping recess 921 includes a shaping channel surface 927 adapted to receive a corresponding tip 920 of the staple 900 and to assist in shaping the tip 920 in the direction D1. The D1 direction is opposite to the P1 direction and, as shown in FIG. 19 illustrates the case where the staple legs are formed with respect to each other and at least substantially parallel to the staple base 930. Other embodiments are contemplated where directions D1, P1 guide the respective shackle legs in opposite directions but outwardly with respect to each other. The shaping recess 921 further includes lateral recess-like surfaces 925 and longitudinal recess-like surfaces 923 configured to guide or grip tip 920 of staple 900 in the event of slight contact displacement. The staple 900, staple leg 902, and / or the tip 920 of the staple can be moved away from the target with respect to the forming channel surface 927 when ejected from the cassette.

In various embodiments, the longitudinal cavity-like surfaces may comprise two separate cavity surfaces. The two separate notch surfaces may contain a notch start surface closest to the intended contact point for the corresponding staple tip. The initial surface of the notch may offer a greater range of anti-displacement protections than others of the individual notch surfaces. The initial surface of the recess may have a greater width and / or height than, for example, others of the individual surfaces of the recess.

FIG. 21 shows another design of the recesses 911, 921 for the staples described above. However, the staple recesses 911, 921 in the illustrated structure are configured to direct the tips of the staples inward towards the base 130 of the staple. The leg 901 and the tip 910 are configured to be formed in the P2 direction. The leg 902 and the tip 920 are configured to be formed in the direction D2. Directions P2, D2 are transverse. Other embodiments are contemplated where directions P2, D2 direct the respective staple legs and tips away from the staple base, or outward.

FIG. 22 shows another design of the recesses 911, 921 for the staples described above. Recesses 911, 921 for staples in the illustrated structure are configured to form corresponding legs 901, 902 of staples and tips 910, 920 in opposite directions, where one of the legs 902 of the staple is directed towards the base 930 of the staple and one of the legs 901 of the staple is directed from the base 930 of the staple ... The leg 901 and the tip 910 are configured to be formed in the direction P3. Stem 902 and tip 920 are configured to form in direction D3. The directions P3, D3 are at least substantially parallel. Other embodiments are contemplated where directions P3, D3 are not parallel.

FIG. 23 and 24, another embodiment of the shaping recesses is shown comprising shaping recesses 1011, 1021 configured to deform the staple 900. The forming recesses 1011, 1021 are auricular-shaped with nested recesses. This type of design saves space on the shaping staple surface of the abutment to provide more staple recesses and, as a result, more staples in a staple cassette in less space. The shaping recess 1011 includes a shaping channel surface 1017 configured to receive a corresponding tip 910 and help shape the tip 910 in the bending direction P4. Shown in FIG. 24, the shaping recess 1011 includes a first recess-like curved surface 1015A and a second recess-like curved surface 1015B configured to guide or grip the tip 910 of the staple in the event of slight contact displacement. The staple 900, the staple leg 901, and / or the tip 910 of the staple can be moved away from the target with respect to the forming channel surface 917 when ejected from its staple cavity. Notch-like surfaces allow some longitudinal and lateral rotation of the bracket. Although shown as concave surfaces, the surfaces of the recess may be convex or flat, for example.

The shaping recess 1021 has a shaping channel surface 1027 configured to receive a corresponding tip 920 of the staple 900 and help shape the tip 920 in the direction D4. FIG. 23 illustrates a case in which the staple legs 901, 902 are formed towards each other with one staple leg 901 formed from the staple base 930 and one staple leg 902 formed towards the staple base 930. Other embodiments are contemplated where directions P4, D4 guide respective staple legs 901, 902 in opposite directions but outwardly relative to each other. Forming recess 1021 has a first recess-like curved surface 1025A and a second recess-like curved surface 1025B configured to guide or grip tip 920 of staple 900 in the event of slight displacement prior to contact and / or during contact.

FIG. 25 shows yet another embodiment of the shaping recesses comprising abutment forming recesses 1111, 1121 configured to deform respective staple legs 901, 902 and ends 910, 920 towards the base 930 of the staple. Forming recesses 1111, 1121 are trapezoidal and can be nested in other similar forming recesses using less space on the forming surface of the abutment. Forming recesses 1111, 1121 are made with the possibility of forming the legs 901, 902 of the staples and the tips 910, 920 in the directions P5, D5, respectively.

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of the shaping recesses comprising abutment shaping recesses 1211, 1221 adapted to deform the respective staple legs 901, 902 and tips 910, 920 in directions P6, D6, respectively. The forming recesses 1111, 1121 are triangular in shape and can be nested, creating an even more compact design of the forming recesses on the abutment of the surgical suturing instrument.

FIG. 27-27B shows a staple leg 1300. Staple leg 1300 includes a substantially round staple tip with a substantially square staple leg and a staple leg main portion 1301. The staple leg 1300 has corners hardened by, for example, a punching process in which corners 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, and 1303D were rounded to create preferred fold planes. In other words, the staple leg 1300 has a cross-sectional profile configured to facilitate, when in contact with the abutment, the staple leg 1300 bend in a certain direction due to corner reinforcement. Angles 1303A, 1303B, 1303C, and 1303D can vary in stiffness from one corner to another, or can be composed of two corners with a first stiffness and two other corners with a second stiffness. Corners 1303A, 1303B, 1303C and 1303D can be stamped to provide different radial profiles on the same shackle leg. For example, corner 1303A has a radial profile with radius R_Awhich is greater than the radius R_B the radial profile of angle 1303B shown in FIG. 27B.

The portions of the staples described herein can be reinforced at different times during manufacture by any suitable means. For example, the hardening process can include, for example, bronzing, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, laser surface treatment, thermal oxidation, ion nitriding, and / or solid state diffusion. Other sections of the staples can be protected from hardening by these processes. Other sections of the staples can be locally annealed, such as, for example, the ends of the staples. Increasing stiffness in certain areas can increase the force required to deform the staples after the staples have assumed an activated configuration.

FIG. 28-28C, a bracket 1400 and a slide 1460 are shown, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The staple 1400 includes staple legs 1410, 1420, a staple base portion 1430 from which staple legs 1410, 1420 extend, an ejection surface 1432, and a bottom surface 1431. Staple legs 1410, 1420 extend from a staple base portion 1430 in a plane that is parallel and offset along with respect to the plane formed by the staple base portion 1430. Staples 1400 are made in a sequential punching process using base strip 1450 and connecting portion 1451. Although only one staple 1400 is shown, a plurality of staples 1400 are attached to base strip 1450. Connecting portion 1451 connects staple 1400, in particular staple base portion 1430 with base strip 1450. Connecting portion 1451 comprises a surface discontinuity or slot 1453 configured to detach staples 1400 from strip 1450. In at least one case, slide 1460 comprises release sections or strike sections 1461. Release sections 1461 of slide 1460 are made interoperable with surface discontinuities 1453 or connecting portions 1451 to separate, tear and / or detach staples 1400 from base strip 1450 and enable the staples to be pushed out of their staple cavities by slide 1460.

Embodiments are contemplated where the base strip 1450 comprises alignment elements, such as, for example, holes that engage with corresponding alignment elements on the staple cassette. Such aligners may include, for example, tabs that align with the aligners of baseband 1450. In various cases, the subject loading the staples into the cassette may align the staples with the staple cavities and / or align the aligners prior to pushing the staples into the staple cavities. ... Certain embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cassette comprises engaging members configured to interact with surface discontinuities 1453 when the assembled strips are loaded into the staple cassette. The engaging features allow the staples 1400 to be separated from the strip 1450 when the staples 1400 are loaded into the staple cassette, rather than when the staples 1400 are being fed. The production of staples using sequential punching techniques can provide a variety of staple crown sizes, shapes and / or configurations, and staple leg sizes, shapes and / or configurations. Another advantage of using sequential punching methods may include the ability to vary the spacing of the rows of staples in which the staples are aligned.

FIG. 29 and 30, another embodiment of a staple strip 1500 1501 is shown in a sequential punching process. Staple strip 1500 1501 comprises a base strip 1550, a connecting portion 1551, and staples 1501. Each staple 1501 comprises, first, a staple base portion 1530 comprising a bottom surface 1531 and, second, staple legs 1510 extending from a base portion 1530 staples. The connecting portion 1551 attaches the bottom surface 1531 of the staple base portion 1530 to the base strip 1550. The staple legs are bent upward from the staple base portion 1530 such that the legs 1510 are in a plane that is offset and at least substantially parallel to the plane defined by the base portion 1530 staples. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple legs 1510 are bent in the opposite direction to the connecting portion 1551. The flexing of the legs 1510 and the connecting portions 1551 can provide a tighter arrangement of the rows of staples. The connecting portions 1551 may include a surface discontinuity allowing the staples 1501 to be released from the base strip 1550 when the staples 1501 are loaded into the staple cassette and / or the staples 1501 are fed from the staple cassette, as described in the previous embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows a plurality of staples 1601 and a cross-sectional view of a portion of a staple cassette 1650, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The staples 1601 are removably stored within the respective staple cavities 1651 of the staple cassette 1650. The staple cassette 1650 includes a platform surface 1653 and staple leg supports 1655. The staples 1601 comprise, first, staple legs 1610, each of which includes a staple tip 1611, and secondly, a staple base portion 1630 from which the staple legs 1610 extend. Each staple 1601 has a preload configuration, a loaded configuration, and an activated configuration when the staple 1601 is pushed out of the staple cassette 1650 and formed in the respective abutment forming recesses. The staple legs 1610 are bent outwardly relative to the staple base portions 1630 in a preload configuration. The staple legs 1610 are offset to the side walls of the corresponding staple cavity 1651 in the loaded configuration and form a first distance X between the ends 1611 of the staple legs 1610. In a preload configuration, the distance between the ends 1611 of the staple legs 1610 is greater than X. This biasing force helps support the staples 1601 in the staple cassette 1650.

Staple cassette 2000 is illustrated in FIG. 32-34. The staple cassette assembly 2000 includes a cassette body 2010. The cassette body 2010 is adapted to be installed and removed from the jaw of a surgical stapling instrument. As a result, the staple cassette 2000 is replaceable, however other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cassette 2000 is not replaceable. The cassette body 2010 includes a proximal end 2011, a distal end 2012, and a platform 2014 located between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2012. The platform 2014 is configured to support patient tissue when the tissue is pressed against the platform 2014.

The cassette body 2010 further comprises a plurality of staple cavities 2020 formed therein. The staple cavities 2020 are located in six longitudinal rows extending between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2012, however, any suitable arrangement of the staple cavities 2020 may be employed. For example, staples, such as staple 2130 (FIG. 40), are removably stored in each staple cavity 2020. As described in more detail below, the staples are pushed out of the staple cavities 2020 by the firing element as the firing element is moved from the proximal end 2011 of the cassette body 2010 to the distal end 2012.

In addition to the above, the shackles are moved from a non-activated position to an activated position using a trigger. The trigger lifts the staples against a stop, such as stop 2190 (FIG. 37), for example, to deform the staples between an unactivated, undeformed configuration and an activated, deformed configuration. The cassette body 2010 further comprises a longitudinal groove 2013 formed therein. The groove 2013 is configured to receive a staple trigger and / or a tissue cut element when the staples are pushed out of the staple cavities 2020.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the staples do not protrude from the platform 2014 until they are moved against the stop by the trigger. In such embodiments, small staples can often be used. In other embodiments, the legs of the staples protrude from the platform 2014 when the staples are in their non-activated positions. In at least one such embodiment, the cassette body 2010 further comprises protrusions 2050 extending from platform 2014. The protrusions 2050 extend the staple cavities 2020 above the platform 2014 and guide the staples against the abutment when the staples are ejected from the staple cassette 2000. In such embodiments, the staples may not pass over the projections 2050 until they are moved against the stop by the trigger.

As advantageously shown in FIG. 34, the projections 2050 do not extend around the entire length of the staple cavities 2020. The first protrusion 2050 is located adjacent the first end of each cavity 2020, and the second protrusion 2050 is located adjacent to the second end of each cavity 2020. Each first protrusion 2050 extends around the first guide 2022 of the staple leg of the cavity 2020 for the staple and every second protrusion 2050 extends around the second guide 2023 2020 cavity staple legs for staples. Each first protrusion 2050 provides proximal support that can control and guide the proximal staple stem, and every second protrusion 2050 provides distal support that can control and guide the distal staple stem. The first protrusion 2050 of each staple cavity 2020 is not symmetrical with the first end of the staple cavity 2020 and does not extend around the entire first end of the cavity 2020. Likewise, the second protrusion 2050 of each staple cavity 2020 is not symmetrical with the second end of the cavity 2020 for the staple and does not extend around the entire second end of the cavity 2020. The first protrusion 2050 and the second protrusion 2050 are mirror images of each other and are symmetrically located with respect to the center of each staple cavity 2020, however, any suitable arrangement of the protrusions can be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 32-34, the cassette body 2010 includes steps 2014 'and steps 2014ʺ that extend upward from platform 2014. More specifically, steps 2014' extend upward from platform 2014 and steps 2014 '' extend upward from steps 2014 '. As a result, the stages 2014ʺ can apply more compression pressure to the tissue than the stages 2014, and similarly, the stages 2014 can apply more compression pressure to the tissue than the platform 2014. The stages 2014 'and 2014' 'contain stepped longitudinal plateaus, however, the stages 2014' and 2014 '' may have any acceptable configuration. Moreover, in addition to the above, projections 2050 extending from steps 2014ʺ extend over projections 2050 extending from steps 2014 ', and similarly, projections 2050 extending from steps 2014' extend over projections 2050 extending from platform 2014. In other words, the projections 2050 extending from platform 2014, stage 2014 'and stage 2014' 'are located in steps.

Staple cassette 2100 is illustrated in FIG. 35-38. Staple cassette assembly 2100 includes a cassette body 2110 and is similar to staple cassette assembly 2000 and / or other staple cassettes described herein in many ways. The cassette body 2110 includes a platform 2114, a plurality of staple cavities 2120a, and a plurality of staple cavities 2120b. The staple cavities 2120a are similar to the staple cavities 2120b in many respects. For example, both of the staple cavities 2120a and the staple cavities 2120b comprise a central staple slot 2121 having a proximal end and a distal end, a staple stem proximal guide 2122 extending laterally from the proximal end of the central staple slot 2121, and a staple stem distal guide 2123 extending laterally from the distal end of the central slot 2121. The staple cavities 2120a and the staple cavities 2120b are oriented in different directions. More specifically, the staple leg guides 2122, 2123 of the staple cavities 2120a extend to the staple cavities 2120b, and similarly, the staple leg guides 2122, 2123 of the staple cavities 2120b extend to the staple cavities 2120a, but any suitable design can be used.

A staple 2130a is located in each staple cavity 2120a, and a bracket 2130b is located in each staple cavity 2120b. Staples 2130a and staples 2130b are similar in many respects. For example, each staple 2130a has a base, or crown, 2131, a proximal stem 2132 extending from the proximal end of the base 2131, and a distal stem 2133 extending from the distal end of the base 2131. The staples 2130a, 2130b are configured to fit inside the staple cavities 2120a, 2120b, respectively. For example, when staples 2130a are located in staple cavities 2120a and staples 2130b are located in staple cavities 2120b, legs 2132, 2133 of staples 2130a extend to staples 2130b, and legs 2132, 2133 of staples 2130b extend to staples 2130a, but other locations are also possible. ...

In addition to the above, the proximal legs 2132 of staples 2130a, 2130b are located within the staple leg guides 2122 when staples 2130a, 2130b are stored in the staple cavities 2120a, 2120b, respectively. Similarly, the distal legs 2133 of the staples 2130a, 2130b are located within the staple leg guides 2123 when the staples 2130a, 2130b are stored in the staple cavities 2120a, 2120b, respectively. Moreover, the bases 2131 of the staples 2130a, 2130b are located in the central slots 2121 of the staple cavities 2120 when the staples 2130a, 2130b are stored in the staple cavities 2120a, 2120b, respectively. As advantageously shown in FIG. 35, the tips of the staple legs 2132, 2133 extend over the platform 2114 of the cassette body 2110 when the staples 2130a, 2130b are in their non-activated positions. The ends of the staple legs 2132 are at least partially surrounded by the proximal protrusions 2152 extending from the platform 2114, and the ends of the staple legs 2133 are at least partially surrounded by the distal protrusions 2153 extending from the platform 2114. The proximal protrusions 2152 extend around the proximal guides 2122 of the staple leg, but they do not extend around the proximal ends of the central slots 2121. Similarly, the distal protrusions 2153 extend around the distal staple stem guides 2123, but they do not extend around the distal ends of the central slots 2121.

