Patent Publication Number: US-10765424-B2

Title: Surgical stapling instrument

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,802, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Oct. 21, 2013, which issued on Jun. 27, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/855,351, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Aug. 12, 2010, which issued on Jun. 4, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,908, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/725,993, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed on Mar. 17, 2010, which issued on Sep. 24, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,133, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, which issued on Mar. 15, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,381, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,099, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING A CLOSURE MECHANISM, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, which issued on Jan. 8, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,129, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/250,377, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Oct. 9, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, which issued on Oct. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/843,436, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, which issued on Sep. 24, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,129, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Feb. 13, 2008, which issued on Aug. 3, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     i. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to stapling instruments and, in various embodiments, to a surgical stapling instrument for producing one or more rows of staples. 
     ii. Background of the Related Art 
     In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency for surgeons to use stapling instruments to suture body tissues such as a lung, an esophagus, a stomach, a duodenum and/or other organs in the intestinal tract. The use of an appropriate stapling instrument in many instances may perform a better job in less time and simplify previously difficult surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal anastomoses. Previous linear two and four row cutting staplers comprised cartridge-less instruments into which staples were individually hand-loaded. Other previous devices have included a presterilized disposable staple loading unit and a cutting member which could be utilized for dividing the tissue and forming the rows of staples simultaneously. An example of such a surgical stapler is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,591, entitled INSTRUMENT FOR PLACING LATERAL GASTROINTESTINAL ANASTOMOSES, which issued on Mar. 10, 1970, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into an internal, tubular body organ to be anastomosed. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples, and the other jaw member can support an anvil with staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling instrument can further include a pusher bar and knife blade which are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject staples from the staple cartridge via camming surfaces on the pusher bar. In at least one embodiment, the camming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the individual staples to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members. In typical stapling instruments, however, the anvil is unmovable relative to the staple cartridge once the jaw members have been assembled together and the formed height of the staples cannot be adjusted. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail the pusher bar and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows. Examples of such stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,695, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 7, 1984, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one form, a surgical stapler can comprise a curved anvil assembly comprising a tissue contacting surface and a plurality of staple pockets formed in the tissue contacting surface, wherein the staple pockets are positioned along a curve. Each staple pocket can comprise a staple pocket centerline, wherein a staple pocket centerline of a first staple pocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with a staple pocket centerline of a second staple pocket. Each staple pocket can further comprise a first forming cup including a first inside portion, a first outside portion, and a first interior sidewall extending between the first outside portion and the first inside portion, wherein the first interior sidewall comprises a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. Each staple pocket can further comprise a second forming cup including a second inside portion, a second outside portion, wherein the first inside portion is positioned in close relation to the second inside portion, wherein the first inside portion and the second inside portion are positioned offset with respect to the staple pocket centerline, wherein the first outside portion and the second outside portion are positioned on opposite sides of the first inside portion and the second inside portion, and wherein the first outside portion and the second outside portion are oriented in a direction which is transverse to the staple pocket centerline, and a second interior sidewall extending between the second outside portion and the second inside portion, wherein the second interior sidewall comprises a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. 
     In at least one form, a surgical stapler can comprise a curved anvil assembly comprising a tissue contacting surface and a plurality of staple pockets formed in the tissue contacting surface, wherein the staple pockets are positioned along a curved path, wherein each staple pocket comprises a staple pocket midline, and wherein a staple pocket midline of a first staple pocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with a staple pocket midline of a second staple pocket. Each staple pocket can further comprise a first forming cup including a first inside portion, a first outside portion, and a first interior sidewall extending between the first outside portion and the first inside portion, wherein the first interior sidewall comprises a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. Each staple pocket can further comprise a second forming cup including a second inside portion, a second outside portion, wherein the first inside portion is positioned in close relation to the second inside portion, wherein the first inside portion and the second inside portion are positioned offset with respect to the staple pocket midline, and wherein the first outside portion and the second outside portion are positioned on opposite sides of the first inside portion and the second inside portion, and a second interior sidewall extending between the second outside portion and the second inside portion, wherein the second interior sidewall comprises a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface, wherein the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion extend through the staple pocket midline, and wherein the first interior surface and the second interior surface comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the staple pocket midline and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the staple pocket midline. 
     In various embodiments, a surgical stapler comprising an anvil assembly comprising a tissue contacting surface, a first staple-forming pocket formed in the tissue contacting surface, and a second staple-forming pocket formed in the tissue contacting surface is disclosed. The first staple-forming pocket and the second staple-forming pocket each comprise a longitudinal axis, a staple pocket centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. A staple pocket centerline of a first staple pocket is neither parallel to nor collinear with a staple pocket centerline of the second staple-forming pocket. The first forming cup comprises a first inside portion, a first outside portion, and a first interior sidewall extending between the first outside portion and the first inside portion. The second forming cup comprises a second inside portion, a second outside portion, and a second interior sidewall extending between the second outside portion and the second inside portion. The first forming cup and the second forming cup are laterally offset from the longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a linear anastomotic stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view showing the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  partially disassembled with its upper anvil carrying jaw member detached from its lower staple cartridge carrying jaw member; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view showing the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  in its assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  showing a cam mechanism for urging the rear portions of the upper and lower jaw members apart; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the anvil carrying jaw member of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the staple cartridge carrying jaw member of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front end view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear end view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a pusher bar and knife blade assembly of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a pusher block and an actuator knob which are components of the pusher bar and knife blade assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear portion of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cam mechanism in its inoperative position; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear portion of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrating the cam mechanism in its operative position; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the staple cartridge of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the staple cartridge of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and staple cartridge carrying jaw members of  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrating the operation of the pusher bar and knife blade assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the anastomotic stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  taken along line  19 - 19  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a detail view of a portion of the anvil and staple cartridge shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a stapling instrument in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 21  illustrating a first actuator knob in an extended position; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 21  illustrating the extended actuator knob of  FIG. 22  after it has been advanced distally; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view of a clutch mechanism for operably engaging one or more actuator knobs with a pusher bar of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a guide member of the clutch mechanism of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an actuator knob of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27  is another perspective view of the clutch mechanism of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 21  illustrating the first actuator knob in a retracted position and a second actuator knob in an extended position; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial exploded view of a stapling instrument in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 29  illustrating an actuator knob after it has been advanced distally along a first side of the stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 29  illustrating the actuator knob of  FIG. 30  being rotated between a first position and a second position; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 29  illustrating the actuator knob of  FIG. 30  after it has been advanced distally along a second side of the stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded view of a pusher bar assembly of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 29  configured to allow the actuator knob of  FIG. 30  to be rotated between its first and second positions; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating first and second portions being assembled together; 
         FIG. 38  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating the proximal end of the first portion of  FIG. 37  being locked to the proximal end of the second portion of  FIG. 37  and illustrating the second portion being rotated toward the first portion; 
         FIG. 39  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating a latch rotatably mounted to the first portion, wherein the latch is engaged with the second portion and wherein the latch has been rotated into a partially-closed position; 
         FIG. 40  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating the latch of  FIG. 39  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 42  is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 41  taken along line  43 - 43  in  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded view of a staple sled and cutting member assembly of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the staple sled and cutting member assembly of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating a firing actuator moved distally along a first side of the surgical stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating the firing actuator of  FIG. 46  moved distally along a second side of the surgical stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 48  is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a latch in a partially-closed position and a locking mechanism engaged with a firing actuator; 
         FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 48  wherein the latch has been moved into a closed position and has disengaged the locking mechanism from the firing actuator; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of an anvil assembly of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 51  is an exploded perspective view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is another exploded perspective view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53  is an exploded cross-sectional elevational view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50  illustrating an anvil adjustment member in a first position; 
         FIG. 55  is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50  illustrating the anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 54  in a second position; 
         FIG. 56  is a cross-sectional assembly view of the anvil assembly of  FIG. 50  illustrating the anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 54  in a third position; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 58  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  taken along line  58 - 58  in  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a partial exploded view of the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  including a detent mechanism for releasably holding a rotatable anvil adjustment member in position; 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  with some components removed and others shown in cross-section; 
         FIG. 61  is an exploded view of portions of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  illustrating a rotatable anvil adjustment member in a first orientation; 
         FIG. 62  is a perspective view of the rotatable anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  with some components removed and others shown in dashed lines illustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member in the first orientation of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  taken along line  64 - 64  in  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 65  is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  illustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 61  rotated in a first direction into a second orientation; 
         FIG. 66  is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  illustrating the anvil adjustment member in the second orientation of  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 67  is an end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  illustrating the rotatable anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 61  rotated in a second direction into a third orientation; 
         FIG. 68  is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 57  illustrating the anvil adjustment member in the third orientation of  FIG. 67 ; 
         FIG. 69  is a perspective view of an actuator for rotating the anvil adjustment member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 70  is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument including a spring configured to bias the distal end of a first handle portion away from the distal end of a second handle portion when the stapling instrument is in a partially-closed configuration; 
         FIG. 71  is a similar perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  to that of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 72  is a detail view of a latch projection extending from an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 73  is a diagram illustrating the latch projection of  FIG. 72  and a latch configured to engage the latch projection and move the latch projection into a latch recess; 
         FIG. 74  is an elevational view of the latch projection of  FIG. 72 ; 
         FIG. 75  is a perspective view of a staple pocket in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 76  is a top view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75 ; 
         FIG. 77  is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75  taken along line  77 - 77  in  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 78  is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75  taken along line  78 - 78  in  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 79  is another top view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75 ; 
         FIG. 80  is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75  taken along line  80 - 80  in  FIG. 79 ; 
         FIG. 81  is a cross-sectional view of the staple pocket of  FIG. 75  taken along line  81 - 81  in  FIG. 79 ; 
         FIG. 82  is an elevational view of a surgical staple in an undeformed shape; 
         FIG. 83  is an elevational view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 82  in a deformed shape in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 84  is a side view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 82  in the deformed shape of  FIG. 83 ; 
         FIG. 85  is a plan view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 82  in the deformed shape of  FIG. 83 ; 
         FIG. 85A  is another plan view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 82  in the deformed shape of  FIG. 83 ; 
         FIG. 86  is an elevational view of a surgical staple in an undeformed shape; 
         FIG. 87  is a bottom view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 86  in an undeformed shape; 
         FIG. 88  is a bottom view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 86  in a deformed shape in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 89  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staple of  FIG. 86 ; 
         FIG. 90  is an elevational view of a surgical staple in a deformed shape in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 91  is an elevational view of a surgical staple in a deformed shape; 
         FIG. 92  is an exploded perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 93  is an exploded elevational view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 94  is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34  illustrating a latch rotatably mounted to the first portion, wherein the latch is engaged with the second portion and wherein the latch has been rotated into a partially-closed position; 
         FIG. 95  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 96  is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 95 ; 
         FIG. 97  is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 95 ; 
         FIG. 98  is an exploded view of a staple sled and cutting member assembly of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 95 ; 
         FIG. 99  is a perspective view of the staple sled and cutting member assembly of  FIG. 98 ; 
         FIG. 100  is a detail view of a distal end of a drive bar configured to be operably connected to the staple sled and cutting assembly of  FIG. 98 , wherein the drive bar distal end is illustrated in a proximal position in solid lines a second, or distal, position in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 101  is a partial bottom view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 95 ; 
         FIG. 102  is a cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 103  is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a firing actuator in a partially-advanced position; 
         FIG. 104  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator in the partially-advanced position; 
         FIG. 105  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator being returned toward an unfired position; 
         FIG. 106  is a top view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator being moved distally; 
         FIG. 107  is a top view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 107  illustrating the firing actuator being moved proximally; 
         FIG. 108  is another perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103 ; 
         FIG. 109  is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator in an unfired position; 
         FIG. 110  is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator rotated to a first side of the surgical stapling instrument housing; 
         FIG. 111  is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument of  FIG. 103  illustrating the firing actuator in a partially-fired position; 
         FIG. 112  is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a circular anvil and a circular staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 113  is a perspective view of the anvil of  FIG. 112 ; 
         FIG. 114  is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a curved anvil and a curved staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 115  is a detail view of the curved anvil and the curved staple cartridge of  FIG. 114 ; 
         FIG. 116  is a detail view of a curved anvil plate of the curved anvil of  FIG. 114 ; 
         FIG. 117  is an elevational view of a deformed staple in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 118  is an elevational view of another deformed staple in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 119  is a partial face view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 120  is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a curved anvil and a curve piece of compressible material positioned thereon. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     The entire disclosures of the following United States Patent Applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/725,993, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed on Mar. 17, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,133; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,381; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,143, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE CLOSING POSITION, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,186; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,133, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING STAPLE HEIGHT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,686; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,113, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,612; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,099, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING A CLOSURE MECHANISM, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,129; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,130, entitled METHOD FOR FORMING A STAPLE, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0087276; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,113, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER COMPRISING A STAPLE POCKET, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,762; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/843,436, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,129; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Feb. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/250,377, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER, filed on Oct. 9, 2009. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a linear anastomotic stapling instrument, generally  20 , can comprise an upper elongated anvil carrying jaw member  22  and a lower elongated staple cartridge carrying jaw member  24 . Upper anvil carrying jaw member  22  can be supported by a handle  26  with a front portion of the jaw member extending forwardly therefrom. Lower staple cartridge carrying jaw member  24  can be supported by a handle  28  with a front portion of the jaw member extending forwardly therefrom. As shown in  FIG. 3 , upper handle  26  and lower handle  28  can be suitably shaped to form a hand grip to facilitate the handling and operation of the stapling instrument by a surgeon. An enlarged front protrusion  27  and a small rear protrusion  29  can be provided on each handle for this purpose. In various embodiments, handles  26  and  28  can be made of plastic of other lightweight materials, for example, while jaw members  22  and  24  can be made of stainless steel or other similar materials, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , upper jaw member  22  can comprise a one-piece elongated channel-shaped frame including a pair of opposed, elongated side walls  30  connected by a top wall  31 . Upper handle  26  can include a pair of depending ears  32  located inside the upper handle adjacent to its front end. Upper jaw member  22  can include a slot  34  ( FIG. 4 ) formed at an intermediate position along its top wall  31  through which depending ears  32  can project downwardly. A latch pin  36  can extend through circular holes formed in side walls  30  of upper jaw member  22  and through circular holes formed in depending ears  32  to pivotally connect the upper jaw member to upper handle  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the front portion of upper jaw member  22  can be provided with a pair of elongated inwardly extending flanges  38  which can define an anvil  40  of the stapling instrument. Flanges  38  can be separated by a central longitudinal slot  42  which extends along the entire length of anvil  40 . At the proximal end of central slot  42 , the flanges  38  can be provided with inwardly sloped guide surfaces  41 . Each flange  38  can also provided with two longitudinal rows of uniformly spaced staple-forming pockets  44 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a tapered anvil tip  46  can be mounted at the front of anvil carrying jaw member  22  to facilitate the insertion of the jaw member into hollow, tubular body organs, for example. Anvil tip  46  can include an elongated body  48  ( FIG. 4 ) which can be inserted through the longitudinal passageway above anvil  40  defined by side walls  30  and flanges  38  of the upper jaw member. This elongated body  48  can extend between depending ears  32  above latch pin  36  and can include an enlarged rear portion  50  located behind ears  32  to hold anvil tip  46  in place on upper jaw member  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , lower cartridge carrying jaw member  24  can comprise a one-piece elongated channel-shaped frame including a pair of opposed, elongated side walls  52  connected by a bottom wall  53 . Along the rearward portion of lower jaw member  24 , a pair of spaced, elongated upstanding side flanges  54  ( FIG. 2 ) can extend upward from its opposed side walls  52 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the width of lower jaw member  24  between its side flanges  54  can be greater than the width of upper jaw member  22  between its side walls  30  to permit the rear portion of the upper jaw member to be received between side flanges  54  of the lower jaw member when the stapling instrument is assembled for operation. As shown in  FIG. 2 , each side flange  54  of lower jaw member  24  can include a vertical notch  56  located in alignment with latch pin  36  on upper jaw member  22 . When upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  are assembled, the opposite ends of latch pin  36  can be received in notches  56 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , lower jaw member  24  can support a staple cartridge  60  which is adapted to receive a plurality of surgical staples  61  ( FIG. 17 ) arranged in at least two laterally spaced longitudinal rows. Staple cartridge  60  can be mounted at the front portion of lower jaw member  24  between its side walls  52 . Staple cartridge  60  can be divided longitudinally by a central, elongated slot  62  ( FIG. 6 ) which extends from the proximal end of the cartridge toward its distal end. In various embodiments, a plurality of staple openings  64  formed in staple cartridge  60  can be arranged in two pairs of laterally spaced rows, with each pair of rows disposed on opposite sides of central longitudinal slot  62 . A plurality of surgical staples  61  ( FIG. 17 ) can be mounted within openings  64  of cartridge  60 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the staple openings  64  in adjacent rows can be staggered to provide more effective stapling of the tissue when the instrument is operated. Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , staple cartridge  60  can include a pair of longitudinal slots  66  located on opposite sides of elongated central slot  62  and disposed between the staggered rows of openings  64  on each side of the central slot. Each longitudinal slot  66  can extend from the proximal end of cartridge  60  towards its distal end. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , a plurality of staple drivers  65  can be slidably mounted in staple openings  64  for actuating the staples  61  which are loaded into staple cartridge  60 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , each staple driver  65  can be designed to simultaneously actuate two staples  61  located in the adjacent rows provided in staple cartridge  60 . Thus, in various embodiments, a first set of staple drivers  65  can be provided for actuating the staples  61  in the staggered rows located on one side of central longitudinal slot  62 , and a second set of staple drivers  65  can be provided for actuating the staples  61  in the pair of adjacent rows located on the other side of central longitudinal slot  62 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , similar to the above, the front or distal end of staple cartridge  60  can include a tapered tip  68  to facilitate the insertion of lower jaw member  24  into a hollow, tubular body organ, for example. Immediately behind its tapered tip  68 , staple cartridge  60  can be provided with a pair of rearwardly extending protrusions  70  (one shown in  FIG. 14 ) which can be received in corresponding notches provided in side walls  52  of lower jaw member  24 . At the rear of staple cartridge  60 , a pair of depending arms  72  can extend downwardly from the cartridge. Each arm  72  can be notched to provide a side opening  74 . When cartridge  60  is assembled on lower jaw member  24 , its protrusions  70  can be received in corresponding notches provided at the front ends of side walls  52  and its depending arms  72  extend downwardly through an opening  76  ( FIG. 4 ) formed in bottom wall  53  of jaw member  24 . Lower jaw member  24  can include a pair of depending ears  78  ( FIG. 18 ) extending downwardly from its side walls  52  on opposite sides of opening  76 . A pivot pin  80  can extend through holes formed in depending ears  78  of lower jaw member  24  and through side openings  74  of depending arms  72  on staple cartridge  60  to fasten the staple cartridge to the lower jaw member. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the stapling instrument  20  can include a latching mechanism, generally  90 , for latching upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  together at an intermediate position along the jaw members. In various embodiments, jaw members  22  and  24  can be latched together at a position adjacent to the proximal ends of anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . In at least one embodiment, latching mechanism  90  can comprise a latch arm  92  ( FIG. 2 ) pivotally connected to lower jaw member  24  via pivot pin  80  ( FIG. 4 ). Latch arm  92  can be channel-shaped in configuration and can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls  94  ( FIG. 6 ) which are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to span side walls  52  of lower jaw member  24 . Each side wall  94  of latch arm  92  can include an upwardly and forwardly extending hook member  96  provided with a forwardly facing slot  98  for receiving latch pin  36 . A shroud  100  can be mounted on the lower surface of latch arm  92 . When latch arm  92  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 3 , shroud  100  can be aligned with the bottom of lower handle  28  to facilitate the handling and operation of stapling instrument  20  by the surgeon. In various embodiments, shroud  100  can be made of plastic or other lightweight materials, for example, while latch arm  92  can be made of stainless steel, for example. As shown in  FIG. 7 , shroud  100  can include elongated flanges  102  and  104  extending outwardly from its opposite sides which can serve as fingergrips to enable latch arm  92  to be pivoted downwardly from its latched to its unlatched position. When latch arm  92  is moved to its closed or latched position, the surfaces of slots  98  of hook members  96  can cooperate with latch pin  36  which can act as an over-center latch to maintain latch arm  92  in its latched position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 10 , the preferred embodiment of stapling instrument  20  can include an improved pusher bar and knife blade assembly, generally  110 , which can be slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to upper and lower jaw members  22  and  24 , respectively, for driving staples  61  from staple cartridge  60  into tissue gripped between the jaw members, forming staples  61  against anvil  40 , and cutting the tissue along a line between the rows of staples formed in the tissue. Pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110  can include a pusher block  112  ( FIG. 6 ) which can be slidably received within the lower channel-shaped jaw member  24  between its upstanding side flanges  54 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , pusher block  112  can be attached to an actuator knob  114  by a flange  116  which includes a laterally projecting finger  118  provided with a longitudinally extending notch  119  on its top surface. Finger  118  can be snap-fitted into a lateral slot  120  formed in pusher block  112  to locate notch  119  underneath a longitudinal locking bar  121  to secure pusher block  112  and actuator knob  114  together. Flange  116  of actuator knob  114  can extend through and rids along an elongated slot  122  ( FIG. 2 ) formed in one side flange  54  of lower jaw member  24 . 
     The pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110  can include a pair of staple pusher bars  124  ( FIG. 10 ) projecting forwardly from pusher block  112  and slidably received in elongated slots  66  ( FIG. 16 ) of staple cartridge  60 . Pusher block  112  can be provided with a pair of vertical slots  126  ( FIG. 11 ) in which pusher bars  124  are secured. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the front end of each staple pusher bar  124  can be provided with a wedge-shaped tip  128  which defines an inclined cam surface  130  for engaging staple drivers  65  as pusher bars  124  are advanced into staple cartridge  60 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , each staple driver  65  can be provided with a sloped surface  132  oriented at the same angle as cam surface  130  of each staple pusher bar  124  to provide a flat, sliding contact between the surfaces. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 10 , the pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110  can include a knife block  134  which is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement along lower jaw member  24  between its upstanding side flanges  54 . Knife block  134  can include a knife support bar  136  which extends forwardly into central longitudinal slot  62  of staple cartridge  60 . An inclined knife blade  138  provided with a beveled cutting edge  140  can be located at the front end of knife support bar  136 . The beveled cutting edge of knife blade  138  can be oriented at an angle relative to elongate jaw members  22  and  24  and can be slidably received in central longitudinal slot  62  of staple cartridge  60 . 
     In various embodiments, knife block  134  can include a pair of longitudinal slots  135  ( FIG. 19 ) extending therethrough which slidably receive staple pusher bars  124  to permit pusher block  112  to slide relative to the knife block. Accordingly, when pusher block  112  is advanced toward staple cartridge  60  by actuator knob  114 , staple pusher bars  124  can slide through knife block  134  which remains stationary until the pusher block moves into engagement with the knife block. After knife block  134  is engaged by pusher block  112 , the knife block and pusher block can advance simultaneously toward staple cartridge  60 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , knife blade  138  can be advanced through staple cartridge  60  along with staple pusher bars  124 , forming staples  61  in the tissue gripped between the jaw members and cutting the tissue between the staple rows. Thereafter, when actuator knob  114  is retracted, pusher block  112  can initially slide staple pusher bars  124  backward through knife block  134  which can remain stationary. Each staple pusher bar  124  can include an offset portion  142  which can move into engagement with knife block  134  after staple pusher bars  124  are withdrawn by a predetermined distance. With offset portions  142  of staple pusher bars  124  engaging knife block  134 , pusher block  112  and knife block  134  can be simultaneously retracted by actuator knob  114  to return pusher bars  124  and knife blade  138  to the start position. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, stapling instrument  20  can be provided with jaw clamping means for applying clamping forces to the jaw members to urge staple cartridge  60  and anvil  40  together during the formation of staples  61 . The jaw clamping means can include means for urging the jaw members apart at a position remote from the latching mechanism to resist the forces exerted on staple cartridge  60  and anvil  40  when staples  61  are formed. In at least one embodiment, a cam means can be mounted on one of the jaw members and can be engageable with the other jaw member for moving said jaw members apart at the remote position to urge staple cartridge  60  and anvil  40  together. In various embodiments, a cam member can be pivotally mounted on one of the jaw members at a position remote from the latching mechanism. The cam member can be pivotable from a first inoperative position to a second operative position to move the remote ends of the jaw members apart. The cam member can be operable by pusher block  112  of pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110  to move to its operative position when the pusher block is advanced and to return to its inoperative position when the pusher block is retracted. 
