Patent Description:
Surgical staplers are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments of body tissue together and/or creating anastomoses. Linear surgical staplers generally include a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the linear surgical staplers is actuated, or "fired," longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which forms the staples. If body tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in one of the jaws of the apparatus to cut the body tissue between the lines of staples.

Surgical supports, e.g., meshes or buttress materials, may be used in combination with surgical staplers to bridge, repair, and/or reinforce tissue defects within a patient such as those occurring, for example, in the abdominal wall, chest wall, diaphragm, or musculo-aponeurotic areas of the body. The surgical buttress material reinforces the staple line as well as covers the juncture of the tissues to reduce leakage prior to healing. The surgical buttress material can help promote proper staple formation while reducing twisting/malformation caused by any misalignment of tissue and/or unusual or non-uniform tissue. The surgical buttress material can also provide support to weakened tissue, or help address differences in the thickness of tissues.

Applicant's earlier disclosure <CIT> relates to an end effector for use with a surgical stapler which includes a buttress material supported on a tissue facting surface of the staple cartridge assembly and has a suture securely attached to opposing lateral saides of the assembly.

Accordingly, new systems and methods that enable easy and efficient attachment and removal of a surgical buttress material to and from the surgical staplers would be desirable.

Certain optional features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly movable relative to the anvil assembly between an approximated position and a spaced apart position. The staple cartridge assembly defines a plurality of retention slots and a cavity. The staple cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, an actuation sled, a surgical buttress material, a suture, and an anchoring button. The plurality of staples is disposed in the respective plurality of retention slots. The plurality of pushers is configured to eject the plurality of staples through the respective plurality of retention slots. The actuation sled is configured for movement along a length of the staple cartridge assembly to sequentially engage the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples through the respective plurality of retention slots. The actuation sled includes a first knife blade. The surgical buttress material is configured to be supported on a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly. The suture includes opposing ends securely attached to opposing lateral sides of the staple cartridge assembly. The anchoring button is configured to be received in the cavity of the staple cartridge assembly such that a portion of the suture is supported in the cavity so as to be severed by the first knife blade of the actuation sled when the actuation sled is advanced distally.

In an embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may further define opposing lateral grooves configured to securely receive the respective opposing ends of the suture.

In another embodiment, the anchoring button may define opposing peripheral grooves in registration with the respective opposing lateral grooves of the staple cartridge assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the anchoring button may define a notch configured to receive the first knife blade of the actuation sled therethrough.

In still yet another embodiment, the portion of the suture may be disposed orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis defined by the staple cartridge assembly.

In still yet another embodiment, the anchoring button may include an engaging portion defining a transverse groove configured to support the portion of the suture within the cavity.

In an embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may include opposing lateral guides configured to receive the surgical buttress material therebetween.

In another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may further define a central longitudinal slot in communication with the cavity.

In an embodiment, the central longitudinal slot may extend through the cavity.

In another embodiment, the actuation sled may further include a second knife blade configured to extend through the central longitudinal slot to cut the surgical buttress material and tissue in superposed relation with the tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the surgical buttress material may have a distal portion including a cutout in registration with a distal portion of the central longitudinal slot.

In still yet another embodiment, the cavity of the staple cartridge assembly may be defined at a distal portion of the staple cartridge assembly.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Throughout this description, the term "proximal" refers to a portion of a structure, or component thereof, that is closer to a user, and the term "distal" refers to a portion of the structure, or component thereof, that is farther from the user. Directional reference terms, such as "top," "bottom," "side," and the like, are used to ease description of the embodiments and are not intended to have any limiting effect on the ultimate orientation of a structure or any part thereof. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary surgical stapler <NUM> in the form of a linear surgical stapler is shown for use in stapling tissue and applying a surgical buttress material <NUM> to the tissue. The surgical stapler <NUM> generally includes a handle assembly <NUM>, an elongate tubular body portion <NUM> extending distally from the handle assembly <NUM>, and an end effector <NUM> extending distally from the elongate tubular body portion <NUM>. The end effector <NUM> includes an anvil assembly <NUM> and a staple cartridge assembly <NUM>. The end effector <NUM> may be permanently affixed or detachably coupled to the elongate tubular body portion <NUM> and thus, replaceable with a new end effector <NUM>. The anvil assembly <NUM> and/or the staple cartridge assembly <NUM> may be pivotable relative to each other such that the anvil and/or staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is movable between an open position, in which the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart with respect to each other, and an approximated position, in which the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially adj acent each other. The handle assembly <NUM> includes an actuation button <NUM> configured to actuate, e.g., an electrical motor (not shown), operatively associated with an actuation sled <NUM> to eject staples <NUM> out of the staple cartridge assembly <NUM>, and open and close buttons <NUM>, <NUM> configured to actuate, e.g., an electrical motor (not shown), operatively associated with the anvil and/or staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to transition the anvil and/or staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> between the open and approximated positions.

