Patent ID: 7673781
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: A61B,B25C

Abstract:
1. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil that is moveable between open and closed positions, the staple cartridge comprising: a plurality of staples, each staple having a main portion and two prongs, the prongs extending from opposite first and second end portions of the main portion such that the prongs are not parallel to the main portion, and wherein the main portion comprises a middle portion between the first and second end portions; a first plurality of staple drivers, wherein each staple driver of the first plurality of staple drivers has first and second upper flat staple supporting surfaces for supporting one of the plurality of staples, wherein the first and second upper flat staple supporting surfaces each have a longitudinal length extending in the axial direction and parallel to the main portion of the staples, wherein the first upper flat staple supporting surface supports the first end portion of the main portion of the staple and the second upper flat staple supporting surface supports the second end portion of the main portion, and wherein the middle portion of the main portion of the staple is not in contact with the staple driver, wherein, when actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the anvil, wherein the first and second upper staple supporting surfaces of each staple driver support staples of different wire diameters in an upright position, wherein: