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WO2024241196A1 - Cartouche d'agrafeuse chirurgicale ayant une surface surélevée pour favoriser l'adhérence de contrefort - Google Patents

Cartouche d'agrafeuse chirurgicale ayant une surface surélevée pour favoriser l'adhérence de contrefort Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024241196A1
WO2024241196A1 PCT/IB2024/054891 IB2024054891W WO2024241196A1 WO 2024241196 A1 WO2024241196 A1 WO 2024241196A1 IB 2024054891 W IB2024054891 W IB 2024054891W WO 2024241196 A1 WO2024241196 A1 WO 2024241196A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pocket
cartridge
staple
upwardly
pockets
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2024/054891
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gregory G. Scott
Nicholas Fanelli
Kevin M. Fiebig
John P. May
Nicholas A. Wilson
Devanathan Raghavan
Jeffery D. BRUNS
Pierre R. MESNIL
Scott A. Jenkins
Kristin L. Jambor
Cory G. Kimball
Anil K. Nalagatla
Shannon L. Jones
Iv Frederick E. Shelton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cilag GmbH International
Original Assignee
Cilag GmbH International
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/588,206 external-priority patent/US12390220B2/en
Application filed by Cilag GmbH International filed Critical Cilag GmbH International
Priority to EP24731075.8A priority Critical patent/EP4525738B1/fr
Publication of WO2024241196A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024241196A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/068—Surgical staplers, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps
    • A61B17/072—Surgical staplers, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
    • A61B17/07207—Surgical staplers, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously the staples being applied sequentially
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/068—Surgical staplers, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps
    • A61B17/072—Surgical staplers, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
    • A61B2017/07214—Stapler heads
    • A61B2017/07271—Stapler heads characterised by its cartridge

Definitions

  • endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over traditional open surgical devices since a smaller incision may reduce the post-operative recovery time and complications. Consequently, some endoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placement of a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through the cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors may engage tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, stapler, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy delivery device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.). Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a shaft between the end effector and a handle portion or other type of body portion, which is manipulated by the clinician or robotic operator.
  • Such a shaft may enable insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient. Positioning of an end effector may be further facilitated through inclusion of one or more articulation joints or features, enabling the end effector to be selectively articulated or otherwise deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
  • endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers. Some such staplers are operable to clamp down on layers of tissue, cut through the clamped layers of tissue, and drive staples through the layers of tissue to substantially seal the severed layers of tissue together near the severed ends of the tissue layers. Such endoscopic surgical staplers may also be used in open procedures and/or other non-endoscopic procedures. By way of example only, a surgical stapler may be inserted through a thoracotomy and thereby between a patient’s ribs to reach one or more organs in a thoracic surgical procedure that does not use a trocar as a conduit for the stapler.
  • Such procedures may include the use of the stapler to sever and close a vessel leading to an organ, such as a lung.
  • the vessels leading to an organ may be severed and closed by a stapler before removal of the organ from the thoracic cavity.
  • surgical staplers may be used in various other settings and procedures.
  • the stapling assembly (e.g., cartridges) of a surgical stapler may include raised features that extend upwardly from a deck thereof for enhancing the gripping of tissue by the stapling assembly when the end effector is closed, and/or for guiding the legs of the staples as the legs exit the respective staple openings during deployment of the staples.
  • raised features may extend upwardly from the deck at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket and may be referred to as pocket extenders.
  • adjunct material is adhered directly to the deck via an adhesive material.
  • the height of the aforementioned raised gripping features may result in suboptimal adhesion of the adjunct material to the stapling assembly, such as by inhibiting the adhesive material from reaching the deck.
  • the surgical staplers of the present disclosure seek to provide improved adhesion of buttresses and other adjunct materials to stapling assemblies having such raised gripping features.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a surgical stapler
  • FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an end effector of the surgical stapler of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4A depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 2, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, showing a firing beam and sled in a proximal unfired position;
  • FIG. 4B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 2, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, showing the firing beam and sled in a distal fired position;
  • FIG. 5 depicts an end cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 2, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 and omitting an upper anvil jaw, showing further details of a distal knife portion of the firing beam and the sled;
  • FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 2, shown after having been fired once on a first section of tissue and being positioned to clamp and fire on a second section on tissue;
  • FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary pair of buttress assemblies, each of which may be applied to a jaw of the end effector of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 8A depicts a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the end effector of FIG. 2 with the buttress assemblies of FIG. 7 applied to the upper and lower jaws of the end effector, showing the end effector jaws in an open state with tissue positioned between the upper and lower jaws;
  • FIG. 8B depicts a cross-sectional end view of the end effector and buttress assemblies of FIG. 8 A, showing the end effector jaws in a closed state on the tissue;
  • FIG. 8C depicts a cross-sectional view of a formed staple and the buttress assemblies of FIG. 8A after having been secured to the tissue by the end effector of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of formed staples and the buttress assemblies of FIG. 8A after having been secured to the tissue by the end effector of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of another example of a buttress assembly which may be applied to a jaw of the end effector of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 11 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having enlarged distal pocket extenders with distal ramp surfaces that are rounded in the lateral direction, the enlarged distal pocket extenders being configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 12 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having enlarged distal pocket extenders with distal ramp surfaces that are rounded in the longitudinal direction, the enlarged distal pocket extenders being configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having an undulating upper profile configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 14 depicts a partial side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having dome-shaped contact pads configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having tissue-stabilizing wedges configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 17 depicts a partial side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 16;
  • FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having distal contact pads configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 19 depicts a top plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 20 depicts a side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having distal and proximal contact pads configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 22 depicts a top plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 21 ;
  • FIG. 23 depicts a side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 21;
  • FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having adhesive pattern-shaped contact pads configured to promote adhesion of any of the buttress assemblies of FIGS. 7-10 to the staple cartridge;
  • FIG. 25 depicts a top plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 26 depicts a side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 27 depicts a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 28 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having distal raised gripping features that each span across three rows of pockets;
  • FIG. 29 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having distal raised gripping features that are ramped in multiple directions;
  • FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 29, taken along line 30-30 in FIG. 29;
  • FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having laterally outer rails for buttress adhesion;
  • FIG. 32 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having interconnected pocket extenders and laterally inner rails for buttress adhesion;
  • FIG. 33 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having circular receptacles for buttress adhesion;
  • FIG. 34 depicts another partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 33, showing linear receptacles for buttress adhesion;
  • FIG. 35 depicts another partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 33, showing a “+” shaped receptacle for buttress adhesion;
  • FIG. 36 depicts a partial perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a bi-directionally tapered deck surface for tissue flow control;
  • FIG. 37 depicts a rear elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 36;
  • FIG. 38 depicts a side elevational view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 36;
  • FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a convex deck surface for tissue flow control;
  • FIG. 40 depicts a cross sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39, taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 39;
  • FIG. 41 depicts a front elevational view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a convex deck surface and level pocket extenders;
  • FIG. 42 depicts a front elevational view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a convex deck surface and curved pocket extenders;
  • FIG. 43 depicts a front elevational view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a flat deck surface and stepped pocket extenders;
  • FIG. 44 depicts a front elevational view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a stepped deck surface and stepped pocket extenders;
  • FIG. 45 depicts a front elevational view of another example of a staple cartridge for use with the end effector of FIG. 2 and having a flat deck and laterally outer reliefs.
  • proximal and distal are defined herein relative to a human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument.
  • proximal refers the position of an element closer to the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument.
  • distal refers to the position of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument.
  • the terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” “top,” are relative terms to provide additional clarity to the figure descriptions provided below. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” “top,” are thus not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.
  • a tip described as “angled,” “bent,” or “curved” encompasses tip configurations in which a longitudinal path (e.g., linear or arcuate) along which the tip extends is non-coaxial and non-parallel with a longitudinal axis of the jaw body; particularly, configurations in which the longitudinal tip path extends distally toward the opposing jaw.
  • a tip described as “straight” encompasses tip configurations in which a longitudinal axis of the tip is substantially parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the jaw body.
  • FIGS. 1-6 depict an illustrative surgical stapler (10) that is sized for insertion through a trocar cannula or a surgical incision (e.g., thoracotomy, etc.) to a surgical site in a patient for performing a surgical procedure.
  • Surgical stapler (10) includes a body exemplified as a handle assembly (20), a shaft (30) that extends distally from handle assembly (20) along a longitudinal axis (LA) and distally terminates at an articulation joint (32), and an end effector (40) operatively coupled with shaft (30) via articulation joint (32).
  • articulation joint (32) may be remotely articulated, as depicted in phantom in FIG. 1, by an articulation control exemplified as a rotatable knob (22) of handle assembly (20), such that end effector (40) may be deflected from the longitudinal axis (LA) at a desired angle (a).
  • Articulation joint (32) and related features for manipulating articulation joint (32) may be further configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,142, entitled “Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks,” issued on November 17, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • End effector (40) includes a lower jaw exemplified as a cartridge jaw (42) configured to removably receive a staple cartridge (70) (also referred to as a “reload”), and an upper jaw exemplified as an anvil jaw (44) (also referred to as an “anvil”) that pivots relative to cartridge jaw (42) to clamp tissue therebetween.
  • end effector (40) may be alternatively configured such that cartridge jaw (42) pivots relative to anvil jaw (44).
  • the term “pivot” (and variations thereof) as used herein in connection with the relative motion between jaws (42, 44) encompasses but is not necessarily limited to pivotal movement about a fixed axis.
  • anvil jaw (44) may pivot about an axis that is defined by a pin (or similar feature) that slidably translates along an elongate slot or channel as anvil jaw (44) moves toward cartridge jaw (42). Such translation may occur before, during, or after the pivotal motion. It should therefore be understood that such combinations of pivotal and translational movement are encompassed by the term “pivot” and variations thereof as used herein with reference to the relative motion between jaws (42, 44).
  • handle assembly (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closure trigger (26).
  • Closure trigger (26) is pivotable toward pistol grip (24) to cause clamping, or closing, of anvil jaw (44) toward cartridge jaw (42) of end effector (40).
  • Such closing of anvil jaw (44) is provided through a closure tube (34) and a closure ring (36) of shaft (30), which both longitudinally translate relative to handle assembly (20) in response to pivoting of closure trigger (26) relative to pistol grip (24).
  • Closure tube (34) extends along the length of shaft (30); and closure ring (36) is positioned distal to articulation joint (32).
  • Articulation joint (32) is operable to transmit longitudinal movement from closure tube (34) to closure ring (36) to actuate anvil jaw (44) relative to cartridge jaw (42).
  • Handle assembly (20) also includes a firing trigger (28).
  • An elongate actuator (not shown) extends longitudinally through shaft (30) and transmits a longitudinal firing motion from handle assembly (20) to a firing member (also referred to herein as a firing driver) exemplified as a firing beam (46) in response to actuation of firing trigger (28).
  • firing beam (46) translates distally through a firing stroke to cause stapling and severing of tissue clamped by end effector (40), as will be described in greater detail below.
  • handle assembly (20) may further include a motor operable to actuate such firing assembly components of surgical stapler (10) in response to actuation of firing trigger (28) by a user, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,914, entitled “Motor- Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly,” issued June 4, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • firing beam (46) includes a proximal beam portion (48) and a distal knife portion (50), where distal knife portion (50) may be integrally formed with a distal end of proximal beam portion (48), or separately formed and thereafter securely affixed to the distal end of proximal beam portion (17).
  • Distal knife portion (50) includes a transversely oriented upper protrusion exemplified as an upper pin (52), a transversely oriented lower protrusion exemplified as a cap (54), a transversely oriented middle protrusion exemplified as a middle pin (56), and a distally presented cutting edge (58).
  • Firing beam (46) may be further configured and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,717,497, entitled “Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument,” issued August 1, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • FIG. 2 shows anvil jaw (44) pivoted to an open state with firing beam (46) proximally positioned, which permits an unspent (i.e., unfired) staple cartridge (70) to be removably installed into a channel of cartridge jaw (42).
  • staple cartridge (70) includes a cartridge body (72) that presents an upper deck (74) defining a first stapling surface, and a lower pan (76) (also referred to as a “tray”) coupled to an underside of cartridge body (72).
  • a vertical knife slot (78) extends longitudinally through cartridge body (72) and is configured to slidably receive distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46).
  • staple cartridge (70) further includes a sled (82) (also referred to as a “wedge sled”) and a plurality of staple drivers (84) that are movably captured between cartridge body (72) and pan (76).
  • a sled (82) also referred to as a “wedge sled”
  • staple drivers (84) that are movably captured between cartridge body (72) and pan (76).