As shown in FIG. 38, each proximal protrusion 2152 includes a first portion 2154 that extends around the proximal side of the proximal guide slot 2122 and a second portion 2155 that extends around the side of the proximal guide slot 2122. The proximal protrusion 2152 does not extend around the distal side of the proximal guide slot 2122, however it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the proximal protrusion 2152 could extend around the distal side of the proximal guide slot. Likewise, each distal protrusion 2153 includes a first portion that extends around the distal side of the distal guide slot 2123 and a second portion that extends around the lateral side of the distal guide slot 2123. The distal protrusion 2153 does not extend around the proximal side of the distal guide slot 2123, however that in alternative embodiments, the distal protrusion 2153 may extend around the proximal side of the distal guide slot. In any case, the design shown in FIG. 38 protects the staple legs 2132, 2133 when staples 2130a, 2130b are in their non-activated positions, and also guides staples 2130a, 2130b when staples are activated. This design also appropriately controls the passage of tissue relative to platform 2114 of cassette body 2110.

As also shown in FIG. 38, the staple cavities 2120a and the staple 2130a are shaped and sized such that gaps are provided between the staples 2130a and the staple cavities 2120a. For example, a gap 2156 is present between the proximal leg 2132 of the staple 2130b and the proximal side wall of the proximal guide slot 2122, and similarly, a gap 2158 is present between the proximal leg 2132 of the staple 2130b and the distal side wall of the proximal guide slot 2122. In addition, a gap 2157 exists between the proximal sidewall stem 2132 and the lateral sidewall of proximal guide slot 2122. Similar gaps can be found between distal stem 2133 and distal guide slot 2123. Lateral gaps 2126, 2127 may also be provided between base 2131 of staple 2130b and lateral sides of central slot 2121. Such gaps can temporary and nevertheless the bracket may contact one or more side walls.

Staple cassette 2200 is illustrated in FIG. 43. Staple cassette 2200 is similar to staple cassettes 2000, 2100 and other staple cassettes described herein in many ways. The staple cassette 2200 has a cassette body 2210 including staple cavities 2220 formed therein. Each of the staple cavities 2220 has a staple, such as staple 2130, which is removably stored therein. Each staple cavity 2220 includes a first guide groove 2222 configured to guide the leg 2132 of the staple 2130, a second guide groove 2223 configured to guide the leg 2133 of the staple 2130, and a central groove 2221. Guide grooves 2222 and 2223 extend laterally from the central groove 2221, and the central slot 2221 includes an intermediate guide 2225 configured to guide the base 2131 of the staple 2130. The first guide groove 2222 is shaped and sized such that the leg 2132 of the staple fits snugly into the corner of the first guide groove 2222. Similarly, second guide slot 2223 is shaped and sized such that staple leg 2133 fits snugly in the corner of second guide slot 2223. Intermediate guide 2225 is shaped and sized to restrict lateral movement of staple 2130 within staple cavity 2220. Moreover, the intermediate guide 2225 is shaped and sized to hold the staple legs 2132 and 2133 in the staple leg guide slots 2222 and 2223, respectively.

As described above, the intermediate guide 2225 is shaped and sized to hold the staple legs 2132 and 2133 against the side walls of the guide slots 2222 and 2223, respectively. This design creates lateral reaction forces indicated as force vectors LT in FIG. 43, between the lateral side walls of the cavity 2220 and the bracket 2130. Such lateral reaction forces create frictional forces between the side walls of the cavity 2220 and the bracket 2130 when the bracket 2130 is pushed out of the cavity 2220. It should be understood that the friction forces depend on the surface area to which they are are applied, and thus the intermediate guide 2225 does not extend the entire length of the central slot 2221. The intermediate guide 2225 has a longitudinal length that is sufficient to control the orientation of the bracket 2130 within the cavity 2220. Moreover, the intermediate guide 2225 has a vertical a length that is sufficient to control the orientation of the staple 2130 during the firing stroke of the staple 2130. In at least one example, the guide 2225 extends the entire vertical depth of the cavity 2220.

The intermediate guide 2225 is flat and is configured to interact with a flat surface formed on the side of the base 2131 of the staple 2130, however, any suitable design can be used. In certain alternative embodiments, the intermediate guide 2225 comprises a resilient biasing member configured to, for example, apply a lateral bias force to the base 2131 of the bracket 2130. In at least one example, the resilient biasing member may comprise, for example, a cantilever spring.

The staple cavity 2220 does not include a side guide located opposite to the lateral intermediate guide 2225. In fact, there is a gap 2229 between the lateral side wall 2228 and the staple 2130.

In addition to the above, as also shown in FIG. 43, the staple 2130 is not located at the ends of the central slot 2221. More specifically, the central slot 2221 of the cavity 2220 includes a proximal end 2226 and a distal end 2227, and the staple 2130 does not extend into either the proximal end 2226 or the distal end 2227. Instead, between the ends 2226, 2227 and bracket 2130 have clearances. Such gaps run between ends 2226, 2227 and intermediate guide 2225. As a result, the ends 2226, 2227 of the staple cavity 2220 do not control the longitudinal position of the staple 2130. Instead, the leg guides 2222, 2223 control the longitudinal position of the staple 2130. In fact, the legs 2132 and 2133 staples 2130 can be biased inwardly using staple leg guides 2222 and 2223, respectively. This design creates longitudinal reaction forces indicated as force vectors LG in FIG. 43.

As a result of the above, the staple cavity 2220 contains three reference points, or positions at which the staple cavity 2220 controls the orientation of the staple 2130. These reference points comprise discrete reference positions with gaps formed therebetween. In other words, guides 2222, 2223, and 2225 provide triangulation to control the staple 2130. Alternative embodiments are contemplated that include more than three control points. In either case, the reference points provided by the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223 are formed in the first reference plane. The intermediate reference point provided by the intermediate guide 2225 is formed in the second reference plane. The first reference plane and the second reference plane are parallel, however alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the first reference plane and the second reference plane are not parallel. Moreover, the first reference plane is aligned with or adjacent to the legs 2132 and 2133 of the bracket 2130, and the second reference plane is aligned with or adjacent to the base 2131 of the bracket 2130.

Staple cassette 2700 is illustrated in FIG. 65. A staple cassette 2700 includes a cassette body 2710 including a platform 2714 and a plurality of staple cavities 2220 formed in a platform 2714. Similarly to a cassette body 2110, a cassette body 2710 includes protrusions 2752 and 2753 that extend over the platform 2714. Protrusions 2752 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2222 of the staple cavities 2220, and the projections 2753 at least partially surround the staple leg guides 2223 of the staple cavities 2220. Similar to protrusions 2152, 2153, each of protrusions 2752, 2753 includes an outer portion 2754 and a side portion 2755. The outer portions 2754 are located longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223, and the side portions 2755 are located laterally with respect to the guides 2222 and 2223 staple legs. Unlike the protrusions 2152, 2153, each of the protrusions 2752, 2753 includes an inner portion 2756 located longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223. Inner portions 2756 are coupled to side portions 2755 and side portions 2755 are coupled to outer portions 2754. Similarly, protrusions 2752, 2753 extend the staple cavities 2220 above platform 2714.

Staple cassette 2800 is illustrated in FIG. 66. A staple cassette 2800 includes a cassette body 2810 including a platform 2814 and a plurality of staple cavities 2220 formed in a platform 2814. Similar to cassette body 2110, cassette body 2810 includes protrusions 2152, 2153 that extend over platform 2114. How above, the protrusions 2152 at least partially surround the shackle leg guides 2220 for the staple cavities 2220, and the protrusions 2753 at least partially surround the shackle leg guides 2220 for the staple cavities 2220. Moreover, the cassette body 2810 includes internal protrusions 2856 located longitudinally with respect to the staple leg guides 2222 and 2223. Inner protrusions 2856 are not connected to protrusions 2152, 2153.

As also shown in FIG. 35, the shackles 2130 are driven between non-activated positions and activated positions by a trigger such as, for example, slide 2140. The slide 2140 comprises wedges 2145 adapted to directly engage with the shackles 2130 and lift the shackles 2130 towards a stop, such as, for example, stop 2190 as illustrated in FIG. 37. Slide 2140 contains a wedge 2145 for each longitudinal row of staples 2130, however, slide 2140 may have any acceptable number of wedges 2145. Each wedge 2145 includes an inclined ejection surface 2141 that slides under the staples 2130 as the slide 2140 is extended from the proximal end staple cassette 2100 to the distal end of staple cassette 2100. The base 2131 of each staple 2130 includes an inclined ejection surface 2135 that directly contacts the ejection surface 2141. In other words, each staple 2130 includes its own integral pusher having an ejection surface 2135. The staples 2130 are made of metal, and as a result, the integral ejector is also made of metal. However, the brackets described in this document can be made from any acceptable material.

In addition to the above, each ejection surface 2141 includes a start or distal portion 2142, a second or intermediate portion 2143, and a third or upper portion 2144. The start portion 2142 extends at a first angle and provides a start point of contact for sled 2140 relative to the staple 2130 as the slide 2140 moves distally. As the start portion 2142 slides under the staple 2130, the staple 2130 rises upward within the staple cavity 2120. As the slide 2140 continues to move distally, the intermediate section 2143 comes into contact with the bracket 2130. The intermediate section 2143 extends at a second angle that is different from the first angle. The first angle may be steeper than the second angle when a rapid initial upward displacement of the clip 2130 is desired, while the first angle may be shallower than the second angle when a gradual initial upward displacement of the clip 2130 is desired. In either case, bracket 2130 contacts abutment 2190 while bracket 2130 is lifted upward by intermediate portion 2143, as illustrated in FIG. 37, however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the staple 2130 contacts the abutment 2190 when the staple 2130 is lifted upward by the start portion 2142. In any event, the proximal leg 2132 of the staple 2130 contacts the proximal shaping recess 2192 formed in the abutment 2190 and the distal stem 2133 contacts a distal forming recess 2193 formed in an abutment 2190. The forming recesses 2192 and 2193 are configured to bend legs 2132 and 2133 inwardly to deform staple 2130 and grip patient tissue within staple 2130. Apex 2144 of ejection surface 2141 slides underneath staple 2130 to complete formation process. Vertex 2144 may comprise a peak of extrusion surface 2141, a flat surface, and / or a surface that extends at a third angle that is different from the first angle and / or second angle.

In various cases, each ejection surface 2141 may include a portion that follows or is located proximal to the apex 2144 of the ejection surface 2141. Such a rear portion can be lower than, for example, apex 2144. Moreover, such a rear portion can provide, for example, a gradual decrease in the forming pressure in the staples 2130.

As shown in FIG. 39, staple 2130 further includes a tab 2134 that extends downwardly from proximal stem 2132. When staple 2130 is in its correct orientation within its staple cavity 2120, as illustrated in FIG. 41, tab 2134 does not contact slide 2140. In such cases, the alignment plateau 2146 of slide 2140 passes under tab 2134. When bracket 2130 is not in its correct orientation in its bracket cavity 2120, as illustrated in FIG. 42, the slide 2140 may contact the bracket 2130 and reorient the bracket 2130. For purposes of comparison, both of the improperly oriented bracket 2130 and the improperly oriented bracket 2130 'are illustrated in FIG. 42. Sled 2140 includes an inclined alignment rail 2148 that is configured to engage tab 2134 and rotate staple 2130 into its correct orientation. After the alignment rail 2148 has properly oriented the staple 2130, the alignment plate 2146 can slide under the tab 2134. As can be understood from FIG. 39, alignment guide 2148, alignment plateau 2146, and tab 2134 are located in an alignment plane that aligns with the shaping plane of legs 2132 and 2133 of staple 2130. The alignment plane is adjacent to a lift plane that includes sled 2140 forming surface 2141 and staple base 2131 2130.

Staple cassette assembly 2300 is illustrated in FIG. 44-48. The 2300 staple cassette is similar to the 2000, 2100, 2200 staple cassette and other staple cassettes described herein in many ways. The staple cassette 2300 comprises a cassette body 2310 and a slide 2340 configured to eject the staples, which are removably stored in the cassette body 2310. Similar to slide 2140, slide 2340 includes ramps 2145 to form staples. The inclined guides 2145 are slidably disposed in longitudinal slots 2115 formed in the cassette body 2110 that are aligned with the raising portions, or planes, of the staples. It should be noted that, as described in more detail below, the slots 2115 have an open end formed in the lower portion 2316 of the cassette body 2310.

In addition to the above, the staple cassette assembly 2300 does not include a cover extending around the bottom 2316 of the cassette body 2310. As advantageously shown in FIG. 48, the cassette body 2310 is positioned directly opposite the jaw 2180 of the stapling tool. In embodiments in which the staple cartridge cannot be easily removed from the staple jaw and easily replaced with another staple cartridge, the lack of a bottom cover is not necessarily a problem, as the jaw 2180 can prevent the staples from falling out of the bottom of the staple cavities 2120 and / or sled 2340 falling out of the bottom of the longitudinal slots 2115. However, the staple cassette assembly 2300 is replaceable and, although it does not include an undercoat, the staple cassette assembly 2300 includes elements that hold the staples and sleds 2340 from dropouts from the bottom 2316 of the cassette body 2310 and which are described in more detail below. Such elements can be adapted to any of the staple cassettes described herein.

As advantageously shown in FIG. 45-47, cassette body 2310 includes retaining members configured to hold sled 2340. For example, cassette body 2310 includes proximal retaining members 2317 that are configured to retain sled 2340 in longitudinal slots 2115 when slide 2340 are in their proximal, or non-activated, positions. The sled 2340 is in its non-activated positions when the staple cartridge assembly 2300 is inserted or loaded into the jaw 2180, and as a result, the proximal retaining members 2317 retain the sled 2340 in the cartridge body 2310 when the clinician manipulates the cartridge assembly 2300. Each retaining member 2317 includes an inclined surface 2318 and an arm 2319. Each sled 2340 includes a corresponding recess 2348 configured to receive an inclined surface 2318, as well as a corresponding shoulder 2349 that can be aligned and / or brought into contact with the shoulder 2319 of the holding member 2317. When the slide 2340 is inserted into the slots 2115 as shown in FIG. 46, ramps 2145 and / or cassette side walls 2310 may flex so that slide 2340 can slide relative to the inclined surfaces and then resiliently move back to its original position after the arms 2349 of slide 2340 have become aligned with the arms 2319 of the cassette body 2310. as illustrated in FIG. 45. Retaining members 2317 are also configured to prevent the slide 2340 from slipping proximally out of the longitudinal slots 2115.

As a result of the above, the proximal retaining members 2317 prevent the sled 2340 from falling out of the cassette body 2310 when the physician manipulates the staple cassette assembly 2300. When the slide 2340 is extended distally to activate the staples, the slide 2340 is no longer aligned with the proximal retention members 2317. However, at this point, the staple cassette assembly 2300 is already in the jaw 2180 and the slide retention members are no longer needed. In this case, the cassette body 2310 may include additional retaining elements that can hold the slide 2340 in the cassette body 2310 regardless of the position of the slide 2340. Such retaining elements can be configured to hold the slide 2340 in the cassette body 2310 when the slide 2340 is, for example , in their distal or fully activated positions.

In addition to the above, the staples of the staple cassettes described herein may include one or more elements configured to retain the staples in the staple cavities of the staple cassette. As shown in FIG. 49 and 50, staple 2330 includes a base 2331 and one or more staple legs 2332 extending from base 2331. For example, staples 2330 are removably stored in a staple cavity 2320 in a staple cassette 2310. Base 2331 includes a protrusion 2338 extending therefrom that engages a side wall of the staple cavity 2320. The interaction between the protrusion 2338 and the side wall of the staple cavity keeps the staple 2330 from falling out of the bottom 2316 of the cassette body 2310. The interaction between the protrusion 2338 and the side wall of the staple cavity includes an interference fit, but such an interference fit does not prevent the slide 2340 from pushing the staples 2330 out of the staple cavities 2320. A protrusion 2338 may be formed in the base 2331 during, for example, a stamping process. The punching process can form a protrusion 2338 by creating an indentation 2337 on the opposite side of the base 2331. The staple cavity 2320 includes a vertical groove 2328 that is aligned with the protrusion 2338. The groove 2328 increases the contact area between the side wall of the staple cavity 2320 and the protrusion 2338. In addition in addition, groove 2328 can control the orientation of the staple 2330 within the staple cavity 2320. Alternatives are contemplated that do not include groove 2328.