     In various embodiments, a cam mechanism, generally  150 , can be located adjacent to the rear end of lower jaw member  24 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Cam mechanism  150  can include a cam member  152  pivotally mounted on a transverse pivot pin  154  extending between upstanding side flanges  54  of lower jaw member  24 . Cam member  152  can include a first lower cam surface  156  for engaging top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  with cam  152  in its first inoperative position ( FIG. 12 ) and a second higher cam surface  158  for engaging the top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  with cam  152  disposed in its second operative position ( FIG. 13 ). First cam surface  156  can be arranged to maintain upper and lower jaw members substantially parallel with cam  152  in its inoperative position. Second cam surface  158  can be arranged to raise the rear end of upper jaw member  22  by approximately 0.125 inch (3.2 mm), for example, when cam  152  pivots from its inoperative position to its operative position. In addition, upper jaw member  22  can be sufficiently flexible to permit the rear portion of upper jaw member  22  to bend upward away from lower jaw member  24  when cam member  152  is moved from its inoperative position to its operative position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , cam member  152  can include a radially extending notch  160  which divides the cam into a large front finger  162  and a small rear finger  164 . Front cam finger  162  can include a flat, rearwardly facing surface  165 , and rear cam finger  164  can include a sloped, forwardly facing surface  166 . With cam  152  in its inoperative position, front cam finger  162  and rear cam finger  164  can extend downwardly through an elongated slot  168  formed in bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . 
     In various embodiments, cam member  152  can be operable by pusher block  112  to move from its inoperative position to its operative position when the pusher block is advanced. As shown in  FIG. 11 , pusher block  112  can include a pair of rearwardly extending arms  170  which are spaced apart to define a gap  172  therebetween. The rear ends of arms  170  can be connected by a cam actuator pin  174  which extends across gap  172 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 11 , with cam member  152  disposed in its inoperative position, front cam finger  162  can extend through gap  172  between arms  170  of pusher block  112 , while cam actuator pin  174  can be received in notch  160  between front finger  162  and rear finger  164  of the cam member. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , with cam member  152  disposed in its first inoperative position, top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  can rest on first cam surface  156  of the cam member. With cam member  152  in its inoperative position, top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  can be substantially parallel to bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . In addition, pusher block  112  can be located in its start position spaced rearwardly from knife block  134 . When pusher block  112  is advanced, as indicated by arrow  182  ( FIG. 13 ), cam actuator pin  174  can engage rear surface  165  of front cam finger  162  to rotate cam member  152  in a counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow  184 , to pivot the cam member to its second operative position and move its second cam surface  158  into engagement with top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22 . With cam member  152  pivoted to its operative position, the top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  can be bent upwardly, as indicated by arrow  186 , away from bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . The cam member can apply forces to upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  which bend the rear portions of the jaw members apart. As a result of the bending the rear portions of upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  apart, additional clamping forces can be applied to the front portions of upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  to clamp anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60  against the tissue gripped between the jaw members. Thus, anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60  can be urged together to resist the forces exerted on the anvil and staple cartridge when pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110  is advanced to form staples  61  and cut the tissue. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , when pusher block  112  is retracted after staples  61  are formed, cam actuator pin  174  can engage sloped surface  166  of rear cam finger  164  to pivot cam member  152  in a clockwise direction. As cam actuator pin  174  moves along sloped surface  166  into notch  160 , cam member  152  can pivot in a clockwise direction and return to its first inoperative position ( FIG. 12 ) with its first cam surface  156  in engagement with top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22 . As a result, the forces exerted on the rear portions of upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  by cam  152  can be released and top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  can return to a substantially parallel relationship with bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . Similarly, the clamping forces applied to the front portions of jaw members  22  and  24  can be released to unclamp anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . 
     In various embodiments, stapling instrument  20  can include spacer means mounted on one of the jaw members for maintaining a predetermined gap between staple cartridge  60  and anvil  40  of the stapling instrument. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , this spacer means can be embodied as a spacer pin  190  mounted adjacent to the distal end of staple cartridge  60 . Spacer pin  190  can extend vertically upward from bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24  through staple cartridge  60  and project upwardly from the top of the staple cartridge by a predetermined distance. As shown in  FIG. 5 , one flange  38  of anvil  40  can include a flange section  192  adjacent to its distal end for engaging spacer pin  190 . With the stapling instrument assembled for operation ( FIG. 4 ), spacer pin  190  can engage flange section  192  to maintain a predetermined gap between anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . 
     In the operation of stapling instrument  20 , the tissue to be stapled and cut can be initially placed between jaw members  22  and  24  and clamped by the jaw members. Thus, handles  26  and  28  can be unlatched by pivotal movement of latch arm  92  downward to its unlatched position ( FIG. 2 ). As a result, the opposite ends of latch pin  36  can be disengaged from slots  98  formed in hook members  96  of latching arm  92 . Thereafter, upper and lower jaw members  22  and  24  can be separated by disengaging latch pin  36  from slots  56  formed in side flanges  54  of the lower jaw member. 
     Next, the tissue to be stapled and cut can be placed on jaw members  22  and  24 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a piece of tubular, intestinal tissue may be slipped onto the front portion of each jaw member. After the tissue is placed on the jaw member, stapling instrument  20  can be reassembled. The reassembly can be accomplished by aligning latch pin  36  with vertical slots  56  formed in upstanding side flanges  54  of lower jaw member  24 . Thereafter, side flanges  54  of lower jaw member  24  can be positioned inside upper handle  26 , spanning side walls  30  of upper jaw member  22 , while the opposite ends of latch pin  36  can be inserted into vertical slots  56 . Finally, latch arm  92  can be pivoted upward to its latched position ( FIG. 3 ) with its cover  100  flush with the bottom of lower handle  28 . As a result, hook members  92  can be pivoted over latch pin  36  and slots  98  can receive the opposite ends of the latch pin. Thus, upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  can be latched together at an intermediate position therealong adjacent to anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . In addition, spacer pin  190  can engage flange section  192  of anvil  40  through the body tissue to maintain a predetermined gap between anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . 
     After the tissue is clamped between the jaw members, stapling instrument  20  can be fired by advancing actuator knob  114  to actuate the pusher bar and knife blade assembly  110 . Initially, in the actuation of cam mechanism  150 , pusher block  112  and pusher bars  124  ( FIG. 4 ) can be advanced, while knife block  134  can remain stationary. Since only pusher block  112  and its pusher bars  124  are advanced to actuate cam member  152 , the initial force required to operate stapling instrument  20  can be minimized. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , during the initial advance of pusher block  112 , pusher bars  124  can slide through knife block  134  and the wedge-shaped tips  128  of the pusher bars can begin to advance through slots  66  of staple cartridge  60 . As pusher block  112  advances toward knife block  134 , its cam actuator pin  174  can engage rear surface  165  of front cam finger  162  to pivot cam  152  counter-clockwise, as indicated by arrow  184  of  FIG. 13 , to move the second cam surface  158  of the cam member into engagement with top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22 . Cam member  152  can apply forces to upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  which bend the rear portions of the jaw members apart. As a result, the rear end of top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  can be bent upward by approximately 0.125 inch (3.2 mm), for example, relative to the rear end of bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . The bending of the rear ends of jaw members  22  and  24  apart can result in additional clamping forces on the front portions of the jaw members to clamp anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60  against the tissue gripped between the jaw members. These additional clamping forces tend to resist the forces exerted on anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 , while the tissue is cut and staples  61  are formed against anvil  40 , to maintain the desired spacing between anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60  to produce formed staples  61  which are substantially uniform in height. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , after cam mechanism  150  is actuated, pusher block  112  can subsequently engage knife block  134  to begin the longitudinal movement of knife block  134  toward staple cartridge  60 . In various embodiments, the initial spacing between pusher block  112  and knife block  134  can be arranged such that pusher block  112  engages knife block  134  slightly before cam member  152  arrives at its operative position. Alternatively, the initial spacing between pusher block  112  and knife block  134  can be arranged such that pusher block  112  initially engages knife block  134  after the movement of cam member  152  to its operative position is completed. When pusher block  112  engages knife block  134 , the advance of knife blade  138  along central longitudinal slots  42  and  62  of anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 , respectively, can be initiated. Thereafter, staple pusher bars  124  and knife blade  138  can be advanced simultaneously to staple and cut the tissue gripped between anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60 . 
     As pusher block  112  is advanced, staple pusher bars  124  can be moved longitudinally along slots  66  provided in staple cartridge  60 . The two wedge-like cam surfaces  130  of staple pusher bars  124  can move through slots  66  into engagement with the sloped surfaces of staple drivers  65  to sequentially drive staples  61  from cartridge  60  and to form staples  61  into B-shaped configuration against anvil flanges  38 . The cam surfaces  130  can be located at the same distance from pusher block  112  to simultaneously actuate staple drivers  65  located on opposite sides of central longitudinal slot  62 . At the same time, knife block  134  can be advanced to move knife blade  138  through central longitudinal slot  42  of anvil  40  and through central longitudinal slot  62  of staple cartridge  60  to cut the tissue gripped between the jaw members. The additional clamping forces applied to the front portions of upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  via cam mechanism  150  can tend to resist the forces exerted on anvil  40  and staple cartridge  60  when staples  61  are formed. 
     After pusher block  112  is fully advanced to form all of the staples in cartridge  60 , the pusher block can be retracted toward its start position by retraction of actuator knob  114 . Initially, only pusher block  112  can move backward from staple cartridge  60  because staple pusher bars  124  slide through knife block  134  which remains stationary. When offset portions  142  of staple pusher bars  124  engage the front of knife block  134 , the knife block can be moved backward from staple cartridge  60  along with pusher block  112 . As a result, staple pusher bars  124  and knife blade  138  can be simultaneously retracted from staple cartridge  60  and anvil  40 . 
     As pusher block  112  returns toward its start position, cam actuator pin  174  can engage sloped surface  166  of rear cam finger  164  to pivot cam member  152  in a clockwise direction toward its inoperative position. Cam actuator pin  174  can move along sloped surface  166  into slot  160  between cam fingers  162  and  164  to return cam member  152  to its inoperative position. As a result, second cam surface  158  of cam member  152  can be disengaged from the top wall of upper jaw member  22  and rear end of top wall  31  of upper jaw member  22  and move downwardly into engagement with first cam surface  156 . At the same time, front cam finger  162  can pivot downwardly into gap  172  between fingers  170  on pusher block  112 , and both cam fingers  162  and  164  can pivot downwardly into slot  168  formed in bottom wall  53  of lower jaw member  24 . Thereafter, with cam member  152  in its inoperative position, latching arm  92  can be pivoted downward, as shown in  FIG. 2 , to permit upper jaw member  22  and lower jaw member  24  to be disassembled. At this point, the cut and stapled tissue can be removed from the jaw members. 
     As outlined above, a surgical stapling instrument can include an actuator knob, such as actuator knob  114  ( FIG. 1 ), for example, which can be configured to advance a pusher bar assembly, such as pusher bar assembly  110  ( FIG. 10 ), within a staple cartridge of the surgical stapling instrument. In various embodiments, actuator knob  114  can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon such that the surgeon can apply a force thereto. In various circumstances, actuator knob  114  can come into contact with or abut tissue surrounding the surgical site when it is advanced distally. In at least one circumstance, as a result, the surgeon may have to reposition the stapling instrument such that actuator knob  114  can pass by the tissue. In other circumstances, the surgeon may have to force actuator knob  114  by the tissue. In either event, such circumstances may be unsuitable and, as a result, there exists a need for a stapling instrument having an actuator knob which can be manipulated to reduce the possibility that the actuator knob may impinge on the surrounding tissue. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, referring to  FIG. 21 , stapling instrument  220  can include anvil carrying jaw member  222  extending from upper handle  226 , staple cartridge carrying jaw member  224  extending from lower handle  228 , and actuator knobs  214   a  and  214   b  which can be operably engaged with a pusher bar assembly, such as pusher bar assembly  210  as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , for example. In various embodiments, a staple cartridge can be removably attached to staple cartridge carrying jaw member  224 , for example, such that, after the staple cartridge has been expended, it can be replaced with another staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, pusher bar assembly  210  can include a staple driver integrally-formed with or operably mounted thereto which can be moved through the staple cartridge as outlined above. In at least one other embodiment, the staple cartridge can include a staple driver contained therein which can be engaged with and pushed distally by the pusher bar assembly. In any event, first actuator knob  214   a , for example, can be rotated between a first position ( FIG. 21 ) in which it is operably disengaged from pusher bar assembly  210  and a second position ( FIG. 22 ) in which it is operably engaged with pusher bar assembly  210 . Similarly, second actuator knob  214   b  can be configured to be rotated between first and second positions in which it is operably disengaged and engaged, respectively, with pusher bar assembly  210 . 
     In various embodiments, as a result of the above, the actuator knobs of a stapling instrument can be selectively engaged with a pusher bar assembly such that, in the event that an actuator knob may come into contact with or abut tissue surrounding the surgical site when it is advanced, that actuator knob can remain in its retracted position while another actuator knob can be extended to advance the pusher bar assembly distally. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIG. 22 , first actuator knob  214   a  can be rotated into its second position such that it can be operably engaged with pusher bar assembly  210  while second actuator knob  214   b  can remain in its retracted position. Thereafter, referring to  FIG. 23 , first actuator knob  214   a  can be advanced distally relative to upper handle  226  and lower handle  228  along first side  201  of surgical stapler  210  in order to motivate pusher assembly  210 . In at least one embodiment, first actuator knob  214   a  can be slid within first slot  227  defined between, or within, upper handle  226  and lower handle  228 . In various other circumstances, referring to  FIG. 28 , first actuator knob  214   a  can remain in its retracted position while second actuator knob  214   b  can be rotated into its extended position. Similar to the above, second actuator knob  214   b  can be advanced distally along second side  203  of stapling instrument  210  to advance pusher bar assembly  210  within second slot  229 , for example. In at least one embodiment, both actuator knobs  214  can be extended to advance pusher bar assembly  210  distally. In various alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, a stapling instrument can include more than two actuator knobs which can be selectively utilized to motivate a pusher bar and/or knife blade assembly. In effect, as a result of the above, the actuator knobs of a surgical instrument can be engaged with a pusher bar assembly independently of each other. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the actuator knobs of a stapling instrument can be situated in a first position in which they can be held in position and held out of operative engagement with a pusher bar assembly. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG.  24 , stapling instrument  201  can further include guide member  209  which can be configured to guide actuator knobs  214  as they are rotated between their first and second positions. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 24-26 , guide member  209  can include guide rails  211  which can be slidably received within grooves  213  of actuator knobs  214  such that, when actuator knobs  214  are rotated, guide member  209  can dictate the path along which the actuator knobs  214  are moved. Furthermore, guide rails  211  and grooves  213  can comprise interlocking features which can cooperatively prevent actuator knobs  214  from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally, for example. In at least one such embodiment, guide member  209  can prevent one or more of actuator knobs  214  from being translated along with pusher bar assembly  210  when pusher bar assembly  210  is advanced distally as described above. In various embodiments, a slight friction or interference fit can be present between guide rails  211  and grooves  213  such that the possibility that actuator knobs  214  may be unintentionally rotated into their extended positions can be reduced. Although not illustrated, the actuator knobs can include guide rails extending therefrom which can be slidably received in grooves within the guide member, for example. In any event, referring to  FIG. 25 , guide member  209  can include one or more retention members  215  which can be configured to retain guide member  209  in position intermediate upper handle  226  and lower handle  228 . Furthermore, referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , guide member  209  can include aperture  217  which can be configured to receive retention pin  219  extending therethrough wherein retention pin  219  can be configured to be engaged with upper handle  226  and/or lower handle  228  to retain guide member  209  in position. 
     In various embodiments, as actuator knobs  214  are rotated between their first and second positions as described above, grooves  213  can be rotated out of engagement with guide rails  211  and actuator knobs  214  can be operatively engaged with pusher bar assembly  210 . In at least one embodiment, referring primarily to  FIG. 24 , pusher bar assembly  210  can include a first clutch feature, such as slots or grooves  205 , for example, and actuator knobs  214  can each include a second clutch feature, such as projections  207 , for example, wherein the first and second clutch features can be operatively engaged with each other in order to operatively engage one or more of actuator knobs  214  with pusher bar assembly  210 . In at least one such embodiment, projections  207  can be closely received within slots  205  such that, when a force is applied to one or more of actuator knobs  214 , the force can be transmitted to pusher bar assembly  210  through projections  207  and the sidewalls of slots  205 . In at least one embodiment, similar to the above, a slight friction or interference fit can be present between projections  207  and slots  205  to hold actuators  214  in their extended position. In any event, although not illustrated, the first clutch feature can include projections extending from the pusher bar assembly which can be configured to be received within recesses or slots within the actuator knobs. In addition to or in lieu of the above, referring to  FIG. 24 , pusher bar assembly  210  can further include second guide rails  221  which can be configured to be slidably received within slots or grooves  223  within actuator knobs  214 , wherein rails  221  and grooves  223  can be configured to guide actuator knobs  214  into their second position and/or transmit forces from actuator knobs  214  to pusher bar assembly  210  once they are in their second position. Similar to guide rails  211 , guide rails  221  can be configured to create a slight friction or interference fit with grooves  223  to hold actuator knobs  214  in position. Further to the above, in various embodiments, actuator bar  210  can include post  225  about which actuator knobs  214  can be rotated. In at least one embodiment, actuator knobs  214  can include recesses  227  which can be contoured such that the sidewalls of recesses  227  can closely receive and slide around post  225  and, as a result, post  225  can guide actuator knobs  214  as they are rotated between their first and second positions, for example. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a stapling instrument can include an actuator knob which can be configured to be selectively advanced along a first side of the stapling instrument and a second side of the stapling instrument. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , stapling instrument  320  can include an upper handle  326 , a lower handle  328 , and an actuator knob  314 , wherein actuator knob  314  can, similar to the above, be configured to advance a pusher bar assembly within a staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, upper handle  326  and lower handle  328  can define first slot  327  and second slot  329  therebetween, wherein slots  327  and  329  can both be configured to permit actuator knob  314  to slide therethrough. More particularly, in various embodiments, actuator knob  314  can be configured such that it can be selectively slid through first slot  327  along first side  301  or, alternatively, through second slot  329  along second side  303 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 31 , stapling instrument  320  can further include third slot  331  which can be configured to allow actuator knob  314  to be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to the other. In at least one such embodiment, as a result, a surgeon can selectively position actuator knob  314  such that, if it appears that actuator knob  314  may impinge on tissue if it is advanced distally on one side of the stapling instrument, actuator knob  314  can rotated over to the other side of the stapling instrument before it is advanced. Although the first and second sides of the illustrated embodiment are located on opposite sides of surgical instrument  320 , other embodiments are envisioned where the first and second slots, for example, are located on adjacent sides and/or sides which are not directly opposite to each other. Furthermore, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sides of a stapling instrument are not readily discernable, such as instruments having round and/or arcuate portions. 
     In various embodiments, referring primarily to  FIG. 29 , first slot  327  can be configured such that it defines a path for actuator knob  314  which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, a path defined by second slot  329 . In at least one embodiment, third slot  331  can be configured to connect first slot  327  and second slot  329  such that it can define a path for actuator knob  314  which is perpendicular to, or at least substantially perpendicular to, the paths defined by slots  327  and  329 . In such embodiments, actuator knob  314  can be rotated over the top of the surgical instrument to move actuator knob  314  from first side  301  to second side  303 . In the event that a surgeon decides to reposition actuator knob on first side  301 , the surgeon can move actuator knob  314  back through slot  311  until it is positioned within first slot  327  once again. In various alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, a third slot can define a path for actuator knob  314  which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, and/or co-planar with, or at least substantially co-planar with, the paths defined by slots  327  and  329 . In further various embodiments, a third slot can define a path which is skew with respect to the paths defined by slots  327  and  329 . In any event, a third slot can be configured connect first and second slots such that an actuator knob can be slid therewithin. 
     As outlined above, stapling instrument  320  can include a pusher bar assembly which can be operably engaged with actuator knob  314 , for example, such that actuator knob  314  can be configured to advance the pusher bar assembly distally. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 33 , stapling instrument  320  can include pusher bar assembly  310  which can include a first portion  333  operably engaged with a knife assembly, for example, and, in addition, a second portion  335  which can be rotatably mounted to first portion  333 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  333  can define an axis  337  about which second portion  335  can be rotated. In at least one such embodiment, second portion  335  can include aperture  339  defined therein which can be configured to closely receive first portion  333 . In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, pusher bar assembly  310  can further include one or more retaining members, such as set screws, for example, configured to extend into a groove in first portion  333 , for example, for retaining second portion  335  to first portion  333 . In various embodiments, second portion  335  can include mount  341  extending therefrom which can be configured to retain actuator knob  314  to second portion  335 . In order to move actuator knob from a first side of stapling instrument  320  to the another side, as described above, actuator knob  314  and second portion  335  can be rotated relative to first portion  333  such that actuator knob  314  can be selectively positioned within first slot  327  and second slot  329 . In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, a stapling instrument can have more than two slots for receiving an actuator knob when it is advanced within a staple cartridge. In any event, in various alternative embodiments, first portion  333  and second portion  335  can be fixedly mounted together such that they are rotated together about axis  337 . In at least one such embodiment, first portion  333  can be configured to rotate relative to a substantially non-rotatable portion of pusher bar assembly  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 34 , a surgical stapling instrument, generally  1100 , can comprise a first handle portion  1102  and a second handle portion  1104 . In various embodiments, first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104  can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon, for example, and can comprise hand grip portion  1106 . In at least one embodiment, first handle portion  1102 , referring to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , can include a first cover  1108  attached to a first frame  1110  and, similarly, second handle portion  1104  can include a second cover  1112  attached to a second frame  1114 . Covers  1108  and  1112  can be ergonomically contoured, or otherwise suitably contoured, to assist a surgeon in manipulating stapling instrument  1100  within a surgical site. In various embodiments, handle covers  1108  and  1112 , for example, can include enlarged protrusions  1109  and  1113 , respectively, which can facilitate the insertion of stapling instrument  1100  into a surgical site. In various embodiments, handle covers  1108  and  1112  can be made of plastic, lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable material, for example, while handle frames  1110  and  1114  can be made of stainless steel, titanium, and/or any other suitable material, for example. 
     In various embodiments, referring again to  FIGS. 34-37 , the distal ends of handle portions  1102  and  1104  can comprise an end-effector  1120  which can be configured to treat tissue within a surgical site, for example. In at least one such embodiment, end-effector  1120  can include a staple cartridge channel  1122  configured to receive and/or retain a staple cartridge as described in greater detail further below. In certain embodiments, staple cartridge channel  1122  can comprise a one-piece elongated channel-shaped frame extending from first handle portion frame  1110 . In at least one embodiment, staple cartridge channel  1122  can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls  1124  connected by a bottom wall  1126 . Along the rearward, or proximal, portion of staple cartridge channel  1122 , a pair of spaced, upstanding side flanges  1128  can extend upwardly from opposed side walls  1124 . In various embodiments, the width of staple cartridge channel  1122  between side flanges  1128  can be greater than the width of the upper jaw member, or anvil,  1130  extending from second handle portion  1104 . In at least one embodiment, the distance between flanges  1128  can be configured to permit at least a portion of anvil  1130  to be received between side flanges  1128  when the stapling instrument is assembled for operation. As shown in  FIG. 35 , each side flange  1128  of can include a notch, or recess,  1127 , for example, which can be configured to receive one or more latch projections  1131 , for example, extending from anvil  1130 , and/or any other suitable portion of second handle portion  1104 , as described in greater detail further below. 
     As indicated above, referring once again to  FIGS. 34-37 , staple cartridge channel  1122  can be configured to support and/or retain a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  1150 , for example, within end-effector  1120 , wherein the staple cartridge can include one or more staples (not illustrated) removably stored therein. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 41-43 , staple cartridge  1150  can include one or more staple cavities  1151  which can be configured to store staples in any suitable arrangement, such as in at least two laterally-spaced longitudinal rows, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , staple cartridge  1150  can include staple cartridge body  1152  and pan, or retainer,  1154 , wherein staple cartridge body  1152  and/or pan  1154  can be configured to define a channel, or path, for slidably receiving a staple sled and/or cutting member therein. In at least one embodiment, pan  1154  can include flexible arms  1155 , for example, which can be configured to engage staple cartridge body  1152  in a snap-fit and/or press-fit arrangement. Referring to  FIGS. 43-45 , staple cartridge  1150  can further include staple sled assembly  1160  which can include staple sled portion  1162  and, in addition, cutting member  1164 . In various embodiments, cutting member  1164  can include cutting edge  1165  and lock arm  1166 , for example, wherein lock arm  1166  can be configured to be press-fit and/or snap-fit into aperture  1163  in staple sled  1162  when cutting member  1164  is assembled to staple sled portion  1162 . In other various embodiments, staple sled portion  1162  can be integrally molded to cutting member  1164 . 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 41-43 , staple cartridge body  1152  can include a slot, such as slot  1156 , for example, which can be configured to receive at least a portion of cutting member  1164  therein, and/or any other portion of staple sled assembly  1160  and pusher bar assembly  1200  (discussed below), wherein slot  1156  can be configured to permit cutting member  1164  to be moved between first and second positions within staple cartridge  1150 . In various embodiments, slot  1156  can be configured to permit cutting member  1164  to be moved between a proximal position ( FIG. 43 ) and a distal position in order to incise tissue positioned intermediate staple cartridge  1150  and anvil  1130 , for example. Referring again to  FIGS. 43-45 , staple sled portion  1162  can include cam, ramp, or actuator, surfaces  1167  which can be configured to engage staple drivers positioned within staple cartridge  1150 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 42 , staple cartridge  1150  can include staple drivers  1168  which can be lifted, or slid, upwardly within staple cavities  1151  by sled portion  1162  such that the upward movement of staple drivers  1168  can eject, or deploy, staples at least partially positioned within staple cavities  1151 . While staple drives  1168  can be, in fact, lifted vertically upwardly, the term upward, and the like, can mean that staple drivers  1168 , for example, are moved toward the top surface, or deck,  1158  of the staple cartridge and/or toward anvil  1130 , for example. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , each staple driver  1168  can include one or more sloped surfaces  1169  oriented at the same angle as a cam surface  1167 , and/or any other suitable angle, which can provide a relatively flat, or at least substantially flat, sliding contact surface between staple sled  1162  and staple drivers  1168 . In various embodiments, a staple driver can be configured to deploy only one staple, while, in certain embodiments, a staple driver can be configured to simultaneously deploy two or more staples located in adjacent rows, for example. Other devices are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, which was filed on Feb. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,209, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In various embodiments, as described above, a surgical stapling instrument can include a cutting member/staple sled assembly configured to incise tissue and deploy staples from a staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, though, a surgical stapling instrument may not require, or include, a cutting member. In at least one such embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a staple sled positioned therein and/or a surgical instrument can be configured to move a staple sled into a staple cartridge in order to staple tissue, for example, without otherwise dissecting it. In certain other embodiments, a staple cartridge can include a staple sled positioned therein where a surgical instrument can include a cutting member movable into, or relative to, the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member can be advanced into contact with the staple sled such that the cutting member and staple sled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the cutting member can be sufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to be detached from the surgical instrument and replaced with a new staple cartridge having a new staple sled. Such embodiments may be useful when a staple sled may become worn or deformed during use. Other embodiments are envisioned where a staple cartridge can include a cutting member positioned therein where a surgical instrument can include a staple sled movable into, or relative to, the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, similar to the above, the staple sled can be advanced into contact with the cutting member such that the cutting member and staple sled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the staple sled can be sufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to be detached from the surgical instrument and replaced with a new staple cartridge having a new cutting member. Such embodiments may be useful when a cutting member may become worn or deformed during use. In various embodiments, as described in greater detail below, the staple cartridge can include a protective housing or cover configured to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, a surgeon or other clinician from touching the cutting member positioned within the staple cartridge while handling the staple cartridge, for example. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, staple cartridge channel  1122  and/or staple cartridge  1150 , for example, can include one or more co-operating projections and/or recesses, for example, which can be configured to removably retain staple cartridge  1150  within staple cartridge channel  1122 . Once staple cartridge  1150  has been inserted into staple cartridge channel  1122 , in various embodiments, the first handle portion  1102  can be assembled to the second handle portion  1104 . In other various embodiments, the staple cartridge may be inserted into the staple cartridge channel after the first and second handle portions have been assembled together. In either event, referring to  FIGS. 34-41 , first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104  can include proximal ends  1103  and  1105 , respectively, which can be assembled together such that the first and second handle portions can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to one another. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , first handle portion  1102  can include one or more pins, or projections,  1111  extending therefrom which can be configured to be slidably received within one or more grooves, channels, or slots  1115  in second handle portion  1104 . In certain embodiments, slots  1115  can be defined in second handle frame  1114  and projections  1111  can extend from a proximal end post  1107  extending from first handle frame  1110 , for example. In order to assemble first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104 , referring to  FIG. 37 , the open ends of slots  1115  can be aligned with projections  1111  such that second handle portion  1104 , for example, can be translated relative to first handle portion  1102  and projections  1111  can be slid within slots  1115 . In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the open ends of slots  1115  can be located proximally with respect to their closed ends. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end  1105  of second handle portion  1104  can be positioned distally with respect to proximal end  1103  of first handle portion  1102  such that second handle portion  1104  can be moved proximally in order to position projections  1111  within slots  1115 . In various other circumstances, first handle portion  1102  can be positioned proximally with respect to second handle portion  1104  and slid distally in order to position projections  1111  within slots  1115 . 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 38 , second handle portion  1104  can be rotated toward first handle portion  1102  such that anvil  1130  can be moved into position relative to staple cartridge  1150  and/or staple cartridge channel  1122 . In certain embodiments, first handle portion  1102  can be rotated toward second handle portion  1104  and/or the first and second handle portions can be rotated toward each other. In any event, projections  1111  and slots  1115 , when engaged with one another, can comprise a pivot about which one or both of the first and second handle portions can be moved relative to each other. In various embodiments, second handle portion  1104  can be moved relative to first handle portion  1102  such that anvil  1130  is moved into close opposition to staple cartridge  1150 . In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 39 , second handle portion  1104  can be moved relative to first handle portion  1102  such that latch projections  1131  extending from second handle portion  1104  can be aligned with and/or inserted into recesses  1127  within first handle portion  1102 . In various embodiments, referring primarily to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , first handle portion  1102  can further include latching mechanism  1180  rotatably mounted thereto which can be utilized to engage latch projections  1131  extending from second handle portion  1104  and secure the first and second handle portions together. Although not illustrated, other embodiments are envisioned in which a latching mechanism is rotatably mounted to the second handle portion and latch projections can extend from the first handle portion. In any event, in at least one embodiment, latching mechanism  1180  can be mounted to first frame  1110  by one or more pivot pins  1182  which can be configured to define an axis about which latch  1180  can be rotated. 