  • Each staple driver (84) is aligned with and movable vertically within a respective cartridge pocket (80).
  • Staples (86) are positioned within respective cartridge pockets (80) above respective staple drivers (84).
  • sled (82) is actuated longitudinally within staple cartridge (70) by distal knife portion (50) from a proximal position shown in FIG. 4A to a distal position shown in FIG. 4B.
  • Angled cam surfaces of sled (82) cam staple drivers (84) vertically upwardly within cartridge pockets (80) to drive staples (86) upwardly above deck (74), thereby ejecting staples (86) from cartridge pockets (80) and toward anvil jaw (44).
  • firing beam (46) is actuated distally into engagement with anvil jaw (44) by directing upper pin (52) into longitudinal anvil slot (62).
  • distal knife portion (50) advances distally along knife slot (78) of staple cartridge (70) so that cutting edge (58) severs tissue clamped between staple cartridge (70) and anvil jaw (44).
  • middle pin (56) and distal end projection (60) together actuate staple cartridge (70) by entering into knife slot (78), driving sled (82) into camming contact with staple drivers (84) to thereby actuate staple drivers (84) upwardly, which in turn drives staples (86) outwardly through cartridge pockets (80), through clamped tissue, and into forming contact with staple forming pockets (66) (see FIG. 2) on a second stapling surface defined by anvil jaw (44).
  • Such stapling of tissue prompted by the camming interaction between sled (82) and staple drivers (84) is performed concurrently with the severing of tissue performed by cutting edge (58).
  • FIG. 4B depicts firing beam (46) fully distally translated at the end of a firing stroke after the tissue clamped by end effector (40) has been stapled and severed.
  • Staple cartridge (70) and anvil jaw (44) may be further configured and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,248, entitled “Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge,” issued November 7, 2017; U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,421, entitled “Jaw Closure Feature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued December 12, 2017; U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,292, entitled “Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument,” issued October 9, 2018; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 10,130,359, entitled “Method for Forming a Staple,” issued November 20, 2018, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • FIG. 6 shows end effector (40) having been actuated through a single firing stroke on tissue (T) having first and second layers (Tl, T2).
  • Cutting edge (58) (see FIGS. 2-5) has cut through tissue (T) while staple drivers (84) have driven three alternating rows of staples (86) through tissue (T) on each side of the cut line produced by cutting edge (58).
  • end effector (40) is withdrawn from the patient, spent staple cartridge (70) is replaced with a new unspent staple cartridge (70), and end effector (40) is then again inserted into the patient to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process may be repeated until the desired quantity and pattern of firing strokes across the tissue (T) has been completed.
  • end effector (40) of surgical stapler (10) with an adjunct material, such as a buttress, to reinforce the mechanical fastening of tissue (T) provided by staples (86).
  • a buttress may prevent the applied staples (86) from pulling through the tissue (T) and may otherwise reduce a risk of tissue (T) tearing at or near the site of applied staples (86).
  • a buttress may provide various other kinds of effects such as spacing or gap-filling, administration of therapeutic agents, and/or other effects.
  • a buttress may be provided on upper deck (74) of staple cartridge (70).
  • deck (74) houses staples (86), which are driven by staple driver (84).
  • a buttress may be provided on the surface of anvil (44) that faces staple cartridge (70). It should also be understood that a first buttress may be provided on upper deck (74) of staple cartridge (70) while a second buttress is provided on anvil (44) of the same end effector (40).
  • a buttress may take various examples of forms that a buttress may take will be described in greater detail below.
  • Various ways in which a buttress may be secured to a staple cartridge (70) or an anvil (44) will also be described in greater detail below.
  • Exemplary buttress assemblies, exemplary materials and techniques for applying buttress assemblies, and exemplary buttress applier cartridges may be configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,023, entitled “Method of Applying a Buttress to a Surgical Stapler End Effector," issued January 1, 2019; U.S. Pat. No. 10,349,939, entitled “Method of Applying a Buttress to a Surgical Stapler,” issued July 16, 2019; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 11,166,724, entitled “Adhesive Distribution on Buttress for Surgical Stapler,” issued November 9, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 7 shows an exemplary pair of buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) (each also referred to individually as a "buttress").
  • Buttress assembly (DUO) of this example comprises a buttress body (DI 14) and an upper adhesive layer (Dl l 6).
  • buttress assembly (DI 12) comprises a buttress body (DI 18) and a lower adhesive layer (DI 20).
  • each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) comprises a strong yet flexible material configured to structurally support a line of staples (86).
  • each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) may comprise a mesh of polyglactin 910 material by Ethicon, Inc. of Somerville, New Jersey.
  • each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) may comprise a material including, for example, a hemostatic agent such as fibrin to assist in coagulating blood and reduce bleeding at the severed and/or stapled surgical site along tissue (Tl, T2).
  • a hemostatic agent such as fibrin to assist in coagulating blood and reduce bleeding at the severed and/or stapled surgical site along tissue (Tl, T2).
  • each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) may comprise other adjuncts or hemostatic agents such as thrombin may be used such that each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) may assist to coagulate blood and reduce the amount of bleeding at the surgical site.
  • Other adjuncts or reagents that may be incorporated into each buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) may further include but are not limited to medical fluid or matrix components.
  • adhesive layer (DI 16) is provided on buttress body (DI 14) to adhere buttress body (DI 14) to underside (D124) of anvil (44).
  • adhesive layer (DI 20) is provided on buttress body (DI 18) to adhere buttress body (DI 18) to upper deck (74) of staple cartridge (70).
  • Such an adhesive material may provide proper positioning of buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) before and during actuation of end effector (40); then allow buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) to separate from end effector (40) after end effector (40) has been actuated, without causing damage to buttress body (DI 14, DI 18) that is substantial enough to compromise the proper subsequent functioning of buttress body (DI 14, DI 18).
  • FIGS. 8A-8C show an exemplary sequence in which surgical stapler end effector (40), which has been loaded with buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12), is actuated to drive staples (86) through two opposed layers of tissue (Tl, T2), with buttress assemblies (DI 10, DI 12) being secured to the same layers of tissue (Tl, T2) by staples (86).
  • FIG. 8 A shows layers of tissue (Tl, T2) positioned between anvil (44) and staple cartridge (70), with anvil (44) in the open position.
  • Buttress assembly (DUO) is adhered to an underside of anvil (44) via adhesive layer (DI 16); while buttress assembly (DI 12) is adhered to upper deck (74) of staple cartridge (70) via adhesive layer (D120). Layers of tissue (Tl, T2) are thus interposed between buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12).
  • closure trigger (26) is pivoted toward pistol grip (24) to drive closure tube (34) and closure ring (36) distally. This drives anvil (44) to the closed position as shown in FIG. 8B.
  • layers of tissue (Tl, T2) are compressed between anvil (44) and staple cartridge (70), with buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) engaging opposite surfaces of tissue layers (Tl, T2).
  • End effector (40) is then actuated as described above, driving staple (86) through buttress assemblies (DUO, D112) and tissue (Tl, T2).
  • crown (D122) of driven staple (86) captures and retains buttress assembly (DI 12) against layer of tissue (T2).
  • Deformed legs (D126) of staple (86) capture and retain buttress assembly (DUO) against layer of tissue (Tl).
  • a series of staples (86) similarly capture and retain buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) against layers of tissue (Tl, T2), thereby securing buttress assemblies (DI 10, DI 12) to tissue (Tl, T2) as shown in FIG. 9.
  • end effector (40) is pulled away from tissue (Tl, T2) after deploying staples (86) and buttress assemblies (DI 10, DI 12), buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) disengage end effector (40) such that buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) remain secured to tissue (Tl, T2) with staples (86).
  • Buttresses (DI 10, DI 12) thus provide structural reinforcement to the lines of staples (86) formed in tissue (Tl, T2).
  • distally presented cutting edge (58) of firing beam (46) also cuts through a centerline of buttress tissue assemblies (DI 10, DI 12), separating each buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12) into a corresponding pair of sections, such that each section remains secured to a respective severed region of tissue (Tl, T2).
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a buttress assembly (DI 60), which may be similar to buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12) described above, except as otherwise described below.
  • buttress assembly (DI 60) comprises a buttress body (DI 64) and an adhesive (DI 66) on a surface (DI 68) of buttress body (DI 64).
  • Buttress body (DI 64) may comprise one or more layers of material. Where multiple layers are used the layers can be laminated together.
  • buttress body (DI 64) comprises a mesh layer and one or more film layers laminated together.
  • buttress body (DI 64) comprises one or more film layers without a mesh layer.
  • other various materials for one or more layers of buttress body (DI 64) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • buttress body (DI 64) is comprised of an absorbable material that is configured to be completely absorbed by the patient’s body when used to reinforce a cut and staple site.
  • buttress body (DI 64) is comprised of polyglactin 910, which is 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide.
  • polyglactin 910 is manufactured by Ethicon Inc. under the brand name Vicryl®.
  • other absorbable synthetic materials for use with buttress body (DI 64) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • Buttress body (DI 64) extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end (DI 70) and a distal end (DI 72), and defines a length extending from proximal end (DI 70) to distal end (DI 72).
  • Buttress body (DI 64) includes a first edge region (DI 74), a second edge region (D176), and a center region (D178) between and separating first edge region (D174) and second edge region (D176).
  • Buttress body (D164) defines a width extending orthogonal to its length as defined above, where its width extends from first edge region (D174) across center region (D178) and through second edge region (D176).
  • Adhesive (DI 66) extends from proximal end (DI 70) to distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64). Moreover, in the present example, adhesive (DI 66) extends continuously or in an uninterrupted manner. As shown in FIG. 8, adhesive (DI 66) is located along first edge region (DI 74) and second edge region (DI 76), with center region (D178) being substantially free of adhesive (D166). As shown in FIG. 8, center region (D178) of buttress body (D164) comprises slits (D180) that are configured to promote or facilitate cutting and separating buttress body (DI 64) into substantially equal halves during a cutting and stapling operation as discussed above.
  • Adhesive (DI 66) comprises a first bead (DI 82) and a second bead (DI 84) applied to first edge region (D174), and a third bead (DI 86) and a fourth bead (DI 88) applied to second edge region (DI 76).
  • Each bead of adhesive extends generally from proximal end (DI 70) of buttress body (DI 64) to distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64).
  • Second and fourth beads of adhesive extend further proximally compared to first and third beads of adhesive (DI 82, DI 86), while all four beads of adhesive (DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) extend distally to substantially the same extent relative to buttress body (DI 64).
  • surgical stapler end effector (40) may be loaded with one or more buttress assemblies (DI 60) and actuated to drive staples (86) through two opposed layers of tissue (Tl, T2), with the one or more buttress assemblies (DI 60) being secured to the same layers of tissue (Tl, T2) by staples (86), in a manner similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 8A-9.
  • increasing the surface area of such regions of staple cartridge (70) may improve the adhesion of the corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (70).
  • a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160) at a distal end of staple cartridge (70). Because the distal end of staple cartridge (70) is the first part of staple cartridge (70) to contact tissue when positioning end effector (40), the distal end of staple cartridge (70) can be subject to greater forces in use compared to the proximal end of staple cartridge (70).
  • buttress assemblies (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (70) can be beneficial to maintaining attachment and alignment of buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12, D160) with respective parts of staple cartridge (70) (e.g., by inhibiting prying of the buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) away from staple cartridge (70) by anatomical structures encountered by the distal end of staple cartridge (70)).
  • staple cartridge (D210) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D212) having an upwardly facing deck (D214), an elongate slot (D218) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D212) and opening upwardly through deck (D214) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D220) extending through deck (D214) on each side of knife slot (D218).
  • cartridge pockets (D220) are formed through upper deck (D214) along each lateral side of knife slot (D218), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D218).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D220) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D212) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D212).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D212) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D210) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D230a, D230b, D232, D234) that extend upwardly from deck (D214) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D220), such that each cartridge pocket (D220) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D230a, D230b, D232, D234).
  • pocket extenders D230a, D230b, D232, D234
  • pocket extenders may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D210) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D210) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D220) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D210).
  • the plurality of pocket extenders include a plurality of first pocket extenders (D230a, D230b) having a first configuration, a plurality of second pocket extenders (D232) having a second configuration different from the first configuration, and a plurality of third pocket extenders (D234) having a third configuration different from the first and second configurations.
  • second pocket extenders (D232) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D220) of the outer rows
  • third pocket extenders (D234) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D220) of the inner and middle rows such that each third pocket extender (D234) spans laterally across two rows of cartridge pockets (D220) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D218) (e.g., the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220)).
  • each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b) includes a generally U- shaped body (D240a, D240b) that defines a staple leg receptacle (D242a, D242b) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D220).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D242a, D242b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D220) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D220) by the staple drivers.
  • each proximal first pocket extender (D230a) also defines a proximally-facing outer surface (D244a) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D214), while the body (D240b) of each distal first pocket extender (D230b) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D244b) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D214).
  • the body (D240a, D240b) of each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b) further defines an upwardly- facing top (e.g., uppermost) surface (D246a, D246b) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D214). Top surfaces (D246a, D246b) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D214).
  • Each second pocket extender (D232) includes a generally U-shaped body (D250) that defines a staple leg receptacle (D252) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost, outer cartridge pocket (D220).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D252) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D220) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D220) by the staple drivers.
  • each second pocket extender (D232) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D254) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D214).
  • the outer surface (D254) of each second pocket extender (D232) is rounded in the lateral direction.
  • the outer surface (D254) of each second pocket extender (D232) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (D254) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (D254).
  • each outer surface (D254) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D214).
  • each second pocket extender (D232) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (D256) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D214).
  • Top surfaces (D256) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D214) as that of top surfaces (D246a, D246b). In some other versions, top surfaces (D256) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D214) than that of top surfaces (D246a, D246b).
  • the top surface (D256) of each second pocket extender (D232) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D246a, D246b) of each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b).
  • each second pocket extender (D232) may also extend further distally compared to the top surface (D246b) of a distal first pocket extender (D230b) if such a distal first pocket extender (D230b) were substituted for the respective second pocket extender (D232).
  • the top surface (D256) of each second pocket extender (D232) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (D 110, D 112, D 160), at least relative to the top surface (D246a, D246b) of each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b).
  • each second pocket extender (D232) may allow the top surface (D256) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D246b) of a distal first pocket extender (D230b) if such a distal first pocket extender (D230b) were substituted for the respective second pocket extender (D232), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D210).
  • each third pocket extender (D234) spans laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220), and is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D220) of the respective inner and middle rows.
  • Each third pocket extender (D234) includes a generally J-shaped body (D260) that defines proximal and distal staple leg receptacles (D262a, D262b) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost, inner and middle cartridge pockets (D220).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D262a, D262b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D220) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D220) by the staple drivers.
  • each third pocket extender (D234) also defines a distally -facing outer surface (D264) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D214).
  • the outer surface (D264) of each third pocket extender (D234) is rounded in the lateral direction.
  • the outer surface (D264) of each third pocket extender (D234) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (D264) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (D264).
  • each outer surface (D264) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D214). Due to the spanning of each third pocket extender (D234) laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220), each outer surface (D264) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with both the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220), and to do so substantially simultaneously with the lifting of the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective outer row of cartridge pockets (D220) by the outer surface (D254) of the corresponding second pocket extender (D232).
  • each third pocket extender (D234) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D266) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D214).
  • Top surfaces (D266) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D214) as that of top surfaces (D246a, D246b). In some other versions, top surfaces (D266) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D214) than that of top surfaces (D246a, D246b).
  • the top surface (D266) of each third pocket extender (D234) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D246a, D246b) of each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b).
  • each third pocket extender (D234) may also extend further distally compared to the top surfaces (D246b) of a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D230b) if such a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D230b) were substituted for the respective third pocket extender (D234).
  • the top surface (D266) of each third pocket extender (D234) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D246a, D246b) of each first pocket extender (D230a, D230b).
  • each third pocket extender (D234) may allow the top surface (D266) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surfaces (D246b) of a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D230b) if such a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D230b) were substituted for the respective third pocket extender (D234), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D210).
  • each third pocket extender (D234) Due to the spanning of each third pocket extender (D234) laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220), the surface area of the top surface (D266) of each third pocket extender (D234) may also be greater than that of the top surface (D256) of each second pocket extender (D232).
  • the top surface (D256) of each second pocket extender (D232) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, D188) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160), at least relative to the top surface (D256) of each second pocket extender (D232) as well.
  • each third pocket extender (D234) is shown spanning laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D220), each third pocket extender (D234) may alternatively span laterally across the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D220), and/or may span laterally across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D220).
  • FIG. 12 shows a portion of another example of a staple cartridge (D310) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D310) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D310) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D312) having an upwardly facing deck (D314), an elongate slot (D318) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D312) and opening upwardly through deck (D314) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D320) extending through deck (D314) on each side of knife slot (D318).
  • a firing beam not shown
  • cartridge pockets (D320) extending through deck (D314) on each side of knife slot (D318).
  • cartridge pockets (D320) are formed through upper deck (D314) along each lateral side of knife slot (D318), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D318).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D320) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D312) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D312).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D312) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D310) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D330a, D330b, D332, D334) that extend upwardly from deck (D314) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D320), such that each cartridge pocket (D320) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D330a, D330b, D332, D334).
  • pocket extenders D330a, D330b, D332, D334
  • pocket extenders may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D310) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D310) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D320) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D310).
  • the plurality of pocket extenders include a plurality of first pocket extenders (D330a, D330b) having a first configuration, a plurality of second pocket extenders (D332) having a second configuration different from the first configuration, and a plurality of third pocket extenders (D334) having a third configuration different from the first and second configurations.
  • First pocket extenders (D330a, D330b) include proximal first pocket extenders (D330a) that are positioned at or near the proximal ends of each cartridge pocket (D320) of each row, and further include distal first pocket extenders (D330b) that are positioned at or near the distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D320) of each row, except for the distalmost cartridge pocket (D320) of each row.
  • second pocket extenders (D332) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D320) of the outer rows
  • third pocket extenders (D334) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D320) of the inner and middle rows such that each third pocket extender (D334) spans laterally across two rows of cartridge pockets (D320) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D318) (e.g., the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320)).
  • each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b) includes a generally U- shaped body (D340a, D340b) that defines a staple leg receptacle (D342a, D342b) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D320).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D342a, D342b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D320) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D320) by the staple drivers.
  • each proximal first pocket extender (D330a) also defines a proximally-facing outer surface (D344a) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D314)
  • the body (D340b) of each distal first pocket extender (D330b) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D344b) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D314).
  • the body (D340a, D340b) of each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D346a, D346b) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D314). Top surfaces (D346a, D346b) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D314).
  • Each second pocket extender (D332) includes a generally U-shaped body (D350) that defines a staple leg receptacle (D352) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost, outer cartridge pocket (D320).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D352) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D320) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D320) by the staple drivers.
  • each second pocket extender (D332) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D354) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D314).
  • the outer surface (D354) of each second pocket extender (D332) is rounded in the longitudinal direction.
  • the outer surface (D354) of each second pocket extender (D332) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (D354) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (D354).
  • each outer surface (D354) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D314).
  • each second pocket extender (D332) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (D356) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D314).
  • Top surfaces (D356) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D314) as that of top surfaces (D346a, D346b). In some other versions, top surfaces (D356) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D314) than that of top surfaces (D346a, D346b).
  • the top surface (D356) of each second pocket extender (D332) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D346a, D346b) of each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b).
  • each second pocket extender (D332) may also extend further distally compared to the top surface (D346b) of a distal first pocket extender (D330b) if such a distal first pocket extender (D330b) were substituted for the respective second pocket extender (D332).
  • the top surface (D356) of each second pocket extender (D332) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (D 110, D 112, D 160), at least relative to the top surface (D346a, D346b) of each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b).
  • each second pocket extender (D332) may allow the top surface (D356) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D346b) of a distal first pocket extender (D330b) if such a distal first pocket extender (D330b) were substituted for the respective second pocket extender (D332), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D310).
  • each third pocket extender (D334) spans laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320), and is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (D320) of the respective inner and middle rows.
  • Each third pocket extender (D334) includes a generally L-shaped body (D360) that defines proximal and distal staple leg receptacles (D362a, D362b) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost, inner and middle cartridge pockets (D320).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D362a, D362b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D320) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D320) by the staple drivers.
  • each third pocket extender (D334) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D364) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D314).
  • the outer surface (D364) of each third pocket extender (D334) is rounded in the longitudinal direction.
  • the outer surface (D364) of each third pocket extender (D334) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (D364) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (D364).
  • each outer surface (D364) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D314). Due to the spanning of each third pocket extender (D334) laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320), each outer surface (D364) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with both the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320), and to do so substantially simultaneously with the lifting of the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective outer row of cartridge pockets (D320) by the outer surface (D354) of the corresponding second pocket extender (D332).
  • each third pocket extender (D334) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D366) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D314).
  • Top surfaces (D366) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D314) as that of top surfaces (D346a, D346b). In some other versions, top surfaces (D366) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D314) than that of top surfaces (D346a, D346b).
  • the top surface (D366) of each third pocket extender (D334) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D346a, D346b) of each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b).
  • each third pocket extender (D334) may also extend further distally compared to the top surfaces (D346b) of a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D330b) if such a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D330b) were substituted for the respective third pocket extender (D334).
  • the top surface (D366) of each third pocket extender (D334) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160), at least relative to the top surface (D346a, D346b) of each first pocket extender (D330a, D330b).
  • each third pocket extender (D334) may allow the top surface (D366) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surfaces (D346b) of a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D330b) if such a pair of distal first pocket extenders (D330b) were substituted for the respective third pocket extender (D334), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D310).
  • each third pocket extender (D334) Due to the spanning of each third pocket extender (D334) laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320), the surface area of the top surface (D366) of each third pocket extender (D334) may also be greater than that of the top surface (D356) of each second pocket extender (D332).
  • the top surface (D356) of each second pocket extender (D332) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, D188) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160), at least relative to the top surface (D356) of each second pocket extender (D332) as well.
  • each third pocket extender (D334) is shown spanning laterally across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D320), each third pocket extender (D334) may alternatively span laterally across the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D320), and/or may span laterally across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D320).
  • FIGS. 13-14 show another example of a staple cartridge (D410) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D410) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D410) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D412) having an upwardly facing deck (D414), an elongate slot (D418) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D412) and opening upwardly through deck (D414) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D420) extending through deck (D414) on each side of knife slot (D418).
  • cartridge pockets (D420) are formed through upper deck (D414) along each lateral side of knife slot (D418), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D418).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D420) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D412) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D412).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D412) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D410) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D430) that extend upwardly from deck (D414) at or near proximal and distal ends of at least some cartridge pockets (D420), such that at least some cartridge pockets (D420) are each longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D430) while some other cartridge pockets (D420) are only equipped with either a corresponding proximal or distal pocket extender (D430) and while still other cartridge pockets (D420) may be equipped with neither a corresponding proximal nor distal pocket extender (D430).
  • pocket extenders D430
  • pocket extenders (D430) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D410) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D410) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D420) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D430) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D410).
  • each pocket extender (D430) includes an upwardly-facing top surface (D446) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D414). Top surfaces (D446) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D414).
  • Staple cartridge (D410) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of first and second wedges (D432, D434) that extend upwardly from deck (D414) on each lateral side of knife slot (D418) such that each wedge (D432, D434) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (D420) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D418) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D420)).
  • first and second wedges D432, D434 that extend upwardly from deck (D414) on each lateral side of knife slot (D418) such that each wedge (D432, D434) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (D420) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D418) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D420)).
  • first and second wedges (D432, D434) are arranged in a longitudinally-alternating manner, such that wedges (D432, D434) cooperate with each other and with deck (D414) to provide staple cartridge (D410) with a generally undulating (e.g., wavy) upper profile when viewed from the side.
  • Each first wedge (D432) includes a generally triangular body (D450) that defines one or more openings (D451) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D420) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D450) of each first wedge (D432) further defines one or more staple leg receptacles (D452) at or near proximal and distal ends of cartridge pockets (D420) that lack a pocket extender (D430) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D420).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D452) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D420) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D420) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D450) of each first wedge (D432) also defines an upwardly and/or proximally-facing top surface (D456) that tapers and/or curves upwardly and distally from deck (D414) to a peak (D458). Peaks (D458) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D414) as that of top surfaces (D446). In some other versions, peaks (D458) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D414) than that of top surfaces (D446).
  • a pair of atraumatic distal ramps (D459) taper and/or curve upwardly and proximally from deck (D414) to the peak (D458) of each distalmost first wedge (D432) for gently lifting tissue upwardly relative to deck (D414).
  • at least one such distal ramp (D459) may span laterally at least partially across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D420) for lifting the portions of such tissue that are aligned with both the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D420) substantially simultaneously with the lifting of the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective outer row of cartridge pockets (D420) via the other distal ramp (D459) on the same lateral side of knife slot (D418).
