Patent ID: 8978954
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a cartridge body, comprising: a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible column extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.