In addition to or in light of the above, staples stored in staple cassettes described herein may include staple legs that are in elastic engagement with the side walls of their staple cavities. As shown in FIG. 51, staple 2430 may include a base 2431 and staple legs 2432 and 2433 extending from base 2431. Staples 2430 are similar to staples 2130, 2330, and / or other staples described herein in many ways. The body 2410 of the staple cartridge, for example, may include a plurality of staple cavities 2120 formed therein and a bracket 2430 disposed in each staple cavity 2120. FIG. 51 shows a bracket 2430 located within a cavity 2120 and a bracket 2430 located outside a bracket cavity 2120 of a cassette body 2430. When staples 2430 are not located in staple cavities 2120, staple legs 2432, 2433 do not extend in parallel directions; instead, they pass outward from each other. When the staples 2430 are located in the staple cavities 2120, they are folded inwardly by the side walls of the staple cavities 2120. In other words, the staple legs 2432, 2433 are resiliently biased against the side walls of the staple cavities, and as a result of this offset interaction, the staples 2430 are prevented from falling out of the bottom 2436 of the cassette body 2410. As illustrated in FIG. 51, the distance between the staple legs 2432, 2433 when the staples 2130 are located in the staple cavities 2120 is equal to X, while the distance between the staple legs 2432, 2433 when the staples 2130 are not located in the staple cavities is greater than X.

In various embodiments, the cassette body may include one or more arms that are configured to keep staples stored therein from falling out of the bottom of the cassette body. The shoulders can at least partially extend under the braces.

In certain embodiments, the cassette body of the staple cassette assembly may be made of plastic and may be molded, for example, by an injection molding process. The injection mold may include two halves that are movable towards and away from each other. The interface between the mold halves is often referred to as the separation line, and it is often the case that the plastic melt or bleed may occur on the separation line between the mold halves. In at least one embodiment, the injection mold separation line may be defined as the interfaces between the staple cassette platform and the staple cavities formed in the platform. As a result of the above, plastic melting may occur along the perimeter of the staple cavities. This fusion can release the staples in the staple cassette.

As also shown in FIG. 48, cassette body 2310 is operable to interact directly with jaws 2180. Jaws 2180 comprises one or more retaining arms 2315 formed therein. The cassette body 2310 includes corresponding retaining arms 2187 that cooperate with retaining arms 2315 to release cassette body 2310 in the jaw 2180. The cassette body 2310 and / or jaw 2180 further comprises inclined surfaces 2314 configured to facilitate insertion of the cartridge body 2310 into the jaw 2180. As a result of the above, the cassette body 2310 can have a snap connection with the jaws 2180. The snap connection can be removed by removal cassette bodies 2310 from jaws 2180 so that staple cassette assembly 2300 can be replaced.

Staple 2530 is illustrated in FIG. 52-56. Staple 2530 is similar to staples 2130, 2330, 2340 and / or other staples described herein in many ways. Bracket 2530 includes a base 2531 and legs 2532 and 2533 extending from base 2531. Bracket 2530 also includes a protrusion 2538 extending upwardly from base 2531. The protrusion 2538 aligns with the staple extrusion plane that includes base 2531 and does not align with the plane of the grip of the tissue, including the legs of the staple 2532 and 2533. The protrusions 2538 can compress the tissue outside the plane of the grip of the staple.

Staple cassette assembly 2600 is illustrated in FIG. 57-64. The staple cassette 2600 comprises a cassette body 2610 including a plurality of staple cavities 2220 formed therein. The staple cassette 2600 further comprises a staple 2530 located in each staple cavity 2220 and a slide 2640 configured to push the staples 2530 out of the staple cavities 2220. Skid 2640 is similar in many respects to skid 2140. Each skid 2640 includes a plurality of ramps 2645, each ramp 2645 including an ejection surface 2641 that slides under brackets 2530 and lifts brackets 2530 within staple cavities 2220. Each ejection surface 2641 includes an inclined surface 2643 defined by lateral side walls 2649 that form a guide channel that aligns the staples 2530 with respect to the ejection surfaces 2641 and / or staple cavities 2220. The guide channel is configured to position the bases 2531 of the staples 2530 between the side walls 2649 and orient the staples 2530 laterally as the slide 2640 is extended distally. Such lateral re-registration is evident when comparing FIG. 58 and 59. As also shown in FIG. 52-56, each bracket 2530 includes a guide 2139 formed on their bases 2531. Guide 2139 of each bracket 2530 includes, for example, a curved end configured to engage with lateral side walls 2649 of the guide channels and adjust the lateral position of the brackets 2530. B various other embodiments, the guide members 2139 can be of any suitable configuration.

In addition, or in light of the above, as advantageously shown in FIG. 60, slide 2640 includes guide channels 2646 configured to receive downwardly directed tabs 2134 of staples 2530 and orient staples 2530 with respect to ejection surfaces 2641 and / or staple cavities 2220. Each guide channel 2646 includes an inclined portion 2648 and lateral sidewalls. The guide channels 2646 are configured to position the bases 2531 of the staples 2530 between the side walls of the ducts 2646 and orient the staples 2530 laterally as the slide 2640 extends distally. As advantageously shown in FIG. 61, each tab 2134 includes insertion, or beveled, surfaces 2137 configured to interact with sidewalls of channels 2646 to guide staples 2530 into channels 2646. Tab 2134 may have any geometry that facilitates entry of brackets 2530 into channels 2646. The reader should understand that as the staples 2530 are pushed upward within the staple cavities 2220 by the ejection surfaces 2641, the tabs 2134 of the staple 2530 are lifted out of the channels 2646. By the time the staples 2530 are formed by the tops 2644 of the ejection surfaces 2641, the tabs 2134 are no longer are located in channels 2646.

As advantageously shown in FIG. 58, 59 and 64, channels 2646 can also align slide 2640 with respect to cassette body 2610. More specifically, the cassette body 2610 further comprises longitudinal rails 2616 extending downwardly into the channels 2646. The rails 2616 are tightly positioned in the channels 2646 to limit or prevent lateral movement between the slide 2640 and the cassette body 2610 while allowing longitudinal movement of the slide 2640. required to activate staples 2530 as above. The tab 2134 of each staple 2530 is configured to correctly orient the staple 2530 within its staple cavity 2220 in the event that the staple 2530 is incorrectly oriented within the staple cavity 2220.

The designs described herein make the staple cassette more compact than previous staple cassettes. Among other things, the staple cassettes described herein that do not use staple ejectors between the trigger and the staples, ie, staple cassettes without ejectors, allow staple cassettes to have a lower overall height. Likewise, staple cassettes that do not include a bottom cover also provide the ability for staple cassettes to have a lower overall height. Staple cassettes without ejectors also allow smaller staple cavities. As shown in FIG. 67 and 68, cassette body 2910 includes staple cavities 2920 and a longitudinal slot 2013 formed therein. FIG. 67 and 68 show the lower portion 2916 of the cassette body 2910 and the lower openings of the staple cavities 2920. The reader should understand that the staple cavities 2920 are shaped and sized to accommodate staple ejectors for pushing the staples out of the cassette body 2910. FIG. 69 and 70 show the lower portion 2016 of the cassette body 2010, the staple cavities 2020 of the cassette body 2010 being smaller than the staple cavities 2920. As the reader will recall, the ejectors are not located in the staple cavities 2020, and as a result, the size of the staple cavities 2020 can be reduced. FIG. 71 compares the bottom 2916 of the cassette body 2910 with the bottom 3016 of an alternative embodiment of the cassette body 3010. As can be seen in FIG. 71, cassette body 3010 includes longitudinal rows of staple cavities 3020 that are much narrower than longitudinal rows of staple cavities 2920. In various cases, such narrower staple cavities may allow the center lines of the longitudinal rows of the staple cavities to be closer together. As shown in FIG. 72, staple cassette body 3110 includes longitudinal rows of staple cavities 3120a, 3120b, and 3120c formed in platform 3114 of cassette body 3110 that are closer together than are possible in embodiments that use staple ejectors to lift staples. inside the cassette body.

Various embodiments of the staple cassette assemblies described herein may have any suitable number of staples and / or any suitable staple size. In certain cases, all of the staples that are stored in the staple cassette assembly 2000 (FIG. 73) are of the same or at least substantially the same size. As shown in FIG. 77, each staple 2130 in the staple cassette 2000 has an unformed, or unactivated, total height H1 formed between the bottom of the base 2131 and the ends of the staple legs 2132, 2133. Likewise, each staple 2130 includes a tissue grasping region formed between the top of the base 2131 and the ends of the staple legs 2132, 2133, which has the same height H2 when the staples 2130 have their unformed height.

In contrast to the above, the first group of staples stored in the staple cassette 2000 may have a first unformed height H1, and the second group of staples may have a second unformed height H1 that is different from the first unformed height H1. Also, in contrast to the above, the first set of staples stored in the staple cassette 2000 may have a first tissue grip height H2 and the second group of staples may have a second tissue grip height H2 that is different from the first tissue grip height H2.

A first set of staples may be located in a first longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120 and a second set of staples may be located in a second longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120. In at least one case, the first row of staple cavities 2120 may be adjacent to the scalpel slot 2013 at step 2014ʺ of the cassette housing 2010, and the second row of staple cavities 2120 may be adjacent to the first row of staple cavities 2120 at step 2014 'of the housing 2010 cassette. In at least one such case, the first unformed height H1 is less than, for example, the second unformed height H1.

In addition to the above, the third group of staples stored in the staple cassette 2000 may have a third unformed height H1 that is different from the first unformed height H1 and / or the second unformed height H1. A third set of staples may be located in a third longitudinal row of staple cavities 2120. In at least one case, a third row of staple cavities 2120 may be adjacent to a second row of staple cavities 2120 in the platform 2014 of the cassette body 2010. In at least one such case, the second unformed height H1 is less than, for example, the third unformed height H1. In addition to or in light of the above, the third set of staples may have a third tissue grip height H2 that is greater than the second tissue grip height H2.

In various embodiments, the first set of staples, the second set of staples, and / or the third set of staples may be deformed to the same total height when formed. Alternatively, the first set of staples may be deformed to a first height in the formed state, the second group of staples may be deformed to a second height in the formed state, and / or the third group of staples may be deformed to a third height in the formed state. In such cases, the first set of staples can apply more pressure to the tissue than the second set of staples, and, similarly, the second set of staples can apply more pressure to the tissue than the third set of staples.

As shown in FIG. 74-76, staples of the same height in the unformed state can be deformed to different heights in the formed state. For example, a first longitudinal row of staples represented by staples 2130ʺ may be deformed to a first height in the formed state, a second longitudinal row of staples represented by staples 2130 'may be deformed to a second height in a formed state, and / or a third row of staples represented by staples 2130 can be deformed to a third height in the formed state. For example, the first formed height is less than the second formed height, and the second formed height is less than the third formed height. In such cases, the first set of staples can apply more pressure to the fabric than the second set of staples, and, similarly, the second set of staples can apply more pressure to the third set of staples.

FIG. 78 and 79 illustrate staple 3230. Staple 3230 comprises a base or crown 3231, a first leg 3232 extending from base 3231, and a second leg 3233 extending from base 3231. Similarly to base 2131 of staple 2130, base 3231 of staple 3230 includes an inclined ejection surface, formed in the ejection plane. However, unlike the staple 2130, the first leg 3232 and the second leg 3233 form a staple forming plane that is transverse or not parallel to the ejection plane.

Brace 3230 further includes a platform 3238 extending from base 3231. Platform 3238 is integral with base 3231 and is folded such that platform 3238 extends laterally from base 3231. Platform 3238 is not directly coupled to legs 3232, 3233. Instead, there are gaps 3237 between platform 3238 and legs 3232, 3233. In various other embodiments, platform 3238 is directly coupled to first leg 3232 and / or second leg 3233. Platform 3238 extends in a plane, i.e., a reference plane that is transverse to the plane ejection and shaping plane of the staple, however, pad 3238 may extend in any suitable direction. Land 3238 is flat or at least substantially flat, however land 3238 can be of any suitable shape.

In certain embodiments, the pads 3238 of staples 3230 may contact tissue to be sutured upon implantation of staples 3230 into the tissue. Wider area 3238 can reduce the likelihood of staples 3230 breaking through fabric.

In various embodiments, the staple cassette assembly includes a cassette body including a platform and staple cavities formed in the platform. The staple cassette assembly further comprises staples 3230, which are removably stored in the staple cavities, and an implantable layer located above the platform. The implantable layer may contain, for example, any suitable accessory, such as a tissue thickness compensator and / or support material. The tissue thickness compensator can compensate for changes in the thickness of the sewn tissue. The implantable layer can be made, for example, of a woven material and / or a non-woven material.

In addition to the above, the pads 3238 of staples 3230 may abut against the layer when staples 3230 are implanted into tissue. In such cases, pads 3238 support the layer. Similar to above, pads 3238 can also reduce the likelihood of staples 3230 breaking through the layer. The pads 3238 of the staples 3230 and the layer can form an interacting system that distributes forces, stresses, and / or strains applied to the fabric over a larger area.

Staple 3230 is formed from a flat sheet of material using a stamping process. During the stamping process, material is removed from the sheet to create the overall shape of staple 3230. The first leg 3232 is bent in the first direction and the second leg 3233 is bent in the second direction, however, both the first leg 3232 and the second leg 3233 can be bent in any reasonable direction. with a die matrix using one line of action. During the punching and / or other punching process, pad 3238 flexes in the same direction as the first leg 3232. In certain cases, pad 3238 can be created using the same line of action that creates legs 3232 and 3233. In others In some cases, the site 3238 can be created using a second line of action that is transverse or orthogonal to the first line of action.

As shown in FIG. 86, staple 3630 includes a base or crown 3631 and legs 3632 and 3633 of staples extending from base 3631. Similar to staple 3230, staple 3630 further includes pad 3638 extending from base 3631. The reader should understand that pad 3238 of staple 3230 and pad 3638 3630 staples can increase the moment of inertia or stiffness of the staples. For example, shackle 3630 includes a relief, or bent, groove 3637 in base 3631 that reduces the stiffness of shackle 3630. Additionally or alternatively, a relief groove may be provided in platform 3638. In any case, more than one relief groove can be used to provide the required stiffness of shackle 3630. ... Moreover, such relief slots can be adapted to any of the brackets described herein.

In addition to or in light of the above, as shown in FIG. 80 and 81, staple assembly 3330 includes staple 3230 and an implantable accessory 3370 attached to bracket 3230. Accessory 3370 includes a first end including a first hole 3372 configured to receive a first leg 3232 of staple 3230 and a second hole 3373. configured to receive a second leg 3233. As a result, accessory 3370 is tied to the legs 3232, 3233 of the staple, and the movement of the auxiliary element 3370 with respect to the bracket 3230 is limited.

In addition to the above, accessory 3370 includes a resilient portion 3371 that is distributed over the staple area 3238 of the staple 3230. When the staple assembly 3330 is stored in a staple cassette, there is a gap 3377 between the resilient portion 3371 of the auxiliary 3370 and the pad 3238 of the staple 3230. When ejected staple assembly 3330 from staple cassette legs 3232, 3233 of staples 3230 penetrate into the fabric to be sewn, and the elastic portion 3371 of the accessory 3370 comes into contact with the fabric. The resilient portion 3371 is configured to bend, deflect, and / or move downwardly toward the platform 3238 when the accessory 3370 comes into contact with tissue. Resilient portion 3371 can apply biasing force to tissue when tissue is gripped within staple 3230. Movement of resilient portion 3371 is at least partially limited by land 3238.

In addition to or in light of the above, as shown in FIG. 84, staple assembly 3430 includes staple 3630 and an implantable accessory 3470 attached to bracket 3230. Accessory 3470 includes a first end including a first hole 3472 configured to receive a first leg 3632 of staple 3630, and a second hole 3473 formed with the possibility of placing the second leg 3633. As a result, the auxiliary element 3470 is tied to the legs 3632, 3633 of the bracket, and the movement of the auxiliary element 3470 with respect to the bracket 3630 is limited.

In addition to the above, accessory 3470 includes a resilient portion 3471 that is dispersed over the area 3638 of the staple 3630. When the staple assembly 3430 is stored in a staple cassette, there is very little clearance between the resilient portion 3471 of the auxiliary 3470 and the land 3638 of the staple 3630 if it exists at all. When the staple assembly 3430 is pushed out of the staple cassette, the legs 3632, 3633 of the staple 3630 penetrate the tissue to be sewn and the elastic portion 3471 of the auxiliary element 3470 comes into contact with the tissue. As shown in FIG. 85, resilient portion 3471 is configured to bend, deflect, and / or displace downwardly toward land 3638 when accessory 3470 comes into contact with tissue. Resilient portion 3471 can apply biasing force to tissue when tissue is gripped within staple 3630. Movement of resilient portion 3471 is at least partially constrained by land 3638.