  • Each second wedge (D434) includes a generally triangular body (D460) that defines one or more openings (D461) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D420) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D460) of each second wedge (D434) further defines one or more staple leg receptacles (D462) at or near proximal and distal ends of cartridge pockets (D420) that lack a pocket extender (D430) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D420).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D462) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D420) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D420) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D460) of each second wedge (D434) also defines an upwardly and/or distally-facing top surface (D466) that tapers and/or curves upwardly and proximally from deck (D414) to a peak (D468).
  • top surfaces (D466) may be oriented obliquely relative to deck (D414) at a same angle as that at which top surfaces (D456) are oriented obliquely relative to deck (D414).
  • peaks (D468) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D414) as that of top surfaces (D446). In some other versions, peaks (D468) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D414) than that of top surfaces (D446).
  • each second wedge (D434) coincides with the peak (D458) of a relatively proximal, longitudinally -adjacent first wedge (D432), while each second wedge (D434) is longitudinally spaced apart from a relatively distal, longitudinally -adjacent first wedge (D432) by a portion of deck (D414) that includes a pair of inner and outer cartridge pockets (D420).
  • each second wedge (D434) may be longitudinally spaced apart from the peak (D458) of the relatively proximal, longitudinally -adjacent first wedge (D432) (e.g., by a raised platform extending between the two peaks (D458, D468) and having the same height as both peaks (D458, D468)), and/or each second wedge (D434) may not be longitudinally spaced apart from the relatively distal, longitudinally-adjacent first wedge (D432) (e.g., by directly interfacing with the relatively distal, longitudinally-adjacent first wedge (D432)).
  • each wedge By extending upwardly to peaks (D458, D468) and spanning laterally across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D420), the top surfaces (D456, D466) of each wedge (D432, D434) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D446) of each pocket extender (D430).
  • each wedge (D432, D434) across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D420) may allow each peak (D458, D468) and/or the longitudinally adjacent region(s) of the respective wedge(s) (D432, D434) to contact substantially all of the adhesive (DI 66) spanning laterally across buttress body (DI 64) at the corresponding longitudinal position along buttress body (DI 64), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at such longitudinal positions.
  • each distalmost first wedge (D432) across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D420) may allow the peak (D458) of each distalmost first wedge (D432) to contact substantially all of the adhesive (DI 66) spanning laterally across distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (D160) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D410).
  • each wedge (D432, D434) is shown spanning laterally across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D420), each wedge (D432, D434) may alternatively span laterally across only the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D420), or only the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D420).
  • the particular positions of wedges may be selected to correspond to the position(s) of adhesive (DI 66) on buttress body (DI 64) so that wedges (D434, D434) may achieve the desired adhesion of buttress assembly (DI 60) to staple cartridge (D410) while limiting any increases in tissue compression that might be caused by wedges (D432, D434) to the regions in which wedges (D434, D434) are present.
  • FIG. 15 shows a portion of another example of a staple cartridge (D510) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D510) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D510) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D512) having an upwardly facing deck (D514), an elongate slot (D518) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D512) and opening upwardly through deck (D514) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D520) extending through deck (D514) on each side of knife slot (D518).
  • cartridge pockets (D520) are formed through upper deck (D514) along each lateral side of knife slot (D518), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D518).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D520) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D512) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D512).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D512) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D510) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D530) that extend upwardly from deck (D514) at or near proximal and distal ends of at least some cartridge pockets (D520), such that at least some cartridge pockets (D520) are each longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D530) while some other cartridge pockets (D520) are only equipped with either a corresponding proximal or distal pocket extender (D530).
  • pocket extenders D530
  • pocket extenders (D530) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (T1 , T2) by staple cartridge (D510) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D510) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (D126) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D520) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D530) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D510).
  • each pocket extender (D530) includes an upwardly-facing top surface (D546) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D514). Top surfaces (D546) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D514).
  • Staple cartridge (D510) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of contact pads (D532) that extend upwardly from deck (D514) on each lateral side of knife slot (D518) such that each contact pad (D532) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (D520) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D518) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D520)). While only one contact pad (D532) is shown, it will be appreciated that a plurality of contact pads (D532) may be spaced apart from each other along the length of staple cartridge (D510) on each lateral side of knife slot (D518).
  • Each contact pad (D532) includes a generally dome-shaped body (D550) that defines one or more openings (D551) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D520) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D550) of each contact pad (D532) further defines one or more staple leg receptacles (D552) at or near proximal and distal ends of cartridge pockets (D520) that lack a pocket extender (D530) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D520).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D552) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D520) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D520) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D550) of each contact pad (D532) also defines an upwardly-facing, hemispherical top surface (D556) that curves upwardly and radially inwardly in a convex manner from deck (D514) to a peak (D558).
  • Peaks (D558) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D514) as that of top surfaces (D546). In some other versions, peaks (D558) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D514) than that of top surfaces (D546). [000133] By extending upwardly to peaks (D558) and spanning laterally across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D520), the top surfaces (D556) of each contact pad (D532) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160), at least relative to the top surface (D546) of each pocket extender (D530).
  • each contact pad (D532) across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D520) may allow each peak (D558) and/or the longitudinally adjacent region(s) and/or the laterally adjacent region(s) of the respective contact pad(s) (D532) to contact at least a laterally middle region of the adhesive (DI 66) spanning laterally across buttress body (DI 64) at the corresponding longitudinal position along buttress body (DI 64), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at such longitudinal positions.
  • each contact pad (D532) is shown spanning laterally across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D520), each contact pad (D532) may alternatively span laterally across only the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D520), or only the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D520).
  • the particular positions of contact pads (D532) may be selected to correspond to the position(s) of adhesive (DI 66) on buttress body (DI 64) so that contact pads (D532) may achieve the desired adhesion of buttress assembly (DI 60) to staple cartridge (D510) while limiting any increases in tissue compression that might be caused by contact pads (D532) to the regions in which contact pads (D532) are present.
  • FIGS. 16-17 show another example of a staple cartridge (D610) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D610) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D610) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D612) having an upwardly facing deck (D614), an elongate slot (D618) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D612) and opening upwardly through deck (D614) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D620) extending through deck (D614) on each side of knife slot (D618).
  • cartridge pockets (D620) are formed through upper deck (D614) along each lateral side of knife slot (D618), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D618).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D620) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D612) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D612).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D612) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D610) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D630) that extend upwardly from deck (D614) at or near proximal and distal ends of at least some cartridge pockets (D620), such that at least some cartridge pockets (D620) are each longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D630) while some other cartridge pockets (D620) are only equipped with either a corresponding proximal or distal pocket extender (D630).
  • pocket extenders D630
  • pocket extenders (D630) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D610) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D610) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (D126) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D620) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D630) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D610).
  • each pocket extender (D630) includes an upwardly -facing top surface (D646) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D614). Top surfaces (D646) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D614).
  • Staple cartridge (D610) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of first and second wedges (D632, D634) that extend upwardly from deck (D614) on each lateral side of knife slot (D618) such that each wedge (D632, D634) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (D620) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D618) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D620)).
  • first wedges (D632) are arranged at or near the distal end of deck (D614), while second wedges (D634) are each arranged proximally of first wedges (D632).
  • Each first wedge (D632) includes a generally triangular body (D650) that defines one or more openings (D651) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D620) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D650) of each first wedge (D632) further defines one or more staple leg receptacles (D652) at or near proximal and distal ends of cartridge pockets (D620) that lack a pocket extender (D630) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D620).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D652) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D620) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D620) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D650) of each first wedge (D632) also defines an upwardly and/or proximally-facing top surface (D656) that tapers and/or curves upwardly and distally from deck (D614) to a peak (D658). Peaks (D658) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D614) as that of top surfaces (D646). In some other versions, peaks (D658) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D614) than that of top surfaces (D646).
  • a pair of atraumatic distal ramps (D659) taper and/or curve upwardly and proximally from deck (D614) to the peak (D658) of each first wedge (D632) for gently lifting tissue upwardly relative to deck (D614).
  • at least one such distal ramp (D659) may span laterally at least partially across the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D620) for lifting the portions of such tissue that are aligned with both the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D620) substantially simultaneously with the lifting of the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective outer row of cartridge pockets (D620) via the other distal ramp (D659) on the same lateral side of knife slot (D618).
  • Each second wedge (D634) includes a generally triangular body (D660) that defines one or more openings (D661) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D620) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D660) of each second wedge (D634) further defines one or more staple leg receptacles (D662) at or near proximal and distal ends of cartridge pockets (D620) that lack a pocket extender (D630) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D620).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D662) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D620) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D620) by the staple drivers.
  • each second wedge (D634) also defines a proximally-facing end surface (D664) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D614) from deck (D614) to a peak (D668).
  • the end surface (D664) of each second wedge (D634) may be configured to stabilize the tissue being severed and stapled, such as by inhibiting movement (e.g., “flow”) of the tissue being severed and stapled.
  • the end surface (D664) of each second wedge (D634) may impede such tissue from moving distally during distal translation of firing beam (46) (e.g., during a firing stroke).
  • each second wedge (D634) further defines an upwardly and/or distally-facing top surface (D666) that tapers and/or curves upwardly and proximally from deck (D614) to a respective peak (D668).
  • top surfaces (D666) may be oriented obliquely relative to deck (D614) at a same angle as that at which top surfaces (D656) are oriented obliquely relative to deck (D614).
  • peaks (D668) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D614) as that of top surfaces (D646).
  • peaks (D668) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D614) than that of top surfaces (D646).
  • each second wedge (D634) is longitudinally spaced apart from the longitudinally -adjacent second wedge(s) (D634) by a portion of deck (D614) that includes three pairs of inner and outer cartridge pockets (D620), while the distalmost second wedges (D634) are longitudinally spaced apart from the respective first wedges (D632) by a portion of deck (D614) that includes one pair of inner and outer cartridge pockets (D620).
  • each second wedge (D634) may not be longitudinally spaced apart from the longitudinally-adjacent second wedge(s) (D634) (e.g., by directly interfacing with the longitudinally-adjacent second wedge(s) (D634)), and/or the distalmost second wedges (D634) may not be longitudinally spaced apart from the respective first wedges (D632) (e.g., by directly interfacing with the respective first wedges (D632)).
  • each wedge By extending upwardly to peaks (D658, D668) and spanning laterally across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D620), the top surfaces (D656, D666) of each wedge (D632, D634) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D646) of each pocket extender (D630).
  • each wedge (D632, D634) across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D620) may allow each peak (D658, D668) and/or the longitudinally adjacent region(s) of the respective wedge(s) (D632, D634) to contact substantially all of the adhesive (DI 66) spanning laterally across buttress body (DI 64) at the corresponding longitudinal position along buttress body (DI 64), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at such longitudinal positions.
  • each first wedge (D632) across the respective three rows of cartridge pockets (D620) may allow the peak (D658) of each first wedge (D632) to contact substantially all of the adhesive (DI 66) spanning laterally across distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D610).
  • each wedge (D632, D634) is shown spanning laterally across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D620), each wedge (D632, D634) may alternatively span laterally across only the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D620), or only the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D620).
  • the particular positions of wedges (D632, D634) may be selected to correspond to the position(s) of adhesive (DI 66) on buttress body (DI 64) so that wedges (D634, D634) may achieve the desired adhesion of buttress assembly (DI 60) to staple cartridge (D610) while limiting any increases in tissue compression that might be caused by wedges (D632, D634) to the regions in which wedges (D634, 634) are present.
  • FIGS. 18-20 show another example of a staple cartridge (D710) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D710) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D710) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D712) having an upwardly facing deck (D714), an elongate slot (D718) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D712) and opening upwardly through deck (D714) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D720) extending through deck (D714) on each side of knife slot (D718).
  • cartridge pockets (D720) are formed through upper deck (D714) along each lateral side of knife slot (D718), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D718).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D720) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D712) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D712).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D712) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D710) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D730) that extend upwardly from deck (D714) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D720), such that each cartridge pocket (D720) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D730).
  • pocket extenders (D730) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D710) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D710) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D720) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D730) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, D182, D184, D186, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D710).
  • each pocket extender (D730) includes an upwardly-facing top surface (D746) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D714). Top surfaces (D746) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D714).
  • Staple cartridge (D710) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of a pair of distal contact pads (D732) that extend upwardly from deck (D714) on each lateral side of knife slot (D718) such that each distal contact pad (D732) spans laterally at least partially across three rows of cartridge pockets (D720) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D718) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D720)).
  • distal contact pads (D732) are each positioned at or near the distal end of deck (D714).
  • Each distal contact pad (D732) includes a generally angled body (D750) that defines a distally-facing end surface (D754) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D714).
  • the end surface (D754) of each distal contact pad (D732) tapers and/or curves downwardly and distally from the distal end of deck (D714).