     In certain embodiments, referring now to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , latching mechanism  1180  can include latch frame  1184  and, in addition, latch cover  1186  assembled to latch frame  1184 . In other various embodiments, the latch cover and the latch frame can comprise an integral unit or, in certain embodiments, the latching mechanism may not even include a cover. In certain embodiments, latch frame  1184  can be channel-shaped and can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls  1185  which are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to span first frame portion  1110 . In at least one embodiment, latch cover  1186  can be made of plastic, lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable materials, for example, while latch frame  1184  can be made of stainless steel and/or any other suitable material, for example. In certain embodiments, when latching mechanism  1180  is closed, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 , latch cover  1186  can be aligned with first handle cover  1108 . Latch cover  1186  can include contoured portion  1187  which can be configured to assist a surgeon in manipulating surgical instrument  1100  wherein, in at least one embodiment, contoured portion  1187  can be aligned with, or at least substantially aligned with, protrusion  1109  extending from first handle cover  1108 . Latching mechanism  1180  can further include one or more latch arms  1188  extending therefrom which can be configured to engage one or more latch projections  1131  extending from second handle portion  104  and pull and/or secure projections  1131  within recesses  1127  as illustrated in  FIG. 40 . In at least one embodiment, at least one of latch arms  1188  can be integrally-formed with latch frame  1184 . In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 39 , at least one of latch arms  1188  can include a distal hook  1189  which can be configured to wrap around at least a portion of projections  1131  so as to encompass or surround, or at least partially encompass or surround, projections  1131 . In at least one embodiment, latch arms  1188  can act as an over-center latch to maintain latching mechanism  1180  in its latched, or closed, position. 
     In use, in various circumstances, one of the first handle portion  1102  and the second handle portion  1104  can be positioned on a first side of tissue within a surgical site and the other handle portion can be rotated into position on the opposite side of the tissue. In such embodiments, staple cartridge  1150  can be positioned on one side of the tissue and anvil  1130  can be positioned on the other side of the tissue. Thereafter, as also outlined above, latching mechanism  1180  can be actuated such that it can be moved between an open position and a closed position in order to latch second handle portion  1104  to first handle portion  1102  and apply a clamping force to the tissue positioned between staple cartridge  1150  and anvil  1130 . In certain circumstances, latching mechanism  1180  can be moved between an open position ( FIG. 38 ), a partially-closed, or intermediate, position ( FIG. 39 ), and a closed position ( FIG. 40 ). In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , latching mechanism  1180  can be moved between an open position in which latch arms  1188  are not engaged with projections  1131  and a partially-closed position in which latch arms  1188  are engaged with projections  1131  such that, although anvil  1130  has been at least partially brought into opposition to staple cartridge  1150 , a sufficient gap can remain between anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  which can allow end-effector  1120  to be repositioned relative to the tissue, for example. Once the anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  have been sufficiently positioned relative to the tissue, latching mechanism  1180  can be moved between its partially-closed position and a closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapling instrument can further include a biasing member which can be configured to bias the first handle portion of a stapling instrument away from a second handle portion. In at least one embodiment, as described in greater detail further below, a spring, and/or any suitably resilient material, can be positioned intermediate the first and second handle portions such that the anvil and staple cartridge of the stapling instrument can be biased away from each other. In certain embodiments, the spring can be configured to at least partially separate the first and second handle portions such that a gap exists between the anvil and the staple cartridge, wherein the gap can be sufficient to allow tissue to be positioned therebetween. In use, a surgeon can position such a surgical stapling instrument without having to separate and hold the first and second handle portions apart from each other. Such an instrument may be especially useful when the stapling instrument is in a partially-closed configuration and the surgeon is manipulating the instrument within a surgical site. After the surgeon is satisfied with the positioning of the stapling instrument, the surgeon can compress and/or disengage the spring and place the stapling instrument in a closed configuration. 
     In various circumstances, as outlined above, the distal end of first handle portion  1102  can be moved relative to the distal end of second handle portion  1104 , especially when latching mechanism  1180  is not engaged with, or only partially engaged with, projections  1131  of second handle portion  1104 . In such circumstances, projections  1111  and slots  1115  at the proximal ends of the first and second handle portions can be configured to retain at least the proximal ends of the first and second handle portions together when the distal ends of the first and second handle portions are being moved relative to each other, for example. Stated another way, projections  1111  and slots  1115  can cooperate to prevent, or at least inhibit, first handle portion  1102  from becoming completely detached from second handle portion  1104 . In certain embodiments, a first handle portion can include a first lock portion and a second handle portion can include a second lock portion, wherein the first and second lock portions can be configured to be engaged with one another and prevent the first handle portion from becoming completely detached from the second handle portion. In at least one embodiment, projections  1111  can comprise the first lock portion and slots  1115  can comprise the second lock portion. Previous stapling instruments lacked such lock portions and instead relied on a sole latching mechanism to keep the first and second handle portions together. In circumstances where the latching mechanisms of these previous stapling instruments were not fully engaged with both of the first and second handle portions, the first and second handle portions could become completely detached from one another, thereby requiring a surgeon, for example, to reposition and reassemble the handle portions. In certain circumstances, a complete detachment of the first and second handle portions of these previous staples could expose at least a portion of a cutting member. 
     In various embodiments, as outlined above, latching mechanism  1180  can be configured to be moved between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position. When latching mechanism  1180  is in its open position, as also outlined above, projections  1111  can be inserted into and/or removed from slots  1115 . When latching mechanism  1180  is in its partially-closed position, referring to  FIG. 39 , latch arms  1188  can be configured to engage latch projections  1131  such that projections  1111  cannot be removed from slots  1115 . In at least one such embodiment, latch arms  1188  and latch projections  1131  can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, second handle portion  1104  from being moved distally with respect to first handle portion  1102  and, as a result, prevent, or at least inhibit, projections  1111  from being disengaged from slots  1115 . Correspondingly, latch arms  1188  and latch projections  1131  can be configured to prevent first handle portion  1102  from being moved proximally with respect to second handle portion  1104 . Similar to the above, in various embodiments, latch arms  1188  and latch projections  1131  can also be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, projections  1111  from being removed from slots  1115  when latching mechanism  1180  is in its closed position ( FIG. 40 ). In certain embodiments, further to the above, latch projections  1131  can extend from second handle portion  1104  at a location which is intermediate its proximal and distal ends. In at least one such embodiment, projections  1111  and slots  1115  can be configured to hold the first and second handle portions together at their proximal ends while latching mechanism  1180  can be utilized to hold the first and second handle portions together at an intermediate location. In any event, in certain embodiments, the first and second handle portions cannot be disengaged from one another unless latching mechanism  1180  is moved into its fully open position. In at least one such embodiment, projections  1111  and slots  1115  cannot be disengaged from one another when latching mechanism  1180  is in a closed and/or partially-closed position. 
     Once anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  have been sufficiently positioned, the tissue positioned intermediate anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  can be stapled and/or incised. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 36 , surgical stapling instrument  1100  can further include pusher bar assembly  1200  which can be configured to advance and/or retract staple sled assembly  1160  within staple cartridge  1150 , for example. In at least one embodiment, pusher bar assembly  1200  can include pusher bar  1202  and firing actuator  1204 , wherein firing actuator  1204  can be configured to move pusher bar  1202  and staple sled assembly  1160  distally to deploy staples from staple cartridge  1150  and deform the staples against anvil  1130  as described above. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 44 and 45 , staple sled  1162  can include a groove, channel, or slot  1161  which can be configured to receive, and can be operably connected to, a distal end  1201  ( FIG. 36 ) of pusher bar  1202 . In certain embodiments, staple sled assembly  1160  can be operably engaged with pusher bar  1202  when staple cartridge  1150  is inserted into staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one embodiment, distal end  1201  and slot  1161  can include cooperating features which can allow distal end  1201  and slot  1161  to be assembled in a transverse direction but prevent, or at least inhibit, distal end  1201  and slot  1161  from being disassembled from one another in a proximal direction and/or distal direction. In other embodiments, pusher bar  1202  can be advanced distally before contacting and engaging staple sled assembly  1160 . In at least one such embodiment, the staple sled assembly  1160  can remain stationary until contacted by pusher bar  1202 . In any event, as outlined above, actuator  1204  can be operably connected to pusher bar  1202  such that a pushing and/or pulling force can be applied to actuator  1204  and transmitted to pusher bar  1202 . In certain embodiments, as described in greater detail below, actuator  1204  can be pivotably connected to a proximal end  1203  of pusher bar  1202  such that actuator  1204  can be selectively rotated between at least first and second positions. 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 34, 46, and 47 , actuator  1204  can be movable between a first position on a first side  1116  of surgical stapling instrument  1100  ( FIG. 46 ), a second position on a second side  1117  ( FIG. 47 ), and an intermediate position ( FIG. 34 ) located at the proximal ends  1103  and  1105  of the first and second handle portions  1102  and  1104 . Once actuator  1204  has been rotated into position on one of the first and second sides  1116 ,  1117 , actuator  1204  can be advanced distally. In various circumstances, as a result, a surgeon may select whether to move actuator  1204  distally along first side  1116  or second side  1117 . Such circumstances may arise when it is more likely that actuator  1204  may impinge on tissue surrounding the surgical site, for example, when actuator  1204  is moved distally along one side of the surgical instrument as compared to the other. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , actuator  1204  can include arm  1206  extending therefrom where arm  1206  can be pivotably mounted to proximal end  1203  of pusher bar  1202 . In certain embodiments, referring once again to  FIGS. 34, 46, and 47 , surgical instrument  1100  can include a first slot (not illustrated) extending along first side  1116  and a second slot  1118  extending along second side  1117 , wherein the first and second slots can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of actuator  1204 . In at least one embodiment, the sidewalls of the first and second slots can confine, or at least assist in confining, the movement of actuator  1204  such that it can be moved along a predetermined path. Referring to  FIG. 47 , second slot  1118 , for example, can be defined between first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104  such that, when actuator  1204  is moved distally along second side  1117 , arm  1206  of actuator  1204  can be slid intermediate the first and second handle portions. Similar to the above, the first slot can also be defined intermediate the first and second handle portions. In various embodiments, referring again to  FIGS. 46 and 47 , surgical instrument  1100  can further include intermediate slot  1119  which can also be configured to allow arm  1206 , and/or any other suitable portion of actuator  1204 , to slide therein. In at least one such embodiment, intermediate slot  1119  can connect the first and second slots such that, when actuator  1204  is positioned in its intermediate position, actuator  1204  can be moved into either one of its first and second positions. In certain embodiments, the first slot, second slot  1117 , and intermediate slot  1119  can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another and/or lie in the same plane, although other embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the slots is not parallel to the others and/or lies in a different plane. Furthermore, although the first and second sides of the illustrated embodiment are located on opposite sides of surgical instrument  1100 , other embodiments are envisioned where the first and second slots, for example, are located on adjacent sides and/or sides which are not directly opposite to each other. Furthermore, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sides of a stapling instrument are not readily discernable, such as instruments having round and/or arcuate portions. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical stapling instrument  1100  can further include a locking mechanism which can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator  1204  and, correspondingly, staple sled assembly  1160 , from being advanced prematurely. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator  1204  from being advanced distally prior to latching mechanism  1180  being moved into a closed, or an at least partially-closed, position. In certain embodiments, generally referring to  FIG. 38 , surgical stapling instrument  1100  can further including locking mechanism  1220  which can be engaged with actuator  1204  and can remain engaged with actuator  1204  while latching mechanism  1180  is in a fully open position ( FIG. 38 ) and/or an at least substantially-open position. In various embodiments, locking mechanism  1220  can include lock  1222  which can be biased into engagement with actuator  1204  by a biasing force applied thereto by lock spring  1224 , for example. In at least one such embodiment, actuator  1204  can include one or more grooves, channels, or slots (not illustrated) which can be configured to receive at least a portion of lock  1222 . In use, locking mechanism  1220  can hold actuator  1204  in position until latching mechanism  1180  is moved into its fully closed position ( FIG. 40 ) and/or an at least substantially closed position. In such circumstances, in at least one embodiment, latching mechanism  1180  can be configured to engage locking mechanism  1220  and disengage lock  1222  from actuator  1204 . In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 38-40 , latching mechanism  1180  can further include cam  1183  which can be configured to engage cam surface  1223  on lock  1222  when latching mechanism  1180  is moved into its closed position and, as a result, slide, and/or otherwise move, lock  1222  away from actuator  1204 . In various embodiments, cam  1183  can comprise a wall, rib, and/or ridge extending from latch cover  1186  and/or latch frame  1184 . In any event, once lock  1222  has been sufficiently disengaged from actuator  1204 , in at least one embodiment, actuator  1204  can be moved from its intermediate position, illustrated in  FIG. 34 , into one of its first and second positions, as illustrated in  FIGS. 46 and 47 . 
     As described above, locking mechanism  1220  can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, drive bar  1202  from being advanced distally prior to latching mechanism  1180  being moved into a predetermined position, such as, for example, a closed position and/or partially-closed position. Advantageously, locking mechanism  1220  may also prevent, or at least inhibit, staple sled assembly  1160  from being advanced prior to the first handle portion  1102  and the second handle portion  1104  being assembled together. In effect, locking mechanism  1220  can prevent tissue positioned intermediate anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  from being cut and/or stapled prior to anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  being properly positioned relative to the tissue. Also, in effect, locking mechanism  1220  can prevent staples from being deployed into the tissue prior to an appropriate clamping force being applied to the tissue. In any event, when latching mechanism  1180  is returned to its fully open position, and/or a partially-open position, cam  1183  can be moved away from lock  1222  such that lock spring  1124  can bias lock  1222  into engagement with actuator  1204  once again. In various other embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , locking mechanism  1220 ′ can include a lock  1222 ′ comprising a cam surface  1223 ′ and, in addition, a stop  1226 ′ which can limit the relative movement of lock  1222 ′. In at least one embodiment, cam  1183 , for example, can be configured to contact cam surface  1223 ′ and, owing to the contoured, beveled, and/or angled surface of cam surface  1223 ′, cam  1183  can be configured to drive lock  1222 ′ distally as illustrated in  FIG. 49 . Lock  1222 ′ can be driven distally such that pin  1228 ′, which extends from lock  1222 ′, can be moved between a first position ( FIG. 48 ) in which it is positioned within aperture  1229 ′ in actuator  1204 ′ and a second position ( FIG. 49 ) in which pin  1228 ′ has been sufficiently removed from aperture  1229 ′. In various embodiments, stop  1226 ′ can be configured such that, as lock  1222 ′ is driven distally, stop  1226 ′ can come into contact with cam  1183  once lock  1222 ′ has been sufficiently displaced. In such embodiments, stop  1226 ′ can be configured to control the second, or displaced, position of lock  1222 ′. Similar to the above, as actuator  1180  is moved out of its closed position and cam  1183  is disengaged from locking mechanism  1220 ′, lock spring  1224 ′ can move lock  1222 ′ into engagement with actuator  1204 ′ once again. 
     In various embodiments, as described above, a firing actuator can be utilized to move a pusher bar, staple sled, and/or cutting member between first and second positions. As also described above, pusher bar assembly  1200 , for example, can be utilized to move a staple sled assembly, such as staple sled assembly  1160 , for example, between a proximal position ( FIG. 43 ) and a distal position. In certain embodiments, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  1150 , for example, can include a staple sled assembly  1160  contained therein, wherein staple sled assembly  1160  can be positioned in a proximal position, as illustrated in  FIG. 43 , when the staple cartridge is assembled to or inserted into staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 41-43 , staple cartridge  1150  can include further housing  1170  which can be configured to cover at least a portion of cutting member  1164  when staple sled assembly  1160  is in its proximal position, for example. In various embodiments, housing  1170  can be configured to protect a surgeon, for example, when handling the staple cartridge, when inserting the staple cartridge into the surgical stapler, and/or assembling two or more portions of the surgical stapler together, for example. In at least one such embodiment, at least an upper portion of cutting edge  1165  can extend above deck, or top surface,  1158  of staple cartridge  1150  and, absent a protective housing, such as housing  1170 , for example, the upper portion of cutting edge  1165  may be exposed. 
     In various embodiments, as described above, cutting member  1165  can be at least partially positioned within slot, or channel,  1156  and, as illustrated in  FIG. 43 , at least the upper, or top, portion of cutting member  1164  can extend above deck  1158 . In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 41-43 , housing  1170  can include a first wall, or portion,  1172  extending from a first portion  1157  of staple cartridge body  1152 , a second wall, or portion,  1174  extending from a second portion  1159  of staple cartridge body  1152 , and a top wall, or portion,  1176  extending between first wall  1172  and second wall  1174 . In certain embodiments, a housing may comprise only one support wall, or support portion, extending from a staple cartridge body and, in addition, a top wall, or top portion, extending therefrom. In other embodiments, a housing may comprise one or more side walls, or portions, and no top wall. In at least one such embodiment, the side walls of the housing can be configured such that they extend above the top of the cutting member, or at least extend above a cutting edge of the cutting member, for example. In any event, as illustrated in  FIG. 43 , at least a portion of cutting member  1164  can be positioned underneath top wall  1176  and/or between side walls  1172  and  1174  when staple sled assembly  1160  is in its proximal position. In certain embodiments, cutting member  1164  can be entirely positioned underneath top wall  1176 , and/or entirely positioned within housing  1170 . In at least one embodiment, cutting member  1164  can be positioned underneath top wall  1176  such that cutting surface  1165  does not extend beyond the distal edge  1175  and/or the proximal edge  1177  of top wall  1176 . In at least one embodiment, housing  1170  can include a rear wall  1178  which can be configured to limit the proximal movement of cutting member  1164  and/or any other portion of staple sled assembly  1160 . In various embodiments, at least a portion of housing  1170 , for example, can be integrally-formed with staple cartridge body  1152 . In at least one such embodiment, first wall  1172 , second wall  1174 , top wall  1176 , and/or rear wall  1178  can be formed when staple cartridge body  1152  is injection molded, for example. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of housing  1170  can be assembled to staple cartridge body  1152  via a snap-fit arrangement, press-fit arrangement, and/or any other suitable manner. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, cutting member  1164  can be defined by a planar, or an at least substantially planar, body having a knife edge extending along at least one side of the cutting member body. In at least one such embodiment, first wall  1172  and/or second wall  1174  can be configured and arranged such that they can include planar, or at least substantially planar, interior surfaces  1173  which are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the side surfaces of cutting member  1164 . In certain embodiments, cutting member  1164  can be closely received between the interior surfaces  1173  of walls  1172  and  1174 . In at least one such embodiment, the distance between walls  1172  and  1174  may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the width of slot  1156 . In any event, a housing can be configured such that at least a portion of the housing extends over at least a portion of slot  1156 , for example. In certain embodiments, housing  1170  can completely enclose or surround a cutting member  1164  and/or cutting surface  1165 . In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, a housing can include a break-away and/or incisable portion which can be at least partially detached, separated, and/or otherwise deformed in order to permit a cutting member to exit the housing. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue cutting surface can be configured to contact the housing to break and/or incise a housing wall, for example. In various embodiments, the housing wall can include a thin portion, a reduced-thickness portion, score mark, and/or any other configuration to facilitate the deformation and/or incision of the housing wall. In certain embodiments, a cutting member can include one or more additional cutting surfaces and/or anvils, for example, which can be configured to deform and/or incise the housing. In at least one embodiment, the housing can include a movable and/or flexible portion, such as a hinged member and/or flexible flap, for example, which can be configured to sufficiently move and/or flex to allow the cutting member to pass thereby. In any event, embodiments are envisioned in which the cutting member can have any suitable configuration for incising tissue and the protective housing can have any suitable configuration for at least partially enclosing or surrounding the cutting member. Furthermore, although a cutting member can comprise a sharpened edge as described above, other suitable cutting members are envisioned, such as those supplied with an electrical current sufficient to dissect tissue, for example. 
     As described above, housing  1170  can be configured to at least partially cover, enclose, and/or surround a cutting member when it is in its proximal position. In various embodiments, the cutting member can be advanced distally to incise tissue, for example, and then retracted proximally in order to position the cutting member within housing  1170  once again. In such embodiments, the cutting member can be at least partially covered by housing  1170  when the staple cartridge is assembled to and removed from a surgical stapling instrument. In certain embodiments, a new, or unspent, staple cartridge can be inserted into the staple cartridge channel to replace the at least partially spent staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the new staple cartridge can include a new cutting member and/or staple sled assembly positioned therein, although embodiments are envisioned in which the previously-used cutting member and/or staple sled assembly can be sufficiently withdrawn from the spent staple cartridge and advanced into the new staple cartridge in order to be reused once again. In embodiments where a new cutting member and/or staple sled assembly is provided with each new staple cartridge, a sharp cutting edge, for example, can be utilized with each staple cartridge. 
     In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a staple cartridge can include two or more housings configured to at least partially cover a cutting member when it is in two or more positions. In at least one embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a proximal housing configured to at least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a proximal position, for example, and, in addition, a distal housing configured to at least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a distal position, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member can be positioned within the proximal housing when the staple cartridge is assembled to a surgical stapling instrument and, in certain embodiments, the cutting member can be advanced into the distal housing after it has transected tissue positioned within the end-effector, for example. In such embodiments, as a result, the cutting member can be at least partially positioned within the distal housing when the staple cartridge is removed from the surgical stapler. Such embodiments may be particularly useful when a vessel, for example, is positioned intermediate the proximal housing and the distal housing of the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a cutting member can be moved proximally from a distal position to a proximal position, and/or any other suitable position. 
     In various embodiments, as discussed above, staple cartridge  1150  can be inserted into staple cartridge channel  1122 . Referring now to  FIG. 92 , a proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  can be positioned within a proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122  while a distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  can be positioned within a distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one embodiment, the distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122  can comprise one or more projections and/or one or more recesses which can be correspondingly aligned with one or more projections and/or one or more recesses in the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150 , for example. In at least one such embodiment, each sidewall  1124  of staple cartridge channel  1122  can comprise a projection, or tab,  1279  and a recess, or slot,  1278 , wherein each side of staple cartridge  1150  can comprise, referring to  FIG. 95 , a projection  1274  configured to be positioned within a recess  1278  and, in addition, a recess  1270  configured to receive a projection  1279 . In various embodiments, each recess  1270  of staple cartridge  1150  can comprise opposing sidewalls  1272  and  1273  and a distal surface  1271 , wherein the distal surface  1271  can be positioned against the projection  1279  positioned therein when the staple cartridge  1150  is positioned in staple cartridge channel  1122 . In various circumstances, as discussed in greater detail below, the distal surfaces  1271  of recesses  1270  can serve as a datum surface from which certain features of the staple cartridge  1150  can be predetermined. In some circumstances, the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  can be aligned with and/or inserted into the distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122  before the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  is inserted into the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . For example, the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge channel  1150  can be aligned with the staple cartridge channel  1122  such that projections  1279  are positioned within recesses  1270  wherein, thereafter, the staple cartridge  1150  can be rocked, or rotated, toward staple cartridge channel  1122  such that proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  is inserted into the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . 
     When distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  is engaged with the distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122 , as described above, the projections  1274  of staple cartridge  1150  can be inserted into the recesses  1279  of staple cartridge channel  1122  by hooking the projections  1274  underneath the projections  1278  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . In such circumstances, the co-operation of projections  1274  and  1278  and recesses  1270  and  1279  can attach the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  to the distal end of staple cartridge  1122  and, in addition, align the staple cartridge  1150  with the staple cartridge channel  1122  such that the staple cartridge  1150  can be inserted between the sidewalls  1124  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . Once the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  has been hooked to staple cartridge channel  1122 , at least one of the staple cartridge  1150  and the staple cartridge channel  1122  can be rotated toward the other. In various circumstances, referring again to  FIGS. 92 and 95 , the staple cartridge  1150  can be pivoted toward the staple cartridge channel  1122  such that alignment slots  1280  in staple cartridge channel  1150  become aligned with side flanges  1128 . In various embodiments, the staple cartridge  1150  can comprise alignment slots  1280  on opposite sides thereof which can each be configured to receive a side flange  1128 . In at least one embodiment, each alignment slot  1280  can comprise lateral sidewalls  1283  and  1284  and a basewall  1281  extending between the sidewalls  1283  and  1284 . Further to the above, a predetermined distance  1289  can be measured between the distal datum surfaces  1271  of recesses  1270  to the distal basewalls  1281  of alignment slots  1280 . Referring now to  FIGS. 93 and 95 , the predetermined distance  1288  between the distal end of the projections  1279  and the distal end of the side flanges  1128  can be such that it is shorter than the distance  1289  between the distal surfaces  1271  of recesses  1270  and the basewalls  1281  of alignment slots  1280 . Owing to the distance  1288  being shorter than the distance  1289 , the staple cartridge  1150  can be rotated into position as described above such that side flanges  1128  can enter into alignment slots  1280 . In various embodiments, alignment slots  1280  can be sized and configured such that the side flanges  1128  are closely received between the sidewalls  1283  and  1284  such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the side flanges  1128  and the sidewalls of the alignment slots  1280 , for example. 
     In various alternative embodiments, further to the above, the proximal end  1213  of the staple cartridge  1150  can be inserted into the distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122  and slid proximally between sidewalls  1124  such that the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge channel  1150  enters into the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . During such sliding movement, the side flanges  1128  can enter into alignment slots  1280  and, in addition, the projections  1279  can enter into the recesses  1270 . In certain embodiments, the staple cartridge  1150  can be both slid and rotated into the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In any event, in various embodiments, the staple cartridge  1150  and the staple cartridge channel  1122  can be configured such that the staple cartridge  1150  can be removably secured within the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one embodiment, referring primarily now to  FIGS. 95 and 100 , the staple cartridge  1150  can comprise one or more retention features which can be configured to releasably engage one or more retention features in the staple cartridge channel  1122 . More particularly, in at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge  1150  can comprise one or more retention slots  1190  which can be configured to engage one or more retention keys  1195  in the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In various embodiments, referring again to  FIG. 95 , each retention slot  1190  can comprise a first, or entrance, portion  1191  which can be configured to receive a retention key  1195  therein and, in addition, a second portion  1192  which can be configured to receive the retention key  1195  after it has passed through the entrance portion  1191 . The entrance portion  1191 , in certain embodiments, can define a first width between a proximal side  1193  and a distal side  1194  of retention slot  1190  and, in addition, the second portion  1192  can define a second width between the proximal side  1193  and the distal side  1194  which is wider than the first width of entrance portion  1191 . In various embodiments, the first width of entrance portion  1191  can be narrower than the width of the retention key  1195  and the second width of second portion  1192  can be wider than the width of the retention key  1195 . In at least one such embodiment, a retention slot  1190  can be configured to engage a retention key  1195  in at least one of a press-fit and/or a snap-fit manner. In certain embodiments, at least one of the proximal side  1193  and/or the distal side  1194  can be configured to flex or splay outwardly as the retention key  1195  is inserted into retention slot  1190 . In at least one such embodiment, the proximal sides  1193  can be displaced proximally. In any event, referring to  FIG. 100 , once the retention slot  1190  has received the retention key  1195 , the proximal side  1193  of retention slot  1190  can be positioned on a proximal side  1196  of retention key  1195  and the distal side  1194  of retention slot  1190  can be positioned on a distal side  1197  of retention key  1195 . 
     As outlined above, the staple cartridge  1150  can be assembled into the staple cartridge channel  1122  by coupling the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  to the distal end  1121  of staple cartridge channel  1122  and then rotating the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  into the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one such embodiment, the retention slots  1190  can be configured to engage the retention keys  1195  as the staple cartridge  1195  is rotated into its seated position within staple cartridge channel  1122 . Referring now to  FIG. 93 , a predetermined distance  1199  between the distal datum surfaces  1271  of recesses  1270  and the retention slots  1190  can be sized and configured such that the retention slots  1190  are aligned with the retention keys  1195  as the staple cartridge  1150  is rotated into position as described above. Correspondingly, in at least one embodiment, a distance between the distal ends of projections  1279  and retention keys  1195  can be such that it equals, or at least substantially equals, the distance  1199 . In various circumstances, the above-mentioned distances can be measured to the center of the features comprising retention slots  1190  and retention keys  1195 . For example, the distance  1199  can be measured to a position in the center of slot  1190  intermediate the proximal and distal sidewalls thereof, for example. In various embodiments, the retention slot  1190  can further comprise lead-in, beveled, and/or radiused surfaces, which can be configured to guide, or direct, the retention keys  1195  into the retention slots  1190 . In at least one such embodiment, these lead-in surfaces can be wider than the first portions  1191 . 
     As staple cartridge  1150  is rotated into staple cartridge  1122 , a cutting member and/or staple deploying sled positioned within the staple cartridge  1150  can be operably engaged with the pusher bar  1202 . More particularly, referring now to  FIGS. 97-99 , the staple cartridge  1150  can include a cutting member  1160  which can be operably coupled with pusher bar  1202  such that, after the staple cartridge  1150  has been seated within the staple cartridge channel  1122 , the pusher bar  1202  and cutting member  1160  can be advanced together as described above. In at least one embodiment, the cutting member  1160  can comprise a slot  1161  which can be configured to receive a distal drive projection  1294  ( FIG. 93 ) at the distal end of pusher bar  1202 . More particularly, referring now to  FIG. 101 , the slot  1161  of cutting member  1160  can be aligned with an access slot  1290  in the bottom of the staple cartridge  1150  such that, as the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  is seated in the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 , the drive projection  1294  of pusher bar  1200  can extend through the access slot  1290  into the slot  1161  of cutting member  1160 . In various embodiments, the slot  1161  and the drive projection  1294  can be sized and configured such that there is little, if any, relative movement therebetween. More particularly, referring again to  FIGS. 98 and 99 , the slot  1161  can comprise a distal sidewall  1291  and a proximal sidewall  1292  wherein the drive projection  1294  can be securely received between the sidewalls  1291  and  1292 . In various embodiments, referring again to  FIGS. 93 and 101 , the pusher bar  1202  can further comprise a recess, or slot,  1295  positioned proximally with respect to the drive projection  1294  wherein the slot  1295  can be configured to receive a proximal projection  1293  ( FIG. 97 ) extending from the cutting member  1160 . Similar to the above, the slot  1295  can be defined by sidewalls which can be configured to closely receive the proximal projection  1293  such that there is little, if any, relative movement therebetween. 
     As described above, the slot  1161  of cutting member  1160  can be positioned within the staple cartridge  1150  such that it is aligned with the drive projection  1294  of pusher bar  1202  when the staple cartridge  1150  is seated within the staple cartridge channel  1122 . Referring now to  FIG. 96 , a predetermined distance  1299  can be defined between the distal surfaces  1271  of recesses  1270  and the slot  1161 , wherein the distance  1299  can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, a predetermined distance  1297  between the distal end of the projections  1279  and the drive projection  1294 . In various circumstances, the cutting member  1160  can be moved through a range of positions between a proximal-most position, in which it is positioned in housing  1170 , and a distal-most position after it has been advanced through the cutting slot  1156 . In various embodiments, the distance  1299  can be measured with respect to the cutting member  1160  when it is in its proximal-most position. Similar to the above, the distances  1297  and  1299  can be measured to the center or midpoint of the drive projection  1297  and slot  1161 , respectively. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument  1100  can further comprise a locking mechanism which can be configured to hold the pusher bar  1202  in position while the cutting member  1160  is engaged with the drive projection  1294 . Similar to the above, in certain embodiments, a distance  1298  can be defined between the distal end of projections  1279  and the recess  1295  of pusher bar  1202  wherein the distance  1298  can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, the distance between the distal surface  1271  of recesses  1270  and the projection  1293  of cutting member  1160 . In various embodiments, referring primarily now to  FIGS. 97 and 100 , the staple cartridge  1150  can comprise a clearance region defined between the proximal end  1295  of the staple cartridge body  1152  and the proximal end  1294  of the staple cartridge pan  1154 , wherein such a clearance region can be configured to receive the pusher bar  1202  and/or a portion of the staple cartridge channel  1122  therein, for example. In any event, the pusher bar  1202  can be advanced distally once it has been engaged with cutting member  1160 , wherein such movement is depicted in  FIG. 100  which illustrates the distal end  1201  of pusher bar  1202  in a proximal position (illustrated with solid lines) and a second, distal position (illustrated with phantom lines), for example. 
     In various embodiments, as described above, the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  can be engaged with the distal end  1121  of the staple cartridge channel  1122  and then pivoted into staple cartridge channel  1122  such that the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  can be seated in the proximal end  1123  of staple cartridge channel  1122 . Such a process can comprise engaging the projections  1274  of staple cartridge  1150  underneath the projections  1276  of staple cartridge channel  1122  and then, as described above, rotating the staple cartridge  1150  until alignment slots  1280  are positioned adjacent to flanges  1182 . At such point, in various embodiments, the cutting member  1160  may not be engaged with the pusher bar  1202  and, in addition, the retention slots  1190  may not be engaged with the retention keys  1195 . As a result, the surgeon, or clinician, can adjust the position of the staple cartridge  1150  within the staple cartridge channel  1122  before the staple cartridge  1150  is locked into position. Once the side flanges  1182  have been at least partially positioned in alignment slots  1280 , the proximal end  1213  can be further rotated toward the staple cartridge channel  1122 . At such point, the cutting member  1160  can come into operable engagement with the pusher bar  1202  and, in addition, the retention slots  1190  can engage the retention keys  1195 . In various embodiments, the cutting member  1160  can operably engage the pusher bar  1202  at the same time, or at least substantially the same time, as the retention slots engage retention keys  1195 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the drive projection  1294  of pusher bar  1202  can enter slot  1161  of cutting member  1160  at the same time that the retention keys  1195  enter into, or snap into, the second portions  1192  of slots  1190 . In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member  1160  may not be advanceable by the pusher bar  1202  until the staple cartridge  1150  is snapped into, or seated in, place. In certain alternative embodiments, the cutting member  1160  can be operably engaged with the pusher bar  1202  before the retention keys  1195  are fully seated within the retention slots  1190  when the proximal end  1213  of the staple cartridge  1150  is seated in the proximal end  1123  of the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In various embodiments, the retention slots  1190  can be aligned with each other such that they engage the retention keys  1195  at the same time, or at least substantially the same time. In at least one such embodiment, the retention slots can be configured such that the retention keys  1195  enter into the second portions  1192  of the retention slots  1190  simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, the retention slots  1190  can be positioned along an axis which is transverse to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the cutting slot  1156 . In various embodiments, the retention slots  1190 , and the axis defined therebetween, can be positioned proximally with respect to the cutting member  1160  regardless of the position of the cutting member  1160  including when the cutting member  1160  is in its proximal-most position, for example. 
     In various embodiments, the cutting slot  1156  can define a first body portion  1152   a  on a first side thereof and a second body portion  1152   b  on a second, or opposite, side thereof. Referring to  FIGS. 95 and 98 , the first body portion  1152   a  can comprise a first plurality of staple cavities  1151  and, in addition, the second body portion  1152   b  can comprise a second plurality of staple cavities  1151 . In at least one embodiment, the first body portion  1152   a  can comprise a proximal-most staple cavity  1151   a  which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities  1151  in first body portion  1152   a . In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity  1151   a  can be positioned proximally relative to base wall  1281  of the alignment slot  1280  in first body portion  1152   a , while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity  1151   a  can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall  1281 . As illustrated in  FIG. 97 , the alignment slot  1280  in the first body portion  1152   a  is positioned laterally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavity  1151   a  and, in addition, laterally with respect to the cutting slot  1156 . Further to the above, the first body portion  1152   a  can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity  1151   c  which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities  1151  in first body portion  1152   a  except for proximal-most staple cavity  1151   a . In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity  1151   c  can be positioned proximally relative to base wall  1281  of the alignment slot  1280  in first body portion  1152   a , while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity  1151   c  can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall  1281 . As illustrated in  FIG. 97 , the alignment slot  1280  is the first body portion  1152   a  is at least partially positioned laterally with respect to the second proximal-most staple cavity  1151   c . Still referring to  FIG. 97 , the first body portion  1152   a  can comprise a retention slot  1190  therein which can be positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities  1151  therein, including the staple cavities  151   a  and  1151   c , for example. 
     Referring to  FIG. 95 , further to the above, the second body portion  1152   b  can comprise a proximal-most staple cavity  1151   b  which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities  1151  in second body portion  1152   b . In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity  1151   b  can be positioned proximally relative to base wall  1281  of the alignment slot  1280  in second body portion  1152   b , while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity  1151   b  can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall  1281 . As illustrated in  FIG. 95 , the alignment slot  1280  in the second body portion  1152   b  is positioned laterally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavity  1151   b  and the cutting slot  1156 . Further to the above, the second body portion  1152   b  can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity  1151   d  which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities  1151  in second body portion  1152   b  except for proximal-most staple cavity  1151   b . In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity  1151   d  can be positioned proximally relative to base wall  1281  of the alignment slot  1280  in second body portion  1152   b , while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity  1151   d  can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall  1281 . As illustrated in  FIG. 95 , the alignment slot  1280  in the second body portion  1152   b  is at least partially positioned laterally with respect to the second proximal-most staple cavity  1151   d . Still referring to  FIG. 95 , the second body portion  1152   b  can comprise a retention slot  1190  therein which can be positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities  1151  therein, including the staple cavities  1151   b  and  1151   d , for example. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple cartridge body  1152  can be comprised of plastic and can be formed utilizing an injection molding process. Thereafter, in various embodiments, the staple drivers  1168  ( FIG. 42 ) can be assembled into staple cavities  1151  and the cutting member  1160  can be positioned within the cartridge body  1152  such that the cutting member  1164  is located within housing  1170 , as described above. The staple cartridge pan  1154  can then be assembled to the staple cartridge body  1152 . In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 96 , the distal end  1277  of staple cartridge pan  1154  can be aligned with the proximal end  1295  of the staple cartridge body  1152  such that the staple cartridge body can be slid within the staple cartridge pan  1154  between opposing walls  1154   a  and  1154   b , for example. The staple cartridge body  1152  and pan  1154  can be slid relative to one another until pan projections  1276  are positioned within recesses  1270  and projections  1274  are positioned within pan recesses  1275 . At the same time, the lock projections  1288  extending from staple cartridge body  1152  can be received within the lock apertures  1287  in staple cartridge pan  1154  such that pan  1154  can be locked to staple cartridge body  1152 . In various embodiments, the sidewalls  1154   a  and  1154   b  of pan  1154  can flex or splay outwardly as they pass over lock projections  1288  and then elastically return inwardly when lock apertures  1287  are aligned with lock projections  1288 . At such point, the arms  1155  extending from pan  1154  can be aligned with and positioned within the retention slots  1287  in staple cartridge body  1152 . In certain embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 101 , the staple cartridge  1150  can further comprise a retention member, such as retention member  1300 , for example, which can be configured to selectively obstruct slot  1301  in staple cartridge body  1152 , for example. In at least one embodiment, the retention member  1300  can comprise a pivotable arm  1303  which can be rotated between a first position in which it extends across slot  1301  (illustrated in solid lines) and a second position in which it is positioned adjacent to slot  1301  (illustrated in phantom lines). In at least one such embodiment, an integral pivot pin  1302  ( FIG. 95 ) can extend from arm  1303  into an aperture in staple cartridge body  1152  which can define an axis about which the arm  1303  can be rotated. In certain embodiments, the arm  1303  can include a lock member  1304  extending therefrom which can be configured to be releasably engaged with a lock cavity  1305  in staple cartridge body  1152  in order to hold the arm  1303  in at least one of its first and second positions, for example. In certain embodiments, the positioning of arm  1303  across slot  1301  can prevent, or at least inhibit, the cutting member  1160 , for example, from sliding out of the staple cartridge  1150 . 
     In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of the staple cartridge  1150  from staple cartridge channel  1122 , in various embodiments, the staple cartridge  1150  can comprise gripping portions positioned on opposite sides thereof, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring now to  FIGS. 97 and 101 , the staple cartridge body  1152  can comprise lateral portions  1285  positioned adjacent to alignment slots  1280  wherein the lateral portions  1285  can be gripped and/or pushed on by a clinician in order to seat the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  in the proximal end of staple cartridge channel  1122 , for example. Such a force can be applied to top, or tissue-contacting, surfaces of the lateral portions  1285  as the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  is rotated into position as described above. In various embodiments, a lifting force can be applied to lateral portions  1285  in order to lift the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  out of the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In at least one such embodiment, referring primarily to  FIG. 101 , each lateral portion  1285  can comprise one or more steps, ridges, and/or elevations, such as elevations  1287   a ,  1287   b , and/or  1287   c , for example, which can be configured to improve the clinician&#39;s grip on the lateral portions  1285 . In various embodiments, the elevations  1287   a ,  1287   b , and/or  1287   c  can be positioned at different heights relative to one another. In any event, the staple cartridge  1150  can be removed from channel  1122  by lifting the proximal end  1213  of staple cartridge  1150  out of channel  1122  and then unhooking, or disengaging, the distal end  1211  of staple cartridge  1150  from the distal end  1121  of channel  1122 , for example. As staple cartridge  1150  is removed from the channel  1122 , the slot  1161  within cutting member  1160  can be moved away and disengaged from the drive projection  1294  of pusher bar  1202 , for example. 
     In various circumstances, further to the above, the pusher bar  1202  and cutting member  1160  can be returned to their proximal positions before the staple cartridge  1150  is removed from the staple cartridge channel  1122 . In such a position, as described above, the cutting edge  1165  can be positioned within the housing  1170 . In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 102 , an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge  1150 ′ is depicted without a housing  1170 . In at least one such embodiment, the cutting edge  1165  can at least partially extend above the deck surface  1158  of the staple cartridge body  1152  in its proximal position and/or any other distally-advanced positions, for example. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, anvil  1130  can include one or more apertures, slots, or recesses  1179  ( FIG. 50 ) which can be configured to receive at least a portion of housing  1170  when anvil  1130  is brought into close opposition to staple cartridge  1150 , for example. In at least one embodiment, sufficient clearance can be present between housing  1170  and recess  1179  such that anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150  can be moved relative to each other without interference, or at least substantial interference, therebetween. In embodiments having more than one cutting member housing as outlined above, an opposing anvil can have more than one corresponding aperture for receiving the housings. In various embodiments, an anvil can include a movable cutting member and at least one housing for at least partially covering, enclosing, and/or surrounding the cutting member. In certain embodiments, although not illustrated, both an anvil and a staple cartridge can comprise at least one movable cutting member and/or at least one housing configured to at least partially cover, surround, or enclose the cutting members when they are in a proximal position, for example. 
     As outlined above, pusher bar assembly  1200  can be advanced distally in order to move staple sled assembly  1160  within staple cartridge assembly  1150 . In various embodiments, as also outlined above, the wedge-like cam surfaces  1167  of staple sled  1162  can be moved into engagement with the sloped surfaces  1169  on staple drivers  1168  to sequentially, and/or simultaneously, drive staples from staple cartridge  1150  against anvil  1130  and form the staples into any suitable configuration, such as B-shaped configurations, for example. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIG. 50 , anvil  1130  can include one or more staple forming surfaces, such as staple pockets  1132 , for example, which can be configured to deform the staples. In certain embodiments, anvil  1130  can further include a slot, channel, or groove  1133  which can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of staple sled  1162 , cutting member  1164 , and/or pusher bar  1202 , for example. In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, an anvil can include an anvil plate which can be securely and/or immovably positioned within an anvil channel defined within the anvil. In various other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 51 and 52  and described in greater detail below, anvil  1130  can include an anvil plate  1134  movably positioned within anvil channel  1136 . In certain embodiments, anvil channel  1136  can include opposite side walls  1137  and, in addition, a base  1138  extending between side walls  1137 . In at least one embodiment, anvil  1130  can further include a distal nose portion  1139 , for example, assembled thereto wherein nose portion  1139  can be configured to be press-fit and/or snap-fit into anvil channel  1136 , for example, such that nose portion  1139  can be securely retained therein. In certain embodiments, nose portion  1139  can be comprised of a soft and/or pliable material, such as rubber, for example, and can comprise any suitable shape which can facilitate the insertion of anvil  1130  into a surgical site, for example. In some embodiments, referring to  FIG. 51 , a nose portion, such as nose portion  1139 ′ can be retained to an anvil by one or more fasteners  1139   a ′. Similarly, referring to  FIG. 34 , a staple cartridge channel and/or staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  1150 , for example, can include a nose portion, such as nose portion  1153 , for example, which can facilitate the insertion of staple cartridge  1150  into a surgical site, for example 
     As indicated above, staples can be deployed from a staple cartridge and deformed against an anvil. In various circumstances, the distance between the staple forming surfaces on anvil  1130  and staple sled  1162  can determine the amount in which the staples are deformed. For example, if the distance between anvil pockets  1132  on anvil  1130  and top surfaces  1135  on staple sled  1162  ( FIGS. 43-45 ) is relatively large, the staples will be deformed a lesser amount as compared to when the distance between anvil pockets  1132  and sled surfaces  1135  is relatively small. Correspondingly, if the distance between anvil pockets  1132  and sled surfaces  1135  is relatively small, the staples will be deformed a greater amount as compared to when the distance between anvil pockets  1132  and sled surfaces  1135  is relatively large. Often, the distance between anvil pockets  1132  and sled surfaces  1135  is referred to as the forming height of the staples. Sometimes the forming height of the staples can be measured between the top surface, or deck, of the staple cartridge and the staple forming surfaces on the anvil. For the purpose of this application, however, any reference to a staple forming height, or the like, can include one or both manners of measurement, where appropriate, and/or any other suitable manner of measurement. In any event, as described in greater detail below, a surgical stapling instrument, such as stapling instrument  1100 , for example, can include means for adjusting the staple forming height. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, an anvil can include one or more forming surfaces which can be moved toward and/or away from a staple cartridge in order to set the forming height of the staples. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 50-56 , anvil  1130  can include anvil plate  1134  which can be movably and/or slidably positioned within anvil channel  1136 . In certain embodiments, anvil  1130  can further include one or more retention, or guide, pins  1140 , wherein anvil plate  1134  can include one or more retention, or guide, slots  1141  configured to slidably receive at least a portion of pins  1140 . In at least one such embodiment, pins  1140  and/or slots  1141  can be configured to define a predetermined path along which anvil plate  1134  can be moved. Referring to  FIG. 51 , pins  1140  and slots  1141  can be structured and arranged such that anvil plate  1134  can be moved along a linear, or at least substantially linear, path, wherein the linear path can be at least partially defined by axes  1142  and  1143 , for example. Other embodiments are envisioned in which an anvil plate can be moved along a non-linear path, such as a curved and/or curvi-linear path, for example. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of pins  1140  can be retained within apertures  1144  in side walls  1137  wherein, in at least one embodiment, pins  1140  can be press-fit within apertures  1144 . In any event, as described herein, pins  1140  can guide anvil plate  1134  as it is moved toward and/or away from staple cartridge  1150 , for example. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapling instrument, such as stapling instrument  1100 , for example, can include one or more adjustment members configured to position a portion of an anvil, such as anvil plate  1134 , for example, relative to other portions of an anvil assembly and/or an opposing staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 51 and 52 , stapling instrument  1100  can include anvil plate adjustment member  1230  which can be configured to limit the range of motion of anvil plate  1134 . In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 120 and 121 , adjusting member  1230  can be positioned intermediate anvil plate  1134  in a first position in which first surface, or step,  1231  of adjusting member  1230  is positioned intermediate base  1138  of anvil channel  1136  and first positioning surface  1145  on anvil plate  1134 . In such a first position, first step  1231  can define the amount of relative movement possible, or permitted, between anvil plate  1134  and anvil channel  1136 . For example, when anvil  1130  is clamped against tissue as described above, anvil plate  1134  can contact the tissue and slide upwardly toward base  1138  until first positioning surface  1145  contacts first step  1231 . Once surface  1145  and step  1231  are in contact, adjusting member  1230  can prevent, or at least inhibit, anvil plate  1134  from moving further toward base  1138 . In at least one such embodiment, as a result, adjusting member  1230  can act as a stop such that the distance between base  1138  and tissue-contacting surface  1148  on anvil plate  1134  can be defined by a first distance  1234 . While base  1138  is used as a reference datum in the present example, other portions of anvil  1130  and/or an opposing staple cartridge, for example, could be used as reference datums. When adjusting member  1230  is in its first position, as described above, second surface, or step,  1232  of adjusting member  1230  can be positioned intermediate base  1138  and second positioning surface  1146  on anvil plate  1134 , and, in addition, third surface, or step,  1233  can be positioned intermediate base  1138  and third positioning surface  1147 . Referring to  FIG. 53 , adjustment member  1230  can include two or more sets of steps,  1231 ,  1232 , and/or  1233  and anvil plate  1134  can include two or more sets of positioning surfaces  1145 ,  1146 , and/or  1147 . While first step  1231  and first positioning surface  1145  are described above as being configured to control the position of anvil plate  1134 , the second and third steps ( 1232 ,  1233 ) of adjustment member  1230  and the second and third positioning surfaces ( 1146 ,  1147 ) of anvil plate  1134 , respectively, can also be configured to control the position of anvil plate  1134 . For the sake of brevity, though, the present example will be described in reference to the first surface, or step  1231 , as being the surface which controls the position of anvil plate  1134 , although the reader will understand that the steps  1232  and  1233  can control the position of anvil plate  1134  as well. 
     In certain embodiments, the first position of adjustment member  1230  can provide for a relatively small, or short, staple forming height. In other embodiments, although not illustrated, the first position of an adjustment member can provide for an intermediate, a relatively large, and/or any other suitable staple forming height. In the event that the forming height associated with the first position of the adjustment member is suitable, a surgeon can proceed to use the surgical stapling instrument to staple and/or incise tissue as described above. In the event, however, that the staple forming height is unsuitable, a surgeon, or other clinician, can move adjustment member  1230  such that adjustment member  1230  can permit anvil plate  1134  to slide upwardly a different distance when anvil plate  1134  contacts tissue positioned intermediate anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150 . In at least one such circumstance, the distance in which anvil plate  1134  is permitted to slide upwardly can be larger, thereby providing a larger forming height for the staples. Correspondingly, in other circumstances, the adjustment member can be moved such that anvil plate  1134  can slide upwardly a shorter distance when anvil plate  1134  contacts the tissue, for example, thereby providing a shorter staple forming height. While the term “upward”, and the like, can mean vertically upward, the term is not so limited; rather, “upward” can mean any direction which is toward the base of the anvil and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example. In any event, adjustment member  1230  can be moved between its first position, illustrated in  FIG. 54 , and a second position, illustrated in  FIG. 55 , in order to increase the staple forming height. As indicated by arrow “P” in  FIG. 55 , adjustment member  1230  can be slid proximally in order to move adjustment member  1230  between its first and second positions, although embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can be slid distally and/or any other suitable direction in order to adjust adjustment member  1230 . Once adjustment member  1230  has been moved into its second position, referring to  FIG. 55 , first surface, or step,  1231  can be positioned intermediate base  1138  and second positioning surface  1146  of anvil plate  1134 . In such a second position, first step  1231  can once again define the amount of relative movement permitted between anvil plate  1134  and anvil channel  1136 . In at least one embodiment, similar to the above, adjusting member  1230  can act as a stop such that the distance between base  1138  and tissue-contacting surface  1148  on anvil plate  1134  can be defined by a second distance  1235 . 
     Further to the above, adjustment member  1230  can be moved between its second position, illustrated in  FIG. 55 , and a third position, illustrated in  FIG. 56 , in order to once again increase the staple forming height. As indicated by arrow “P” in  FIG. 56 , adjustment member  1230  can be slid proximally in order to move adjustment member  1230  between its second and third positions. Once adjustment member  1230  has been moved into its third position, referring to  FIG. 56 , first surface, or step,  1231  can be positioned intermediate base  1138  and third positioning surface  1147 . In such a third position, first step  1231  can once again define the amount of relative movement between anvil plate  1134  and anvil channel  1136 . In at least one embodiment, similar to the above, adjusting member  1230  can act as a stop such that the distance between base  1138  and tissue-contacting surface  1148  on anvil plate  1134  can be defined by a third distance  1236 . While adjustment member  1230  can be selectively moved between three positions as described above to provide three different staple forming heights, other embodiments are envisioned which comprise an adjustment member which can be moved between more than three positions to provide more than three different staple forming heights. For example, an adjustment member can be movable between four positions in order to provide four staple forming heights. Further embodiments are envisioned which comprise an adjustment member which can be moved between two positions to provide two staple forming heights. Furthermore, while surfaces, or steps,  1231 ,  1232 , and  1233  of adjustment member  1230  are arranged in a descending order, other arrangements are envisioned in which the surfaces, or steps, are arranged in an ascending order. Other arrangements are envisioned in which the surfaces, or steps, are not necessarily arranged in either an ascending or a descending order. Similarly, positioning surfaces  1145 ,  1146 , and  1147  of anvil plate  1134  can be arranged in an ascending order, a descending order ( FIG. 53 ), and/or any other suitable order. Furthermore, while adjustment member  1230  can be slid along an axis, other embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can be moved along any suitable path such as curved and/or curvi-linear paths, for example. 
     As described above, referring to  FIG. 54 , adjustment member  1230  can comprise three surfaces, or steps,  1231 ,  1232 , and  1233  while anvil plate  1134  can comprise three corresponding adjustment surfaces  1145 ,  1146 , and  1147 . When adjustment member  1230  is in its first position, for example, first surface  1231  can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to first adjustment surface  1145 , second surface  1232  can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to second adjustment surface  1146 , and third surface  1233  can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to third adjustment surface  1147 . As adjustment member  1230  is slid relative to anvil plate  1134 , as described above and referring to  FIGS. 55 and 56 , surfaces  1231 ,  1232 , and  1233  of adjustment member  1230  can be sequentially indexed relative to surfaces  1145 ,  1146 , and  1147  of anvil plate  1134 . In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can have the same number of steps as the number of positioning surfaces on an anvil plate. Other embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member has more steps than positioning surfaces on the anvil plate. In at least one such embodiment, an anvil plate can include one positioning surface wherein the steps of an adjustment member can be selectively utilized to limit the upward movement of the anvil plate, for example. In various embodiments, referring generally to adjustment member  1230  and anvil plate  1134 , an anvil plate may include one positioning surface, such as positioning surface  1145 , for example, where steps  1231 ,  1232 , and  1233  of adjustment member  1230 , for example, can be selectively positioned intermediate base  1138  and positioning surface  1145 . In such embodiments, first step  1231  can have a first thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate  1134  so as to define a first staple forming height, second step  1232  can have a second thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate  1134  so as to define a second staple forming height, and, in addition, third step  1233  can have a third thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate  1134  so as to define a third staple forming height. In at least one embodiment, the thickness or height of steps  1231 ,  1232 , and/or  1233  can be measured between a back surface  1237  of adjustment member  1230  and a surface on the steps ( 1231 ,  1232 ,  1233 ) which will contact anvil plate  1134 . In various embodiments, the difference in height, or thickness, between first step  1231  and second step  1232  can be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the difference in height, or thickness, between second step  1232  and third step  1233 . In at least one such embodiment, as a result, the step heights can increase at a linear rate, or an at least substantially linear rate. In alternative embodiments, the difference in height, or thickness, between the first and second steps can be different than the difference in height, or thickness, between the second and the third steps. In at least one such embodiment, the first, second, and third steps may not increase or decrease in height, or thickness, at a linear rate; rather, although not illustrated, the steps may increase or decrease in height, or thickness, in a non-linear and/or geometric rate. 