As shown predominantly in FIG. 82 and 83, the resilient portion 3471 of the accessory 3470 comprises a shell. The casing is sealed and includes at least one material contained therein. In various cases, the material contains a drug. The drug is released from the membrane when the membrane ruptures. The sheath may rupture when the staple assembly 3430 is implanted into tissue, or over a period of time. Accessory 3470 is made of any suitable biocompatible material, and when the biocompatible material contains bioabsorbable material, accessory 3470 can be absorbed in situ. After a sufficient amount of accessory 3470 has been absorbed, drug can be released from the accessory 3470. In various alternative embodiments, the accessory element comprises two separate shells. In at least one such embodiment, the first coating may contain a first drug and the second coating may contain a second drug. When the membranes rupture, the first drug can be mixed with the second drug.

In addition to the above, the material in the chamber of resilient portion 3471 may be selected based on its mechanical properties, such as, for example, its elasticity, and can provide resilient portion 3471 with the desired properties to apply sufficient biasing force to tissue. In at least one example, it may be desirable for resilient portion 3471 to have mechanical properties that are very similar to those of patient tissue. In other cases, it may be desirable that the resilient portion 3471 has a stiffness that is less, for example, the stiffness of the patient's tissue. Such embodiments may provide acceptable restriction of blood flow within tissue. In other cases, it may be desirable for the resilient portion 3471 to have a stiffness that is less than that of the base 3631, but greater than, for example, the stiffness of the patient's tissue. Such embodiments can provide tissue tension relief.

Accessory elements 3370, 3470 can be made of woven fabric and / or non-woven fabric. In at least one example, accessory elements 3370, 3470 comprise shells that are made of woven and / or nonwoven fabric. Accessory elements 3370, 3470 can be made, for example, from PGA and / or PLA. In at least one case, the auxiliary elements 3370, 3470 comprise shells, for example, which are made of PGA and / or PLA.

Accessory elements 3370, 3470 are configured to be attached to a single bracket. In other words, each accessory 3370, 3470 is attached to only one bracket. These ancillaries can be called pads. Alternative embodiments are provided in which two or more staples are connected by an accessory.

As shown in FIG. 88 and 89, various staples described herein, such as, for example, staples 2130, can be implanted into patient tissue in longitudinal rows. Two longitudinal rows of staples 2130 are shown in FIG. 88 and 89. In different cases, the fabric can be stretched in different directions, such as, for example, in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal stretch of the fabric T is shown in FIG. 89. As can be seen in FIG. 89, rows 2130 of staples may stretch with fabric T. In such cases, the clearances between staples 2130 may increase. This increase in the gap becomes apparent when comparing the non-stretched distance X1 (FIG. 88) with the stretched gap distance X2 (FIG. 89). The staples 2130 in the third longitudinal row can be positioned and made such that they are aligned or have the same extent as the gaps, regardless of whether the gaps are stretched (X2) or non-stretched (X1). For example, such configurations can be easily adapted to circular and / or curved rows of staples.

As shown in FIG. 87, the circular cassette body 3510 may, for example, use staple assemblies 3430. The cassette body 3510 contains a plurality of staple cavities 3520 arranged in circular concentric rows. As illustrated in FIG. 87, each staple cavity includes a staple assembly 3430 located therein, however any suitable staple may be used.

The staples described in this document can be made from any suitable material. In various cases, the brackets are made, for example, of stainless steel and / or titanium. In certain cases, the brackets described in this document are made of magnesium. Full Descriptions COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF Mg-6Zn AND Ti-3Al-2.5V ALLOYS ON TGF-β / TNF-α / VEGF / b-FGF IN THE HEALING OF THE INTESTINAL TRACT IN VIVO,Biomed. Mater. 9 (2014) 025011, by Yanet al.; COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF Mg-6Zn AND TITANIUM ON INTESTINAL TRACT IN VIVO,J. Mater. Sci .: Mater. Med.by Yanet al.published on the Internet on March 20, 2013; EVALUATION OF THE SOFT TISSUE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF MgCa0.8 AND SURGICAL STEEL 316L IN VIVO: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN RABBITS,Biomed. Eng. OnLine 2010 9:63, by Erdmannet al.; INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANICAL AND DEGRADATION PROPERTIES OF Mg-Sr AND Mg-Zn-Sr ALLOYS FOR USE AS POTENTIAL BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT MATERIALS,J. Mech. Behavior of Biomed. Mat. 7 (2012) 87-95, by Braret al.; Mg-Zr-Sr ALLOYS AS BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT MATERIALS,Acta Biomaterialia 8 (2012) 3177-3188, by Liet al.; ON THE BIODEGRADABILITY, MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR, AND CYTOCOMPATABILITY OF AMORPHOUS Mg₇₂Zn₂₃Ca_five AND CRYSTALLINE Mg₇₀Zn₂₃Ca_fivePd₂ ALLOYS AS TEMPORARY IMPLANT MATERIALS,Soc. Biomat., authors Pelliceret al., published on the Internet on August 28, 2012, are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one case, the staples are made of a magnesium alloy including, for example, zinc and / or silver. Staples that include magnesium and zinc alloys enhance tissue healing characteristics. Staples containing silver provide antimicrobial effect. Staples that include all three alloys provide synergistic dynamics.

Staples made of magnesium, including staples made of magnesium alloy, can be machined to increase the rigidity of the staples. In various cases, the magnesium staples are coated with magnesium nitride. In certain cases, the magnesium nitride coating is applied entirely to the magnesium staples, while in other cases the magnesium nitride coating is applied only to the areas of the magnesium staples. For example, it may be desirable to coat only the staple legs and / or the ends of the staple legs with magnesium nitride, since the staple legs must be rigid enough to penetrate tissue. In at least one such case, when a magnesium nitride coating is applied to the legs of the staple, a mask may be applied to the remainder of the magnesium staple. For example, a magnesium nitride coating can be created by introducing magnesium staples into a nitrogen-rich environment at elevated temperature and / or pressure.

In addition to or in light of the above, one or more of the surfaces of the magnesium staples may include a coating including carbon.

In addition to or in light of the above, other surface hardening techniques may be used. For example, magnesium staples can be hardened using a laser hardening and / or plasma hardening process. In at least one case, the staples can be surface treated with KERONITE ceramics from Keronite International.

As described above, certain portions of the magnesium staples may undergo a hardening process, while other portions of the magnesium staples may not undergo a hardening process. In some cases, certain portions of the magnesium staples may be hardened to a first stiffness, and other portions of the magnesium staples may be hardened to a second stiffness that is different from the first stiffness. Areas of magnesium staples having lower stiffness will be less affected by, for example, magnesium, zinc and / or silver ions than regions of magnesium staples having higher rigidity.

In addition to or in light of the above, magnesium staples, including staples made of magnesium alloy, may be at least partially coated with a coating including silver. In at least one case, the silver coating may include, for example, ionized silver. In certain cases, a galvanizing process can be used to silver plate magnesium staples. In various cases, the magnesium staples are completely silver coated. In at least one example, the portion or portions of the magnesium staples are masked during the electroplating process so that the masked portions are not, or at least substantially not, silver coated.

In addition to or in light of the above, the staples described herein may be coated or at least partially coated with an antimicrobial coating. Such a coating may contain, for example, triclosan. In at least one case, the triclosan is mixed with the absorbable polymer coating. In certain cases, the coating may contain, for example, LAE mixed with sodium stearate. Full disclosure of WO 2012013577 A1 entitled Composition for coating medical devices containing lae and a polycationic amphoteric polymer by Gaffaret al., incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 90-92, staple 3730 contains a metal frame and a coating 3739 on less than the entire surface of the metal frame. The metal frame includes a bracket 2130 and is made, for example, of magnesium and / or magnesium alloy. Cover 3739 includes a bioabsorbable polymer, however, cover 3739 may contain any suitable material. Cover 3739 extends around legs 2132, 2133 of metal frame 2130. More specifically, cover 3739 is spirally wound around each of legs 2132, 2133, however any suitable arrangement of cover 3739 can be used. Cover 3739 also covers the transitions or corners between legs 2132, 2133 and the base or crown 2131 of the metal frame 2130. The cover 3739 can also cover a portion of the base 2131. In various cases, the cover 3739 can be strategically applied to areas of the metal frame 2130 that are initially bioabsorbable, such as, for example, folds, edges and / or the corners of the metal frame 2130. In either case, a portion of the metal frame 2130 is covered with a coating 3739 and a portion of the metal frame 2130 is exposed.

The metal frame 2130 of magnesium or magnesium alloy is bioabsorbable. As advantageously shown in FIG. 91, the portions of the metal frame 2130 that are not covered by the coating 3739 are directly exposed to the body upon implantation and thus immediately undergo natural absorption by the body. The portions of the metal frame 2130 that are covered with the coating 3739 are not directly exposed to the body upon implantation, at least not initially. The cover 3739 protects, or at least somewhat protects, the areas of the metal frame 2130 that it covers and delays the bioabsorption of such areas. Over time, as advantageously shown in FIG. 92, the exposed portions of the metal frame 2130 will bioabsorb, leaving the portions of the metal frame 2130 that are protected by the cover 3739. The cover 3739 may substantially encapsulate the areas of the metal frame 2130 that it covers, at least until the cover 3739 itself is bioabsorbable. and / or until the metal frame 2130 is destroyed. At this point, the portions of the metal frame 2130 that were protected by the cover 3739 can be exposed and bioabsorbed by the body.

The bioabsorbable polymer of the coating 3739 can be made from, for example, PGA and / or PLA, however, the coating 3739 can be made from any suitable material, including, without limitation, bioabsorbable polymers and non-bioabsorbable polymers. In certain cases, the coating 3739 contains, for example, a non-crosslinked polymer. Such a polymer can cause the coating 3739 to swell and encapsulate any sharp edges of the metal framework 2130 that are formed when the metal framework 2130 degrades.

In various embodiments, the cover 3739 may be placed in a lattice, mesh, and / or lattice configuration on the metal frame 2130. In such an embodiment, the metal frame 2130 may be exposed in openings in the lattice, which can allow the metal frame 2130 to bioabsorb into such openings. ... As the metal frame 2130 begins to degrade, the lattice cover 3739 can act as a net or cage and hold the fragments of the metal frame 2130 together, for example, at least until the cover 3739 is bioabsorbed.

The coating 3739 can be applied to the metal frame 2130 in any suitable manner. In at least one case, the coating 3739 can be sprayed onto the metal framework 2130 such that the coating 3739 is randomly applied, which creates random holes through which the metal framework 2130 can bioabsorb. In other specific cases, the coating 3739 can be applied to the metal framework 2130 according to the pattern. In at least one such case, the pattern may include a dot pattern having coating islands surrounded by exposed portions of a metal frame 2130.

In certain alternative embodiments, the staple may have two or more covers. In at least one such case, the first coating may bioabsorb at a first rate and the second coating may bioabsorb at a second rate to, for example, expose different portions of the metal scaffold 2130 at different times during the healing process. Such staples may still have open areas, however, it is contemplated that each section of the staple may be covered with at least one or more coatings.

The therapeutic effect provided by the materials described herein is dependent on the surface area of the staples that are exposed to the patient's body. Braces with a large surface area can provide this therapeutic effect more quickly than braces with a smaller surface area. However, staples having a smaller surface area can provide this therapeutic effect for a longer period of time. However, the surface area of the staples described herein can be increased by inserting holes into the staples. For example, in the base, or crown, 2131 staples 2130 can be provided, for example, one or more holes or through holes. The through holes can allow tissue to grow through the staple 2130 and enhance assimilation of the staple 2130 into the body.

In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, the cover 3739 is not located in the holes, as the cover 3739 would reduce the available surface absorption of the surface of the staple 2130. However, if delaying the bioabsorption of these portions of the staple is desired, the holes in the staple 2130 can be filled or at least partially filled with cover 3739. As described above, cover 3739 is configured to delay absorption of the underlying metal frame, however, any suitable cover can be used. For example, a coating on a metal frame can encourage tissue ingrowth into the staple structure. In at least one such case, the coating contains small micropillars that create a porous and / or acicular interaction with the fabric.

In various embodiments, in addition to the above, a suture or thread may pass through the holes formed in the staples. Such suture material can hold the staples together. In various cases, the suture material is passed through the holes and the staples are placed in a staple cassette. In other cases, suture material is passed through the holes after the staples have been implanted into the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the suture is disposed in a groove formed in the staple cassette platform, and each staple includes a groove or hook formed therein that is configured to grip the suture when the staples are placed. In either case, the suture can be pulled to pull the sewn fabric together, such as with the purse-string stitching technique.

In various embodiments, the staples described herein may contain barbs. In at least one case, barbs are formed on the stem of the staple so that the barbs interact with the layer that is implanted into the tissue. Such jagging can reduce the relative movement between the layer and the staples. In certain embodiments, the barbs are formed at the base of the staple. These barbs can trap a layer of tissue adjacent to the implanted staples.

FIG. 93-95, a circular surgical stapling instrument 5000 is shown. The circular surgical stapling instrument 5000 comprises a frame assembly 5020 comprising an attachment portion 5021 configured to functionally connect the abutment to a circular surgical stapling instrument 5000. The circular surgical stapling instrument 5000 further comprises a scalpel member 5040 made with the ability to dissect tissue captured by the circular surgical stapling instrument 5000, cassette 5010 with surgical staples, in which the plurality of staples 5051 are stored with the possibility of removal, and a pusher assembly or ejector 5030 configured to eject staples 5051 from cassette 5010 with staples ... Surgical staple cassette 5010 includes a cassette platform 5013 and a plurality of staple cavities 5011 formed in cassette platform 5013 in which staples 5051 are removably stored. Staples 5051 are similar to the staples described in more detail herein, however any suitable staple can be used. Staples 5051 include staple legs in a plane that is offset from the plane formed by the base portion of the staple.

As advantageously shown in FIG. 95, the staple cavities 5011 of the staple cassette 5010 comprise an inner row of staple cavities 5011A, an intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B, and an outer row of staple cavities 5011C. The spacing between staples in a row of staples can be any acceptable spacing, however, nested rows can be closer together than non-nested rows. An intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B is located radially outward with respect to the inner row of staple cavities 5011A. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C is located radially outward with respect to the intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B. The staple cavities 5011A in the inner row have an orientation that orientates the legs of the staples 5051 stored therein such that the legs of the staple extend radially outward with respect to the base of the staple. The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B and the outer row of staple cavities 5011C have an orientation that orientates the legs of the staples 5051 stored therein such that the legs of the staple extend radially inward with respect to the bases of the staples.

The staple cavities 5011A in the inner row form a plurality of first clearances therebetween having a distance A. The intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B forms a plurality of second clearances at a distance B. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C forms a plurality of third clearances with a distance C. The distance A is less than the distances B and C. Distance B is greater than distance A but less than distance C. Distance C is greater than distances A and B. Cavities 5011 are positioned so that the first gaps have a distance that is greater than the distances of the second and / or third gaps. The cavities 5011 are positioned such that the third gaps have a distance that is less than the distances of the first gaps and / or second gaps. Embodiments are contemplated in which there are no gaps associated with one or more rows of staple cavities.

An intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B is positioned such that the cavities 5011B overlap the first gaps formed by the inner row of staple cavities 5011A to compensate for the lack of tissue ligation in the first gaps. The outer row of staple cavities 5011C is positioned such that the cavities 5011C overlap second gaps formed by the intermediate row of staple cavities 5011B to compensate for the lack of tissue ligation in the second gaps. Overlapping these anchoring gaps with this design improves the ligation capability of the circular surgical stapling instrument 5000. This design also allows the tissue to be fastened to bend when fastened. Traditional designs use more staples in the intermediate and / or outer rows to improve ligation efficiency, however, such traditional designs can limit the flexibility of the fabric once secured.

FIG. 96-98, a circular surgical stapling instrument 5100 is illustrated in accordance with at least one embodiment. The circular surgical stapling instrument 5100 comprises a frame assembly 5120 containing an attachment portion configured to functionally connect the abutment to the circular surgical stapling instrument 5100. The circular surgical stapling instrument 5100 further comprises a scalpel element 5140 configured to dissect tissue captured by the circular surgical stapling instrument 5100 , a surgical staple cassette 5110 that retrievably stores a plurality of staples 5151 contained therein, and a pusher assembly or pusher 5130 configured to push the staples 5151 out of the staple cassette 5110. The push rod assembly 5130 contains an inner row of staple ejectors 5130A, an intermediate row of staple ejectors 5130B, and an outer row of 513 ° C staple ejectors. The surgical staple cassette 5110 comprises a cassette platform 5113 and a plurality of staple cavities 5111 formed in the cassette platform 5113 in which the staples 5151 are removably stored. The surgical staple cassette 5110 further comprises a plurality of platform elements or staple supports or guides, 5115 configured to support, guide and / or monitor staples 5151 as staples 5151 are pushed out of staple cassette 5110. Platform members or cavity extensions 5115 can have a variety of purposes, such as assisting in gripping tissue between the anvil and staple cassette 5110, and / or storing, releasing, and delivering medication into tissue captured, for example, by stapling tool 5100.