  • the end surface (D754) of each distal contact pad (D732) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each end surface (D754) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the end surface (D754).
  • each end surface (D754) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D714). Due to the spanning of each distal contact pad (D732) laterally across the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D720), each end surface (D754) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D720).
  • each distal contact pad (D732) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D756) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D714).
  • Top surfaces (D756) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D714) than that of top surfaces (D746).
  • top surfaces (D756) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D714) as that of top surfaces (D746).
  • the top surface (D756) of each distal contact pad (D732) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D746) of each pocket extender (D730).
  • each distal contact pad (D732) may also extend further distally compared to the top surface (D746) of the distalmost pocket extenders (D730).
  • the top surface (D756) of each distal contact pad (D732) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D746) of each pocket extender (D730).
  • each distal contact pad (D732) may allow the top surface (D756) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D746) of each distalmost pocket extender (D730), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D710).
  • each distal contact pad (D732) is shown spanning laterally at least partially across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D720), each distal contact pad (D732) may alternatively span laterally at least partially across only the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D720), or only the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D720).
  • FIGS. 21-23 show another example of a staple cartridge (D810) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D810) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D810) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D812) having an upwardly facing deck (D814), an elongate slot (D818) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D812) and opening upwardly through deck (D814) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D820) extending through deck (D814) on each side of knife slot (D818).
  • cartridge pockets (D820) are formed through upper deck (D814) along each lateral side of knife slot (D818), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D818).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D820) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D812) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D812).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D812) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D810) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D830) that extend upwardly from deck (D814) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D820), such that each cartridge pocket (D820) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D830).
  • pocket extenders (D830) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D810) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D810) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D820) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • each pocket extender (D830) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, D182, D184, D186, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D810).
  • each pocket extender (D830) includes a generally U-shaped body (D840) that defines a staple leg receptacle (D842) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D820).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D842) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (D820) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (D820) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D840) of each pocket extender (D830) also defines a proximally-facing or distally-facing outer surface (D844) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D814).
  • each first pocket extender (D830) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (D846) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D814). Top surfaces (D846) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (D814).
  • Staple cartridge (D810) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pair of distal contact pads (D832) that extend upwardly from deck (D814) on each lateral side of knife slot (D818) such that each distal contact pad (D832) spans laterally at least partially across three rows of cartridge pockets (D820) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D818) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D820)).
  • distal contact pads (D832) are each positioned at or near the distal end of deck (D814).
  • Staple cartridge (D810) of the present example also includes another plurality of raised features in the form of a pair of proximal contact pads (D834) that extend upwardly from deck (D814) on each lateral side of knife slot (D818) such that each proximal contact pad (D834) spans laterally at least partially across three rows of cartridge pockets (D820) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D818) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D820)).
  • proximal contact pads (D834) are each positioned at or near the proximal end of deck (D814).
  • Each distal contact pad (D832) includes a generally angled body (D850) that defines a distally-facing end surface (D854) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D814).
  • the end surface (D854) of each distal contact pad (D832) tapers and/or curves downwardly and distally from the distal end of deck (D814).
  • the end surface (D854) of each distal contact pad (D832) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each end surface (D854) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the end surface (D854).
  • each end surface (D854) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (D814). Due to the spanning of each distal contact pad (D832) laterally across the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D820), each end surface (D854) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D820).
  • each distal contact pad (D832) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D856) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D814).
  • Top surfaces (D856) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D814) than that of top surfaces (D846). In some other versions, top surfaces (D856) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D814) as that of top surfaces (D846).
  • the top surface (D856) of each distal contact pad (D832) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D846) of each pocket extender (D830).
  • each distal contact pad (D832) may also extend further distally compared to the top surface (D846) of the distalmost pocket extenders (D830).
  • the top surface (D856) of each distal contact pad (D832) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D846) of each pocket extender (D830).
  • each distal contact pad (D832) may allow the top surface (D856) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D846) of each distalmost pocket extender (D830), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (D160) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D810).
  • Each proximal contact pad (D834) includes a generally planar body (D860) that defines one or more openings (D861) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D820) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • the body (D860) of each proximal contact pad (D834) also defines an upwardly-facing top surface (D866) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D814).
  • Top surfaces (D866) may be positioned at a lower height above deck (D814) than that of top surfaces (D846). In some other versions, top surfaces (D866) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D814) as that of top surfaces (D846).
  • top surfaces (D866) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D814) as that of top surfaces (D856).
  • the top surface (D866) of each proximal contact pad (D834) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D846) of each pocket extender (D830).
  • the top surface (D866) of each proximal contact pad (D834) may also extend further proximally compared to the top surface (D846) of the proximal-most pocket extenders (D830).
  • the top surface (D866) of each proximal contact pad (D834) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, D186, D188) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160), at least relative to the top surface (D846) of each pocket extender (D830).
  • the further proximal extension of the top surface (D866) of each proximal contact pad (D834) may allow the top surface (D866) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at proximal end (DI 70) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D846) of each proximal-most pocket extender (D830), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (DI 60) at the proximal end of staple cartridge (D810).
  • each contact pad (D832, D834) is shown spanning laterally at least partially across all three respective rows of cartridge pockets (D820), each contact pad (D832, D834) may alternatively span laterally at least partially across only the respective inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (D820), or only the respective middle and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D820).
  • FIGS. 24-27 show another example of a staple cartridge (D910) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D910) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D910) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D912) having an upwardly facing deck (D914), an elongate slot (D918) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (D912) and opening upwardly through deck (D914) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D920) extending through deck (D914) on each side of knife slot (D918).
  • cartridge pockets (D920) are formed through upper deck (D914) along each lateral side of knife slot (D918), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D918).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D920) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D912) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D912).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D912) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (D910) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D930) that extend upwardly from deck (D914) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D920), such that each cartridge pocket (D920) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D930).
  • pocket extenders (D930) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D910) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D910) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (D920) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D930) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, D182, D184, D186, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D910).
  • each pocket extender (D930) includes an upwardly-facing top surface (D946) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D914). Top surfaces (D946) may be positioned at a substantially uniform first height (Hl) above deck (D914), as shown in FIG. 27.
  • Staple cartridge (D910) of the present example also includes a plurality of raised features in the form of a pair of elongate contact pads (D932) that extend upwardly from deck (D914) on each lateral side of knife slot (D918) such that each contact pad (D932) spans laterally at least partially across three rows of cartridge pockets (D920) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (D918) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D920)).
  • Each contact pad (D932) includes a generally adhesive pattern-shaped body (D950). More particularly, the body (D950) of each contact pad (D932) is shaped to substantially match the pattern of adhesive (D166) of buttress assembly (D160). For example, the outer periphery of each body (D950) may substantially track the outer periphery of the corresponding adhesive beads (DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88), such that substantially all of adhesive (DI 66) may fit within a horizontal envelope defined by the outer periphery of the respective body (D950), as shown in FIG. 24.
  • the body (D950) of each contact pad (D932) defines a plurality of openings (D951) overlying corresponding cartridge pockets (D920) for accommodating passage of respective staples (86) therethrough.
  • each contact pad (D932) also defines an upwardly-facing top surface (D956) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D914).
  • top surfaces (D956) may be positioned at a second height (H2) above deck (D914) that is lower than the first height (Hl) of top surfaces (D946).
  • top surfaces (D956) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (D914) as that of top surfaces (D946).
  • the top surface (D956) of each contact pad (D932) has a surface area that is greater than that of the top surface (D946) of each pocket extender (D930).
  • each contact pad (D932) may also extend further distally compared to the top surface (D946) of the distalmost pocket extenders (D930), further proximally compared to the top surface (D946) of the proximal- most pocket extenders (D930), and/or further laterally outwardly relative to the central axis of cartridge body (D912) compared to the top surface (D946) of the outer pocket extenders (D930).
  • the top surface (D956) of each contact pad (D932) may be configured to provide improved contact with the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60), at least relative to the top surface (D946) of each pocket extender (D930).
  • the further distal extension of the top surface (D956) of each contact pad (D932) may allow the top surface (D956) to vertically align with more adhesive (DI 66) at distal end (DI 72) of buttress body (DI 64) compared to the top surface (D946) of each distalmost pocket extender (D930), and may thereby provide stronger, localized attachment of buttress assembly (D160) at the distal end of staple cartridge (D910).
  • each contact pad (D932) may allow the top surface (D956) of each contact pad (D932) to vertically align with substantially all of the adhesive (DI 66) along the entire length of buttress assembly (DI 60), and may thereby provide stronger attachment of buttress assembly (D160) along the entire length of staple cartridge (D910).
  • each contact pad (D932) is based on the pattern of adhesive (DI 66) of buttress assembly (DI 60), it will be appreciated that contact pads (D932) may also provide improved attachment of other types of buttress assemblies, such as buttress assemblies (DUO, DI 12), to staple cartridge (D910). It will also be appreciated that the shape of the body (D950) of each contact pad (D932) may be based on the pattern of adhesive of any other buttress assembly desired to be attached to staple cartridge (D910).
  • FIG. 28 shows another example of a staple cartridge (DI 010) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 010) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 010) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 012) having an upwardly facing, multi-level deck (DI 014), an elongate slot (DI 018) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 012) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 014) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 020) extending through deck (DI 014) on each side of knife slot (DI 018).
  • a firing beam not shown
  • a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 020) extending through deck (DI 014) on each side of knife slot (DI 018).
  • cartridge pockets are formed through upper deck (DI 014) along each lateral side of knife slot (DI 018), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 018).
  • Each cartridge pocket (DI 020) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (DI 012) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (DI 012).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (DI 012) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Multi-level deck (DI 014) of the present example includes a lower deck surface (DI 014a) spanning across at least the inner and middle rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020) on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 018), and an upper deck surface (DI 014b) provided along at least a distal region of the outer row of cartridge pockets (DI 020) on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 018).
  • Staple cartridge (D1010) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 030a, DI 030b, DI 032) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 014) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 020), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 020) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D1030a, D1030b, D1032).
  • pocket extenders DI 030a, DI 030b, DI 032
  • pocket extenders may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1010) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (DI 010) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 020) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D1010).
  • the plurality of pocket extenders include a plurality of first pocket extenders (DI 030a, DI 030b) having a first configuration, and a plurality of second pocket extenders (DI 032) having a second configuration different from the first configuration.
  • First pocket extenders include proximal first pocket extenders (DI 030a) that are positioned at or near the proximal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 020) of each row, and further include distal first pocket extenders (DI 030b) that are positioned at or near the distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 020) of each row, except for the distalmost cartridge pocket (DI 020) of each row.
  • second pocket extenders (DI 032) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 020) of the inner, middle, and outer rows such that each second pocket extender (DI 032) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (DI 018) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020)).
  • each first pocket extender (DI 030a, DI 030b) includes a generally U- shaped body (DI 040a, DI 040b) that defines a staple leg receptacle (DI 042a, DI 042b) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (D1020).
  • each staple leg receptacle (D1042a, DI 042b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (DI 020) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (DI 020) by the staple drivers.
  • each proximal first pocket extender (DI 030a) also defines a proximally-facing outer surface (DI 044a) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (DI 014), while the body (DI 040b) of each distal first pocket extender (DI 030b) also defines a distally- facing outer surface (DI 044b) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (D1014).
  • the body (D1040a, D1040b) of each first pocket extender (D1030a, D1030b) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (DI 046a, DI 046b) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (DI 014).
  • Top surfaces (DI 046a, DI 046b) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above a reference surface of deck (DI 014) (e.g., either deck surface (D1014a, D1014b)).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 032) spans laterally across the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020), and is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 020) of the respective inner, middle, and outer rows.
  • Each second pocket extender (DI 032) includes a generally T- shaped body (DI 060) that defines one proximal and a pair of distal staple leg receptacles (DI 062a, DI 062b) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost inner, middle, and outer cartridge pockets (DI 020).
  • each staple leg receptacle (DI 062a, DI 062b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (DI 020) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (DI 020) by the staple drivers.
  • each second pocket extender (DI 032) also defines a distally- facing outer surface (D1064) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D1014).
  • the outer surface (DI 064) of each second pocket extender (DI 032) is rounded in the longitudinal direction.
  • the outer surface (DI 064) of each second pocket extender (DI 032) may be rounded in the lateral direction, such as in a manner similar to that shown and described above in connection with FIG. 11.
  • each second pocket extender (DI 032) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (DI 064) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (DI 064).
  • each outer surface (DI 064) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (DI 014).
  • each outer surface (DI 064) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 032) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (DI 066) that extends substantially parallel relative to a reference surface of deck (D1014) (e.g., either deck surface (D1014a, D1014b)).