     As described above, an adjustment member, such as adjustment member  1230 , for example, can be movable between two or more positions. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include an actuator configured to move the adjustment member. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 50-53 , surgical stapling instrument  1100  can include actuator  1250  which can be operably attached to adjustment member  1230  such that a force can be applied to actuator  1250  and transmitted to adjustment member  1230 . In certain embodiments, actuator  1250  can include grasping portions, or handles,  1252  which can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon, for example, in order to advance or retract adjustment member  1230  within anvil  1130  as described above. In certain embodiments, grasping portions  1252  can extend from actuator body  1251 , wherein actuator body  1251  can include one or more apertures, slots, or cavities  1253  which can be configured to receive at least a portion of adjustment member  1230 . In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIG. 52 , adjustment member  1230  can include lock  1254  extending therefrom, wherein at least a portion of lock  1254  can be received within aperture  1253  so as to retain actuator body  1251  to adjustment member  1230 . In various embodiments, lock  1254  can include one or more resilient, or flexible, legs  1255  which can be deflected when they are inserted into aperture  1253  but resiliently return, or at least partially return, to their unflexed position after feet  1256  of legs  1255  are sufficiently pushed through aperture  1253 . In at least one such embodiment, feet  1256  can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator body  1251  from being detached from adjustment member  1230 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical stapling instrument  1100  can further include a detent mechanism which can be configured to hold, or releasably hold, actuator  1250  and/or adjustment member  1230  in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 52 , detent member  1260  can be attached to actuator  1250  wherein, in at least some embodiments, actuator body  1251  can include one or more channels, grooves, or recesses  1257  which can be configured to receive and/or retain a detent body  1261  of detent member  1260  therein. In at least one embodiment, detent body  1261  can include one or more apertures  1263 , and/or any other suitable channels, slots, or grooves, which can be configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing detent body  1261  to actuator  1251 , for example. Detent member  1260  can further include detent legs  1262  which can be configured to engage one or more recesses, apertures, or grooves  1101  ( FIGS. 35-40 ) in first frame portion  1110 , for example. More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , each side flange  1128  can include one or more recesses  1101  ( 1101   a ,  1101   b , and  1101   c ) defined therein wherein detent legs  1262  can be biased into engagement with the top surfaces of side flanges  1128  such that detent legs  1262  can be slid into, and slid out of, recesses  1101 . In the illustrated embodiment, each side flange can include three recesses  1101  which can be configured to removably hold actuator  1250  in a first, distal position, a second, intermediate position, and a third, proximal position, wherein the first, second, and third positions of actuator  1250  can respectively correspond with the first, second, and third positions of adjustment member  1230  described above. For example, when actuator  1250  is in its first, distal position, detent legs  1262  of detent member  1260  can be positioned within recess  1101   a  so as to removably retain actuator  1250  and adjustment member  1230  in their first positions. Upon the application of a sufficient force, actuator  1250  can be moved proximally into its second position such that detent legs  1162  are positioned within recess  1101   b  and actuator  1250  and adjustment member  1230  are retained in their second positions. Similarly, upon the application of a sufficient force, actuator  1250  can be moved proximally into its third position such that detent legs  1162  are positioned within recess  1101   c  and actuator  1250  and adjustment member  1230  are retained in their third positions. In various embodiments, detent legs  1162  can be configured such that actuator  1250  can be returned to its first and/or second positions. 
     As described above, adjustment member  1230  can be moved along a pre-determined path between two or more positions by actuator  1250 . In various embodiments, surgical stapling instrument  1100 , for example, can include one or more guides for controlling or limiting the movement of adjustment member  1230  and/or actuator  1250 . In some embodiments, adjustment member  1230  can be closely received between side walls  1137  of anvil  1130  such that side walls  1137  can guide adjustment member  1230 . In at least one such embodiment, side walls  1137  can be configured to control or limit the lateral or side-to-side movement of adjustment member  1230 . In various embodiments, detent legs  1162  of detent member  1160  can comprise resilient members which can be configured to apply an upward biasing or pulling force on adjustment member  1230  so as to position adjustment member  1230  against, or at least adjacent to, base  1138  and intermediate side walls  1137 . In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 52 , base  138  of anvil  1130  can further include guide slot  1149  which can be configured to receive at least a portion of adjustment member  1230  and/or actuator  1250  therein such that guide slot  1149  can limit the movement of adjustment member  1230  and actuator  1250 . In at least one such embodiment, lock  1254  of adjustment member  1230  can be configured to extend through guide slot  1149  such that, when lock  1254  is inserted into aperture  1253  of actuator  1250  as described above, base  1138  of anvil  1130  can be captured intermediate adjustment member  1230  and actuator  1250 . In certain embodiments, guide slot  1149  can be configured to limit the movement of lock  1254  such that adjustment member  1230  can be prevented, or at least inhibited, from being moved distally when adjustment member  1230  is in its first, or distal-most, position and/or, similarly, prevented, or at least inhibited, from being moved proximally when adjustment member  1230  is in its third, or proximal-most, position. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a detent member, similar to detent member  1260 , for example, can be utilized to bias first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104  away from one another. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 70 , surgical stapling instrument  1100 ′ can include a detent member  1260 ′ configured to position first handle portion  1102  and second handle portion  1104  such that a gap exists between anvil  1130  and staple cartridge  1150 . Such a feature, as outlined above, can allow a surgeon to easily manipulate the surgical instrument without having to hold the first and second handle portions apart from one another. In certain embodiments, detent member  1260 ′ can be sufficiently mounted to second handle portion  1104  such that detent legs  1262 ′ extending from detent member  1260 ′ can contact flanges  1128  and, when compressed, apply a biasing force to the first and second handle portions. As seen in  FIG. 70 , legs  1262 ′ can contact surfaces  1101   d  on flanges  1128 . In order to compress detent legs  1262 ′, latch mechanism  1180  can be moved into a partially-closed position such that latch arms  1188  can engage, and at least partially surround, latch projections  1131 . In this configuration, a surgeon can manipulate the instrument and, when satisfied with its position, move latch mechanism  1180  into a closed position and further compress detent legs  1262 ′. Similar to the above, detent member  1260 ′ can be affixed, or otherwise operably engaged with, actuator  1250  such that, when actuator  1250  is moved between its first, second, and third positions as described above, legs  1262 ′ can engage recesses  1101   a ,  1101   b , and  1101   c , respectively. In at least one such embodiment, as a result, actuator  1250  can have a pre-staged position in which actuator  1250  is positioned distally with respect to its first position and, in addition, surfaces  1101   d  can comprise pre-stage surfaces against which legs  1262 ′ can be positioned when actuator  1250  is in its pre-staged position. 
     As outlined above, an adjustment member can be slid, or translated, between first and second positions so as to adjust the forming height of staples deployed by a surgical stapling instrument. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, an adjustment member can be configured to positively displace an anvil plate toward and/or away from an opposing staple cartridge, for example. In at least one such embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can include one or more biasing members, such as springs, for example, configured to position the anvil plate against the adjustment member such that, when the adjustment member is moved between its first and second positions, the adjustment member can displace the anvil plate between first and second positions in order to set first and second staple forming heights. In various embodiments, as a result of the above, an adjustment member can be configured to cam a portion of an anvil into position. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can be slid along an axis in order to positively displace an anvil plate. In other embodiments, a rotatable adjustment member can be configured to positively displace an anvil plate toward and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example. 
     Further to the above, as described in greater detail below, an adjustment member can be rotated to adjust the staple forming height. Referring to  FIGS. 57-69 , surgical instrument  1100 ′ can include, similar to the above, a first handle portion  1102 ′, a second handle portion  1104 ′, and a latching mechanism  1180 ′ which can be utilized to clamp tissue intermediate anvil  1130 ′ and staple cartridge  1150 ′. Referring to  FIG. 58 , also similar to the above, latching mechanism  1180 ′ can be pivotably coupled to first portion  1102 ′ by one or more pivot pins  1182 ′, wherein latching mechanism  1180 ′ can include one or more latch arms  1188 ′ which can be configured to engage second portion  1104 ′ and latch the first and second handle portions together. Also similar to the above, referring to  FIGS. 58 and 60 , surgical instrument  1100 ′ can further include pusher bar assembly  1200 ′ which can be configured to advance a cutting member and/or staple sled within end-effector  1120 ′. In at least one such embodiment, pusher bar assembly  1200 ′ can include a proximal end  1203 ′ and an actuator  1204 ′, wherein actuator  1204 ′ can be rotatably mounted to proximal end  1203 ′ and selectively positioned on first and second sides of stapling instrument  1100 ′. In various embodiments, surgical stapling instrument  1100 ′ can comprise the same, or similar, features to those described in connection with surgical stapling instrument  1100  and can be operated in the same manner, or a similar manner, as instrument  1100  and, as a result, such details are not repeated herein. 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 60 , surgical instrument  1100 ′ can include a rotatable adjustment member  1230 ′ which can be selectively positioned in at least first and second positions so as to provide different staple forming heights. In certain embodiments, surgical instrument  1100 ′ can include an actuator  1250 ′ which can be operably connected to adjustment member  1230 ′ such that actuator  1250 ′ can move adjustment member  1230 ′ between at least its first and second positions. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 61 , actuator  1250 ′ can include actuator body  1251 ′ and grasping portion, or handle,  1252 ′. Actuator body  1251 ′ can include an aperture  1258 ′ which can be configured to receive a proximal end  1238 ′ of adjustment member  1230 ′ such that rotational motion, torque, and/or forces can be transmitted between actuator  1250 ′ and adjustment member  1230 ′. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIG. 69 , aperture  1258 ′ can comprise a non-circular profile and/or a profile which includes one or more flat drive surfaces configured to transmit rotational motion between actuator body  1251 ′ and actuator  1230 ′. In certain embodiments, aperture  1258 ′ can be sized and configured to closely receive proximal end  1238 ′ of actuator  1230 ′. In at least one embodiment, aperture  1258 ′ can be configured to receive proximal end  1238 ′ in a press-fit and/or snap-fit arrangement. In various embodiments, referring again to  FIG. 61 , handle portion  1104 ′ can include one or more slots  1259 ′ which can be configured to permit at least a portion of actuator body  1251 ′ to extend therethrough such that grasping portion  1252 ′ can be assembled to actuator body  1251 ′ with at least a portion of handle portion  1104 ′ positioned therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, second handle portion  1104 ′ can further include recess  1253 ′ which can be configured such that at least a portion, if not all, of grasping portion  1252 ′ is positioned within recess  1253 ′. In certain embodiments, recess  1253 ′ can be configured such that grasping portion  1252 ′ does not extend above the top surface of second handle portion  1104 ′ although, in other embodiments, an upper portion of grasping portion  1252 ′ can extend above second handle portion  1104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 63 , such that grasping portion  1252 ′ can be easily accessed by a surgeon. 
     In various embodiments, as outlined above, an adjustment member can be rotatable between at least first and second positions in order to adjust the forming height of staples deployed by a surgical stapler. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 61 , a surgical stapling instrument can include an adjustment member rotatably positioned within an anvil wherein the adjustment member can be configured to limit the relative movement of a movable anvil portion. In at least one such embodiment, surgical stapling instrument  1100 ′ can include an anvil plate  1134 ′ which can be slidably retained within anvil channel  1136 ′ by retention, or guide, pins  1140 ′, wherein guide pins  1140 ′ can be configured to allow anvil plate  1134 ′ to slide upwardly when anvil plate  1134 ′ comes into contact with tissue as described above. Referring to  FIGS. 60, 63, and 64 , adjustment member  1230 ′ can be positionable in a first position, or orientation, such that it can limit the upward movement of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 63 and 64 , adjustment member  1230 ′ can include opposing first surfaces  1231 ′ which can be positioned intermediate base  1138 ′ of anvil channel  1136 ′ and positioning surface  1145 ′ of anvil plate  1134 ′ such that, when positioning surface  1145 ′ contacts one of first surfaces  1231 ′, tissue-contacting surface  1148 ′ of anvil plate  1134 ′ can be positioned a first distance  1234 ′ away from a datum surface  1129 ′ on anvil  1130 ′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces  1132 ′ can be positioned a first distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a first staple height. Further to the above, a first diameter  1241 ′ can be defined between first surfaces  1231 ′ wherein the first diameter  1241 ′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′. 
     As indicated above, adjustment member  1230 ′ can be rotated in order to adjust the forming height of the staples. In various embodiments, adjustment member  1230 ′ can be rotated between its first position, or orientation, ( FIGS. 63 and 64 ) and a second position, or orientation ( FIGS. 65 and 66 ). In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , handle  1252 ′ can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “A” in order to move adjustment member  1230 ′ between its first and second positions. Similar to the above, when actuator  1230 ′ is in its second position, or orientation, actuator  1230 ′ can limit the upward movement of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , adjustment member  1230 ′ can include opposing second surfaces  1232 ′ which can be positioned intermediate base  1138 ′ and positioning surface  1145 ′ such that, when positioning surface  1145 ′ contacts one of second surfaces  1232 ′, tissue-contacting surface  1148 ′ of anvil plate  1134 ′ can be positioned a second distance  1235 ′ away from datum surface  1129 ′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces  1132 ′ can be positioned a second distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a second staple height. In various embodiments, similar to the above, a second diameter  1242 ′ can be defined between second surfaces  1232 ′, wherein second diameter  1242 ′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′. Although first surfaces  1231 ′ and second surfaces  1232 ′ can be defined by flat, or at least substantially flat, surfaces, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first and second surfaces  1231 ′ and  1232 ′ can include at least partially arcuate, or curved, contours. In any event, referring to  FIG. 60 , adjustment member  1230 ′ may include one or more clearance slots  1240 ′ which can be configured to provide clearance between actuator  1230 ′ and retention pins  1140 ′. Clearance slots  1240 ′ can be configured to provide clearance between actuator  1230 ′ and retention pins  1140 ′ when actuator  1230 ′ is in its first position, second position, and/or any other suitable position. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, adjustment member  1230 ′ can be rotated between its first position, or orientation, ( FIGS. 63 and 64 ) and a third position, or orientation ( FIGS. 67 and 68 ). In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , handle  1252 ′ can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “B” in order to move adjustment member  1230 ′ between its first and third positions. Similar to the above, when actuator  1230 ′ is in its third position, or orientation, actuator  1230 ′ can limit the upward movement of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , adjustment member  1230 ′ can include opposing third surfaces  1233 ′ which can be positioned intermediate base  1138 ′ and positioning surface  1145 ′ such that, when positioning surface  1145 ′ contacts one of third surfaces  1233 ′, tissue-contacting surface  1148 ′ of anvil plate  1134 ′ can be positioned a third distance  1236 ′ away from datum surface  1129 ′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces  1132 ′ can be positioned a third distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a third staple height. In various embodiments, similar to the above, a third diameter  1243 ′ can be defined between third surfaces  1233 ′, wherein third diameter  1243 ′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate  1134 ′ within anvil channel  1136 ′. Referring once again to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , third surfaces  1233 ′ can be defined by an at least partially arcuate contour, although other embodiments are envisioned in which third surfaces  1233 ′ can include flat, or at least substantially flat, contours. In at least one embodiment, adjustment member  1230 ′ can be configured such that the largest distance, or diameter, between the arcuate third surfaces  1233 ′ can be utilized to define the third staple height. 
     As described above, referring to  FIGS. 63 and 64 , adjustment member  1230 ′ can be positioned in a first position, or orientation, to set a first forming height for the staples deployed by surgical stapling instrument  1100 ′. As also described above, referring to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , actuator  1250 ′ can be utilized to move adjustment member  1230 ′ into its second position, or orientation, to set a second forming height for the staples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can be applied to handle  1252 ′ which can cause handle  1252 ′, and adjustment member  1230 ′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow “A”. In at least one embodiment, adjustment member  1230 ′ and/or actuator  1250 ′ can be sufficiently retained such that, when adjustment member  1230 ′ is rotated, adjustment member  1230 ′ can be rotated about an axis, such as axis  1245 ′ ( FIG. 60 ), for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 58 , the proximal end  1203 ′ of pusher bar assembly  1200 ′ can include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses  1205 ′ which can be configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of adjustment member  1230 ′ and/or actuator  1250 ′ therein. In any event, as illustrated in  FIGS. 63-66 , the second position, or orientation, of adjustment member  1230 ′ can allow anvil plate  1134 ′ to slide a larger distance within anvil channel  1136 ′ as compared to when adjustment member  1230 ′ is in its first position. In at least one embodiment, as a result, the second staple forming height can be larger than the first staple forming height. As also described above, referring to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , actuator  1250 ′ can be utilized to move adjustment member  1230 ′ into its third position, or orientation, to set a third forming height for the staples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can be applied to handle  1252 ′ which can cause handle  1252 ′, and adjustment member  1230 ′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow “B”. As illustrated in  FIGS. 63, 64, 67, and 68 , the third position, or orientation, of adjustment member  1230 ′ can allow anvil plate  1134 ′ to slide a smaller distance within anvil channel  1136 ′ as compared to when adjustment member  1230 ′ is in its first position. In at least one embodiment, as a result, the first and second staple forming heights can be larger than the third staple forming height. In at least one such embodiment, the first position of adjustment member  1230 ′, and actuator  1250 ′, can represent an intermediate position, wherein adjustment member  1230 ′ can be selectively moved into its second and third positions directly from its first position. In effect, the first position of adjustment member  1230 ′ can represent an intermediate staple height, wherein the second and third staple positions of adjustment member  1230 ′ can represent taller and shorter staple heights, respectively. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 57 , surgical stapling instrument  1100 ′ can include one or more indicia thereon which can be configured to convey the staple forming heights, or at least relative forming heights, that can be selected. For example, second handle portion  1104 ′ can include a first indicium  1245 ′ which can indicate an intermediate, or first, staple height, a second indicium  1246 ′ which can indicate a taller, or second, staple height, and, in addition, a third indicium  1247 ′ which can indicate a shorter, or third, staple height. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, one or more of first surfaces  1231 ′, second surfaces  1232 ′, and third surfaces  1233 ′ can comprise or define, or at least partially comprise or define, a perimeter, or circumference, of adjustment member  1230 ′. As discussed above, owing to the first, second, and third diameters ( 1241 ′,  1242 ′, and  1243 ′) defined by the first, second, and third surfaces ( 1231 ′,  1232 ′, and  1233 ′), respectively, the perimeter, or circumference, of adjustment member  1230 ′ may be non-circular. In certain embodiments, though, the perimeter, or circumference of adjustment member  1230 ′, may be symmetrical, substantially symmetrical, and/or non-symmetrical. In various embodiments, further to the above, an adjustment member can comprise a cam rotatably positioned intermediate base  1138 ′ of anvil  1130 ′ and adjustment surface  1145 ′ of anvil plate  1134 ′, for example. In at least one such embodiment, one or more of first surfaces  1231 ′, second surfaces  1232 ′, and third surfaces  1233 ′, for example, can comprise or define a cam profile which, similar to the above, can be configured to either positively position anvil plate  1134 ′ and/or provide a stop against which anvil plate  1134 ′ can be positioned. In any event, although not illustrated, various embodiments are envisioned in which an adjustment member can be slid and rotated in order to set two or more staple forming heights for staples deployed by a surgical stapling instrument. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can comprise a cam profile which can be defined along the length of the adjustment member wherein longitudinal and/or rotational movement can be utilized to move the cam profile between at least first and second positions. 
     In various embodiments, similar to the above, surgical instrument  1100 ′ can further include a detent mechanism configured to hold, or at least releasably hold, actuator  1250 ′ in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 58 and 59 , surgical instrument  1100 ′ can further include detent member  1260 ′ comprising detent body  1261 ′ and one or more detent legs  1262 ′. Referring to  FIG. 59 , detent body  1261 ′ can include one or more grooves, recesses, or channels  1263 ′ which can be configured to receive at least a portion of proximal end  1105 ′ of second handle portion  1104 ′ therein such that detent member  1260 ′ can be retained in position. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end  1105 ′ can further include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses  1265 ′ which can be configured to closely receive detent member  1260 ′. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of detent body  1261 ′, such as channel  1263 ′, for example, can be press-fit, snap-fit, and/or otherwise suitably retained in recess  1265 ′. As also illustrated in  FIG. 59 , each detent leg  1262 ′ of detent member  1260 ′ can include one or more projections  1264 ′ extending therefrom which can be configured to engage actuator body  1251 ′ and releasably hold actuator  1250 ′ in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 69 , actuator body  1251 ′ can include one or more recesses, or holes,  1269 ′ which can be configured to receive a projection  1264 ′. When a projection  1264 ′ is positioned within recess  1269 ′, the projection can be configured to hold actuator  1250 ′ in its first position, for example, until a sufficient force is applied to actuator  1250 ′ so as to cause the projection  1264 ′ to be displaced out of recess  1269 ′. More particularly, the force applied to actuator  1250 ′ can be transmitted to the projection  1264 ′ and, owing to cooperating surfaces between the projection  1264 ′ and recess  1269 ′, the detent leg  1262 ′ associated with the projection  1264 ′ can be flexed or moved proximally to allow actuator body  1251 ′ to be moved relative thereto. In order to accommodate such proximal movement, referring to  FIG. 58 , recess  1265 ′ can include elongate portions  1266 ′ which can each be configured to receive at least a portion of legs  1262 ′ such that legs  1262 ′ can move relative to handle portion  1104 ′. As actuator  1250 ′ is moved into either its second or third position, actuator body  1251 ′ can contact a projection  1264 ′ extending from another leg  1262 ′ and deflect the leg  1262 ′ proximally such that, once actuator  1250 ′ is in its second or third positions, the leg  1262 ′ can spring forward, or distally, such that the projection  1264 ′ can be secured within recess  1269 ′. In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the interaction between projections  1264 ′ and the sidewalls of recess  1269 ′ can be such that actuator  1250 ′ can be securely held in one of its first, second, and third positions, for example, yet permit actuator  1250 ′ to be moved upon a sufficient application of force. In such embodiments, the detent member  1260 ′ can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator  1250 ′ and, correspondingly, adjustment member  1230 ′ from being unintentionally displaced. 
     As discussed above and as shown in  FIG. 35 , each side flange  1128  of first handle portion  1102  can include a notch, or recess,  1127 , for example, which can be configured to receive one or more latch projections  1131 , for example, extending from anvil  1130 , and/or any other suitable portion of second handle portion  1104 . As also discussed above, referring primarily to  FIGS. 35 and 36 , first handle portion  1102  can further include latching mechanism  1180  rotatably mounted thereto which can be utilized to engage latch projections  1131  extending from second handle portion  1104  and secure the first and second handle portions  1102 ,  1104  together. Latching mechanism  1180  can include one or more latch arms  1188  extending therefrom which can be configured to engage latch projections  1131  and pull and/or secure projections  1131  within recesses  1127  as illustrated in  FIG. 40 . Referring to  FIG. 39 , at least one of latch arms  1188  can include a distal hook  1189  which can be configured to wrap around at least a portion of projections  1131  so as to encompass or surround, or at least partially encompass or surround, projections  1131 . In at least one embodiment, latch arms  1188  can act as an over-center latch to maintain latching mechanism  1180  in its latched, or closed, position. 
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 71 , each projection  1131  can comprise a slot, or groove,  1190  positioned intermediate sidewall  1191  and an enlarged end, or head,  1192  of projection  1131 , wherein the slot  1190  can be configured to receive at least a portion of latch arm  1188 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the slot  1190  can have a width which is greater than the width of the latch arm  1188  such that, when the latch arm  1188  is engaged with the projection  1131 , the latch arm  1188  can enter into slot  1190 . In some circumstances, the width of each slot  1190  may be slightly larger than the width of a latch arm  1188  such that the latch arm is closely received within the slot  1190 . In various circumstances, the slot  1190 , the sidewall  1191 , and the head  1192  of projection  1131  can be sized and configured so as to prevent, or at least limit, relative lateral movement, i.e., movement away from or to the sides of anvil  1130 , between latch arm  1188  and projection  1131 . Further to the above, however, the latch arms  1188  can slide longitudinally within the grooves  1190  as the latch arms  1188  move the projections  1131  into the recesses  1127  in first portion  1102 . Owing to such relative sliding movement between latch arms  1188  and projections  1131 , frictional forces can be generated therebetween which can resist the movement of latch arms  1188 . In various circumstances, the magnitude of such frictional forces can be significant when the normal, or perpendicular, contact forces between the latch arms  1188  and the sidewalls of groove  1190  are large. In many circumstances, as a result, the operator of the surgical instrument has to overcome these frictional forces when actuating clamping mechanism  1180 . 
     In various alternative embodiments, referring now to  FIGS. 72 and 73 , a surgical instrument can comprise one or more latch projections having a rotatable bearing which can reduce the magnitude of the friction forces between the latch arms of a latching mechanism and the latch projections. In at least one embodiment, an anvil  1330 , which can be substantially similar to anvil  1130  in many respects, can comprise a latch projection  1331  extending from each side thereof, wherein each latch projection  1331  can comprise a rotatable bearing  1393 . In use, the latch arms  1188  of latching mechanism  1180 , for example, can contact the rotatable bearings  1393  in order to position the latch projections  1331  in recesses  1127 . In various circumstances, the latch arms  1188  can slide across the surface, or outer diameter, of bearings  1393 ; however, as bearings  1393  can rotate relative to the latch arms  1188 , the magnitude of the frictional forces between the latch arms  1188  and projections  1331  can be lower than the magnitude of the frictional forces between latch arms  1188  and projections  1131 . Owing to such lower frictional forces, a lower closing, or clamping, force may be required to actuate clamping mechanism  1180 , for example. 
     In various embodiments, referring primarily to  FIG. 74 , each rotatable bearing  1393  can comprise a circular, or round, outer diameter  1394  and, in addition, a circular, or round, bearing aperture  1395  extending therethrough. In certain embodiments, each projection  1331  can further comprise a shaft portion  1396  extending from sidewall  1391  and an enlarged end, or head,  1392  extending from shaft portion  1396 , wherein, as illustrated in  FIG. 64 , the shaft portion  1396  can extend through the bearing aperture  1395  of rotatable bearing  1393 . In various embodiments, the shaft portion  1396  can comprise a circular, or round, outer diameter which can be closely received within bearing aperture  1395  such that there is little, if any, relative radial movement therebetween. The diameter of the bearing aperture  1395 , however, may be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of shaft portion  1396  such that bearing  1393  can rotate relative to shaft portion  1396  about an axis  1399 . In various embodiments, the rotatable bearing  1393  can be retained on shaft portion  1396  by the enlarged head  1392 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the enlarged head  1392  may be larger than, or define a larger diameter than, the diameter of bearing aperture  1395  such that rotatable bearing  1393  cannot slide off the end of shaft portion  1396 . In certain embodiments, the sidewall  1391  and the head  1392  can define a gap distance therebetween and, in addition, the bearing  1393  can comprise a width, wherein the gap distance can be larger than the width of bearing  1393 . In at least one embodiment, the gap distance may be slightly larger than the width of bearing  1393  such that bearing  1393  does not tilt, or at least substantially tilt, relative to axis  1399 , for example. 
     As discussed above, the latch arms  1188  of latching mechanism  1180  can be configured to engage bearings  1393  and position bearings  1393  within recesses  1127 . In various alternative embodiments, referring primarily to  FIG. 73 , a surgical instrument can comprise a latching mechanism  1380  which can comprise first and second latch arms  1388  extending therefrom on opposite sides of anvil  1331  and staple cartridge channel  1324 . In use, similar to the above, the latch arms  1388  can contact bearings  1393  in order to move bearings  1393  into recesses  1327  in staple cartridge channel  1324  and move anvil  1331  toward staple cartridge channel  1324 . Such movement is illustrated with phantom lines in  FIG. 74 . In various embodiments, each latch arm  1388  can at least partially define a groove, or slot,  1397  therein, wherein each slot  1397  can be configured to receive a bearing  1393 . In at least one embodiment, a slot  1397  can comprise a first drive surface, or sidewall,  1398   a  which can be positioned against bearing  1393  and, as a closing force is applied to latching mechanism  1380 , the latch arm  1388  can apply a closing force to the bearing  1393 . In such circumstances, the bearing  1393  can move further into slot  1397  as latching mechanism  1380  is rotated into its closed position. In various circumstances, the slot  1397  can further comprise a second drive surface, or sidewall,  1398   b  which can be positioned against another and/or opposite side of bearing  1393  such that an opening force can be applied to the bearing  1393  via latch arm  1388 . As the latching mechanism  1380  is moved into its open position, the bearing  1393  can move out of slot  1397 . In any event, the first drive surface  1398   a  and the second drive surface  1398   b  can define a slot width therebetween which can be larger than the outside diameter of bearing  1393  such that bearing  1393  can move within slot  1397 . In some embodiments, the slot width may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of bearing  1393 . In at least one embodiment, at least portions of the first drive surface  1398   a  and the second drive surface  1398   b  can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another. In at least one such embodiment, at least portions of the first drive surface  1398   a  can be positioned opposite the second drive surface  1398   b.    