Staple cavities 5111 of staple cassette 5110 are similar to staple cavities 5011 in many ways. The staple cavities 5111 contain an inner row of staple cavities 5111A, an intermediate row of staple cavities 5111B, and an outer row of staple cavities 5111C. The platform elements 5115 comprise a plurality of first platform elements 5115A, a plurality of second platform elements 5115B, and a plurality of third platform elements 5115C. Each first platform element 5115A includes an intermediate portion 5116 and two outer portions 5117 to form a T-shaped configuration. An intermediate section 5116 is located between two staple cavities 5111A and extends from a platform 5113 to guide and / or support adjacent staple legs. Outer portions 5117 branch off intermediate portion 5116 in at least substantially opposite directions and extend from platform 5113 to guide and / or support a portion of the bracket base. Combining platform elements for more than one cavity in this way saves space on cassette platform 5113.

Every second platform element 5115B and every third platform element 5115C comprise an intermediate portion 5118 and two outer portions 5119 to form a configuration surrounding the cavity. An intermediate section 5118 extends from a platform 5113 for guiding and / or supporting staple bases, removably stored in an intermediate row of staple cavities 5111B and an outer row of staple cavities 5111C. Two outer portions 5119 branch off from the intermediate portion 5118 to support the staple legs that extend from the base of the staple, guided and / or supported by the intermediate portion 5118.

FIG. 99, a circular stapling configuration 5200 is illustrated for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. The 5200 circular staple configuration is a staple design that can be used with a circular staple cassette. A circular staple cassette that utilizes the 5200 circular staple configuration contains corresponding staple cavities for storing the staples described herein in a removable manner. The circular stapling configuration 5200 contains a plurality of staples 5210 containing an inner row of staples 5213, an intermediate row of staples 5215, and an outer row of staples 5217. Each staple 5213 is oriented such that its staple legs face outwardly towards the outer row of staples 5217. Each staple 5215 is oriented in this manner that its staple legs face inwardly toward the inner row of staples 5113. Each staple 5217 is oriented so that its staple legs face outwardly from the inner row of staples 5213 and the intermediate row of staples 5215. Each row of staples may be spaced apart from each other, from a series of staples and / or cutting element in order to better control blood flow and / or predict the nature of tissue changes at certain points within the stitched tissue.

The outer row of staples 5217 has characteristics that differ from the characteristics of the inner and / or intermediate row of staples 5213, 5215. For example, in various cases, the outer row of staples 5217 is formed into a larger formation "B", which leads to a larger grip volume and / or increased staple formation heights to facilitate high tissue compression near the outer row of staples 5217. The larger "B" mass may also improve blood flow towards the inner rows. In various cases, the outer row of staples 5217 is more resistant to expansion by using a larger staple crown, staple leg width and / or staple leg thickness.

The number of staples used in each row of staples can vary in a circular and / or linear cassette with surgical staples. The outer row of staples 5217 contains the first number, the intermediate row of staples 5215 contains the second number, and the inner row of staples 5213 contains the third number. FIG. 99, a scenario is illustrated where the first quantity is equal to the second quantity but greater than the third quantity. In various embodiments, the first number, the second number, and the third number are different. In various embodiments, the first quantity is greater than the second quantity and the second quantity is greater than the third quantity.

Varying the widths of the crown of the staple between the rows of staples can provide an effective and / or efficient stitching design. For example, each outer row staple 5217 includes a staple crown having a width that is greater than the width of the crown of each inner row staple 5213 and each intermediate row staple 5215. The staple crown of each staple 5217 of the outer row is folded laterally to provide a staple with a wider crown width while maintaining a compact circular stitching structure. Some embodiments are contemplated in which the crown of each outer row staple 5217 is curved. One advantage of bending or kinking the crown of the outer row staples 5217 may be, for example, the ability to nest the outer row staples 5217 closer to the intermediate row staples 5215 and the inner row staples 5213. Each outer row staple 5217 encloses a plurality of gaps formed between the inner row brackets 5213 and / or intermediate row brackets 5215. Each intermediate row staple 5215 encloses, covers, or closes each gap formed between the inner row of staples 5213.

In various embodiments, the gaps formed by the inner row staples 5213 may vary depending on the radial position of the inner row of brackets. For example, a set of inner staples having a diameter significantly less than the diameter of the sutured small intestine may contain significantly larger gaps between the staples of the inner row to provide radial flexibility and / or expansion. The row of inner staples having a diameter less than but closer to the diameter of the stapled intestine may contain smaller gaps between the staples of the inner row, since in this case much expansion and / or flexibility may not be necessary.

FIG. 100, a circular stapling configuration 5300 is illustrated for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment. The 5300 circular staple configuration is a staple design that can be used with a circular staple cassette. A circular staple cassette that utilizes a circular stapling configuration 5300 contains corresponding staple cavities for storing the staples described herein in a removable manner. The circular stapling configuration 5300 includes a plurality of staples 5310 containing inner row staples 5313A, 5313B, intermediate row staples 5315C, 5315D, and outer row staples 5317E, 5317F. Each staple 5313A, 5313B is oriented with its staple legs facing outwardly towards the outer row staples 5317E, 5317F. Each staple 5315C, 5315D is oriented with its staple legs facing inward towards the inner row staples 5313A, 5313B. Each staple 5317E, 5317F is oriented with its staple legs facing outward from the inner row staples 5313A, 5313B and the intermediate row staples 5315C, 5315D. Embodiments are contemplated in which different staples within the same row face in opposite directions. Embodiments are contemplated in which each staple in each row faces the same direction. Embodiments are contemplated in which, for example, the inner row staples face inward, the intermediate row staples face outward, and the outer row staples face inward.

Varying the widths of the crown of the staple between and within the staple rows can also provide an effective and / or efficient stitching design. For example, each inner row staple 5313A, 5313B has a different crown width, each intermediate row staple 5315C, 5315D has a different crown width, and each outer row staple 5317E, 5317F has a different crown width. In different embodiments, the crown widths of each staple 5313A, 5313B, 5315C, 5315D, 5317E, and 5317F are different. Embodiments are contemplated in which the crown widths of certain staples in one row are equal to the crown widths of certain staples in the other row. The inner row staples form a stretch zone designated SZ. For example, the stretch zone SZ may include a gap formed between the brackets 5313A. The SZ stretch zone allows the sewn fabric to be folded.

Circular surgical stapling instrument, circular staple cassette, and / or circular stapling configurations can be used, for example, in a colectomy operation. FIG. 101 illustrates an example of a portion of a colectomy operation where two sections of intestine are connected, providing a new pathway or channel 5400 for the digestive system. One section of the intestine T_one contains an inner wall 5410, and the second section of the intestine T₂ contains an inner wall 5420. Sections T_one and T₂ intestines are sutured with inner staples 5401, intermediate staples 5403 and outer staples 5405. T sections_one and T₂ the intestine is dissected, creating a new P-P channel for the passage of food masses. The dissection allows you to create cut sections 5411 and 5421 of the T sections_one and T₂ intestines. Change in diameter between the inner walls 5410, 5420 sections T_one and T₂ intestines and excised areas 5411, 5421 can in some cases lead to a stricture, or narrowing, of the P-P channel, making it difficult for food masses to pass. It may be desirable to provide flexibility to a portion of the staples starting at the inner staples 5401. One method of flexibility utilizes staple gaps formed between the staples in different rows in which the staples are located. Another method for flexibility is using larger staples with larger crown crowns. In various cases, the gaps between the staples and the rows of staples allow for flexibility in the stitched area, which allows for easier passage of food masses. In different cases, staples of different sizes allow the fabric to be flexible.

FIG. 102-104 show a curved stapling tool 5500 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to grip, cut, and staple tissue. Curved stapler 5500 includes a frame assembly 5510, a staple cassette 5520, and a staple cartridge 5530. After receiving the first activating force, the staple cassette 5520 is actuated against the staple stop 5530 to grip tissue between them. Curved stapling tool 5500 further comprises a scalpel assembly 5540 containing a cutting element 5541 configured to cut tissue trapped between staple cassette 5520 and an abutment 5530. Staple cassette 5520 comprises a platform 5527 containing a cutting slot 5521 configured to accommodate a cutting element 5541, a plurality of staple cavities 5523A and 5523B, and a plurality of staples 5560 removably stored within the staple cavities 5523A, 5523B. The curved stapling tool 5500 further comprises an ejector assembly 5550 comprising a plurality of staple ejectors 5551 configured to push the staples 5560 against an abutment 5530 upon application of a second actuation force. The second activating force causes the ejector assembly 5550 and scalpel assembly 5540 to rise vertically with respect to the curved stapler 5500 to cut and stitch the tissue.

The staple cassette 5520 further comprises a plurality of platform members 5525 extending from the platform 5527. Embodiments are contemplated in which the platform members 5525 are discrete portions adapted to be attached to the platform 5527. The platform members 5525 can be cavity extensions 5523A, 5523B for staples to support, guide and / or control the 5560 staples while loading the 5560 staples into the 5520 cassette, placing or maintaining the 5560 staples before pushing the 5560 staples out and / or pushing the 5560 staples out of the 5520 cassette. One 5525 platform element supports two different adjacent staple legs staples. Platform members 5525 may include a plurality of support walls configured to support one or more sides, edges and / or edges of each bracket leg. Embodiments are contemplated in which platform members 5525 on the outer rows of staples farthest from the groove of the rows correspond only to every other staple cavity in each outer row. Staple elements can increase the density of the staple elements closer to the cut.

FIG. 105 and 106 show a curved stapling tool 5600 in accordance with at least one embodiment configured to grip, cut, and staple tissue. Curved stapling tool 5600 includes a frame assembly 5610, a staple cartridge 5620, and a staple cartridge 5630. After receiving the first activation force, the staple cartridge 5620 is actuated against the staple cartridge 5630 to grip tissue therebetween. Curved stapling tool 5600 further comprises a scalpel assembly containing a cutting element configured to cut tissue trapped between staple cassette 5620 and an abutment 5630. Staple cassette 5620 comprises a platform 5627 containing a cutting slot 5621 configured to accommodate a cutting element, a plurality staple cavities 5623; and a plurality of staples 5660 removably stored within the staple cavities 5623. Curved stapling tool 5600 further comprises an ejector assembly 5650 comprising a plurality of staple ejectors 5651 configured to eject the staples 5660 against an abutment 5630 upon application of a second actuation force. The second activating force causes the ejector assembly 5650 and scalpel assembly to rise vertically with respect to the curved stapler 5600 to cut and stitch the tissue.

The staple cassette 5620 further comprises a plurality of platform members 5625 extending from the platform 5627. Embodiments are contemplated in which the platform members 5625 are discrete portions adapted to be attached to the platform 5627. The platform members 5625 may be extensions of the staple cavities 5623. to support, guide, and / or control the staples 5660 as the staples 5660 are loaded into the cassette 5620 with the placement or support of the staple 5660 before the staples 5660 are ejected and / or when the staples 5660 are ejected from the cassette 5620. Platform elements 5625 may include a plurality of support walls configured to supporting one or more sides, edges and / or edges of each staple leg. Platform members 5625 extend from at least one of the staple leg walls and at least one of the staple base walls of the staple cavities.

The staple ejectors 5651 have a flat profile that is at least substantially the same as the lower profile of the staples 5660. The presence of similar or identical profiles allows sufficient force distribution by the staple ejectors 5651 on the base portions of the staples 5660. When formed against the stop 5630, the same profiles on ejectors 5651 and staples 5660, prevent staples 5660 from moving.

Examples of

Example 1 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a longitudinal groove formed in a platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and cavities for staples, and cavities for staples are located in longitudinal rows. Each staple cavity includes an upper hole formed in the platform, a lower hole, a proximal end, a distal end, and a side wall of the staple cavity extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The staple cassette assembly further comprises staples removably stored in staple cavities, each staple comprising a proximal leg, a distal leg, a base extending between the proximal leg and a distal leg, and a retaining protrusion extending from the base, while retaining the staple protrusions interact with the side walls of the staple cavity to prevent the staples from falling out of the lower openings of the staple cavities.

Example 2. The staple cassette assembly of Example 1, further comprising a slide configured to move from a proximal end to a distal end to push the staples through the upper openings of the staple cavities.

Example 3. The cassette assembly with staples according to example 2, in which the cassette body further comprises a lower surface formed opposite to the platform, a longitudinal channel formed in the lower surface, and at least part of the slide is sliding in the longitudinal channel, and the holding portion is made with the ability to prevent the slide from falling out of the longitudinal channel through the lower surface.

Example 4. The staple cassette assembly of Example 3, wherein the slide is movable between the proximal position and the distal position during the firing stroke, and the holding portion interacts with the slide when the slide is in the proximal position, and the holding portion does not interact with a sled when the sled is in a distal position.

Example 5 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the staple cassette assembly does not include a coating extending around the lower surface of the cassette body.

Example 6 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the cassette body comprises at least one latching element adapted to interact directly with a surgical stapling instrument.

Example 7 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 3, 4, or 5, in which the sled interacts directly with the staples, and wherein the staple cassette assembly does not contain ejectors located between the sled and the staples.

Example 8. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein each staple is stamped from a sheet of material, with the proximal stem, distal stem and base of each staple being formed in the plane of the staple, and wherein the retaining protrusion extends laterally from the plane of the bracket.

Example 9 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a lower portion, a longitudinal slot formed in a platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a longitudinal channel formed in the lower portion and staple cavities, each staple cavity having an upper hole formed in the platform and a lower hole formed in the lower portion. The cassette unit with staples additionally contains staples stored with the possibility of removal in the cavities for staples, a slide located with the possibility of sliding in the longitudinal channel, and the slide is made with the ability to move from the proximal end to the distal end to push the staples through the upper openings of the cavities for the staples, and the holding portion is configured to prevent the slide from falling out of the longitudinal channel through the lower portion.

Example 10 The staple cassette assembly of Example 9, wherein the sled is movable between the proximal position and the distal position during the firing stroke, and the holding portion interacts with the sled when the sled is in the proximal position, and the holding portion does not interact with a sled when the sled is in a distal position.

Example 11 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 9 or 10, wherein the staple cassette assembly does not include a cover extending around the lower portion of the cassette body.

Example 12 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 9, 10, or 11, wherein the skid directly interacts with the staples, and wherein the staple cassette assembly does not contain ejectors located between the skids and staples.

Example 13 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the surgical stapling instrument comprises a jaw configured to accommodate a staple cassette assembly, and wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end , platform, lower section, while the cassette assembly with staples does not contain a shell passing around the lower section, a longitudinal groove formed in the platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a longitudinal channel formed in the lower section, and cavities for staples, when wherein each staple cavity comprises an upper opening formed in the platform and a lower opening formed in a lower portion. The cassette unit with staples additionally contains staples stored with the possibility of removal in the cavities for staples, a slide located with the possibility of sliding in the longitudinal channel, and the slide is made with the ability to move from the proximal end to the distal end to push the staples through the upper openings of the cavities for the staples during starting stroke, and means for preventing the slide from falling out of the longitudinal channel through the lower section.

Example 14 The staple cassette assembly of Example 13, in which the slide interacts directly with the staples during the firing stroke.

Example 15. Assembly of the cassette with staples according to examples 13 or 14, additionally containing means for preventing the staples from falling out of the cavities of the staple through the lower holes.

Example 16 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the surgical stapling instrument comprises a jaw configured to receive a staple cassette assembly, and wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a lower portion, wherein the staple cassette assembly does not include a shell extending around the lower portion and a staple cavity, each staple cavity having an upper opening formed in the platform and a lower opening formed in the lower portion. The staple cassette assembly further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, the cassette body including integrally formed shelves with the cassette body that prevent the staples from falling out of the staple cavities through the lower openings.

Example 17 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a longitudinal slot formed in a platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and cavity for staples. The staple cavity contains an upper opening formed in the platform, a lower opening, a proximal guide, a distal guide, a side wall extending between the proximal guide and a distal guide, and an intermediate guide extending inward from the side wall. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a staple that is removably stored in a staple cavity, including a proximal stem located inside the proximal guide, a distal stem located inside the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal stem and the distal stem, with an intermediate guide positioned to guide the base and hold the proximal stem in the proximal guide and the distal stem in the distal guide.