  • Top surfaces (DI 066) may be positioned above upper deck surface (DI 014b), and/or at a substantially same height above lower deck surface (DI 014a) as that of top surfaces (DI 046a, DI 046b). In some other versions, top surfaces (DI 066) may be positioned at a different height above lower deck surface (DI 014a) from that of top surfaces (DI 046a, DI 046b).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 032) Due to the spanning of each second pocket extender (DI 032) laterally across the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 020), the outer surface (1064) and top surface (D1066) of each second pocket extender (D1032) may provide a continuous interaction anti-snag surface to provide improved lifting of tissue without snagging such tissue.
  • second pocket extenders (D1032) may prevent inadvertent excessive tissue holding while still maintaining a desired degree of tissue gripping.
  • FIGS. 29-30 show another example of a staple cartridge (DI 110) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 110) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 110) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 112) having an upwardly facing deck (Dl l 14), an elongate slot (DI 118) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 112) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 114) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 120) extending through deck (DI 114) on each side of knife slot (DI 118).
  • cartridge pockets (DI 120) are formed through upper deck (DI 114) along each lateral side of knife slot (DI 118), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 118).
  • Each cartridge pocket (DI 120) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (DI 112) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (DI 112).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (DI 112) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (DI 110) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 130a, DI 130b, DI 132) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 114) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 120), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 120) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (DI 130a, DI 130b, DI 132).
  • pocket extenders DI 130a, DI 130b, DI 132
  • pocket extenders may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (DI 110) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (DI 110) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 120) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 110).
  • the plurality of pocket extenders include a plurality of first pocket extenders (DI 130a, DI 130b) having a first configuration, and a plurality of second pocket extenders (DI 132) having a second configuration different from the first configuration.
  • First pocket extenders include proximal first pocket extenders (DI 130a) that are positioned at or near the proximal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 120) of each row, and further include distal first pocket extenders (DI 130b) that are positioned at or near the distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 120) of each row, except for the distalmost cartridge pocket (DI 120) of the inner and outer rows.
  • second pocket extenders (DI 132) are positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 120) of the inner and outer rows such that each second pocket extender (DI 132) spans laterally across three rows of cartridge pockets (DI 120) on the respective lateral side of knife slot (DI 118) (e.g., the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 120)).
  • each first pocket extender (DI 130a, DI 130b) includes a generally U- shaped body (DI 140a, DI 140b) that defines a staple leg receptacle (DI 142a, DI 142b) for receiving a corresponding leg (DI 26) of the staple (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pocket (DI 120).
  • each staple leg receptacle (DI 142a, DI 142b) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (DI 120) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (DI 120) by the staple drivers.
  • each proximal first pocket extender (DI 130a) also defines a proximally-facing outer surface (DI 144a) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (DI 114), while the body (DI 140b) of each distal first pocket extender (DI 130b) also defines a distally- facing outer surface (DI 144b) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (DI 114).
  • the body (DI 140a, DI 140b) of each first pocket extender (DI 130a, DI 130b) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (DI 146a, DI 146b) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (DI 114).
  • Top surfaces (DI 146a, DI 146b) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (DI 114).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 132) spans laterally across the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 120), and is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 120) of the respective inner and outer rows.
  • Each second pocket extender (DI 132) includes a body (DI 160) that defines a pair of staple leg receptacles (DI 162) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the respective distalmost inner and outer cartridge pockets (DI 120).
  • each staple leg receptacle (DI 162) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (DI 120) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (DI 120) by the staple drivers.
  • each second pocket extender (DI 132) also defines a proximally-facing outer surface (DI 163) that extends substantially orthogonally relative to deck (DI 114), and a distally -facing outer surface (DI 164) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (DI 114).
  • the outer surface (DI 164) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) is tapered proximally in a laterally-outward direction, such that the laterally-inner ends of outer surfaces (DI 164) are distal of the laterally-outer ends of outer surfaces (DI 164).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 132) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (DI 164) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (DI 164).
  • each outer surface (DI 164) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (Dl l 14).
  • each outer surface (DI 164) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 120).
  • the proximally-facing outer surface (DI 163) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) may be configured to apply a higher drag force and/or frictional force to tissue (Tl, T2) than that applied to tissue (Tl , T2) by the respective distally -facing outer surface (Dl l 64), to thereby provide a higher pull-off load than insertion load.
  • each second pocket extender (DI 132) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (DI 166) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (DI 114).
  • the top surface (DI 166) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) is tapered downwardly in the laterally-outward direction, such that the laterally - inner ends of top surfaces (DI 166) are above the laterally-outer ends of top surfaces (DI 166).
  • the laterally-inner ends of top surfaces (DI 166) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (DI 114) as that of top surfaces (DI 146a, DI 146b).
  • the laterally-inner ends of top surfaces (DI 166) may be positioned at a different height above deck (DI 114) from that of top surfaces (DI 146a, DI 146b).
  • the laterally-inner ends of top surfaces (DI 166) may be positioned at a higher height above deck (DI 114) than that of top surfaces (DI 146a, DI 146b), such that a distal tip of anvil (44) may contact the laterally-inner ends of top surfaces (DI 166) before contacting top surfaces (DI 146a, DI 146b) during closure of end effector (40) to thereby produce an increased loading on the distal end than proximal to that location in at least a partially clamped approximation state.
  • top surfaces (Dl l 66) are shown positioned above deck (Dl l 14), the laterally-outer ends of top surfaces (DI 166) may alternatively be positioned at a same height as deck (Dl l 14).
  • the proximally -facing outer surface (DI 163) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) and/or the top surface (DI 166) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) may be textured and/or include isolated raised features to improve frictional hold of tissue (Tl, T2).
  • the proximally-facing outer surface (DI 163) of each second pocket extender (DI 132) may have a first surface finish (e.g., textured) that is different from a second surface finish (e.g., smooth) of the top surface (DI 166) and/or distally-facing outer surface (Dl l 64) of each second pocket extender (Dl l 32).
  • each second pocket extender (DI 132) may have the first surface finish (e.g., textured) that is different from the second surface finish (e.g., smooth) of the distally-facing outer surface (DI 164) of each second pocket extender (DI 132).
  • FIG. 31 shows another example of a staple cartridge (DI 210) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 210) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 210) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 212) having an upwardly facing deck (D1214), an elongate slot (D1218) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 212) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 214) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 220) extending through deck (D1214) on each side of knife slot (D1218).
  • cartridge pockets (D1220) are formed through upper deck (DI 214) along each lateral side of knife slot (DI 218), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D1218).
  • Each cartridge pocket (DI 220) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (D1212) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (D1212).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (D1212) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (DI 210) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 230) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 214) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 220), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 220) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (DI 230).
  • pocket extenders DI 230
  • pocket extenders (DI 230) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (DI 210) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1210) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60)), and/or to guide the legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 220) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • end effector (40) e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1210) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60)
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (DI 230) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D1210).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 210) of the present example further includes another plurality of raised features in the form of a pair of longitudinal rails (DI 270) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 214) along a respective lateral side of knife slot (DI 218) and that are disposed laterally outwardly of the corresponding outer row of cartridge pockets (DI 220).
  • the top surfaces of rails (DI 270) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (DI 214) as that of the top surfaces of pocket extenders (DI 230) such as, for example, about 0.51 mm.
  • any one or more of rails (DI 270) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1210) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1210) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)).
  • any one or more of rails (D1270) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D1210).
  • any one or more of rails may be configured to prevent the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) from spreading laterally outwardly beyond the respective rail (D1270).
  • DI 270 may be configured to prevent the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) from spreading laterally outwardly beyond the respective rail (D1270).
  • FIG. 32 shows another example of a staple cartridge (D1310) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 310) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D1310) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D1312) having an upwardly facing deck (D1314), an elongate slot (DI 318) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 312) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 314) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 320) extending through deck (DI 314) on each side of knife slot (D1318).
  • cartridge pockets (D1320) are formed through upper deck (DI 314) along each lateral side of knife slot (DI 318), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 318).
  • Each cartridge pocket (DI 320) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (DI 312) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (DI 312).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (DI 312) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Staple cartridge (DI 310) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b, DI 332) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 314) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 320), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 320) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (D1330a, D1330b, D1332).
  • pocket extenders DI 330a, DI 330b, DI 332
  • pocket extenders may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1310) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (DI 310) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 320) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (D1310).
  • the plurality of pocket extenders include a plurality of first pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b) having a first configuration, and a second pocket extender (DI 332) having a second configuration different from the first configuration.
  • First pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b) include proximal first pocket extenders (DI 330a) that are positioned at or near the proximal ends of each cartridge pocket (D1320) of each row, and further include distal first pocket extenders (D1330b) that are positioned at or near the distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 320) of each row, except for the distalmost cartridge pocket (DI 320) of the inner and outer rows.
  • proximal first pocket extenders (DI 330a) that are positioned at or near the proximal ends of each cartridge pocket (D1320) of each row
  • distal first pocket extenders (D1330b) that are positioned at or near the distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 320) of each row, except for the distalmost cartridge pocket (DI 320) of the inner and outer rows.
  • second pocket extender (DI 332) is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 320) of the inner and outer rows such that second pocket extender (D1332) spans laterally across all rows of cartridge pockets (D1320) on both lateral sides of knife slot (D 1318) (e. g. , the respective inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 320)).
  • each first pocket extender (DI 330a, DI 330b) includes an upwardly- facing top surface (DI 346a, DI 346b) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D1314).
  • Top surfaces (D1346a, D1346b) may be positioned at a substantially uniform height above deck (DI 314).
  • second pocket extender (DI 332) spans laterally across all of the inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (DI 320), and is positioned at or near the distal ends of the distalmost cartridge pockets (DI 320) of the inner and outer rows.
  • Second pocket extender (D1332) includes a body (D1360) that defines four staple leg receptacles (DI 362) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the distalmost inner and outer cartridge pockets (DI 320).
  • each staple leg receptacle (DI 362) may be sized and configured to slidably receive the corresponding leg (DI 26) for vertically guiding the corresponding leg (DI 26) out of the respective cartridge pocket (DI 320) toward the corresponding staple forming pockets (66) as staples (86) are driven outwardly from cartridge pockets (DI 320) by the staple drivers.
  • the body (D1360) of second pocket extender (D1332) also defines a distally-facing outer surface (D1364) that extends substantially obliquely relative to deck (D1314).
  • the outer surface (D1364) of second pocket extender (D1332) is rounded in the longitudinal direction.
  • the outer surface (DI 364) of second pocket extender (DI 332) may be rounded in the lateral direction, such as in a manner similar to that shown and described above in connection with FIG. 11.
  • the outer surface (DI 364) of second pocket extender (D1332) may have a substantially atraumatic configuration so that each outer surface (D1364) may avoid inflicting trauma to tissue contacted by the outer surface (D1364).
  • outer surface (DI 364) may define a distal ramp for gently lifting such tissue upwardly relative to deck (DI 314).
  • outer surface (D1364) may be configured to lift the portions of such tissue that are aligned with any one or more of the inner, middle, and outer rows of cartridge pockets (D1320).
  • the body (DI 360) of second pocket extender (DI 332) further defines an upwardly- facing top surface (D1366) that extends substantially parallel relative to deck (D1314).
  • Top surface (DI 366) may be positioned above deck (DI 314) as that of top surfaces (D1346a, D1346b).
  • the outer surface (1064) and top surface (D1366) of second pocket extender (D1332) may provide a continuous interaction anti-snag surface to provide improved lifting of tissue without snagging such tissue.
  • Staple cartridge (DI 310) of the present example further includes another plurality of raised features in the form of a pair of longitudinal rails (DI 370) that extend upwardly from deck (D1314) and proximally from second pocket extender (D1332) along a respective lateral side of knife slot (DI 318), and that are disposed laterally inwardly of the corresponding inner row of cartridge pockets (D1320).
  • Top surfaces (D1372) of rails (DI 370) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (DI 314) as that of top surfaces (D1346a, D1346b, D1366) of pocket extenders (D1330a, D1330b, D1332) such as, for example, about 0.51 mm.
  • any one or more of rails (D1370) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1310) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (DI 310) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60)).
  • any one or more of rails (DI 370) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 310).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 310) of the present example also includes another plurality of raised features in the form of bridges (DI 374) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 314) and laterally inwardly and/or outwardly from respective first pocket extenders (DI 330a, D1330b).
  • Top surfaces (D1376) of bridges (D1374) may be positioned at a substantially same height above deck (DI 314) as that of top surfaces (DI 346a, DI 346b, DI 366) of pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b, DI 332) and/or as that of top surfaces (DI 372) of rails (D1370) such as, for example, about 0.51 mm.