     As described above, a surgical stapling instrument can be configured to deform one or more surgical staples between a first, undeployed, configuration and a second, deployed, configuration. In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 72 , a surgical staple, such as staple  1400 , for example, can comprise a base  1402 , a first leg, or deformable member,  1404  extending from base  1402 , and, in addition, a second leg, or deformable member,  1406  extending from base  1402 . In certain embodiments, the base  1402 , the first leg  1404 , and the second leg  1406  can be comprised of a continuous wire, wherein, in at least one embodiment, the first leg  1404  and the second leg  1406  can each be bent in a direction which is perpendicular to the base  1402  prior to staple  1400  being inserted into and deformed by a surgical stapler. More particularly, the staple  1400  can be manufactured such that base  1402  is oriented along a baseline  1401  and such that the legs  1404  and  1406  are oriented along lines  1409  and  1411 , respectively, which are perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the baseline  1401 . In various embodiments, the first leg  1404  can be positioned at a first end of base  1402  and the second end  1406  can be positioned at a second end of base  1402 , wherein, in at least one embodiment, a mid-line  1403  can be defined which extends through a midpoint of base  1402  and which extends in a direction which is perpendicular to baseline  1401 . The staple  1400  can be configured such that the base  1402 , first leg  1404 , and second leg  1406  lie, or at least substantially lie, in the same, or common, plane when the staple  1400  is in its first, or undeployed, configuration. In such embodiments, the baseline  1401 , along which the base  1402  is oriented, and the perpendicular lines  1409  and  1411 , along which the legs  1404  and  1406  are oriented, can lie in the same plane. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the continuous wire comprising the base  1402 , the first leg  1404 , and the second leg  1406  can be comprised of titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. In at least one embodiment, the first leg  1404  can comprise a first end  1405  and the second leg  1406  can comprise a second end  1407 , wherein the ends  1405  and  1407  can each comprise a sharp, or chisel, tip which can be configured to puncture bone and/or tissue. In use, the staple  1400  can be deformed by a surgical stapler in order to capture tissue, for example, within the staple  1400 . In various embodiments, the staple  1400  can be deployed from a staple cartridge such that the ends  1405  and  1407  of staple legs  1404  and  1406 , respectively, contact an anvil positioned opposite the staple  1400 . In such circumstances, a first compressive force F 1  can be applied to the first leg  1404  and a second compressive force F 2  can be applied to the second leg  1406  while the base  1402  is supported by at least a portion of the staple cartridge. As described in greater detail below, the anvil can comprise a staple pocket which can apply the first compressive force F 1  to the first leg  1404  such that the end  1405  of staple leg  1404  is moved toward the base  1402 . Similarly, the staple pocket can apply the second compressive force F 2  to the second staple leg  1406  such that the end  1407  of staple leg  1404  is also moved toward base  402 . In addition to the above, as also discussed in greater detail below, referring now to  FIGS. 83-85 , the staple pocket can bend the first staple leg  1404  to a first side of base  1402  and the second staple leg  1406  to a second, or opposite, side of base  1402 . 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 82 and 83 , the first leg  1404  of staple  1400  can be bent such that the end  1405  of the first leg  1404  is moved toward the base  402  and toward the second leg  1406  when the first leg  1404  is deformed by the first compressive force F 1 . In at least one embodiment, the end  1405  can be moved from a first side  1410  of midline  1403 , as illustrated in  FIG. 82 , to a second side  1412  of midline  1403 , as illustrated in  FIG. 83 . Similarly, the second leg  1406  of staple  1400  can be bent such that the end  1407  of the second leg  1406  is moved toward the base  1402  and toward the first leg  1404  when the second leg  1406  is deformed by the second compressive force F 2 . In at least one embodiment, the end  1407  can be moved from a second side  1412  of midline  1403 , as illustrated in  FIG. 82 , to a first side  1410  of midline  1403 , as illustrated in  FIG. 83 . In the deployed, or deformed, configuration of staple  1400 , as illustrated in  FIG. 83 , the ends  1405  and  1407  of staple legs  1404  and  1406  can extend across the midline  1403  in such a way that they form an angle therebetween. More particularly, the end  1405  of the first leg  1404 , when it is in its deformed configuration, can extend along or with respect to a first axis  1414  and, similarly, the end  1407  of the second leg  1406 , when it is in its deformed configuration, can extend along or with respect to a second axis  1416  such that the first axis  1414  and the second axis  1416  define an angle  1417  therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle  1417  may be approximately 90 degrees, for example. In certain embodiments, the angle  1417  may be in a range between approximately 0.1 degrees and approximately 89 degrees, for example. In various embodiments, the angle  1417  may be greater than 90 degrees, while, in at least one embodiment, the angle  1417  may be greater than approximately 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees, for example. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the first axis  1414  and the second axis  1416  can, in various embodiments, be oriented, or crossed, at a transverse angle with respect to each other, i.e., at least when the staple  1400  is viewed from the side or elevational view of  FIG. 83 . More particularly, upon reviewing  FIG. 85 , it becomes evident that, although axes  1414  and  1416  extend in transverse directions when viewed from the side ( FIG. 83 ), the axes  1414  and  1416  may not, in at least one embodiment, actually intersect one another. In such embodiments, when viewing the staple  1400  from the top or bottom ( FIG. 85 ), for example, the axes  1414  and  1416  may extend in parallel, or at least substantially parallel, directions. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the reader will note that the first axis  1414  and the second axis  1416  are not perpendicular with baseline  1401 . Stated another way, the end  1405  of first staple leg  1404  and the end  1407  of second staple leg  1406  are not pointing directly downwardly toward base  1402  and baseline  1401 . In at least one such embodiment, the first axis  1414  and the second axis  1416  can each extend at an acute angle with respect to baseline  1401 , for example. 
     As described above, a surgical instrument can be configured to deform the staple  1400  of  FIG. 82 , for example, between an undeformed shape ( FIG. 82 ) and a deformed shape ( FIG. 83 ). In various embodiments, as also described above, the surgical instrument can comprise an anvil having a staple pocket configured to receive and deform at least a portion of the staple. In certain embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 75 , an anvil can comprise a tissue-contacting surface  1501  and a plurality of staple pockets  1500  formed therein, wherein each staple pocket  1500  can be configured to deform a staple  1400 . In various embodiments, each staple pocket  1500  can comprise a longitudinal axis  1599  ( FIG. 76 ) and, in addition, a first forming cup  1502  and a second forming cup  1504  positioned relative to the longitudinal axis  1599 . In use, the first forming cup  1502  can be configured to receive the first staple leg  1404  of staple  1400  and the second forming cup  1504  can be configured to receive the second staple leg  1406 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the staple pocket  1500  can be positioned relative to the staple  1400  such that, as the staple  1400  is ejected from a staple cartridge, for example, the end  1405  of first leg  1404  can enter the first forming cup  1502  and the end  1407  of second leg  1406  can enter the second forming cup  1504 . Further to the above, the end  1405  of first staple leg  1404  can contact the base  1506  of first forming cup  1502  such that the first compressive force F 1  can be applied to the first leg  1404  and, similarly, the end  1407  of second staple leg  1406  can contact the base  1508  of second forming cup  1504  such that the second compressive force F 2  can be applied to the second leg  1406 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the first forming cup  1502  can comprise an inside portion  1510  and an outside portion  1512 , wherein, when the end  1405  of first staple leg  1404  enters into the first forming cup  1502 , the end  1405  can enter into the outside portion  1512 . Upon entering into the outside portion  1512  of forming cup  1502 , the end  1405  can contact base  1506  and, owing to a concave curve of base  1506 , the end  1405  can be directed inwardly toward the inside portion  1510 . More particularly, referring now to  FIGS. 77-81 , the base  1506  can be curved toward tissue-contacting surface  1501  such that, as the staple leg  1404  contacts the base  1506 , the end  1405  can be directed downwardly, i.e., away from tissue-contacting surface  1501 , and inwardly along the curved concave surface toward an inflection point  1595 . In various embodiments, the inflection point  1595  can represent the point in which the concave surface of base  1506  will begin to deflect the end  1405  of first leg  1404  upwardly toward the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In various embodiments, the radius of curvature, r, of the concave surface can be constant, or at least substantially constant, in the longitudinal direction along the length thereof as illustrated in  FIGS. 80 and 81 . In certain embodiments, the radius of curvature r of the concave surface of base  1506  can be consistent across the width of base  1506  between a first interior sidewall  1516  and a first exterior sidewall  1517 . In any event, as the end  1405  of first leg  1404  is advanced into the inside portion  1510  of forming cup  1502 , the end  1405  can come into contact with a radius transition  1514  positioned intermediate the base  1506  and the first interior sidewall  1516 . In such embodiments, the radius transition  1514  can be configured to direct the end  1405  against the first interior sidewall  1516 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 76 , further to the above, the first interior sidewall  1516  can be oriented at an angle with respect to staple pocket longitudinal axis  1599 . In certain embodiments, the first interior sidewall  1516  can be oriented at an acute angle, such as 10 degrees, for example, with respect to longitudinal axis  1599 . In various embodiments, the first interior sidewall  1516  and the longitudinal axis  1599  may be neither perpendicular nor parallel to one another. In any event, the first interior sidewall  1516  can extend through the axis  1599  such that a first portion of the first interior sidewall  1516  is positioned on a first side  1515  of axis  1599  and a second portion of the first interior sidewall  1516  is positioned on a second side  1517  of axis  1599 . In various embodiments, as a result, the first interior sidewall  1516  can extend between the first outside portion  1512  and the first inside portion  1510 . When the end  1405  of first leg  1404  contacts the first interior sidewall  1516 , as described above, the end  1405  can be directed along the first interior sidewall  1516  and away from longitudinal axis  1599  such that the staple leg  1404  is bent away from the common plane of staple  1400  toward the first side  1515  of axis  1599 . As the end  1405  of first leg  1404  is directed along, or bent by, the first interior sidewall  1516 , as described above, the staple leg  1404  can also be directed, or bent, by base  1506 . Stated another way, the first sidewall  1516  and the first base  1506  can co-operate to deform the first staple leg  1404  such that end  1405  is re-directed toward the base  1402  and, at the same time, to a first side of the base  1402  as described above. At some point during the insertion of first staple leg  1404  into first forming cup  1502 , the end  1405  of first staple leg  1404  can emerge from the first inside portion  1510  of first forming cup  1502  and, as the staple leg  1404  is further deformed by the staple pocket  1500 , the end  1405  can be directed along the first axis  1414  ( FIG. 83 ) as described above. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the first interior sidewall  1516  can extend along an interior side of the first base  1506 , wherein, in at least one embodiment, the first forming cup  1502  can further comprise a first exterior sidewall  1517  extending along an opposite side of the first base  1506 . In certain embodiments, similar to the above, the first forming cup  1502  can further comprise a transition radius  1519  positioned intermediate the base  1506  and the exterior sidewall  1517 . In at least one embodiment, referring now to  FIG. 76 , the exterior sidewall  1517  can extend in a direction which is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the staple pocket longitudinal axis  1599 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 76 , the first interior sidewall  1516  and the first exterior sidewall  1517  can extend in directions which are transverse to one another. In at least one embodiment, the interior sidewall  1516  can extend at an acute angle, such as approximately 15 degrees, for example, with respect to the exterior sidewall  1517 . In various embodiments, as a result, the outside portion  1512  of first forming cup  1502  can be wider than the inside portion  1510 . In at least one such embodiment, the width of the outside portion  1512  and the inside portion  1510  can taper between a first width and a second width. 
     In various embodiments, referring once again to  FIG. 76 , the outside portion  1512  of first forming cup  1502  can comprise a first outside wall  1513  which can extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the first exterior wall  1517  and/or the longitudinal axis  1599  and can define the outermost portion of forming cup  1502 . In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the width of the first outside wall  1513  can be such that the outside portion  1512  can capture the end  1405  of first leg  1404  and guide it into the inside portion  1510  of cup  1502  as described above. In at least one such embodiment, the first outside wall  1513  can be at least as twice as wide as the diameter of the first leg  1404 . In certain embodiments, the first forming cup  1502  can further comprise a channeling surface  1528  surrounding the first inner portion  1510  and the first outer portion  1512  which can be configured to guide the staple leg  1404  into and/or out of the forming cup  1502 . In various embodiments, the inside portion  1510  can further comprise an inside wall  1511  which can define the innermost portion of forming cup  1502 . Similar to the above, the inside wall  1511  can also define the narrowest portion of forming cup  1502 . In at least one embodiment, the width of the inside wall  1511  may be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the diameter of first leg  1404  such that the inside wall  1511  can control the location in which the end  1405  emerges from staple forming cup  1502 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the second forming cup  1504  can comprise an inside portion  1520  and an outside portion  1522 , wherein, when the end  1407  of second staple leg  1406  enters into the second forming cup  1504 , the end  1407  can enter into the outside portion  1522 . Upon entering into the outside portion  1522  of forming cup  1504 , the end  1407  can contact base  1508  and, owing to a concave curve of base  1508 , the end  1407  can be directed inwardly toward the inside portion  1520 . More particularly, similar to the above, the base  1508  can be curved toward tissue-contacting surface  1501  such that, as the staple leg  1406  contacts the base  1508 , the end  1407  can be directed downwardly, i.e., away from tissue-contacting surface  1501 , and inwardly along the curved concave surface toward an inflection point  1596 . In various embodiments, the inflection point  1596  can represent the point in which the concave surface of base  1508  will begin to deflect the end  1407  of second leg  1406  upwardly toward the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In various embodiments, the radius of curvature, r, of the concave surface can be constant, or at least substantially constant, in the longitudinal direction along the length thereof, similar to the base  1506  of first forming cup  1502  illustrated in  FIGS. 80 and 81 . In any event, as the end  1407  of second leg  1406  is advanced into the inside portion  1520  of forming cup  1504 , the end  1407  can come into contact with a radius transition  1524  positioned intermediate the base  1508  and a second interior sidewall  1526 . In such embodiments, the radius transition  1524  can be configured to direct the end  1407  against the second interior sidewall  1526 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 76 , further to the above, the second interior sidewall  1526  can be oriented at an angle with respect to staple pocket longitudinal axis  1599 . In certain embodiments, the second interior sidewall  1526  can be oriented at an acute angle, such as 10 degrees, for example, with respect to longitudinal axis  1599 . In various embodiments, the second interior sidewall  1526  and the longitudinal axis  1599  may be neither perpendicular nor parallel to one another. In any event, the second interior sidewall  1526  can extend through the axis  1599  such that a first portion of the second interior sidewall  1526  is positioned on a first side  1515  of axis  1599  and a second portion of the second interior sidewall  1526  is positioned on a second side  1517  of axis  1599 . In various embodiments, as a result, the second interior sidewall  1526  can extend between the second outside portion  1522  and the second inside portion  1520 . When the end  1407  of second leg  1406  contacts the interior sidewall  1526 , as described above, the end  1407  can be directed along the interior sidewall  1526  such that the staple leg  1406  is bent away from the common plane of staple  1400  toward the second side  1517  of axis  1599 . As the end  1407  of second leg  1406  is directed along, and bent by, the interior sidewall  1526 , as described above, the staple leg  1406  can also be directed, and bent, by base  1508 . Stated another way, the second interior sidewall  1526  and the second base  1508  can co-operate to deform the second staple leg  1406  such that end  1407  is re-directed toward the base  1402  and, at the same time, toward a second, or opposite, side of the base  1402  as described above. At some point during the insertion of second staple leg  1406  into second forming cup  1504 , the end  1407  of second staple leg  1406  can emerge from the second inside portion  1520  of second forming cup  1504  and, as the staple leg  1406  is further deformed by the staple pocket  1500 , the end  1407  can be directed along the second axis  1416  ( FIG. 83 ) as described above. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the second interior sidewall  1526  can extend along an interior side of the second base  1508 , wherein, in at least one embodiment, the second forming cup  1504  can further comprise a second exterior sidewall  1527  extending along an opposite side of the second base  1508 . In certain embodiments, similar to the above, the second forming cup  1504  can further comprise a transition radius  1529  positioned intermediate the base  1508  and the exterior sidewall  1527 . In at least one embodiment, referring now to  FIG. 76 , the exterior sidewall  1527  can extend in a direction which is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the staple pocket longitudinal axis  1599 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 76 , the second interior sidewall  1526  and the second exterior sidewall  1527  can extend in directions which are transverse to one another. In at least one embodiment, the interior sidewall  1526  can extend at an acute angle, such as approximately 15 degrees, for example, with respect to the exterior sidewall  1527 . In various embodiments, as a result, the outside portion  1522  of second forming cup  1504  can be wider than the inside portion  1520 . In at least one such embodiment, the width of the outside portion  1522  and the inside portion  1520  can taper between a first width and a second width. 
     In various embodiments, referring once again to  FIG. 76 , the outside portion  1522  of second forming cup  1504  can comprise a second outside wall  1523  which can extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the second exterior wall  1527  and/or the longitudinal axis  1599  and can define the outermost portion of forming cup  1504 . In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the width of the second outside wall  1523  can be such that the outside portion  1522  can capture the end  1407  of second leg  1406  and guide it into the inside portion  1520  of cup  1504  as described above. In at least one such embodiment, the second outside wall  1523  can be at least as twice as wide as the diameter of the second leg  1406 . In certain embodiments, the second forming cup  1504  can further comprise a channeling surface  1529  surrounding the second inner portion  1520  and the second outer portion  1522  which can be configured to guide the staple leg  1406  into and/or out of the forming cup  1504 . In various embodiments, the inside portion  1520  can further comprise an inside wall  1521  which can define the innermost portion of forming cup  1504 . Similar to the above, the inside wall  1521  can also define the narrowest portion of forming cup  1504 . In at least one embodiment, the width of the inside wall  1521  may be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the diameter of second leg  1406  such that the inside wall  1521  can control the location in which the end  1407  emerges from staple forming cup  1504 . 
     As discussed above, referring again to  FIGS. 76-78 , the first forming cup  1502  can comprise a first interior sidewall  1516  and the second forming cup  1504  can comprise a second interior sidewall  1526 . As illustrated in  FIG. 76 , the first inside portion  1510  of forming cup  1502  can be positioned in close proximity to, or close relation to, the second inside portion  1520  of forming cup  1504  such that the first interior sidewall  1516  can be positioned adjacent to the second interior sidewall  1526 . In at least one embodiment, the first interior portion  1510 , or at least a substantial portion thereof, can be offset from the staple pocket longitudinal axis  1599  in the first direction  1515  while the second interior portion  1520 , or at least a substantial portion thereof, can be offset from the longitudinal axis  1599  in the second direction  1517 . In various embodiments, the staple pocket  1500  can comprise a wall  1530  positioned intermediate the first inside portion  1510  and the second inside portion  1520 , wherein a first side of wall  1530  can comprise the first interior sidewall  1516  and wherein a second side of wall  1530  can comprise the second interior sidewall  1526 . In at least one such embodiment, the first interior sidewall  1516  can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel to, the second interior sidewall  1526 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the first interior sidewall  1516  can define a first plane and the second interior sidewall  1526  can define a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another. In various embodiments, referring again to  FIGS. 77 and 78 , the first interior sidewall  1516  can be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface  1501  and, similarly, the second interior sidewall  1526  can be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the first interior sidewall  1516  can comprise a first vertical portion  1516   a  which is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In at least one embodiment, the first vertical portion  1516   a  can extend through, or transect, the longitudinal axis  1599 . In various embodiments, the first vertical portion  1516   a  can extend along the entirety of, or only a portion of, the first interior sidewall  1516 . Similarly, the second interior sidewall  1526  can comprise a second vertical portion  1526   a  which is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In at least one embodiment, such a second vertical portion  1526   a  can extend through, or transect, the longitudinal axis  1599 . In various embodiments, the second vertical portion  1526   a  can extend along the entirety of, or only a portion of, the second interior sidewall  1526 . During the deployment of staple  1400 , further to the above, the end  1405  of first leg  1404  can be in contact with the first vertical portion  1516   a  of first interior sidewall  1516  at the same time the end  1407  of second leg  1406  is in contact with the second vertical portion  1526   a  of second interior sidewall  1526 . In such circumstances, the first vertical portion  1516   a  and the second vertical portion  1526   a  can comprise a vertical trap. More particularly, the vertical portions  1516   a  and  1526   a  can co-operate to control, deflect, and bend the staple legs  1404  and  1406  in opposite directions, i.e., in directions to the sides of a common plane, as described above, when the legs  1404  and  1406  come into contact with the interior sidewalls  1516  and  1526  of forming cups  1502  and  1504 , respectively. For example, referring again to  FIG. 75 , the first vertical portion  1516   a  can be configured to deflect and bend the staple leg  1404  to a first side of base  1402  and the second vertical portion  1526   a  can be configured to deflect and bend the staple leg  1406  to a second, or opposite, side of base  1402 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the vertical trap comprising vertical portions  1516   a  and  1526   a  can extend along the entire length of the first and second interior sidewalls  1516  and  1526 , while, in other embodiments, the vertical trap may extend along only a portion of the sidewalls  1516  and  1526 . In at least one embodiment, the vertical trap can be approximately 0.05 inches long, i.e., the overlap of the first vertical surface  1516   a  and the second vertical surface  1526   a  can be approximately 0.05 inches, for example, along the lengths of interior surfaces  1516  and  1526 . In various embodiments, the length of the vertical trap can be between approximately 0.03 inches and approximately 0.10 inches, for example. In certain embodiments, the length of the vertical trap can be approximately twice the radius of curvature (r) of the curved concave surface of base  1506 , for example. In various embodiments, the length of the vertical trap can be approximately equal to the radius of curvature (r) of base  1506 , for example. In at least one embodiment, the length of the vertical trap can be between approximately 0.5*r and approximately 2*r, for example. In various embodiments, further to the above, the vertical trap can extend through the longitudinal axis  1599  of staple pocket  1500  such that, in at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the vertical trap can be positioned on a first side and/or a second side of axis  1599 . In certain embodiments, the vertical trap can extend through the central portions of the first and second forming cups  1502  and  1504 . 
     In various embodiments, the first interior sidewall  1516  can further comprise a first angled portion which, in at least one embodiment, can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In at least one such embodiment, the first angled portion can be positioned outwardly with respect to the first vertical portion  1516   a . In certain embodiments, the first interior sidewall  1516  can comprise an angled portion positioned toward the outside portion  1512  which can become progressively more perpendicular toward the inside portion  1510  of the first forming cup  1502  until the angled portion transitions into the first vertical portion  1516   a . In various embodiments, the second interior sidewall  1526  can further comprise a second angled portion which, in at least one embodiment, can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the tissue-contacting surface  1501 . In at least one such embodiment, the second angled portion can be positioned outwardly with respect to the second vertical portion  1526   a . In certain embodiments, the second interior sidewall  1526  can comprise an angled portion positioned toward the outside portion  1522  which can become progressively more perpendicular toward the inside portion  1520  of the second forming cup  1504  until the angled portion transitions into the second vertical portion  1526   a.    
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 85A , the staple pocket  1500  can be configured to deform the first staple leg  1404  such that the first end  1405  is deflected a first distance X 1  from baseline  1401 . Similarly, the second staple leg  1406  can be deformed such that the second end  1407  is deflected a second distance X 2  from baseline  1401 . In certain embodiments, the distance X 1  and the distance X 2  can be the same, or at least substantially the same. In various other embodiments, the distances X 1  and X 2  can be different. In at least one such embodiment, the first leg  1404  can be deformed such that the first end  1405  is positioned closer to base  1402  than the second end  1407 , for example. In such embodiments, the first axis  1414  of deformed staple leg  1404  and the second axis  1416  of deformed staple leg  1406  may be non-parallel. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the first axis  1414  can extend at a first angle with respect to baseline  1401  and the second axis  1416  can extend at a second angle with respect to baseline  1401  wherein the second angle is different than the first angle. In various embodiments, the first leg  1404  and the second leg  1406  can extend across midline  1403  at different angles. In certain other embodiments, the first leg  1404  and the second leg  1406  can be extend at different angles with respect to baseline  1401  although one or both of the legs  1404  and  1406  may not extend across the midline  1403 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapler can comprise a staple pocket which can be configured to deform one staple leg of staple  1400  such that it lies within, or substantially within, a common plane with base  1402  and, in addition, deform the other staple leg of staple  1400  to a side of base  1402  as described above. In at least one embodiment, the first leg  1404  can be deformed such that it extends through midline  1403  in a direction which is co-planar, or at least substantially co-planar, with base  1402  and, in addition, the second leg  1406  can be deformed such that it extends through midline  1403  in a direction which is transverse to the plane. Stated another way, in at least one embodiment, axis  1414  and baseline  1401  of staple  1400  can be coplanar, or at least nearly co-planar, with one another while second axis  1416  can extend in a direction which extends through such a plane. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first leg  1404  and the second leg  1406  may not extend through the midline  1403 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple pocket  1500  can be configured to deform the staple legs  1404  and  1406  of staple  1400  simultaneously, or at least substantially simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, the base  1506  of first forming cup  1502  can contact end  1405  of first staple leg  1404  at the same time, or at least substantially the same time, that the base  1508  of second forming cup  1504  contacts end  1407  of second staple leg  1406 . In certain other embodiments, a staple pocket can be configured to deform the staple legs  1404  and  1406  sequentially. In at least one such embodiment, a first forming cup can be brought into contact with the first staple leg  1404  before a second forming cup is brought into contact with the second staple leg  1406 , for example. In various alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, a surgical staple can comprise more than two staple legs, such as three staple legs or four staple legs, for example, and a staple pocket can comprise a corresponding quantity of staple forming cups for deforming the staple legs. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the wire comprising the surgical staple  1400  can comprise a circular, or at least substantially circular, cross-section. In various other embodiments, referring now to  FIGS. 86-89 , a surgical staple, such as staple  1600 , for example, can comprise a non-circular cross-section. In at least one embodiment, the staple  1600  can comprise a base  1602 , a first leg  1604 , and a second leg  1606 , wherein the base  1602  and legs  1604  and  1606  can be comprised of a continuous wire. In various embodiments, the continuous wire can comprise a rectangular cross-section, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 89 , the rectangular cross-section can comprise a base (b) and a height (h), wherein the base (b) can be defined relative to a central lateral axis (x), and wherein the height (h) can be defined relative to a central longitudinal axis (y). In various circumstances, the rectangular cross-section can be defined as having two moments of inertia, i.e., a first moment of inertia (Ix) defined with respect to axis (x) and a second moment of inertia (Iy) defined with respect to axis (y). In at least one circumstance, the first moment of inertia (Ix) can be calculated as (b*h{circumflex over ( )}3)/12 while the second moment of inertia (Iy) can be calculated as (h*b{circumflex over ( )}3)/12. Although staple  1600  comprises a rectangular, or at least substantially rectangular cross-section, any other suitable non-circular cross-section can be utilized, such as oblate, elliptical, and/or trapezoidal cross-sections, for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 89 , the base (b) of surgical staple  1600  is larger than the height (h) and, in view of the above, the moment of inertia (Iy) of the rectangular cross-section is larger than the moment of inertia (Ix). In various embodiments, as a result, the moment of inertia ratio, i.e., Iy/Ix, of the rectangular cross-section can be greater than 1.0. In certain embodiments, the moment of inertia ratio can be between approximately 2.0 and approximately 2.7, for example. In certain other embodiments, the moment of inertia ratio can be between approximately 1.1 and approximately 3.0, for example. As a result of the above, the leg  1604  is more likely to bend about axis (x) than about axis (y) when a force, such as compressive load F 1 , for example, is applied to the leg  1604 . In any event, absent all other considerations, the leg  1604 , in such embodiments, is more likely to bend within a common plane defined by the staple  1600  when it is in its undeformed state than bend to a side of staple base  1602 . In various embodiments, however, a surgical stapler comprising an anvil and staple pocket in accordance with the embodiments described herein, such as staple pocket  1500 , for example, can be utilized to cause the legs  1604  and  1606  of staple  1600  to bend out of their common plane when they are deformed. In such embodiments, this lateral deflection can occur despite the fact that the moment of inertia Iy, which resists such twisting, is greater than the moment of inertia Ix. As illustrated in  FIG. 88 , the first leg  1604  of staple  1600  can be deformed such that it is bent relative to both axis (x) and axis (y) of its cross-section and, as a result, the first staple leg  1604  can be twisted or deformed such that the end  1605  of first staple leg  1604  is positioned on a first side of base  1602 . Similarly, the second leg  1606  can be deformed such that it is bent relative to both axis (x) and axis (y) of its cross-section and, as a result, the second staple leg  1606  can be twisted or deformed such that the end  1607  of second staple leg  1606  is positioned on a second side of base  1602 . 
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 90 , a surgical staple, such as surgical staple  1700 , for example, can comprise a base  1702  and, in addition, a first leg  1704  and a second leg  1706  extending from base  1702 . In certain embodiments, similar to the above, the base  1702 , the first leg  1704 , and the second leg  1706  can lie, or at least substantially lie, in a common plane when the staple  1700  is an undeformed, or undeployed, configuration, i.e., a configuration prior to being deformed by an anvil of a surgical stapler, for example. In the deformed or deployed configuration of staple  1700 , as illustrated in  FIG. 90 , the first leg  1704  can be deformed such that end  1705  points toward base  1702  and second leg  1706 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the end  1705  can lie along, or with respect to, a first axis  1714  which is oriented at angle with respect to midline  1703 . Similarly, the second leg  1706  can be deformed such that end  1707  points toward base  1702  and first leg  1704 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the end  1707  can lie along, or with respect to, a second axis  1716  which is oriented at angle with respect to midline  1703 . In various embodiments, the ends  1705  and  1707  of legs  1704  and  1706  may not cross mid-line  1703 . In certain embodiments, similar to the above, the end  1705  of first leg  1704  may be deformed such that it extends to a first side of base  1702  and the end  1707  of second leg  1706  may be deformed such that it extends to a second, or opposite, side of base  1702  such that legs  1704  and  1706  are not entirely positioned in-plane with base  1702  in their deformed configuration, for example. 
     In various embodiments, a surgical staple, such as staple  1800  ( FIG. 91 ), for example, can comprise a base  1802 , a first leg  1804 , and a second leg  1806 , wherein the staple  1800  can comprise a substantially U-shaped configuration in its undeformed, or undeployed, configuration. In at least one such embodiment, legs  1804  and  1806  can extend in a perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, direction with respect to base  1802 . In various circumstances, the staple  1800  can be deformed into a B-shaped configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 91 . In at least one such embodiment, the first leg  1804  can be bent downwardly toward base  1802  such that axis  1814  extending through end  1805  is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to baseline  1801 . Similarly, the second leg  1806  can be bent downwardly toward base  1802  such that axis  1816  extending through end  1807  is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to baseline  1801 . In at least one such circumstance, the legs  1804  and  1806  can be bent such that axes  1814  and  1816  are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another. In various embodiments, referring again to  FIG. 91 , the staple legs  1804  and  1806  can be deformed such that they do not cross centerline  1803 . The staple legs  1804  and  1806  can be deformed such that they remain in-plane, or at least substantially in-plane, with base  1802 . 
     Various examples described below are envisioned which incorporate one or more aspects of the various embodiments described above. Such examples are exemplary and various aspects of various embodiments described in this application can be combined in a single embodiment. In each of the examples described below, the surgical staple can comprise a base defining a baseline, a first leg and a second leg which extend from the base, and a midline midway between the first leg and the second leg. 
     Example 1 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 Extends in-plane, or  
                 Extends out of plane with the base (FIG.  
               