Example 18 The staple cassette assembly of Example 17, wherein the staple cavity further comprises a proximal end of the cavity proximal to the proximal guide and a distal end of the cavity distal to the distal guide.

Example 19 The staple cassette assembly of Example 18, wherein the staple is not located at the proximal end of the cavity and the distal end of the cavity.

Example 20 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 18 or 19 wherein there is a first gap between the base of the staple, the intermediate guide and the distal end of the cavity, and wherein there is a second gap between the base of the staple, the intermediate guide, and the proximal end of the cavity.

Example 21. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, or 20, wherein the base comprises a flat guide surface interacting with an intermediate guide.

Example 22 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of staple cavities, and wherein the staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of staples disposed in the staple cavities.

Example 23 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22 wherein the proximal guide, distal guide, and intermediate guide triangulate to control the staple as it is ejected from the staple cavity.

Example 24 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23, wherein the proximal guide and distal guide extend over the platform.

Example 25. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 in which an intermediate guide extends over the platform.

Example 26. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25, in which the proximal stem and the distal stem of the staple form the plane of the stem, the base comprising an ejection surface in the ejection plane, and the plane of pushing out is offset from the plane of the leg.

Example 27 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26 wherein the proximal stem and distal stem are compressed towards each other by the proximal guide and the distal guide.

Example 28. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the intermediate guide comprises a resilient biasing element interacting with the base and capable of pushing the proximal leg into the proximal guide and the distal stem into the distal guide.

Example 29 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the intermediate guide is located closer to the distal guide than the proximal guide.

Example 30. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the intermediate guide is equidistantly spaced between the distal guide and the proximal guide.

Example 31. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a longitudinal slot formed in a platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and a cavity for the staple. The staple cavity contains an upper opening formed in the platform, a lower opening, a proximal guide, a distal guide, and a side wall extending between the proximal guide and the distal guide. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a staple that is removably stored in a staple cavity, including a proximal leg located inside the proximal guide, a distal leg located inside the distal guide, wherein the proximal leg and distal leg form the plane of the leg, and the proximal the stem and the distal stem are compressed to each other by the proximal guide and the distal guide, and the base extending between the proximal stem and the distal stem, the base containing the pushing surface in the pushing plane, and the pushing plane is offset from the stem plane.

Example 32. The staple cassette assembly of Example 31, in which the plane of the leg is parallel to the plane of the ejection.

Example 33. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 31 or 32, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of staple cavities, and wherein the staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of staples disposed in the staple cavities.

Example 34 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, a longitudinal slot formed in a platform extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and cavity for staples. The staple cavity includes an upper hole formed in the platform, a lower hole, a proximal guide, a distal guide, a side wall extending between the proximal guide and the end of the distal guide, and an intermediate guide extending inward from the side wall of the staple cavity. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a staple that is removably stored in a staple cavity, including a proximal leg located inside the proximal guide, a distal leg located inside the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg, with the proximal guide , the distal guide and the intermediate guide provide triangulation to control the staple as the staple is pushed out of the staple cavity.

Example 35 The staple cassette assembly of Example 34, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of staple cavities, and wherein the staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of staples disposed in the staple cavities.

Example 36. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal cassette end, a distal cassette end, a platform, a longitudinal scalpel slot formed in a platform extending from the proximal end cassette to the distal end of the cassette, and a cavity for the staple. The cavity for the staple contains an upper opening formed in the platform, a proximal end of the cavity, a distal end of the cavity, a proximal guide, a distal guide, the proximal guide and the distal guide passing over the platform, and a cavity groove passing between the proximal end of the cavity and the distal end of the cavity, when in this way, the proximal guide and the distal guide extend laterally with respect to the groove of the cavity. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a staple that is removably stored in a staple cavity, including a proximal leg located inside the proximal guide, a distal leg located inside the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg, the base being located in the groove of the cavity.

Example 37. The staple cassette assembly of Example 36, wherein the proximal guide and distal guide extend to the scalpel slot.

Example 38 The staple cassette assembly of Example 36 wherein a proximal guide and a distal guide extend from the scalpel slot.

Example 39. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, or 38, wherein the proximal guide comprises a proximal support.

Example 40 The staple cassette assembly of Example 39 wherein the proximal support does not extend around the proximal end of the cavity.

Example 41. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 39 or 40, wherein the cavity groove is formed by the longitudinal axis and the proximal support is not aligned with the longitudinal axis.

Example 42. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, or 41, wherein the distal guide comprises a distal support.

Example 43 A staple cassette assembly of Example 42 wherein the distal support does not extend around the distal end of the cavity.

Example 44. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 42 or 43, in which the groove of the cavity is formed by the longitudinal axis, and the distal support is not aligned with the longitudinal axis.

Example 45. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the proximal stem and distal stem define the plane of the staple leg, the base comprising an ejection surface in an ejection plane offset from the plane of the staple leg, while the proximal guide and the distal guide are aligned with the plane of the staple, and the proximal guide and the distal guide are not aligned with the ejection plane.

Example 46. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the proximal stem and distal leg form the plane of the staple leg, and the base comprises an ejection surface in an ejection plane offset from the plane of the staple leg, and the proximal guide and the distal guide form a support plane aligned with the plane of the staple leg.

Example 47. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of staple cavities, and the staple cassette assembly additionally contains many staples located in the staple cavities.

Example 48. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein the portion of the proximal guide that extends over the platform comprises a staple cavity extension, and wherein the portion of the distal guide that extends over the platform comprises an extension for the staple cavity.

Example 49 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body including a proximal cassette end, a distal cassette end, a platform, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity includes a proximal end of the cavity, a distal end of the cavity, a proximal guide that extends above and below the platform, a distal guide that extends above and below the platform, and a connecting slot that runs between the proximal end of the cavity and the distal end of the cavity, wherein the proximal guide and the distal guide extends laterally with respect to the connecting slot. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a staple that is removably stored in a staple cavity, comprising a proximal leg located inside the proximal guide, a distal leg located inside the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg, with the base located in the groove cavity.

Example 50 The staple cassette assembly of Example 49, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of staple cavities, and wherein the staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of staples disposed in the staple cavities.

Example 51 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 49 or 50, wherein the portion of the proximal guide that extends over the platform comprises a staple cavity extension, and wherein the portion of the distal guide that extends over the platform comprises the extension of the staple cavity.

Example 52. A fastener cassette assembly for use with a surgical suturing instrument, wherein the fastener cassette assembly comprises a cassette body comprising a proximal cassette end, a distal cassette end, a platform, and a fastener recess. The recess for fasteners includes a proximal end of the recess, a distal end of the recess, a proximal guide, a distal guide, a proximal extension of the recess, the proximal extension of the recess extending over the platform, a distal extension of the recess, while the proximal extension of the recess extends over the platform, and a hole of the recess extending between a proximal end of the recess and a distal end of the recess, the proximal guide and the distal guide extending laterally with respect to the opening of the recess. The fastener cassette assembly further comprises a fastener removably stored in the fastener recess, including a proximal stem located within the proximal guide, a distal stem located within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal stem and distal stem, and the base is located in the opening of the recess.

Example 53 The fastener cassette assembly of Example 52, wherein the cassette body further comprises a plurality of fastener recesses, and the fastener cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of fasteners disposed in the fastener recesses.

Example 54 A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical instrument, the staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, and staple cavities formed in the platform. The cassette assembly with staples additionally contains staples that are removable in the cavities for staples, and a trigger element containing a channel aligned with the brackets, the channel contains a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall, and the channel is configured to accommodate staples between the first lateral side wall and the second lateral side wall.

Example 55. The staple cassette assembly of Example 54, wherein a channel is formed on an inclined surface of the trigger.

Example 56. Assembly of a cassette with staples according to examples 54 or 55, in which the channel contains an inclined section made with the possibility of lifting the staples inside the cavities for the staples during the triggering stroke of the trigger element, and an apex section made with the possibility of forming staples about the stop of the surgical instrument to final height in the formed state.

Example 57 The staple cassette assembly of Example 56, wherein the channel comprises a posterior region proximal to the apex region and wherein the apex region is located above the posterior region.

Example 58. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56 or 57, wherein the trigger comprises a slide including a plurality of wedges, and wherein a channel is formed on one of the wedges.

Example 59. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, or 58, wherein the trigger further comprises an inclined rail configured to initially lift the staples inside the staple cavities and guide the staples into the channel.

Example 60. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59, wherein the channel comprises an inlet portion and a longitudinal portion, and wherein the inlet portion provides entry into the longitudinal portion, and wherein the inlet portion is wider than the longitudinal portion.

Example 61. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60, wherein the staples are placed within a channel without a staple ejector located between the brackets and the channel.

Example 62. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall is parallel to the second lateral sidewall.

Example 63. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall is not parallel to the second lateral sidewall.

Example 64 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral sidewall are tilted relative to each other to provide a staple insertion port.

Example 65. Assembly of a cassette with staples according to examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 or 64, in which the channel contains a first channel, and wherein the trigger further comprises a second channel configured placement of staples.

Example 66. The staple cassette assembly of Example 65, wherein each staple comprises a push portion configured to enter a first channel and a forming portion configured to enter a second channel.

Example 67 A staple cassette assembly of Example 65 or 66, wherein a first channel extends at an angle relative to a second channel.

Example 68. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 65, 66, or 67, wherein the first channel and the second channel are parallel to each other in the first region and not parallel to each other in the second region.

Example 69. A staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65, 66, 67, or 68 wherein the second channel is configured to position the staples in front of the first channel as the trigger is extended toward the distal end.

Example 70. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body containing a platform and staple cavities formed in the platform, staples removable in the staple cavities, and a trigger containing an inclined a guide made with the possibility of direct interaction with the staples, and a rail guide extending from the ramp, adapted to orient the staples relative to the ramp.

Example 71. The staple cassette assembly of Example 70, wherein the rail comprises a first rail and the trigger further comprises a second rail extending from the ramp configured to orient the staples relative to the ramp.

Example 72 A staple cassette assembly of Example 71, wherein the first rail is parallel to the second rail.

Example 73. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an abutment, wherein the abutment comprises shaping recesses, and wherein the staple cassette assembly comprises a cassette body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a platform, and staple cavities formed in the platform. The cassette assembly with staples contains staples that are removable in the cavities for staples, and each staple contains an ejection section of the staple and a forming section of the staple, and a trigger element containing a first guide channel aligned with the ejection sections of the staples and a second guide channel aligned with forming sections of the staples, wherein the first guide channel and the second guide channel are made with the possibility of joint alignment of the staples with the forming recesses for the stop staples when the trigger is moved to the distal end.

Example 74. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body including a platform, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of first staples, each first staple being removably stored in a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each first staple is an integral structure including a first base that includes a first ejection surface and the first leg of the staple extending from the first base and including the first tip, wherein the first distance in the unformed state is formed between the first ejection surface and the first tip, a plurality of second staples, wherein each second staple is removably stored in a second longitudinal row of cavities for staples, and each second staple has a one-piece structure, including a second base that includes a second ejection surface and a second leg of the staple extending from the second base and including a second tip, while the second distance in the unformed state is formed between second surface th e ejection and second tip and differs from the first distance in the unformed state, and the trigger element made with the possibility of direct interaction with the first staples and the second staples.

Example 75 A staple cassette assembly of Example 74, wherein the first staples and the second staples are made of sheet metal.

Example 76. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 74 or 75, wherein each first base includes a first tissue supporting surface, the first tissue gripping distance is defined between the first tissue supporting surface and the first tip, wherein each second base includes a second the tissue supporting surface, wherein the second tissue supporting distance is formed between the second tissue supporting surface and the second tip, and the first tissue grasping distance is different from the second tissue grasping distance.

Example 77 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 74, 75, or 76 wherein the platform has a first platform height along a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second platform height along a second longitudinal row of staple cavities that is different from the first platform height.

Example 78. A cassette assembly with staples according to example 77, in which the cassette body further comprises a longitudinal groove adapted to accommodate a cutting element, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal groove, while the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of cavities for staples, and the second platform height is less than the first platform height.

Example 79. A cassette assembly with staples according to examples 74, 75, 76, 77 or 78, in which the cassette body further comprises a longitudinal groove adapted to accommodate a cutting element, and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal groove, and at the same time a second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to a first longitudinal row of staple cavities.

Example 80. The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, or 79, wherein the first unformed distance is less than the second unformed distance.

Example 81. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 or 80, further comprising a stop configured to deform the staples.

Example 82. A staple cassette assembly according to Example 81, in which the stop is configured to deform the first staples to a first deformed height and the second staples to a second deformed height that differs from the first deformed height.

Example 83. A cassette assembly with staples according to examples 81 or 82, in which the cassette body is movable to the stop for clamping the tissue between the stop and the platform of the cassette body.

Example 84. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 81, 82, or 83, wherein the stop is movable toward the cassette body to clamp the tissue between the stop and the cassette body platform.

Example 85. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84, further comprising staple cavity extensions extending from the platform.

Example 86. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, further comprising an implantable layer located above the platform.

Example 87. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that includes a platform, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a plurality of first staples, each first staple being removably stored in a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each first staple is an integral structure including a first base that includes a first ejection surface and a first tissue supporting surface and a first staple leg extending from the first base including a first tip, wherein a first tissue gripping distance is formed between the first tissue supporting surface and the first tip, a plurality of second staples, each second staple being removably stored in a second longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein each second staple has a one-piece structure including a second base that includes a second ejection surface and a second tissue supporting surface, and a second staple leg extending from the second base and including second tip, with w The first tissue grasping distance is defined between the second tissue supporting surface and the second tip and differs from the first tissue grasping distance, and the trigger is configured to interact directly with the first staples and second staples.

Example 88 The staple cassette assembly of Example 87 wherein the platform has a first platform height along a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second platform height along a second longitudinal row of staple cavities that is different from the first platform height.

Example 89. A cassette assembly with staples according to example 88, in which the cassette body further comprises a longitudinal groove adapted to accommodate a cutting element, and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal groove, while the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of cavities for staples, and the second platform height is less than the first platform height.

Example 90. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 87, 88, or 89, further comprising an abutment configured to deform the staples.

Example 91. A staple cassette assembly according to Example 90, in which the stop is configured to deform the first staples to a first deformed height and the second staples to a second deformed height that differs from the first deformed height.

Example 92. A cassette assembly with staples according to examples 90 or 91, in which the cassette body is movable to the stop to clamp the tissue between the stop and the cassette body platform.

Example 93. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that contains a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities, a plurality of first staples removably stored in a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, each first staple being stamped metal and includes an integral metal ejector, a plurality of second staples removably stored in a second longitudinal row of staple cavities, each second staple made of stamped metal and including an integral metal ejector, and means for forming first staples with a first height in a deformed state and second staples with a second height in a deformed state, the first height in a deformed state being different from a second height in a deformed state.

Example 94. A staple cassette assembly comprising a staple cassette body including a platform and staple cavities formed in the platform, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a base, a leg extending from the base, and a platform extending laterally from the base and an implantable layer located above the platform, the staple platforms being configured to abut against the layer when the staples are implanted into patient tissue.

Example 95. The staple cassette assembly of Example 94, in which each staple is stamped from a sheet of material, with the base forming the plane of the base, and thus extending the platform out of the plane of the base.

Example 96 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 94 or 95, wherein the implantable layer comprises a woven material.

Example 97 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 94, 95, or 96, wherein the implantable layer comprises a nonwoven material.

Example 98. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, or 97, further comprising a retention member extending from a leg adjacent the base, the retention member being configured to engage the implantable layer when the staples are implanted into patient tissue.

Example 99. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98 in which the platform is flat.

Example 100. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 in which the pad is not directly attached to the leg.

Example 101. A staple cassette assembly comprising a staple cassette body including a platform and staple cavities formed in the platform, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a crown, a first leg and a second leg, extending from the crown, and a platform extending laterally from the crown, and an implantable layer located above the platform, the platforms of the staples being configured to support the layer when the staples are implanted into the patient's tissue.

Example 102. The staple cassette assembly of Example 101, in which each staple is stamped from a sheet of material, with the crown forming the plane of the crown, and the platform being rotated out of the plane of the crown.

Example 103 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 101 or 102, wherein the implantable layer comprises woven material.

Example 104 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 101, 102, or 103, wherein the implantable layer comprises a nonwoven material.

Example 105. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103, or 104, further comprising a retention member extending from a stem adjacent to the crown, the retention member being configured to interact with the implantable layer when the staples are implanted into patient tissue.