  • any one or more of bridges (D1374) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1310) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1310) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60)).
  • any one or more of bridges (DI 374) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 310).
  • bridges (DI 374) interconnect various first pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b) with each other and/or with rails (DI 370), such that various top surfaces (D1346a, D1346b, D1366, D1372, D1376) are continuous with each other.
  • the top surfaces (DI 346a, DI 346b) of at least some first pocket extenders (DI 330a, DI 330b) cooperate with the top surfaces (1376) of the corresponding bridges (DI 374) to define a continuous, generally serpentine surface extending from the top surface (DI 372) of the respective rail (D1370) to the respective laterally outer edge of deck (D1314).
  • pocket extenders (D1330a, D1330b, D1332), rails (D1370), and/or bridges (DI 374) also collectively define a continuous lattice structure to provide staple cartridge (D1310) with improved lateral stability (e.g., during squeezing of tissue (Tl, T2)).
  • FIGS. 33-35 show portions of another example of a staple cartridge (D1410) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D1410) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D1410) of the present example includes a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 420) formed through an upper deck (not shown) on each lateral side of a knife slot (not shown).
  • Staple cartridge (D1410) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 430) that extend upwardly from the deck at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 420), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 420) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of pocket extenders (D1430).
  • pocket extenders (D1430) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (D1410) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1410) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (D126) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 420) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (D1430) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, D160) to staple cartridge (D1410).
  • each pocket extender (DI 430) includes a body (DI 440) that defines proximal and distal staple leg receptacles (DI 442) for receiving corresponding legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) slidably housed within the respective cartridge pockets (DI 420).
  • the body (DI 440) of each pocket extender (DI 430) further defines an upwardly-facing top surface (DI 446) that extends substantially parallel relative to the deck.
  • Staple cartridge (D1410) of the present example further includes a plurality of recesses (D1480a, D1480b, D1480c) that extend downwardly from the top surfaces (DI 446) of respective pocket extenders (DI 430). More particularly, a generally circular array of generally circular recesses (DI 480a) extend downwardly from the top surface (DI 446) of at least one respective pocket extender (DI 430) as shown in FIG. 33; a plurality of generally linear recesses (DI 480b) oriented obliquely relative to the knife slot extend downwardly from the top surface (DI 446) of at least one respective pocket extender (D1430) as shown in FIG.
  • a generally circular array of generally circular recesses (DI 480a) extend downwardly from the top surface (DI 446) of at least one respective pocket extender (DI 430) as shown in FIG. 33
  • a single generally “+” shaped recess (D1480c) extends downwardly from the top surface (DI 446) of at least one respective pocket extender (D1430) as shown in FIG. 35.
  • Any one or more of recesses (D1480a, D1480b, D1480c) may be configured to receive respective portions of the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 410).
  • recesses (DI 480a, DI 480b, DI 480c) have been described as being incorporated together into a single staple cartridge (D1410), it will be appreciated that any suitable type(s) of recess(es) (DI 480a, DI 480b, DI 480c) may be incorporated into a particular staple cartridge. For example, only a single type of recess (D1480a, D1480b, DI 480c) may be incorporated into a given staple cartridge. It will also be appreciated that recesses (D1480a, D1480b, D1480c) may be configured in any other suitable manners beyond those shown in FIGS. 33-35.
  • FIGS. 36-38 show another example of a staple cartridge (DI 510) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 510) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 510) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 512) having an upwardly facing, multi-surface deck (DI 514), an elongate slot (DI 518) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 512) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 514) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 520) extending through deck (DI 514) on each side of knife slot (DI 518).
  • a distal knife portion of a firing beam not shown
  • a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 520) extending through deck (DI 514) on each side of knife slot (DI 518).
  • cartridge pockets (DI 520) are formed through upper deck (DI 514) along each lateral side of knife slot (DI 518), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (D1518).
  • Each cartridge pocket (D1520) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (DI 512) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (DI 512).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (DI 512) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Multi-surface deck (DI 514) of the present example includes a flat (e.g., horizontal) base surface (DI 514a) and a bi-directionally tapered raised surface (DI 514b).
  • raised surface (DI 514b) tapers downwardly in both the distal and laterally outward directions. More particularly, raised surface (DI 514b) tapers downwardly in both such directions from peaks (DI 522) on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 518) that define both a proximal-most and laterally-innermost portion of raised surface (DI 514b), to base surface (DI 514a).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 510) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 530) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 514) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 520), such that each cartridge pocket (DI 520) is longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (DI 530).
  • pocket extenders DI 530
  • pocket extenders (DI 530) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (DI 510) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (DI 510) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60)), and/or to guide the legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 520) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (DI 530) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, DI 20, DI 82, DI 84, DI 86, DI 88) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 510).
  • raised surface (DI 514b) may provide tighter compression of tissue (Tl, T2) adjacent to a proximal region of knife slot (DI 518), thereby inhibiting dragging of tissue (Tl, T2) by distal knife portion (50) upon initial contact between distal knife portion (50) and tissue (Tl, T2) during distal translation of firing beam (46) (e.g., during a firing stroke), and instead promoting piercing of tissue (Tl, T2) by distal knife portion (50) to provide a clean cut.
  • raised surface (DI 514b) may similarly inhibit movement (e.g., “plowing”) of the buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) and instead promote piercing of the buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) by distal knife portion (50) to provide a clean cut.
  • the downward tapering of raised surface (DI 514b) in both the distal and laterally outward directions may assist with guiding the fluid phase of clamped tissue (Tl, T2) outwardly both laterally and longitudinally due to the tendency of fluid to flow in the path of least resistance, which may result in an increase in the amount of fluid evacuated from clamped tissue (Tl, T2) prior to distal translation of firing beam (46) (e.g., prior to a firing stroke). This may lead to a decrease in fluid flow during distal translation of firing beam (46), thereby reducing any risk of the legs (DI 26) of staples (86) drifting and thus reducing any risk of staples (86) being malformed.
  • the downward tapering of raised surface (DI 514b) in both the distal and laterally outward directions may have a minimal impact on the overall compression forces applied to tissue (Tl, T2), thereby reducing any risk of excessive force-to-close and/or any risk of de-cambering.
  • FIGS. 39-40 show another example of a staple cartridge (DI 610) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 610) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 610) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 612) having an upwardly facing, multi-surface deck (DI 614), an elongate slot (DI 618) extending along a central axis of cartridge body (DI 612) and opening upwardly through deck (DI 614) for slidably receiving a distal knife portion of a firing beam (not shown), such as distal knife portion (50) of firing beam (46), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 620) extending through deck (DI 614) on each side of knife slot (DI 618).
  • a distal knife portion of a firing beam not shown
  • a plurality of cartridge pockets (DI 620) extending through deck (DI 614) on each side of knife slot (DI 618).
  • cartridge pockets (DI 620) are formed through upper deck (DI 614) along each lateral side of knife slot (D1618), including an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 618).
  • Each cartridge pocket (DI 620) slidably houses an unformed staple (86) and a respective staple driver (not shown) similar to staple drivers (84) positioned beneath staple (86).
  • a lower tray (not shown) similar to lower tray (76) encloses an underside of cartridge body (DI 612) and thereby retains staples (86) and the staple drivers within cartridge body (DI 612).
  • a wedge sled (not shown) similar to wedge sled (82) is slidably disposed within cartridge body (DI 612) and includes upwardly presented cam surfaces configured to engage the undersides of the staple drivers.
  • Multi-surface deck (DI 614) of the present example includes a flat (e.g., horizontal) base surface (D 1614a) and a convex raised surface (D 1614b).
  • raised surface (DI 614b) curves downwardly in the laterally outward direction. More particularly, raised surface (DI 614b) curves downwardly in such direction from peaks (DI 622) on each lateral side of knife slot (DI 618) that define a laterally-innermost portion of raised surface (D1614b), to base surface (D1614a). Due to the downward curving of raised surface (DI 614b) in the laterally outward directions, raised surface (DI 614b) may promote flow of tissue (Tl, T2) away from the cutline.
  • Staple cartridge (DI 610) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 630) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 614) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (DI 620) in the middle and outer rows, such that cartridge pockets (DI 620) in the middle and outer rows are each longitudinally flanked by a corresponding pair of proximal and distal pocket extenders (DI 630) while cartridge pockets (DI 620) in the inner rows are equipped with neither a corresponding proximal nor distal pocket extender (DI 630).
  • pocket extenders DI 630
  • pocket extenders (DI 630) may be configured to enhance the gripping of tissue (Tl, T2) by staple cartridge (DI 610) when end effector (40) is closed (e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1610) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160)), and/or to guide the legs (DI 26) of the staples (86) as the legs (DI 26) exit the respective cartridge pockets (DI 620) during deployment of the staples (86).
  • end effector (40) e.g., in instances when staple cartridge (D1610) is not equipped with a buttress assembly (DUO, DI 12, D160)
  • any one or more of pocket extenders (DI 630) may be configured to contact the adhesive layers or beads (DI 16, D120, D182, D184, D186, D188) of a corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to promote attachment of the corresponding buttress assembly (DI 10, DI 12, DI 60) to staple cartridge (DI 610).
  • FIG. 41 shows another example of a staple cartridge (DI 710) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 710) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 710) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 712) having an upwardly facing, convex deck (DI 714), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (not shown) extending through deck (DI 714) on each side of a knife slot (not shown).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 710) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 730) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 714) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket.
  • pocket extenders (DI 730) are generally flat, and are generally level with each other.
  • FIG. 42 shows another example of a staple cartridge (DI 810) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 810) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 810) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 812) having an upwardly facing, convex deck (DI 814), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (not shown) extending through deck (DI 814) on each side of a knife slot (not shown).
  • Convex deck (DI 814) of the present example curves downwardly in the laterally outward direction on each side of the knife slot from a central peak (1822).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 810) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 830) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 814) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket.
  • the top surfaces of pocket extenders (DI 830) are generally convex, and are generally arranged along an arc.
  • FIG. 43 shows another example of a staple cartridge (DI 910) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 910) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (DI 910) of the present example includes a cartridge body (DI 912) having an upwardly facing, flat deck (DI 914), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (not shown) extending through deck (DI 914) on each side of a knife slot (not shown).
  • Staple cartridge (DI 910) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (DI 930) that extend upwardly from deck (DI 914) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket.
  • pocket extenders (DI 930) are generally flat, and are generally arranged in a stepped configuration.
  • the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (DI 930) corresponding to an inner row of cartridge pockets are at a first height above deck (DI 914)
  • the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (DI 930) corresponding to an middle row of cartridge pockets are at a second height above deck (DI 914) less than the first height
  • the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (DI 930) corresponding to an outer row of cartridge pockets are at a third height above deck (DI 914) less than the second height.
  • FIG. 44 shows another example of a staple cartridge (D2010) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D2010) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D2010) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D2012) having an upwardly facing, stepped deck (D2014), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (not shown) extending through deck (D2014) on each side of a knife slot (not shown).
  • Stepped deck (D2014) of the present example includes a lower deck surface (D2014a) spanning across the outer rows of cartridge pockets on each lateral side of the knife slot, an intermediate deck surface (D2014b) spanning across the middle rows of cartridge pockets on each lateral side of the knife slot, and an upper deck surface (D2014c) spanning across the inner rows of cartridge pockets on each lateral side of the knife slot.
  • Staple cartridge (D2010) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D2030) that extend upwardly from deck (D2014) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket.
  • the top surfaces of pocket extenders (D2030) are generally flat, and are generally arranged in a stepped configuration. More particularly, the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (D2030) corresponding to the inner rows of cartridge pockets are at a first height above a reference surface of deck (D2014) (e.g., lower deck surface (D2014a), the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (D2030) corresponding to the middle rows of cartridge pockets are at a second height above deck (D2014) less than the first height, and the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (D2030) corresponding to the outer rows of cartridge pockets are at a third height above deck (D2014) less than the second height.
  • D2014 e.g., lower deck surface (D2014a)
  • D2014a lower deck surface
  • the top surfaces of the pocket extenders (D2030) corresponding to the middle rows of cartridge pockets are at a second height above deck (D2014) less than the first height
  • FIG. 45 shows another example of a staple cartridge (D2110) configured to deploy staples (86) toward corresponding staple forming pockets of an anvil (not shown), such as staple forming pockets (66) of anvil (44).
  • Staple cartridge (D2110) is configured for use with end effector (40), and is similar to staple cartridge (70) described above except as otherwise described below.