               
                 substantially in-plane, with 
                 85) 
               
               
                 the base (FIG. 91) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 2 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 base (FIG. 85) to the same side  
                 (FIG. 85) to the same side of the base 
               
               
                 of the base as the second leg, the 
                 as the first leg, the distance X1 being 
               
               
                 distance X1 being different than  
                 different than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
               
               
                 X2 (FIG. 85A) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non- 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 perpendicular direction with the 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
                 baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 3 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Does not cross the midline  
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 (FIG. 90) 
                   
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 base (FIG. 85) to a first side of  
                 (FIG. 85) to a second side of the base, 
               
               
                 the base, the distance XI being 
                 the distance X1 being different than 
               
               
                 different than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
                 X2 (FIG. 85A) 
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 4 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Does not cross the midline  
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 (FIG. 90) 
                   
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 base (FIG. 85) to the same  
                 (FIG. 85) to the same side of the base 
               
               
                 side of the base as the second  
                 as the second leg, the distance X1 
               
               
                 leg, the distance X1 being different  
                 being different than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
               
               
                 than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non- 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 perpendicular direction with the  
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
                 baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 5 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Does not cross the midline  
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 (FIG. 90) 
                   
               
               
                 Extends in-plane, or  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 substantially in-plane, with 
                 (FIG. 85) 
               
               
                 the base (FIG. 91) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a  
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 91) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 6 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the  
                 Extends out of plane with the base 
               
               
                 base (FIG. 85) to a first 
                 (FIG. 85) to a second side of the base, 
               
               
                 side of the base, the distance  
                 the distance X1 being different than X2  
               
               
                 X1 being different than X2 
                 (FIG. 52A) 
               
               
                 (FIG. 85A) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 7 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 base (FIG. 85) to the same 
                 (FIG. 85) to the same side of the base  
               
               
                 side of the base as the second  
                 as the second leg, the distance X1  
               
               
                 leg, the distance X1 being  
                 being different than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
               
               
                 different than X2 (FIG. 85A) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 8 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
                 Extends in-plane, or substantially in- 
               
               
                 (FIG. 85) 
                 plane, with the base (FIG. 91) 
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a perpendicular  
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction to the baseline (FIG. 91) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 9 
     A surgical staple can be deformed such that: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 First Leg 
                 Second Leg 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Crosses the midline (FIG. 83) 
                 Does not cross the midline (FIG. 90) 
               
               
                 Extends in-plane, or  
                 Extends out of plane with the base  
               
               
                 substantially in-plane, with 
                 (FIG. 85) 
               
               
                 the base (FIG. 91) 
                   
               
               
                 The end extends in a non- 
                 The end extends in a non-perpendicular 
               
