Selectively orientable implantable fastener cartridge

A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible, collapsible, and/or crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to compress, collapse, and/or crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. In various embodiments, the fastener cartridge and/or the first jaw can comprise retention features which can allow the fastener cartridge to be selectively inserted into the first jaw in a first orientation or a second orientation.

Collapsible fastener cartridge

A fastener cartridge can comprise a crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the crushable cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible cartridge body having a thickness which can be reduced by the compressive pressure applied by the anvil. In certain embodiments, a fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body which can collapse from the compressive pressure.

Surgical stapling instrument with compact articulation control arrangement

A surgical cutting and stapling instrument with an articulatable elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is operably coupled to a handle assembly and has an articulation joint therein. The distal end of the elongated shaft is couplable to and end effector that supports a staple cartridge therein. The end effector may be articulated relative to the elongated shaft by an articulation control system operably supported in the handle assembly.

Fastener system comprising a retention matrix and an alignment matrix

A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to each other by, one, a retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue within the fasteners and, two, an alignment matrix configured to hold the fasteners together before the retention matrix is assembled thereto. In various embodiments, the retention matrix and the alignment matrix can each comprise a tissue-contacting surface configured to compress tissue therebetween.

Surgical stapler with floating anvil

A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner.

Surgical instrument having a power control circuit

Various embodiments are directed to a powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue. The instrument may comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, a drive device, a clamping trigger, and a control circuit. The control circuit may comprise a power supply, a firing switch, a clamp switch, a switching device and an end-of-stroke switch. The firing switch may be electrically connected to, upon actuation, connect the power supply to the drive device via a first connection comprising the switching device and the firing switch.

Fastener system comprising a retention matrix and a cover

A surgical fastening system can comprise a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener can comprise, one, a base and, two, a leg extending from the base, wherein each leg can comprise a tip. The fastener system can further comprise a retention matrix comprising a first side facing toward the bases of the fasteners, a second side facing away from the bases of the fasteners, and a plurality of retention members configured to engage the legs. The fastener system can further comprise a cover configured to cover the staple tips, wherein the cover can comprise a sheet of material and/or a plurality of caps.

Tissue thickness compensator for a surgical stapler comprising an adjustable anvil

A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES POSITIONED WITHIN A COMPRESSIBLE PORTION THEREOF

A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

CURVED END EFFECTOR FOR A STAPLING INSTRUMENT

A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can be supported by a support jaw of the surgical stapler and can comprise legs which can extend upwardly through apertures defined in the cartridge deck. The support jaw can comprise stationary staple drivers which can support the staples in curved rows as the staples are deformed by an anvil of the surgical stapler. In certain embodiments, the staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple drivers which can be configured to support and eject the staples along curved staple rows.