Example 106. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the platform is flat.

Example 107 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, or 106, wherein each staple contains a compatible accessory disposed adjacent to the crown.

Example 108 The staple cassette assembly of Example 107 wherein a compatible accessory extends between a first leg and a second leg.

Example 109 A staple cassette assembly of Example 107 or 108 wherein a compatible accessory is attached to a first leg and a second leg.

Example 110 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 107, 108, or 109, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a first opening and a second opening, the first leg extending through the first opening and the second leg extending through the second opening.

Example 111. The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107, 108, 109, or 110, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a cavity and at least one medicament disposed in the cavity.

Example 112. A staple cartridge assembly of Examples 107, 108, 109, 110, or 111, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a collapsible shell.

Example 113. A staple cassette assembly comprising a staple cassette body including a platform and staple cavities formed in the platform, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a crown, a first leg, and a second leg extending from the crown, a platform extending laterally from the crown, and a compatible accessory adjacent to the crown.

Example 114 A staple cassette assembly of Example 113 wherein a compatible accessory extends between a first leg and a second leg.

Example 115 A staple cassette assembly of Example 113 or 114 wherein a compatible accessory is attached to a first leg and a second leg.

Example 116 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 113, 114, or 115, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a first hole and a second hole, the first leg extending through the first hole and the second leg extending through the second hole.

Example 117 A staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113, 114, 115, or 116, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a cavity and at least one medicament disposed in the cavity.

Example 118. The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 113, 114, 115, 116, or 117, wherein the compatible accessory comprises a collapsible shell.

Example 119. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body including a platform and a plurality of staple cavities formed in the platform, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a first portion made of an alloy including zinc and magnesium; and a second section made of absorbable polymer, the second section being located on the first section and the second section not completely covering the first section.

Example 120 A staple cassette assembly of Example 119, wherein the first portion comprises a base and a staple leg extending from the base, the second section extending around the staple leg in a helical pattern.

EXAMPLE 121 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 119 or 120 wherein a second region is superimposed on the first region in a matrix pattern.

Example 122. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, or 121, wherein the first portion comprises a base and a staple leg extending from the base, with a corner formed between the base and the staple leg and the second section covering the corner.

Example 123 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121 or 122, wherein the absorbable polymer comprises a non-crosslinked polymer.

Example 124 A staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121, 122, or 123, wherein a second portion is superimposed on the first portion in a grid pattern.

Example 125. A staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124, wherein the first portion comprises a base and a staple leg extending from the base, the staple leg comprises a tissue-penetrating tip, and wherein the staple further comprises magnesium nitride coated on the tip.

Example 126. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, or 125, wherein the staple further comprises an ionized silver coating on at least a portion of the first portion that is not covered with the second portion.

Example 127. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, further comprising at least one opening in the first portion.

Example 128 A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that includes a platform and a plurality of staple cavities formed in the platform and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a metal frame made of magnesium alloy, and an absorbable polymer deposited on a metal framework, wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover every portion of the metal framework.

Example 129. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that includes a platform and a plurality of staple cavities formed in the platform and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a metal frame made of magnesium alloy when the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending from the base, and the leg comprises a tissue-penetrating tip and a magnesium nitride coating on the tip.

Example 130 A staple cassette assembly of Example 129, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer deposited on a metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover each portion of the metal frame.

Example 131. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 129 or 130, wherein each staple further comprises a coating containing silver on at least a portion of the metal frame.

Example 132. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that includes a platform and a plurality of staple cavities formed in the platform and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a metal frame made of magnesium alloy when the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending from the base, and wherein the leg comprises a tissue-penetrating tip and a coating containing silver on at least a portion of the metal frame.

Example 133 A staple cassette assembly of Example 132, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer applied to a metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover each portion of the metal frame.

Example 134. The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 132 or 133, further comprising a magnesium nitride coating on the tip.

Example 135. A staple cassette assembly comprising a cassette body that includes a platform and a plurality of staple cavities formed in the platform, and a plurality of staples stored in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a metal frame made of magnesium alloy when the metal frame comprises a base and a leg extending from the base, and the leg comprises a tissue-penetrating tip and an opening formed in the metal frame.

Example 136. The staple cassette assembly of Example 135, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer applied to a metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer does not cover each portion of the metal frame.

Example 137 A staple cassette assembly of Example 135, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer deposited on a metal frame and wherein the absorbable polymer is not located in the opening.

Example 138. The staple cartridge assembly of Example 135, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer deposited on a metal frame, and wherein the absorbable polymer is located in the opening.

Example 139. The staple cassette assembly of Example 135, wherein each staple further comprises an absorbable polymer deposited on a metal frame, and wherein the opening is filled with absorbable polymer.

Example 140. A cassette assembly with staples for stapling tissue, comprising a cassette body including a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples located in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a base, a leg extending from the base, in this case, the leg contains a tip made with the possibility of penetration into the tissue, and a foot extending from the base, as well as a trigger element made with the possibility of pushing the staples out of the cavities for the staples, while the trigger element is configured to contact the foot of any staple that is incorrect oriented within its staple cavity prior to pushing the mis-oriented staple out of its staple cavity.

Example 141. An assembly of a cassette with staples according to example 140, in which the trigger contains a starting inclined guide made with the possibility of contact with the bases of the staples for pushing the staples out of the cavities for the staples, and an aligning guide made with the possibility of contact with the legs of the staples if the staples are incorrect oriented.

Example 142. A cassette assembly with staples according to examples 140 or 141, in which the trigger element additionally contains a launch channel aligned with the launching inclined guide, and the launch channel is configured to accommodate the bases of the staples, and the aligning channel aligned with the aligning guide, while aligning the channel is adapted to accommodate the staple legs after correct orientation of the staples.

Example 143 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 141 or 142, wherein the alignment rail extends distal to the launch ramp such that the alignment rail can contact the staple foot before the launch ramp contacts the staple bases.

Example 144. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 140, 141, 142, or 143 wherein the staple tab is located proximal to the base of the staple.

Example 145 A staple cartridge assembly of Examples 140, 141, 142, 143, or 144, wherein the trigger is not configured to contact the staple tab if the staples are properly oriented within the staple cavities.

Example 146 A staple cassette assembly for stapling tissue comprising a cassette body that includes a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of staple cavities, each staple cavity comprising an upper opening, a proximal wall, and a distal wall. The staple cassette assembly further comprises a trigger and a plurality of staples located in the staple cavities, each staple comprising a base, a proximal leg extending from the base, a distal leg extending from the base, and a center of mass formed at the base, with the distal wall provides a distal reaction force for the staple above the center of mass and the proximal wall provides a proximal reaction force for the staple below the center of mass, with the staple being lifted to the upper opening by the trigger. The cassette unit with staples further comprises a triggering element configured to push the staples out of the staple cavities, the trigger being capable of contacting the tab of any staple that is incorrectly oriented inside its staple cavity before pushing the incorrectly oriented staple out of its staple cavity.

Example 147. The staple cassette assembly of Example 146 wherein the base forms an ejection plane and wherein the proximal stem and distal stem are not in the ejection plane.

Example 148. The staple cassette assembly of Example 146 or 147, wherein the proximal stem and distal stem are laterally offset from the center of mass of the staple.

Example 149 The staple cassette assembly of Examples 146, 147, or 148 wherein the distal wall applies a distal reaction force to the distal stem and the proximal wall applies a proximal reaction force to the proximal stem.

Example 150 The staple cassette assembly of Example 147 wherein the proximal stem extends to the first side of the ejection plane and the distal stem extends to the second side of the ejection plane.

Example 151. The staple cassette assembly of Examples 146, 147, 148, 149, or 150, wherein the base comprises a slot formed therein adapted to offset the center of mass of the staple toward the side of the staple cavity.

Example 152. A staple cassette assembly for stapling tissue comprising a cassette body that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of staple cavities. The cassette unit with staples additionally contains a plurality of staples located in cavities for staples, and each bracket contains a base forming an ejection plane and a leg extending from the base, and the leg extends to the side of the ejection plane, a trigger element configured to push the staples out of the cavities for staples, and means for reducing rotation of the staples within the staple cavities when the trigger pushes the staples out of the staple cavities.

Example 153 A surgical staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the surgical staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities and a plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cavities, each staple having a staple base portion that forms the first plane, the center of mass located inside the staple base section, the first staple leg extending from the staple base section, and the second staple leg extending from the staple base section, while the first staple leg and the second staple leg form a second plane that is offset and at least substantially parallel to the first plane.

Example 154. The staple cassette of Example 153, wherein the first staple leg and the second staple leg are configured to form toward the base portion of the staple.

Example 155. A staple cassette of Examples 153 or 154, wherein a portion of the base of the staple comprises a compression surface that is contoured to limit tissue compression.

Example 156. A staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, or 155, wherein the staple base portion comprises a bottom surface, and wherein the first staple leg further comprises an engaging tab raised above the bottom surface.

Example 157. A staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, or 156, wherein the staple base portion comprises an inner wall and a top surface, the inner wall and top surface include a cutout made to cause the staple base portion to tilt toward the staple legs ...

Example 158 A staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, or 157, wherein the first staple leg extends above the second staple leg.

Example 159 The staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, or 158, wherein the portion of the staple base has a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

Example 160 A staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, or 159, wherein the first staple leg and the second staple leg have a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

Example 161 The staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, or 160, wherein the first staple leg and the second staple leg comprise punched corners.

Example 162. A staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, or 161, wherein the first staple leg is proximal to the second staple leg, the base portion of the staple comprising a distal wall, and the distal wall is located proximal to the second leg of the staple.

Example 163. Surgical staple cassette of Examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161 or 162, in which the first staple leg has a first height and the second staple leg has a second height different from the first height ...

Example 164. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163, in which each of the first leg of the staple and the second leg of the staple comprises a staple tip configured to form in the corresponding forming recesses of the stop, the corresponding forming recesses comprising a recess and a forming surface, and wherein the recess is configured to guide the ends of the staple towards the forming surface.

Example 165. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163 or 164, in which the first leg of the staple and the second leg of the staple are made with the possibility of forming in the corresponding forming recesses wherein the respective shaping recesses are configured to form a first staple leg in a first direction and a second staple leg in a second direction, the first direction being opposite and at least substantially parallel to the second direction.

Example 166 A staple cassette of Example 165, wherein a first direction faces away from the staple base portion and a second direction faces toward the staple base portion.

Example 167. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165 or 166, in which the first leg of the staple and the second leg of the staple are configured to form in respective shaping recesses, the respective shaping recesses being configured to form a first shackle leg in a first bending direction and a second shackle leg in a second bending direction.

Example 168. A surgical staple comprising a staple base portion defining a first plane, a first staple leg extending at least substantially perpendicular to the staple base portion, and a second staple leg extending at least substantially perpendicular to the staple base portion, with the first staple leg the staples and the second leg of the staple form a second plane, with the first plane and the second plane intersecting.

Example 169 A staple cassette containing a plurality of staples of Examples 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, or 168, wherein surgical staples are placed in multiple interlaced rows.

Example 170. The surgical bracket of Examples 168 or 169, wherein the bracket is configured to be formed into an S-shaped configuration.

Example 171. A surgical staple comprising a staple base portion, which comprises a lower surface forming a lower plane, a center of mass located inside the staple base portion, and a first staple leg and a second staple leg extending from the staple base portion and forming the plane of the staple leg, which is offset and at least substantially parallel to the base portion of the staple, wherein the first leg of the staple comprises an engagement tab raised above the bottom plane.

Example 172 A surgical staple as in Example 171, wherein the engagement tab is laterally offset with respect to the base portion of the staple.

Example 173. A staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument including a tissue stapler, the abutment comprising a plurality of shaping recesses, the surgical staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of staples stored with the option extraction inside the cavities for the staples, wherein each staple contains a base and a staple leg extending from the base, while the staple leg contains the tip of the staple containing a piercing section, while the piercing section is configured to pierce the tissue and deform in the forming recesses of the stop, and when the piercing portion is thereby deformable into a nested configuration such that the piercing tip is isolated from the tissue.

Example 174 The staple cassette of Example 173, wherein the nested configuration has a hook configuration configured to prevent the surgical staple from being pushed through tissue.

Example 175. The staple cassette of Examples 173 or 174, wherein the tip of the staple further comprises a notch portion configured to receive a piercing portion when the piercing portion is deformed.

Example 176. The staple cassette of Example 175, wherein the cut portion is concave.

Example 177 A staple cassette of Examples 175 or 176, wherein each staple contains a different staple leg extending from the base, the other staple leg contains a different staple tip containing a different notch portion with the notch portion and the other notch portion facing to each other.

Example 178. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 173, 174, 175, 176 or 177, in which the tip of the staple further comprises a swirling surface configured to move to the corresponding forming indentations of the stop.

Example 179. A staple cassette of Examples 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, or 178, wherein each staple comprises another staple leg, the staple leg and the other staple leg defining a first plane, the staple base defining a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane are laterally offset from each other.

Example 180. A surgical staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an abutment, the abutment comprising a shaping recess, the surgical staple comprising a staple base portion and a staple leg extending from a staple base portion, the staple leg comprising a staple tip, and wherein the tip of the staple comprises a piercing tip adapted to contact the shaping recess for deforming the staple leg, and a notch section, while the piercing tip is configured to roll to the notch section upon contact with the shaping recess in such a way that the tip of the staple assumes a non-piercing configuration.

Example 181. The surgical staple of Example 180, wherein the non-piercing configuration has a hook configuration adapted to push the surgical staple through tissue.

Example 182 A surgical staple of Examples 180 or 181, wherein the notch portion is configured to accommodate a piercing tip when the tip of the staple is deformed.

Example 183 The surgical staple of Examples 180, 181, or 182 wherein the notch portion is concave.

Example 184. The surgical staple of Examples 180, 181, 182, or 183, wherein the tip of the staple further comprises a deformable surface configured to form an abutment in the forming recess.

Example 185. A staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an abutment, the staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of flat staples removably stored within the staple cavities, each the staple contains a staple base section and a staple leg extending from the base section, while the staple leg contains a staple tip having a rounded profile and a piercing section.

Example 186 A staple cassette of Example 185, wherein a rounded profile is achieved by cold working.

Example 187 A staple cassette of Examples 185 or 186, wherein the tip of the staple comprises a stamped area.

Example 188. A staple cassette of Examples 185, 186, or 187, wherein the tip of the staple further comprises a deformable surface configured to form an abutment in the forming recess.

Example 189 The staple cassette of Examples 185, 186, 187, or 188, wherein the tip of the staple has a first stiffness and the stem of the staple has a second stiffness different from the first stiffness.

Example 190. The staple cassette of Example 189, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness.

Example 191 Surgical staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the surgical staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities and a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, each staple comprising a staple base and a pair of legs staples extending from the base portion, each leg of the staple comprising a staple tip, wherein the staple legs comprise a first zone having a first stiffness, and wherein the staple ends comprise a second zone having a second stiffness that is different from the first stiffness.

Example 192. The staple cassette of Example 191, wherein the second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness.

Example 193 The staple cassette of Example 191, wherein the second stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

Example 194 A staple cassette of Examples 191, 192, or 193, wherein the base of the staple comprises a third zone having a third stiffness different from the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

Example 195. A staple cassette of Examples 191, 192, 193 or 194, wherein the legs of the staple comprise corner portions that are stamped with a first stiffness.

Example 196 The staple cassette of Example 195, wherein the corner portions provide a preferred fold plane.

Example 197. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 191, 192, 193, 194, 195 or 196, in which the first zone has a first plasticity, and the second zone has a second plasticity that is less than the first plasticity.

Example 198. A cassette with surgical staples for use with a surgical stapling instrument, and the cassette with surgical staples comprises a cassette body, a plurality of cavities for staples and

a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, each staple comprising a staple base, a pair of staple legs extending from the staple base, a first zone having a first stiffness, and a second zone having a second stiffness that is different from the first stiffness.

Example 199. The staple cassette of Example 198, wherein a first zone is strengthened using a first method and a second zone is strengthened using a second method different from the first method.

Example 200 A staple cassette of Example 198, in which only one of the first zone and the second zone is hardened by a hardening process.

Example 201. A staple cassette of Examples 198, 199, or 200, wherein each staple further comprises curved portions between the staple legs and the base of the staple, and wherein the curved portions comprise a first zone and the base of the staple comprises a second zone.

Example 202. A staple cassette of Examples 198, 199, 200, or 201, wherein the base of the staple comprises a first zone and the legs of the staple comprise a second zone.

