Tissue thickness compensator comprising a plurality of medicaments

In various embodiments, a compensator can comprise a compensator body comprising a plurality of first packets and a plurality of second packets wherein, in at least one embodiment, each second packet is positioned intermediate two or more first packets. The compensator can further comprise a first medicament positioned within each first packet and a second medicament positioned within each second packet, wherein the first medicament is different than the second medicament.

LAYER OF MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR

In various embodiments, a layer of material can comprise a body, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion can be releasably secured to a staple cartridge of a surgical end effector, and the distal end portion can be releasably secured to an anvil of the surgical end effector. The layer of material can comprise a tissue thickness compensator.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ATTACHING TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATING MATERIALS TO SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS

Surgical stapling instruments are disclosed. At least one embodiment includes a first jaw that supports a plurality of surgical staples and a second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw. Various arrangements include a tissue thickness compensator that is configured to be captured within the surgical staples and assume different compressed heights within different surgical staples upon application of a firing motion to the surgical staples. Various attachment protrusion arrangements are disclosed to mechanically removably attach the tissue thickness compensator to the first or second jaw.

Tissue stapler having a thickness compensator incorportating a hydrophobic agent

A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a hydrophobic agent embedded therein.

Layer comprising deployable attachment members

An anvil-attachable layer and a retainer for aligning and attaching the layer to an anvil of a surgical stapler. Embodiments of the anvil-attachable layer can include one or more attachment features extending from the layer. A retainer can push the attachment features into a knife slot in the anvil so that the fit between the attachment features and the slot hold the anvil-attachable layer in place. Other embodiments of the anvil-attachable layer can include deployable attachment features formed in the layer. The deployable attachment features can be deployed from an undeployed position substantially in a plane defined by the layer to a deployed position extending out of the plane. In the deployed position, the deployable attachment features can extend into a slot in an anvil. A retainer can include features to push the deployable attachment features into the deployed position.

Tissue thickness compensator having improved visibility

A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator includes a visualization indicator.

Tissue thickness compensator comprising capsules defining a low pressure environment

A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compensator body and at least one vessel contained in the compensator body. The vessel can define an inner cavity which can comprise an inner atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the vessel and the compensator body can be maintained in a collapsed state until staples are fired through the vessel. At such point, the vessel can re-expand and apply a biasing force to tissue captured within the staples.

Tissue thickness compensator comprising tissue ingrowth features

In various embodiments, a compensator can be attachable to an anvil of a fastening instrument. The compensator can comprise a support layer configured to be attached to the anvil and a scaffold attached to the support layer. In at least one embodiment, the scaffold can comprise a plurality of scaffold layers comprised of a biocompatible material and a plurality of cavities, wherein the layers and the cavities can define a matrix favorable to tissue and cellular ingrowth.

Tissue thickness compensator comprised of a plurality of materials

A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of fibers. Such fibers can include a plurality of first fibers comprised of a first material and a plurality of second fibers comprised of a second material. A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers wherein each layer can be comprised of one or more medicaments. Certain embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator comprising fibers, for example.

Motor driven surgical fastener device with switching system configured to prevent firing initiation until activated

A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. A switch configured to prevent application of firing motions to the end effector until the switch has been activated.