  • staple cartridge (D2110) of the present example includes a cartridge body (D2012) having an upwardly facing deck (D2114), and a plurality of cartridge pockets (D2120) extending through deck (D2114) on each side of a knife slot (D2118).
  • Staple cartridge (D2110) of the present example further includes a plurality of raised features in the form of pocket extenders (D2130) that extend upwardly from deck (D2114) at or near proximal and distal ends of each cartridge pocket (D2120).
  • staple cartridge (D2110) also includes a plurality of reliefs (D2190) positioned along the laterally outer edges of deck (D2114), whereat tissue (Tl, T2) may drape staple cartridge (D2110).
  • reliefs (D2190) may inhibit longitudinal movement (e.g., “flow”) of the tissue (Tl, T2) being severed and stapled.
  • any one or more of the configurations shown in FIGS. 41-45 may be combined with each other.
  • a stapling assembly (D210, D310, D410, D510, D610, D710, D810, D910, D1010, D1110, D1310, D1510, D1610) for a surgical instrument (10), the stapling assembly comprising: (a) a body (D212, D312, D412, D512, D612, D712, D812, D912, D1012, Di l l 2, D1312, D1512, D1612) extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck (D214, D314, D414, D514, D614, D714, D814, D914, D1014, D1114, 01314, DI 514, DI 614), wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface; (b) a plurality of pockets (D220, D320, D420, D520, D620, D720, D820, D920, D1020, DI 120, D1320, DI 520, DI 620) extending through the
  • Example 3 [000249] The stapling assembly of any of Examples 1 through 2, wherein the plurality of pocket extenders a distalmost pocket extender, wherein the at least one upwardly-facing surface extends further distally than the top surface of the distalmost pocket extender.
  • D664 proximally-facing surface
  • Example 14 [000271] The stapling assembly of any of Examples 1 through 13, further comprising at least one atraumatic, distally-facing surface (D254, D264, D354, D364, D459, D659, D754, D854, DI 064, DI 164) extending downwardly and distally from the at least one upwardly- facing surface and configured to lift tissue upwardly relative to the upper deck.
  • at least one atraumatic, distally-facing surface D254, D264, D354, D364, D459, D659, D754, D854, DI 064, DI 164 extending downwardly and distally from the at least one upwardly- facing surface and configured to lift tissue upwardly relative to the upper deck.
  • a surgical instrument (10) comprising: (a) the stapling assembly of any of Examples 1 through 14; and (b) an adjunct (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) secured to the stapling assembly, wherein the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the at least one upwardly-facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the at least one upwardly-facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • a stapling assembly (D210, D310, D410, D510, D610, D710, D810, D910, D1010, DI 110, DI 310) for a surgical instrument (10), the stapling assembly comprising: (a) a body (D212, D312, D412, D512, D612, D712, D812, D912, D1012, D1112, D1312) extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck (D214, D314, D414, D514, D614, D714, D814, D914, D1014, DI 114, D1314), wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface; (b) a plurality of pockets (D220, D320, D420, D520, D620, D720, D820, D920, DI 020, DI 120, DI 320) extending through the upper deck for receiving respective staples (86), wherein the plurality of pockets are arranged in a plurality of longitudinal rows; (c) a plurality of pockets
  • Example 21 [000285] The stapling assembly of Example 20, wherein the first and second rows of the plurality of pockets include laterally inner and laterally middle rows of the plurality of pockets, respectively, wherein the third row of the plurality of pockets includes a laterally outer row of the plurality of pockets.
  • the plurality of pocket extenders includes a second distalmost pocket extender (D232, D332) having a second distally -facing surface (D254, D354) that is configured to lift tissue upwardly relative to the upper deck, wherein the second distally-facing surface extends substantially obliquely relative to the upper deck and is aligned with the third row of the plurality of pockets.
  • a surgical instrument (10) comprising: (a) the stapling assembly of any of Examples 16 through 29; and (b) an adjunct (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) secured to the stapling assembly, wherein the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the upwardly -facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the upwardly -facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • Example 31 A stapling assembly (D210, D310, D410, D510, D610, D710, D810, D910, D1010, D1110, D1310, D1510, D1610) for a surgical instrument (10), the stapling assembly comprising: (a) a body (D212, D312, D412, D512, D612, D712, D812, D912, D1012, Di l l 2, D1312, D1512, D1612) extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck (D214, D314, D414, D514, D614, D714, D814, D914, D1014, D1114, D1314, DI 514, DI 614), wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface; (b) a plurality of pockets (D220, D320, D420, D520, D620, D720, D820, D920, D1020, DI 120, D1320, DI 520, DI 620, DI 620
  • Example 32 [000307] The stapling assembly of Example 31 , wherein each distally -facing surface of the pair of distally-facing surfaces is rounded in a longitudinal direction.
  • each distally- facing surface of the pair of distally-facing surfaces is rounded in a lateral direction.
  • each distally- facing surface of the pair of distally-facing surfaces spans laterally at least partially across at least three longitudinal rows of the plurality of pockets on the respective lateral side of the longitudinal axis.
  • each distally- facing surface of the pair of distally-facing surfaces extends upwardly and proximally relative to the upper deck to an upwardly-facing surface (D256, D266, D356, D366, D456, D656, D756, D856, D1066, DI 166).
  • Example 38 [000319] The stapling assembly of any of Examples 36 through 37, wherein the upwardly- facing surface is configured to contact an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) of an adjunct (DI 10, DI 12, D160) for securing the adjunct to the stapling assembly.
  • an adhesive portion DI 16, DI 20, DI 66
  • an adjunct DI 10, DI 12, D160
  • a surgical instrument (10) comprising: (a) the stapling assembly of any of Examples 36 through 39; and (b) an adjunct (DUO, DI 12, DI 60) secured to the stapling assembly, wherein the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the upwardly -facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • the adjunct includes: (i) an adjunct material portion (DI 14, DI 18, DI 64), and (ii) an adhesive portion (DI 16, DI 20, DI 66) contacting the upwardly -facing surface of the stapling assembly.
  • Example 51 [000345] A stapling assembly (D210, D310, D410, D510, D610, D710, D810, D910, D1010, D1110, D1310, D1510, D1610) for a surgical instrument (10), the stapling assembly comprising: (a) a body (D212, D312, D412, D512, D612, D712, D812, D912, D1012, Di l l 2, D1312, D1512, D1612) extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck (D214, D314, D414, D514, D614, D714, D814, D914, D1014, D1114, D1314, DI 514, DI 614), wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface; (b) a plurality of pockets (D220, D320, D420, D520, D620, D720, D820, D920, D1020, DI 120, D1320, DI 520, DI
  • Example 51 The stapling assembly of Example 51, wherein the at least one longitudinal rail includes a pair of longitudinal rails disposed on respective lateral sides of the longitudinal axis.
  • a stapling assembly (D210, D310, D410, D510, D610, D710, D810, D910, D1010, D1110, D1310, D1510, D1610) for a surgical instrument (10), the stapling assembly comprising: (a) a body (D212, D312, D412, D512, D612, D712, D812, D912, D1012, Di l l 2, D1312, D1512, D1612) extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck (D214, D314, D414, D514, D614, D714, D814, D914, D1014, D1114, D1314, DI 514, DI 614), wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface; (b) a plurality of pockets (D220, D320, D420, D520, D620, D720, D820, D920, D1020, DI 120, D1320, DI 520, DI 620) extending through the
  • a stapling assembly for a surgical instrument comprising:
  • each staple driver of the plurality of staple drivers is aligned with and movable vertically within a respective pocket of the plurality of pockets for actuating the respective staple into tissue;
  • a staple driver actuator configured to translate distally relative to the body for lifting the plurality of staple drivers sequentially;
  • each pocket extender of the plurality of pocket extenders has a respective top surface that defines an uppermost surface of the stapling assembly
  • At least one upwardly-facing surface configured to contact an adhesive portion of an adjunct for securing the adjunct to the stapling assembly, wherein the at least one upwardly-facing surface is disposed at least partially between at least a portion of the upper deck and the top surfaces of the plurality of pocket extenders, wherein the at least one upwardly-facing surface spans laterally at least partially across the at least two longitudinal rows of the plurality of pockets.
  • the stapling assembly of Clause 8 further comprising at least one proximally- facing surface that extends substantially orthogonally relative to the upper deck from the upper deck to the peak of the at least one upwardly and distally-facing surface.
  • the at least one upwardly -facing surface includes at least one hemispherical surface.
  • the stapling assembly of Clause 1 further comprising at least one opening extending through the at least one upwardly-facing surface and overlying a corresponding pocket of the plurality of pockets for accommodating passage of the respective staple therethrough.
  • the stapling assembly of Clause 1 further comprising at least one atraumatic, distally-facing surface extending downwardly and distally from the at least one upwardly-facing surface and configured to lift tissue upwardly relative to the upper deck.
  • a surgical instrument comprising:
  • adjunct secured to the stapling assembly, wherein the adjunct includes:
  • a stapling assembly for a surgical instrument comprising:
  • each staple driver of the plurality of staple drivers is aligned with and movable vertically within a respective pocket of the plurality of pockets for actuating the respective staple into tissue;
  • a staple driver actuator configured to translate distally relative to the body for lifting the plurality of staple drivers sequentially
  • a first distally-facing surface that is configured to lift tissue upwardly relative to the upper deck, wherein the first distally-facing surface extends substantially obliquely relative to the upper deck and spans laterally at least partially across at least two longitudinal rows of the plurality of longitudinal rows of the plurality of pockets, and
  • a stapling assembly for a surgical instrument comprising: (a) a body extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper deck, wherein the upper deck defines a stapling surface;
  • each staple driver of the plurality of staple drivers is aligned with and movable vertically within a respective pocket of the plurality of pockets for actuating the respective staple into tissue;
  • a staple driver actuator configured to translate distally relative to the body for lifting the plurality of staple drivers sequentially;
  • each pocket extender of the plurality of pocket extenders has a respective top surface that defines an uppermost surface of the stapling assembly
  • each distally-facing surface of the pair of distally-facing surfaces is disposed on a respective lateral side of the longitudinal axis, extends proximally and upwardly relative to a distal end of the upper deck toward the top surface of a distalmost pocket extender of the plurality of pocket extenders on the respective lateral side of the longitudinal axis, and spans laterally at least partially across at least two longitudinal rows of the plurality of pockets on the respective lateral side of the longitudinal axis.
  • any one or more of the teachings herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9523USNP1], entitled “Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Intermediate Raised Tissue Engagement Protrusions,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9523USNP2], entitled “Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Tissue Engagement Protrusions with Enlarged Engagement Surface,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref.
  • Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures.
  • various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system such as those made available by Auris Health, Inc. of Redwood City, CA or by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, California.
  • Versions of the devices described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure.
  • reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.
  • versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure.
  • the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag.
  • the container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons.
  • the radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container.
  • the sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use.
  • a device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

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Abstract

Un ensemble d'agrafage pour un instrument chirurgical comprend un corps se prolongeant selon un axe longitudinal et ayant un plateau supérieur, une pluralité de poches se prolongeant à travers le plateau supérieur pour recevoir des agrafes respectives et agencées en au moins deux rangées longitudinales, une pluralité de dispositifs d'entraînement d'agrafes, et un actionneur d'entraînement d'agrafes. L'ensemble d'agrafage comprend également une pluralité d'extenseurs de poche se prolongeant vers le haut à partir du plateau supérieur. Chaque prolongateur de poche présente une surface supérieure respective. L'ensemble d'agrafage comprend en outre au moins une surface orientée vers le haut configurée pour entrer en contact avec un adhésif d'un auxiliaire pour fixer l'auxiliaire à l'ensemble d'agrafage. Ladite au moins une surface orientée vers le haut est disposée au moins partiellement entre au moins une partie du pont supérieur et les surfaces supérieures de la pluralité d'extenseurs de poche, et se prolonge latéralement au moins partiellement à travers au moins deux rangées longitudinales de la pluralité de poches.
PCT/IB2024/054891 2023-05-19 2024-05-20 Cartouche d'agrafeuse chirurgicale ayant une surface surélevée pour favoriser l'adhérence de contrefort Pending WO2024241196A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

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EP24731075.8A EP4525738B1 (fr) 2023-05-19 2024-05-20 Cartouche d'agrafeuse chirurgicale ayant une surface surélevée pour favoriser l'adhérence de contrefort

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US202363467648P 2023-05-19 2023-05-19
US63/467,648 2023-05-19
US18/588,206 2024-02-27
US18/588,206 US12390220B2 (en) 2023-05-19 2024-02-27 Surgical stapler cartridge having raised surface to promote buttress adhesion

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