For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical staplers, reference may be made to <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. It should be appreciated that principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to surgical staplers having other configurations such as, for example, the types described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Accordingly, it should be understood that a variety of surgical staplers may be utilized.

With reference to <FIG>, the anvil assembly <NUM> includes an anvil plate (not shown) having a central longitudinal slot formed therein, and a cover plate <NUM> secured over the anvil plate such that the cover plate <NUM> defines a top or outwardly facing surface <NUM> of the anvil assembly <NUM>. The anvil plate may include a plurality of staple forming pockets/cavities (not shown) defined in an inwardly or tissue facing surface (not shown) thereof.

With reference to <FIG>, the staple cartridge assembly <NUM> includes a cartridge carrier <NUM> defining an elongated support channel <NUM> configured and dimensioned to selectively receive a staple cartridge <NUM> therein. The cartridge carrier <NUM> also defines a bottom or outwardly facing surface <NUM> of the staple cartridge assembly <NUM>. The staple cartridge <NUM> is removable and replaceable in the cartridge carrier <NUM>. The staple cartridge <NUM> includes a body portion 54a and a cover 54b. The body portion 54a defines staple pockets or retention slots <NUM> for receiving a plurality of fasteners or staples <NUM> and staple pushers <NUM> therein. The staples <NUM> are of a conventional type and include a backspan having a pair of legs extending from the backspan. The legs terminate in tissue penetrating tips. The staple pushers <NUM> are located within respective staple pockets <NUM> and are positioned between the staples <NUM> and the path of the actuation sled <NUM>. A central longitudinal slot <NUM> is defined along a length of the staple cartridge <NUM> for passage of a first knife blade <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> therethrough.

With reference to <FIG>, a cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) is defined adj acent a distal portion of the central longitudinal slot <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is configured to receive an anchoring button <NUM> to support a suture <NUM> securing the surgical buttress material <NUM> on the staple cartridge <NUM>, as will be discussed below. Proximal and distal portions 55a, 55b of the body portion 54a of the staple cartridge <NUM> are configured to secure the respective sutures <NUM> thereto, in order to detachably secure the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the tissue facing surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the body portion 54a. To this end, the proximal portion 55a of the body portion 54a defines lateral grooves <NUM> configured to securely receive respective end portions of the suture <NUM> therein. For example, the end portions of the suture <NUM> may be secured to the lateral grooves <NUM> through friction fit or through use of an adhesive. Alternatively, the suture <NUM> may be ultrasonically welded to the lateral groove <NUM>. In addition, the proximal portion 55a of the body portion 54a includes a pair of lateral guides <NUM> extending from the tissue facing surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The surgical buttress material <NUM> isreceived between the lateral guides <NUM>. In this manner, the suture <NUM> in conjunction with the pair of lateral guides <NUM> secures the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the proximal portion 55a of the body portion 54a.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the surgical buttress material <NUM> is further secured to the staple cartridge <NUM> by another suture <NUM> in the distal portion 55b of the body portion 54b. While the present disclosure discloses two sutures <NUM> to secure the respective proximal and distal portions 102a, 102b of the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the body portion 54b, it is contemplated that any number of sutures <NUM> may be utilized to effect securement of the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the staple cartridge <NUM>. The distal portion 55b of the body portion 54b of the staple cartridge <NUM> defines opposing lateral grooves <NUM> (only one shown) configured to securely receive respective end portions of the suture <NUM>. The suture <NUM> secured to the opposing lateral grooves <NUM> is used to secure the distal end 102b of the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, in order to enhance securement and detachability of the surgical buttress material <NUM> to and from the staple cartridge <NUM>, the anchoring button <NUM> is placed in the cavity <NUM> of the body portion 54a of staple cartridge <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is defined in the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge <NUM>. In particular, the central longitudinal slot <NUM> extends through the cavity <NUM>. The anchoring button <NUM> includes first and second fingers <NUM>, <NUM> configured to flex relative to each other. The anchoring button <NUM> includes an engaging portion <NUM> disposed between the first and second fingers <NUM>, <NUM> to support a portion of the suture <NUM> thereon. The anchoring button <NUM> defines opposing peripheral grooves 76a, 76b configured to receive the suture <NUM> therein. Further, the anchoring button <NUM> defines a notch <NUM> extending through the first and second fingers <NUM>, <NUM>. The notch <NUM> is configured to receive the second knife blade <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> therethrough. Under such a configuration, when the actuation sled <NUM> is advanced, the second knife blade <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> extends through the notch <NUM> and severs a portion of the suture <NUM> extending across the notch <NUM>. At least one finger of the first and second fingers <NUM>, <NUM> of the anchoring button <NUM> further defines cutouts <NUM> configured to engage a stop <NUM> (<FIG>) extending inwardly into the cavity <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM>. Under such a configuration, when the anchoring button <NUM> is pushed into the cavity <NUM> in the direction of an arrow "L" (<FIG>), the stop <NUM> engages the cutout <NUM>, and the stop <NUM> inhibits the anchoring button <NUM> from pulling back out in a direction opposite of the arrow "L" such that the anchoring button <NUM> remains in the cavity <NUM> once placed therein.