Example 203. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 198, 199, 200, 201 or 202, in which the legs of the staple are not strengthened, and the base of the staple is reinforced, which facilitates the adoption of the formed configuration by the legs of the staple, and so that the base of the staple is configured to prevent plastic deformation.

Example 204 A staple cassette of Examples 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, or 203, wherein each staple leg comprises a transition section extending from the base of the staple and a vertical leg section extending from the transition section, and wherein the base of the staple contains the first zone, and the vertical leg section contains the second zone.

Example 205. A surgical staple configured to be stored and retrievable inside a cassette with surgical staples in an unactivated configuration, wherein the surgical staple has an uneven stiffness profile, wherein the staple comprises a first zone having a first stiffness and a second zone having a second stiffness, when the first zone is reinforced to a first stiffness when the clip is in a pre-load configuration, and the second zone is reinforced to a second stiffness when the clip is in a pre-load configuration.

Example 206 A surgical staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the surgical staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, each staple comprising a staple base, wherein the base of the staple forms a first zone having a first stiffness, a plurality of bent portions extending from the base of the staple, the bent portions forming a second zone having a second stiffness, and the legs of the staple extending from the bent portions, with each leg of the staple forming a third zone having third hardness different from the first hardness.

Example 207 The staple cassette of Example 206 wherein the first stiffness is greater than the third stiffness.

Example 208 The staple cassette of Example 206 wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness and the third stiffness.

Example 209 A staple cassette of Examples 206, 207, or 208, wherein each staple leg comprises a staple tip forming a fourth zone having a fourth stiffness less than a third stiffness.

Example 210. A cassette with surgical staples for use with a surgical stapling instrument, and the cassette with surgical staples contains a sled, a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a strip of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, the staple strip containing a plurality of staples, strip and a plurality of connecting portions connecting the staples to the strip, the connecting portions being configured to release the staples from the strip.

Example 211. The staple cassette of Example 210, wherein each connecting portion comprises a surface discontinuity configured to aid in separating the staples from the strip.

Example 212 A staple cassette of Example 210, wherein each connecting portion comprises a surface discontinuity configured to aid in separation of the staples from the strip when the strip of staples is loaded into the cassette body.

Example 213 A staple cassette of Examples 210 or 211, wherein the sled is configured to separate the plurality of staples from the strip by breaking the connecting portions as the sled is moved through the staple cassette.

Example 214 A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, or 213, wherein each staple includes a pair of outwardly displacing staple legs configured to engage with the cassette body and retain the staple strip in the staple cassette.

Example 215. A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, wherein the cassette body comprises a lower portion, and wherein the strip of staples is loaded into the lower portion of the cassette body.

Example 216 A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, or 215 in which a plurality of staples are placed in the first row and second row and the strip is connected to the staples in the first row and second row.

Example 217 A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, or 216, wherein the plurality of staples comprises a first set of staples having a first configuration and a second set of staples having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Example 218 The staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, or 217, wherein the connecting portion comprises a reinforced portion.

Example 219. A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, or 218, in which the slide contains striking portions configured to break the connecting portions.

Example 220 A staple cassette of Examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, or 219, wherein the staples comprise a beveled surface adapted to engage with a slide when the slide is moved through the cassette body.

Example 221. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219 or 220, in which the strip contains alignment elements configured to interact with corresponding alignment elements on the cassette body.

Example 222. A staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities, and a strip of staples removably stored within the cassette body, the staple strip comprising a plurality of staples, a strip and a plurality connecting portions connecting the staples to the strip, the connecting portions being made to interact to release the staples from the strip, and wherein the staples, the strip and the connecting portions are metallic.

Example 223 A staple cassette of Example 222, wherein the plurality of staples comprises a first plurality of staples having a first crown width and a second plurality of staples having a second crown width different from the first crown width.

Example 224 A staple cassette of Examples 222 or 223, wherein the plurality of staples comprises a first set of staples comprising staple legs defining a first height and a second group of staples comprising staple legs defining a second height different from the first height.

Example 225. The staple cassette of Example 222, wherein the strip of staples is uniform in composition.

Example 226. A staple cassette of Examples 222, 223, 224, or 225, wherein the strip comprises alignment members configured to interact with corresponding alignment members on the cassette body.

Example 227. A cassette with surgical staples of Examples 222, 223, 224, 225, or 226, further comprising a second strip of staples comprising a plurality of second staples, a second strip, and a plurality of second connecting portions connecting the second staples to a second strip, the plurality of staples being disposed in a plurality of rows forming a first row spacing, the plurality of second staples being arranged in a plurality of rows forming a second row spacing, and wherein the first row spacing and the second row spacing are different.

Example 228. A metal band of surgical staples adapted for use with a cassette of surgical staples, the metal band of surgical staples comprising a plurality of staples, a strip, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting the staples to the strip.

Example 229 A metal band of surgical staples of Example 228, wherein the connecting portions comprise a surface discontinuity notch.

Example 230. A staple cassette for use with a circular stapling instrument, the staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities formed in the cassette body, and a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, the plurality of staples contain an inner row of staples containing a number of first staples, while each first staple contains a crown of the first staple, which determines the width of the crown of the first staple, an intermediate row of staples located radially outward with respect to the inner row of staples, while the intermediate row of staples contains a certain number of second staples, and each second staple contains the crown of the second staple, which determines the width of the crown of the second staple, and an outer row of staples located radially outward with respect to the intermediate row of staples, while the outer row of staples contains a number of third staples, while every third staple contains the crown of the third brace, determining the width of the crown of the third staple, and wherein one of the crown width of the first staple, the width of the crown of the second staple and the width of the crown of the third staple differs from the other of the width of the crown of the first staple, the width of the crown of the second staple, and the width of the crown of the third staple.

Example 231 A surgical staple cassette of Example 230, wherein the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first gaps between the first staples, and wherein the second brackets of the intermediate row of staples overlap the first gaps.

Example 232. A staple cassette of Example 231, wherein an intermediate row of staples forms a plurality of second clearances between second staples, the second clearances being larger than the first clearances, and wherein the third brackets of the outer row of staples overlap the second clearances.

Example 233 The staple cassette of Examples 231 or 232, wherein the third staples of the outer row of staples also bridged the first gaps.

Example 234. A surgical staple cassette of Example 230, wherein the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first clearances between the first staples, the intermediate row of staples forming a plurality of second clearances between the second staples, the second staples overlapping the first clearances, and wherein the first clearances and the second gaps are at least substantially equal.

Example 235. A surgical staple cassette of Example 230, wherein the inner row of staples defines a plurality of first clearances between the first staples, the intermediate row of staples forming a plurality of second clearances between the second staples, each first gap forming a first distance, and each second the gap forms a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Example 236 A staple cassette of Examples 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, or 235, wherein the crown width of the first staple is less than the crown width of the second staple.

Example 237 A staple cassette of Examples 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, or 235, wherein the crown width of the first staple is at least substantially the same as the crown width of the second staple.

Example 238 A staple cassette of Examples 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, or 237, wherein the crown width of the third staple is greater than the crown width of the first staple and the crown width of the second staple.

Example 239 A staple cassette for use with a circular stapling instrument, the staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities formed in the cassette body, and a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, the plurality of staples form an inner row of staples containing the first number of first staples, with each first staple containing the crown of the first staple, which determines the width of the crown of the first staple, an intermediate row of staples located radially outward with respect to the inner row of staples, while the intermediate row of staples contains a second number of second staples, and each second staple contains the crown of the second staple, defining the width of the crown of the second staple, and an outer row of staples located radially outward with respect to the intermediate row of staples, while the outer row of staples contains the third number of third staples, with each third staple contains the crown of the third staple, I define the width of the crown of the third staple, and at the same time one of the width of the crown of the first staple, the width of the crown of the second staple and the width of the crown of the third staple differs from the other of the width of the crown of the first staple, the width of the crown of the second staple and the width of the crown of the third staple, and one of the first quantity, second quantity and third quantity is different from another of the first quantity, second quantity and third quantity.

Example 240. The staple cassette of Example 239, wherein the second amount is less than the first amount.

Example 241. The staple cassette of Example 239 or Example 240, wherein the second amount is less than the third amount.

Example 242 A staple cassette of Examples 239, 240, or 241 wherein a plurality of staple cavities comprises a plurality of non-uniform cavity extensions.

Example 243 A staple cassette of Examples 239, 240, 241, or 242, wherein each first staple of the inner row of staples comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially outward from each crown of the first staple.

Example 244 A staple cassette of Examples 239, 240, 241, 242, or 243, wherein each second staple of the intermediate row of staples comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially inward from each crown of the second staple.

Example 245 A staple cassette of Examples 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, or 244, wherein each third staple of the outer row of staples comprises a pair of staple legs extending radially inward from each crown of the third staple.

Example 246. A surgical staple cassette for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the surgical staple cassette comprising a cassette body, a plurality of staple cavities formed in the cassette body, and a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, the plurality of staples contain an inner row of staples containing the first number of first staples, with each first staple containing the crown of the first staple, defining the width of the crown of the first staple, an intermediate row of staples located outside with respect to the inner row of staples, while the intermediate row of staples contains the second number of second staples , and each second staple contains the crown of the second staple, which determines the width of the crown of the second staple, and the outer row of staples located outwardly with respect to the intermediate row of staples, while the outer row of staples contains the third number of third staples, while each third bracket contains a crown the third bracket defining the width of the box the width of the crown of the first bracket, the width of the crown of the second bracket and the width of the crown of the third bracket differs from the other of the width of the crown of the first bracket, the width of the crown of the second bracket, and the width of the crown of the third bracket.

Example 247 The staple cassette of Example 246, wherein one of the first number, second number, and third number is different from another of the first number, second number, and third number.

Example 248 The staple cassette of Example 246 wherein the first number and second number are equal.

Example 249 A staple cassette of Examples 246, 247, or 248, wherein an inner row of staples defines a plurality of first clearances between first staples, an intermediate row of staples defining a plurality of second clearances between second staples, with each first gap forming a first distance, and wherein every second gap forms a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Full descriptions:

US Patent No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, issued April 4, 1995;

U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, issued February 21, 2006;

U.S. Patent No. 7,422,139 entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, issued September 9, 2008;

US Patent No. 7,464,849 entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, issued December 16, 2008;

U.S. Patent No. 7,670,334 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, issued March 2, 2010;

US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, issued July 13, 2010;

US Patent No. 8,393,514 entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, issued March 12, 2013;

U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 343,803 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; currently US patent No. 7,845,537;

U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed February 14, 2008;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now US Patent No. 7,980,443;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 235,782 entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now US Patent No. 8,210,411;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now US Patent No. 8,608,045;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed December 24, 2009; currently US patent No. 8,220,688;

US Patent Application No. 12 / 893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed September 29, 2012; now US Patent No. 8,733,613;

US Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now US Patent No. 8,561,870;

US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,072,535;

U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 524,049 entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed June 15, 2012; currently US patent No. 9,101,358;

US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;

US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed January 31, 2006; and

US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, incorporated herein by reference.

While various device embodiments have been described herein in connection with certain described embodiments, many modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments. Also for certain components for which materials are described, you can use other materials. Moreover, according to various embodiments, one component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. The above description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The devices described herein can be configured to be recycled after a single use, or they can be configured to be used multiple times. However, in any case, the device can be restored for reuse after at least one use. Refurbishment can include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts and then reassembling. In particular, the device can be disassembled and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, the device can be reassembled for later use, either in a refurbishment shop or by the surgical team just prior to surgery. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of disassembly, cleaning / replacement and reassembly techniques can be used to rebuild the device. The use of such techniques, as well as the resulting reconditioned device, are within the scope of this application.

By way of example only, the components described herein may be processed prior to intervention. First, a new or used instrument can be obtained and, if necessary, processed. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or TYVEK bag. The instrument container can then be placed in the field of radiation capable of penetrating the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or a fast electron beam. Radiation can kill bacteria on the surface of the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can maintain the sterility of the instrument until it becomes necessary to use it in a medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, without limitation, beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, or steam.

Although the present invention has been described as having exemplary configurations, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the description. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, application, or adaptation of the invention by applying its general principles.

Any patent, publication or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, which is indicated as incorporated herein by reference, is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, provisions and other disclosure material presented herein. description. Thus, the description expressly set forth herein, to the extent necessary, prevails over any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or part thereof that is indicated to be incorporated herein by reference but contradicts existing definitions, provisions, or other disclosures set forth herein will be included only to the extent that no conflict arises between the included material and existing disclosure material. ...

Claims (64)

1. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, in which the staple cassette assembly contains: cassette body containing: the proximal end of the cassette; the distal end of the cassette; platform; a longitudinal blade slot formed in said platform extending from said proximal end of the cassette to said distal end of the cassette; and staple cavity containing: an upper hole formed in said platform; the proximal end of the cavity; distal end of the cavity; a proximal guide passing over the specified platform; a distal guide passing over the specified platform; and a cavity groove extending between said proximal end of the cavity and said distal end of the cavity, said proximal guide and said distal guide extending laterally with respect to said cavity groove; and staple stored removably in said staple cavity containing: the first leg located within the specified distal guide; a second leg located within the specified proximal guide; and a base extending between said second leg and said first leg, said base being located in said groove of the cavity. 2. The staple cassette assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal guide and said distal guide extend to said blade slot. 3. The staple cassette assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal guide and said distal guide extend from said blade slot. 4. The staple cassette assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal guide comprises a proximal support. 5. The staple cassette assembly of claim 4, wherein said proximal support does not extend around said proximal end of the cavity. 6. The staple cassette assembly of claim 4, wherein said cavity groove is formed by a longitudinal axis, and wherein said proximal support is not aligned with said longitudinal axis. 7. The staple cassette assembly of claim 1, wherein said distal guide comprises a distal support. 8. The staple cassette assembly of claim 6, wherein said distal support does not extend around said distal end of the cavity. 9. The staple cassette assembly according to claim 6, wherein said cavity groove is formed by a longitudinal axis, and wherein said distal support is not aligned with said longitudinal axis. 10. The cassette assembly with staples according to claim 1, in which said second leg and said first leg form the plane of the staple leg, and said base comprises an ejection surface in the ejection plane offset from said plane of the staple leg, wherein said proximal guide and said distal the guide is aligned with the specified plane of the staple, and the specified proximal guide and the specified distal guide are not aligned with the specified ejection plane. 11. The staple cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second leg and said first leg form the plane of the staple leg, and said base comprises an ejection surface in the ejection plane offset from said plane of the staple leg, and wherein said proximal guide and said the distal guide forms the plane of support aligned with the specified plane of the staple leg. 12. The staple cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cassette body further comprises said staple cavities, and wherein said staple cassette assembly further comprises said staples located in said staple cavities. 13. The staple cassette assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of said proximal guide that extends over said platform comprises a staple cavity extension, and wherein a portion of said distal guide that extends over said platform comprises a staple cavity extension. 14. Staple cassette assembly for use with surgical stapling instrument, in which the staple cassette assembly contains: cassette body containing: the proximal end of the cassette; the distal end of the cassette; platform; and staple cavity containing: the proximal end of the cavity; distal end of the cavity; a proximal guide that extends over and under the platform; distal guide, passing over the specified platform and below it; and a cavity groove extending between said proximal end of the cavity and said distal end of the cavity, said proximal guide and said distal guide extending laterally with respect to said cavity groove; and staple stored removably in said staple cavity containing: the first leg located within the specified distal guide; a second leg located within the specified proximal guide; and a base extending between said second leg and said first leg, said base being located in said groove of the cavity. 15. The staple cassette assembly according to claim 14, wherein said cassette body further comprises said staple cavities, and wherein said staple cassette assembly further comprises said staples located in said staple cavities. 16. The staple cassette assembly of claim 14, wherein a portion of said proximal guide that extends over said platform comprises a staple cavity extension, and wherein a portion of said distal guide that extends over said platform includes a staple cavity extension. 17. A staple cassette assembly for use with a surgical stapler, comprising: cassette body containing: the proximal end of the cassette; the distal end of the cassette; platform; and staple cavity containing: the proximal end of the cavity; distal end of the cavity; proximal guide; distal guide; a proximal cavity extender extending over said platform; and a distal cavity extension extending over said platform; a cavity groove extending between said proximal end of the cavity and said distal end of the cavity, said proximal guide and said distal guide extending laterally with respect to said cavity groove; and staple stored removably in said staple cavity containing: the first leg located within the specified distal guide; a second leg located within the specified proximal guide; and a base extending between said second leg and said first leg, said base being located in said groove of the cavity. 18. The staple cassette assembly according to claim 17, wherein said cassette body further comprises said staple cavities, and said staple cassette assembly further comprises said staples located in said staple cavities.

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