               
                 perpendicular direction 
                 direction with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                 with the baseline (FIG. 83) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Several of the deformed staples described above comprise one or more staple legs which cross the mid-line of the staple base. In various embodiments, as a result, the deformed staple legs may at least partially overlap with one another. More particularly, the deformed staple legs, when viewed from the side, may co-operate to traverse the staple base from one end to the other leaving no gap therebetween. Such embodiments can be particularly useful, especially when used to staple vascular tissue. More specifically, the overlapping staple legs can compress blood vessels within the tissue regardless of where the blood vessels extend through the staple. Staples having gaps between the legs, or legs which do not extend along the entire length of the staple base when deformed, may not be able to properly compress every blood vessel in the tissue and, as a result, one or more blood vessels may leak. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument can be configured to deploy a plurality of staples  1400  in the manner described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 83-85 . In at least one such embodiment, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples  1400  in a sequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneous manner, for example. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can be configured to deploy a plurality of staples  1600  in the manner described above and illustrated in  FIG. 88 . In at least one such embodiment, similar to the above, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples  1600  in a sequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneous manner, for example. In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument can be configured to deploy a plurality of staples  1700  in the manner described above and illustrated in  FIG. 90 . In at least one such embodiment, the surgical stapler can deploy the staples  1700  in a sequential manner along a staple path and/or in a simultaneous manner, for example. 
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIGS. 103-108 , a surgical stapling instrument  2100  can comprise, similar to the above, a first housing portion  2102  and a second housing portion  2104  which can be operably connected to one another by a latch  2180 . Latch  2180  can comprise a frame  2184  which can be pivotably mounted to a frame  2110  of first housing portion  2102 . In use, the latch  2180  can be configured to engage a frame  2114  of second housing portion  2104  and draw the second housing portion  2104  toward the first housing portion  2102  and move the anvil support portion  2130  of second housing portion  2104  toward the staple cartridge support portion  2124  of first housing portion  2102 . In various embodiments, the first housing portion  2102 , the second housing portion  2104 , and the latch  2180  can each comprise one or more contoured outer housings or gripping portions, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the first housing portion  2102  can comprise an outer housing  2108 , the second housing portion  2104  can comprise an outer housing  2112 , and the latch  2180  can comprise an outer housing  2186 . The surgical stapling instrument  2100  can further comprise a firing actuator  2204  which can, similar to the above, be selectively positioned on opposite sides of the surgical stapling instrument. More particularly, further to the above, the actuator  2204  can be selectively positioned on a first side of the housing portions  2102 ,  2104  such that the actuator  2204  can be moved distally along the first side or selectively positioned on a second side of the housing portions  2102 ,  2104  such that the actuator  2204  can be moved distally along the second side. In at least one embodiment, the first housing portion  2102  and the second housing portion  2104  can define one or more slots  2118  therebetween which can permit the actuator  2204  to be moved along the first and second sides. In at least one such embodiment, the slots  2118  can be connected by an intermediate slot  2331  which can extend around and/or through the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument  2100 . 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 103-111 , the firing actuator  2204  can be rotatably mounted to a drive bar  2220 , wherein, in at least one embodiment, the actuator  2204  can be rotatably mounted to the drive bar  2220  via a connecting link  2206 . Referring primarily to  FIGS. 109-111 , the actuator  2204  can be rotated between an intermediate, or neutral, position ( FIG. 109 ) in which the drive bar  2220  is locked in position and cannot be advanced distally and an unlocked position ( FIG. 110 ) in which the drive bar  2220  and the actuator  2204  are ready to be fired distally. Although  FIG. 110  illustrates the actuator  2204  in an unlocked position on the first side of the surgical stapling instrument housing, the actuator  2204  can also be moved into an unlocked position on the opposite, or second, side of the surgical stapling instrument housing. The following example, although discussed in connection with the actuator  2204  being moved along the first side of the housing, is also applicable in connection with the actuator  2204  being moved along the second side of the housing. In any event, the actuator  2204  and the first housing portion  2102 , for example, can comprise various interlocking features which can prevent, or at least limit, relative movement between the drive bar  2220  and the first housing portion  2102 . More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the first housing portion  2102  can comprise one or more slots and/or one or more projections which can be configured to co-operate with one or more slots and/or one or more projections of actuator  2204  such that the drive bar  2220  cannot be advanced distally until the actuator  2204  has been sufficiently rotated out of its neutral position and into an unlocked position. In various embodiments, the proximal end of the first housing portion  2102  can comprise an end post  2107  which can include a retention slot  2213  configured to receive at least a portion of actuator link  2206 , such as retention projection  2214 , therein. When the actuator  2204  is in its neutral position, the retention projection  2214  is positioned in the retention slot  2213  and neither the actuator  2204  nor the driver bar  2220  can be advanced distally. As the actuator  2204  is rotated toward an unlocked position, the retention projection  2214  can move out of the retention slot  2213  in end post  2107  and into a receiving slot  2215  in driver bar  2220  as illustrated in  FIG. 110 . In at least one embodiment, the driver bar  2220  and actuator  2204  can remain in a locked condition until the retention projection  2214  has completely exited the retention slot  2213 . Thereafter, the actuator  2204  can be advanced distally. In addition to or lieu of the above, the end post  2107  can further comprise a retention wall  2211  which can, similar to the above, impede the distal movement of actuator  2204  and drive bar  2220 . More particularly, the actuator link  2206  can further comprise a retention projection  2216  which can be positioned behind, or distally with respect to, the retention wall  2211  when the actuator  2204  is in its neutral position and, owing to such alignment, the retention wall  2211  can provide a bearing surface preventing the distal movement of retention projection  2216 . Once actuator  2204  has been sufficiently rotated out of its neutral position toward an unlocked position, the retention projection  2216  can be moved to a position in channel  2217  which is out of longitudinal alignment with the retention wall  2211  thereby permitting relative longitudinal movement therebetween. 
     As described above, once the actuator  2204  has been moved into an unlocked position ( FIG. 110 ), the actuator  2204  can be advanced distally into a fired position ( FIG. 111 ). In such circumstances, referring now to  FIG. 106 , a force can be applied to the actuator  2204  in order to advance drive bar  2220  distally and incise tissue and/or deploy staples from a staple cartridge as described above. In such circumstances, the force can rotate and seat the actuator  2204  in a fully-deployed, or an at least nearly fully-deployed, position. In at least one embodiment, the drive bar  2220  can comprise one or more stops, such as stops  2221  ( FIG. 111 ), for example, which can limit the rotation of the actuator  2204  in the distal direction. In at least one such embodiment, the drive bar  2220  can comprise a first stop  2221  configured to limit the rotation of the actuator  2204  toward the first side of the instrument and a second stop  2221  configured to limit the rotation of the actuator toward the second side of the instrument. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 106 , the stops  2221  can be configured such that the actuator  2204  is positioned along an axis which is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis  2299  of the surgical stapling instrument  2100 . Such a position of actuator  2204  is also illustrated in  FIG. 104 . Referring now to  FIG. 107 , a force can be applied to the actuator  2204  in order to retract the actuator  2204  proximally. In such circumstances, the force can cause the actuator  2204  to rotate proximally until it comes into contact with the first housing portion  2102  and/or the second housing portion  2104 . Such a position of actuator  2204  is also illustrated in  FIG. 105  wherein the actuator  2204  can be positioned against lock rail  2131  and/or lock rail  2132 , for example, in order to prevent any further rotation of the actuator  2204 . 
     In various embodiments, as described above, the latch  2180  can be utilized to lock the first housing portion  2102  and the second housing portion  2104  together. In certain embodiments, the actuator  2204  can be utilized to limit the relative movement between the housing portions  2102 ,  2104  and/or move the housing portions  2102 ,  2104  toward one another. In at least one embodiment, referring primarily to  FIGS. 103, 104, and 108 , the actuator  2204  can comprise a recess, or channel,  2130  which can be configured to receive the lock rails  2131  and  2132  when the actuator  2204  is moved along the first side of the surgical stapling instrument  2100  or, alternatively, receive the lock rails  2133  and  2134  when the actuator  2204  is moved along the second side of the surgical stapling instrument  2100 . In either event, the recess  2130  can be configured to capture an opposing set of rails, such as rails  2131  and  2132 , for example, and prevent, or at least limit, relative movement therebetween. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the recess  2130  can comprise a first bearing surface  2135  positioned opposite the first lock rail  2131  and a second bearing surface  2136  positioned opposite the second lock rail  2132  such that the bearing surfaces  2135 ,  2136  can prevent, or at least limit, the movement of the first housing portion  2102  and the second housing portion  2104  away from one another. In some circumstances, gaps may exist between the bearing surfaces  2135 ,  2136  and the lock rails  2131 ,  2132 , respectively, when the bearing surfaces  2135 ,  2136  are adjacent to the lock rails  2131 ,  2132  while, in other circumstances, the bearing surface  2135  may contact the lock rail  2131  and/or the bearing surface  2136  may contact the lock rail  1232 , for example. In use, in various circumstances, the actuator  2204  can be moved from its neutral position ( FIG. 109 ) into an unlocked position ( FIG. 110 ) wherein, in such a position, the recess  2130  can be aligned with either a set of rails  2131 ,  2132  or a set of rails  2133 ,  2134  depending on whether the actuator  2204  has been rotated to the first or second side. When the actuator  2204  is advanced distally, in some circumstances, the actuator  2204  may contact the rails and cam, or drive, the rails toward each other. In such circumstances, the first housing portion  2102  and the second housing portion  2104  can be cammed, or driven, toward one another. 
     In various embodiments, as described above, the actuator  2204  can receive, capture, and/or engage a lock rail extending from each of the first housing portion  2102  and the second housing portion  2104 . In various alternative embodiments, the actuator  2204  can be configured to receive, capture, and/or engage two or more lock rails extending from the first housing portion  2102  and/or the second housing portion  2104 . In certain embodiments, the first housing portion  2102  and/or the second housing portion  2104  can comprise one or more lock channels which can be configured to receive at least a portion of the actuator. In various embodiments, the housing portions and the actuator of the surgical stapling instrument can comprise any suitable lock portions which can be configured to receive, align, retain, capture, lock, move, cam, and/or limit the movement of the surgical instrument housing portions. In various embodiments, referring primarily to  FIGS. 106 and 107 , the lock rails  2131 ,  2132 ,  2133 , and/or  2134  can extend longitudinally along the stapling instrument  2100  such that, in at least one embodiment, they extend in a longitudinal direction from the proximal end of the surgical stapling instrument  2100  toward the distal end of the instrument which is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to longitudinal axis  2299 . Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the lock rails  2131 ,  2132 ,  2133 , and/or  2134  can extend in directions which are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another. 
     In various embodiments, as discussed above, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise an anvil including a plurality of staple pockets  1500 . In certain embodiments, the staple pockets  1500  can be arranged in an end-to-end manner extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the anvil. Referring now to  FIG. 119 , an anvil can comprise one or more rows of staple pockets  1500  wherein the first forming cup  1502  of each staple pocket  1500  can be positioned distally with respect to its respective second forming cup  1504 , for example. In certain other embodiments, the first forming cups  1502  can be positioned proximally with respect to their respective second forming cups  1504 . In various embodiments, each first forming cup  1502  can comprise a generally triangular shape comprising a first leg comprising first outer sidewall  1513 , a second leg comprising first exterior sidewall  1517  extending perpendicular to, or at least substantially perpendicular to, the first leg, and a hypotenuse extending between the first leg and the second leg comprising first interior sidewall  1516 . In at least one such embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the hypotenuse of the first forming cup  1502  can form a right, or at least substantially right, triangle. As illustrated in  FIG. 119 , an anvil, such as anvil  2430 , for example, can comprise a first side  2431 , a second side  2432 , a knife slot  2433  extending between the first side  2431  and the second side  2432 , and a plurality of staple pockets  1500 . The plurality of staple pockets  1500  can include a first group of staple pockets  1500 , hereinafter referred to as first staple pockets  1500   a , which each comprise a first configuration and a second group of staple pockets  1500 , hereinafter referred to as second staple pockets  1500   b , which each comprise a second configuration. With regard to the first staple pockets  1500   a , the first forming cups  1502  therein can comprise first exterior sidewalls  1517  which can face toward and/or can be parallel to the knife slot  2433  and first interior sidewalls  1516  which can face toward the first side  2431  of the anvil  2430 . 
     Similar to the above, each second forming cup  1504  can comprise a generally triangular shape comprising a first leg comprising second outer sidewall  1523 , a second leg comprising second exterior sidewall  1527  extending perpendicular to, or at least substantially perpendicular to, the first leg, and a hypotenuse extending between the first leg and the second leg comprising second interior sidewall  1526 . In at least one such embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the hypotenuse of the second forming cup  1504  can form a right, or at least substantially right, triangle. Similarly, the second forming cups  1504  of first staple pockets  1500   a  comprise second exterior sidewalls  1527  which can face toward and/or can be parallel to the first side  2431  of the anvil  2430  while the second interior sidewalls  1526  can face toward the knife slot  2433 . In various embodiments, the second staple pockets  1500   b  can comprise a geometry which is a mirror-image, or substantially a mirror image, of the first staple pockets  1500   a . Similar to the first forming cups  1502  of the first staple pockets  1500   a , the first forming cups  1502  of the second staple pockets  1500   b  can comprise first exterior sidewalls  1517  which can face toward and/or can be parallel to the knife slot  2433  and first interior sidewalls  1516  which can face toward the second side  2432  of the anvil  2430 . Furthermore, similar to the second forming cups  1504  of the first staple pockets  1500   a , the second forming cups of the second staple pockets  1500   b  can comprise second exterior sidewalls  1527  which can face toward and/or can be parallel to the second side  2432  of the anvil  2430  and second interior sidewalls  1526  which can face toward the knife slot  2433 . 
     In various embodiments, an anvil of a surgical stapler can comprise a row of first staple pockets  1500   a  and a row of second staple pockets  1500   b . Referring again to  FIG. 119 , anvil  2430  can comprise a plurality of rows including first staple pockets  1500   a  on a first side of the knife slot  2433  and a plurality of rows including second staple pockets  1500   b  on the opposite side of the knife slot  2433 . In use, in at least one such embodiment, the staple legs that are formed by the first forming cups  1502  can be at least partially bent toward the knife slot  2433  while the staple legs that are formed by the second forming cups  1504  can be at least partially bent away from the knife slot  2433 , for example. Such an arrangement of formed staples could be produced on both sides of the knife slot  2433 . In certain alternative embodiments, the staple pockets  1500  could be arranged such that the staple legs that are formed by the first forming cups  1502  can be at least partially bent away from the knife slot  2433  while the staple legs that are formed by the second forming cups  1504  can be at least partially bent toward the knife slot  2433 , for example. In certain embodiments, an anvil can comprise alternating rows of staple pockets  1500   a  and  1500   b . In at least one embodiment, an anvil can comprise rows of staple pockets including both staple pockets  1500   a  and staple pockets  1500   b , for example. In at least one such embodiment, various patterns of staple legs being formed toward and away from one another could be achieved. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above and referring to  FIG. 76  once again, the anvil of a surgical stapler can comprise a plurality of staple pockets  1500 . In certain embodiments, the staple pockets  1500  can be arranged and positioned along straight, or at least substantially straight, lines such that longitudinal axes  1599  of the staple pockets  1500  are either collinear with, substantially collinear with, parallel to, and/or substantially parallel to one another. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a curved anvil. Referring now to  FIG. 112 , a surgical stapling instrument  2200 , for example, can comprise an end effector including a circular, or at least substantially circular, anvil  2230 . Anvil  2230  can comprise an inner circular, or at least substantially circular, row of staple pockets  1500  and an outer circular, or at least substantially circular, row of staple pockets  1500 , for example. In various embodiments, the inner circular row of staple pockets  1500  and the outer circular row of staple pockets  1500  can be concentric, or at least substantially concentric, with one another. In various other embodiments, an anvil may comprise only one circular row of staple pockets  1500  or more than two circular rows of staple pockets  1500 , for example. 
     In various embodiments, referring again to  FIG. 112 , the surgical stapling instrument  2200  can further comprise a circular staple cartridge  2250  positioned opposite the anvil  2230 . The staple cartridge  2250  can comprise a plurality of staples stored therein wherein, during use, the staples can be ejected from the staple cartridge  2250  and contact the staple pockets  1500 . In various embodiments, the staples can be stored in staple cavities defined within the staple cartridge  2250 . The staple cavities and the staples can be aligned with the staple pockets  1500  such that the legs of the staples can enter into the first and second forming cups  1502  and  1504  of the staple pockets  1500  as described above. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument can comprise a firing drive which can eject the staples from the staple cartridge and, in addition, move a cutting member relative to the staple cartridge and anvil. Various surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, entitled SURGICAL ANASTOMOSIS STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Feb. 14, 1994, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In various embodiments, referring primarily now to  FIG. 113 , the staple pockets  1500  can be positioned along an inner circular path  2231  and/or an outer circular path  2232 , for example. As discussed above, each staple pocket  1500  can comprise a longitudinal axis  1599  which can, in certain embodiments, extend through the center of their respective staple pockets  1500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 113 , each longitudinal axis  1599  can extend transversely through an inner circular path  2231  and/or an outer circular path  2232 . In at least one such embodiment, the longitudinal axes  1599  of the inner row of staple pockets  1500  can extend transversely through the inner circular path  2231  and the longitudinal axes  1599  of the outer row of staple pockets  1500  can extend transversely through the outer circular path  2232 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 76  once again, each staple pocket  1500  can be defined by a longitudinal length extending between the first outside wall  1513  and the second outside wall  1523  wherein, in at least one such embodiment, each longitudinal length can comprise a midpoint. In certain embodiments, the staple cavities  1500  can be positioned and arranged such that the midpoints of the longitudinal lengths are positioned on and/or near the inner circular path  2231  and/or the outer circular path  2232 . In at least one embodiment, the midpoints of the longitudinal lengths can be positioned offset with respect to the inner circular path  2231  and/or the outer circular path  2232 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the axes  1599  of the staple pockets  1500  can be tilted with respect to the inner and outer circular paths  2231  and  2232 . In at least one such embodiment, each staple pocket  1500  can comprise a first forming cup  1502  at least partially positioned on one side of a circular path and a second forming cup  1504  at least partially positioned on the other side of the circular path. In certain other embodiments, the staple pockets  1500  can be contoured such that the longitudinal centerline of the staple pockets is curved to match, or at least substantially match, the radius of curvature of the inner circular path  2231  and/or the outer circular path  2232 , for example. In various embodiments, each circular path can be defined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius of curvature, and the staple pockets  1500  can be contoured to match, or at least substantially match, the radius of curvature. 
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 114 , a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument  2300 , for example, can include a curved anvil  2330 . Similar to the above, the curved anvil  2330  can comprise a plurality of staple pockets  1500  positioned along several curved rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil  2330  can comprise four curved rows of pockets  1500 , for example, wherein, referring primarily to  FIGS. 115 and 116 , the staple pockets  1500  can be positioned along a first curved path  2331 , a second curved path  2332 , a third curved path  2333 , and/or a fourth curved path  2334 . In at least one such embodiment, each curved path can be defined by a different radius of curvature. In certain embodiments, each curved path can be defined by a constant, or at least substantially constant, radius of curvature. In certain other embodiments, each curved path can be defined by more than one radius of curvature. Similar to the above, the longitudinal axes  1599  of the staple pockets  1500  can extend transversely with respect to the curved paths and, in certain embodiments, the axes  1599  can be centered on the curved paths. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument  2300  can further comprise a staple cartridge  2350  which includes a plurality of staples removably stored therein. The surgical instrument  2300  can further comprise a firing drive which can eject the staples from the staple cartridge and, in addition, move a cutting member, or knife, relative to the staple cartridge  2350  and the anvil  2330 . Various surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/014,910, entitled CURVED CUTTER STAPLER SHAPED FOR MALE PELVIS, filed on Dec. 20, 2004, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0143759, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     As described above in connection with surgical staple  1400  and  FIGS. 82-85 , a surgical staple can comprise a flat, or at least substantially flat, base  1402  extending between staple legs  1404  and  1406 . In use, in at least one embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a plurality of staple drivers which can be configured to support the bases  1402  of the staples  1400  as the staple drivers eject the staples  1400  out of the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple drivers can comprise one or more flat, or at least substantially flat, support cradles which can support the flat, or at least substantially flat, bases  1402 . In various other embodiments, referring now to  FIG. 118 , a surgical staple, such as staple  2500 , for example, can comprise a base  2502 , a first leg  2504 , and a second leg  2506 . Similar to the staple legs  1404  and  1406  of staple  1400 , the staple legs  2504  and  2506  can extend upwardly in either a substantially U-shaped configuration and/or a substantially V-shaped configuration when the staples  2500  are in an unformed, or undeployed, condition. As the staples  2500  are ejected from the staple cartridge, similar to staples  1400 , the staple legs  2504  and  2506  can contact an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge which can be configured to deform the staple legs and curl them toward the base of the staples, as described above.  FIG. 118  depicts a staple  2500  in such a deformed, or deployed, condition. As also illustrated in  FIG. 118 , the base  2502  of the staple  2500  can be curved. In various embodiments, the base  2502  can comprise a curved portion  2501  which can curve upwardly, or inwardly, toward the staple legs  2504  and  2506 . More particularly, when comparing a staple  1400  ( FIG. 117 ) and a staple  2500  ( FIG. 118 ) side-by-side, it can be seen that the base  2502  extends above a horizontal plane defined by base  1402 . In various embodiments, further to the above, the curved portion  2501  can be defined by a single radius of curvature or more than one radius of curvature. In at least one embodiment, the curved portion  2501  can comprise an arcuate configuration. In various embodiments, the curved portion  2501  can comprise an arched-shaped and/or bow-shaped configuration. In certain embodiments, the curved portion  2501  can comprise a parabolic, or at least substantially parabolic, configuration. Regardless of the configuration, in various embodiments, the curved portion  2501  can comprise a spring which can resiliently apply a spring force to the captured tissue. 
     In various embodiments, the curved portion  2501  can be configured to apply a compressive force, or pressure, to the tissue captured within the deformed, or deployed, staple  2500 . In use, as the staple legs  2504  and  2506  are being deformed against the anvil, the staple legs  2504  and  2506  can begin to compress the tissue against the curved portion  2501  of base  2502  and, as a result, the curved portion  2501  can at least partially deflect from the load being applied thereto. In various circumstances, the curved portion  2501  can deform elastically and/or plastically, wherein the amount of deformation can be a function of the tissue thickness, for example. More particularly, if the tissue captured within the staple  2500  is relatively thin, the curved portion  2501  may deform very little, if at all, and if the tissue captured within the staple  2500  is relatively thick, the deformation can be relatively larger. In certain embodiments, each staple  2500  can be manufactured with a curved portion  2501  such that the bases  2502  of the staples  2500  are pre-curved before they are assembled into a staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the staple drivers positioned within the staple cartridge can comprise a curved support cradle which can support the bottom surfaces of the curved portions  2501 . In at least one such embodiment, the support cradle can comprise a curved surface which matches, or at least substantially matches, the curvature of a curved portion  2501 . In certain embodiments, the bases  2502  of the staples  2500  can be deformed during the staple-forming process to include an upwardly-depending curved portion, such as a curved portion  2501 , for example. In at least one such embodiment, the staples  2500  can comprise a flat, or at least substantially flat, base  2502  wherein each of the staple drivers can comprise one or more curved mandrels configured to contact and deform the bases  2502 . In certain other embodiments, the staples  2500  can comprise pre-curved bases before they are inserted into the staple cartridge wherein the final shape of the curves can be obtained during the staple-forming process, similar to the process described above. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the curved portion  2501 , for example, of the staples  2500  can apply a sufficient pressure to the tissue which can reduce or stop bleeding therefrom. In certain embodiments, the curved portion can extend across the entire distance between the first staple leg  2504  and the second staple leg  2506 . In certain other embodiments, the curved portion may only extend across only a portion of the distance between the staple legs  2504  and  2506 . In at least one embodiment, the base  2502  may comprise both curved portions and flat portions, for example. In certain embodiments, a compressible material can be positioned on and/or attached to a staple cartridge and/or an anvil, for example, which can be compressed against the tissue and captured within the staples when the staples are deployed. Similar to curved portion  2501 , the compressible material can deflect elastically and/or plastically as the legs of the staple are being formed and bent downwardly toward the staple bases. In various circumstances, the amount of deformation can be a function of the tissue thickness, for example, captured within the staples. More particularly, if the tissue captured within a staple is relatively thin, the compressible material may deform very little, if at all, and if the tissue captured within the staple is relatively thick, the deformation of the compressible material can be relatively larger. In any event, the compressible material can comprise a layer of adjunct, haemostatic material, and/or any other suitable therapeutic material which can facilitate in reducing or stopping bleeding from the staple tissue and/or otherwise treat the tissue. As mentioned above, referring now to  FIG. 120 , the compressible material, such as compressible material  2340 , for example, can be attached to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the compressible material can be adhered to the anvil and/or staple cartridge utilizing one or more adhesives, for example. In various embodiments, the compressible material can comprise retention features which can be configured to engage the anvil and/or staple cartridge and retain the compressible material to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the compressible material can be at least partially positioned within the staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge and/or the staple pockets defined in the anvil, for example. In certain embodiments, the movement of a cutting member, or knife, relative to the staple cartridge and anvil when the staples are being deployed can dislodge or detach the compressible material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical staple can be comprised of titanium, such as titanium wire, for example. In certain embodiments, a surgical staple can be comprised of an alloy comprising titanium, aluminum, and/or vanadium, for example. In at least one embodiment, the surgical staple can be comprised of surgical stainless steel and/or an alloy comprised of cobalt and chromium, for example. In any event, the surgical staple can be comprised of metal, such as titanium, and a metal oxide outer surface, such as titanium oxide, for example. In various embodiments, the metal oxide outer surface can be coated with a material. In certain embodiments, the coating material can be comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon®, and/or a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) such as ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), perfluroralkoxyethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (PFA), and/or Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), for example. Certain coatings can comprise silicon. In various embodiments, such coating materials can prevent, or at least inhibit, further oxidation of the metal. In certain embodiments, the coating materials can provide one or more lubricious surfaces against which the anvil, or staple pockets, can contact the staples in order to reduce the friction force therebetween. In various circumstances, lower friction forces between the staples and the staple pockets can reduce the force required to deform the staples. 
     The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can 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. 
     Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. 
     While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.