With reference to <FIG>, opposing ends of the suture <NUM> are secured to the respective lateral grooves <NUM> (<FIG>) of the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge <NUM>, and a portion of the suture <NUM> is supported within the cavity <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM> by the anchoring button <NUM>. Under such a configuration, a portion of the suture <NUM> extends between the first and second fingers <NUM>, <NUM> and across the notch <NUM> (<FIG>) to be severed by the second knife blade <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> advancing through the notch <NUM>.

With brief reference back to <FIG>, the actuation sled <NUM> includes a cam wedge <NUM> configured to engage the staple pushers <NUM> (<FIG>) in sequence, a first knife blade <NUM> configured to be received through the central longitudinal slot <NUM> to cut tissue and the surgical buttress material <NUM>, and a second knife blade <NUM> configured to be received through the notch <NUM> (<FIG>) of the anchoring button <NUM>. During operation of the surgical stapler <NUM>, the actuation sled <NUM> translates through the staple cartridge <NUM> to advance the cam wedge <NUM> into sequential contact with the staple pushers <NUM>, to cause the staple pushers <NUM> to move vertically within the staple pockets <NUM> and eject the staples <NUM> out of the staple pockets <NUM> towards the tissue facing surface of the anvil plate (not shonw) of the anvil assembly <NUM>. Further, the second knife blade <NUM> is configured to sever the suture <NUM> positioned against the anchoring button <NUM>, as will be discussed below.

With reference to <FIG>, initially, the staple cartridge <NUM> is loaded in the cartridge carrier <NUM> (<FIG>). The surgical buttress material <NUM> may be detachably secured to the staple cartridge <NUM> at any time before or after the loading of the staple cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge carrier <NUM>. The surgical buttress material <NUM> is fabricated from biocompatible materials which are bioabsorbable or non-absorbable, natural or synthetic. It should be understood that any combination of natural, synthetic, bioabsorbable, and/or non-bioabsorbable materials may be used to form the surgical buttress material <NUM>. The surgical buttress material <NUM> may be biodegradable (e.g., formed from bioabsorbable and bioresorable materials) such that the surgical buttress material <NUM> decomposes or is broken down (physically or chemically) under physiological conditions in the body, and the degradation products are excretable or absorbable by the body. Components or portions of the surgical buttress material <NUM> may be formed from the same material or different materials. The entire surgical buttress material <NUM> may be formed (e.g., cut) from a single sheet of material, or may be formed from a plurality of sheets of material, that are fabricated from the same or different materials, and attached to one another by, for example, welding, using adhesives, tying sutures, etc..

In embodiments, at least a portion of the surgical buttress material <NUM> is made from biodegradable materials selected from the following group: natural collagenous materials, cat gut, and synthetic resins including those derived from alkylene carbonates, trimethylene carbonate, tetramethylene carbonate, caprolactone, valerolactone, dioxanone, polyanhydrides, polyesters, polyacrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyurethanes, glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycolide, lactide, polyhydroxy butyrates, polyorthoester, polyhydroxy alkanoates, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers thereof. In embodiments, at least a portion of the surgical buttress material <NUM> is made from non-biodegradable materials selected from the following group: polyolefins, polyethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, blends of polyethylene and polypropylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether-esters, polybutester, polytetramethylene ether glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, and polyurethanes.

The surgical buttress material <NUM> may be porous, non-porous, or combinations thereof. Suitable porous structures include, for example, fibrous structures (e.g., knitted structures, woven structures, and non-woven structures) and/or foams (e.g., open or closed cell foams). Suitable non-porous structures include, for example, films. The surgical buttress material <NUM>, or portions thereof, may be a non-woven structure formed by melt-blown or melt-spun methods, a mesh material, a braided material, and/or a molded or extruded sheet. The surgical buttress material <NUM>, or portions thereof, may be a single porous or non-porous layer, or include a plurality of layers including any combination of porous and/or non-porous layers.

In use, the loaded surgical stapler <NUM> is introduced to a surgical site through, e.g., a trocar or other access device. Tissue may be grasped between the anvil assembly <NUM> and the staple cartridge assembly <NUM> by pressing the close button <NUM> of the handle assembly <NUM>. Once the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are clamped onto tissue, the clinician may press the actuation button <NUM> to start the stapling process thereby advancing the actuation sled <NUM>. As the actuation sled <NUM> advances distally and urges the staple pushers <NUM> upwardly against the backspans of the staples <NUM>, the staples <NUM> are ejected out of the staple pockets <NUM> and through the surgical buttress material <NUM> as well as the captured tissue, thereby stapling the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the tissue. The tissue penetrating tips of the staples <NUM> are bent within the staple clinching pockets in the anvil assembly <NUM> to thereby secure the surgical buttress material <NUM> mounted on the tissue facing surface <NUM> against tissue.

Upon actuation of the surgical stapler <NUM>, the first knife blade <NUM> associated with the surgical stapler <NUM> and carried by the actuation sled <NUM>, enters the notch <NUM> of the surgical buttress material <NUM> and severs tissue, as well as the surgical buttress material <NUM> on tissue, between the rows of now clinched staples. The resulting tissue is divided and stapled with the staples <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, as the actuation sled <NUM> is further advanced, the first knife blade <NUM> cuts through the suture <NUM> securing the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the proximal portion 55a of the staple cartridge <NUM>. As the actuation sled <NUM> reaches the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge <NUM>, the second knife blade <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> extends through the notch <NUM> of the anchoring button <NUM> and severs a portion of the suture <NUM> extending therein such that the suture <NUM> securing surgical buttress material <NUM> to the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge <NUM> is severed. In this manner, the surgical buttress material <NUM> is detachable from the staple cartridge <NUM> and is split into first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. At this time, the clinician may move the end effector <NUM> and/or actuation sled <NUM> proximally in order to detach the surgical buttress material <NUM> stapled to tissue, from the end effector <NUM>. In this manner, the surgical buttress materials <NUM> may be stapled to tissue thereby sealing and reinforcing the staple lines created by the staples.

The spent staple cartridge <NUM> is then removed and a new staple cartridge <NUM> and a new surgical buttress material <NUM> can be loaded onto the staple carrier <NUM>. A reload with a removable and replaceable staple cartridge is disclosed in <CIT>.

With reference to <FIG>, a staple cartridge for use with the surgical stapler (<FIG>) is shown as a staple cartridge <NUM>, the cartridge not forming part of the present invention. Parts of the staple cartridge <NUM> substantially similarto the parts of the staple cartridge <NUM> (<FIG>) will not be described herein to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. The staple cartridge <NUM> may be detachably secured to the cartridge carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) by, e.g., snap fit or interference fit. The staple cartridge <NUM> is configured to detachably secure a surgical buttress material <NUM> thereto. In particular, a proximal portion 154a of the staple cartridge <NUM> includes opposing lateral guides <NUM> configured to receive the surgical buttress material <NUM> therebetween and hook portions <NUM> configured to anchor a proximal portion <NUM> of the surgical buttress material <NUM>, as will be discussed below. Further, a distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge <NUM> defines opposing lateral grooves <NUM> to secure respective end portions of the suture <NUM> therein, and a slot <NUM> configured to receive a slider cam <NUM> therein in order to detach the surgical buttress material <NUM> from the staple cartridge <NUM>, as will be described hereinbelow.

The surgical buttress material <NUM> includes a proximal portion <NUM> including a stepped portion <NUM> configured to engage the lateral guides <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM> and defines a cavity <NUM> configured to engage and receive the hook portions <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM>. The hook portions <NUM> may include tapered portions <NUM> configured to enhance securement of the surgical buttress material <NUM> with the staple cartridge <NUM>. The distal portion <NUM> of the surgical buttress material <NUM> defines opposing lateral notches <NUM> configured to facilitate engagement with the suture <NUM>. The distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge <NUM> defines lateral grooves <NUM> configured to secure respective end portions of the suture <NUM>. In addition, the distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge <NUM> further defines a slot <NUM> dimensioned to receive the slider cam <NUM> slidably received therein.

With respect to <FIG>, the slider cam <NUM> is transversely slidable within the slot <NUM>. With particular reference to <FIG>, the slider cam <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> having an engaging surface <NUM> configured to engage a portion of the suture <NUM> secured to the corresponding lateral groove <NUM> in order to di sengage the suture <NUM> from the corresponding lateral groove <NUM>. The slider cam <NUM> further includes an inner portion <NUM> extending inwardly from the main body <NUM>, and a finger <NUM> extending distally from the main body <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> has an arcuate surface or a tapered surface <NUM> configured to engage a portion of the actuation sled <NUM>. The finger <NUM> is spaced apart from the main body <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> is configured to flex towards and away from the main body <NUM>. The finger <NUM> may be biased away from the main body <NUM> such that as the slider cam <NUM> is moved laterally outward, a hook portion 174a of the finger <NUM> engages an outer stop 157a of a support member <NUM> (<FIG>) of the staple cartridge <NUM> to limit lateral displacement of the slider cam <NUM>. In this manner, the slider cam <NUM> is movable laterally outwards by a predetermined amount. For example, the slider cam <NUM> may be displaced laterally outwards by a predetermined amount to displace the suture <NUM> out of the corresponding lateral groove <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the slider cam <NUM> is disposed inwardly of the end portions of the suture <NUM> secured within the respective lateral grooves <NUM> (<FIG>) of the staple cartridge <NUM>. Initially, the inner portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the slider cam <NUM> is disposed substantially in registration with the central longitudinal slot <NUM> (<FIG>). The finger <NUM> extends upward from a plane defined by the main body <NUM> and the inner portion <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> engages an inner stop 157b to limit displacement towards the central longitudinal slot <NUM>. Under such a configuration, the slider cam <NUM> is slidable between a first position in which the inner portion <NUM> is substantially in registration (<FIG>) with the central longitudinal slot <NUM> and a second position in which the engaging surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the main body <NUM> is substantially flush with a lateral surface of the staple cartridge <NUM> (<FIG>).

With reference now to <FIG>, initially, the slider cam <NUM> is disposed inwardly of the end portions of the suture <NUM> securing the distal portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the staple cartridge <NUM>, whereby the end portions of the suture <NUM> are securely disposed within the respective lateral grooves <NUM> (<FIG>) of the staple cartridge <NUM>. As the actuation sled <NUM> is advanced distally, an elongate engaging portion <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> engages the arcuate or tapered surface <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the slider cam <NUM>, which, in turn, causes the slider cam <NUM> to be moved laterally outward in the direction of an arrow "O" until the hook portion 174a of the finger <NUM> engages the outer stop 157a. Laterally outward displacement of the slider cam <NUM> urges the corresponding end portion of the suture <NUM> out of the corresponding lateral groove <NUM>. In this manner, one end of the suture <NUM> is freed from the staple cartridge <NUM> thereby enabling detachment of the surgical buttress material <NUM> from the staple cartridge <NUM>. The method and use of the staple cartridge <NUM> is substantially similar to the method and use of the staple cartridge <NUM> described hereinabove, and thus, will not be described herein.

With reference now to <FIG>, yet another example of a staple cartridge not forming part of the invention for use with the surgical stapler (<FIG>) is shown as a staple cartridge <NUM>. Parts of the staple cartridge <NUM> substantially similar to the parts of the staple cartridges <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>) will not be described herein to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. The staple cartridge <NUM> may be detachably secured to the cartridge carrier <NUM> (<FIG>) by, e.g., snap fit or interference fit. The staple cartridge <NUM> defines staple retention slots <NUM> (<FIG>) for receiving a plurality of fasteners or staples <NUM> (<FIG>) and staple pushers <NUM> (<FIG>) therein. A central longitudinal slot <NUM> (<FIG>) is defined along a substantial length of the staple cartridge <NUM> to facilitate passage of the first knife blade <NUM> (<FIG>) of the actuation sled <NUM> therethrough. In particular, proximal and distal portions 255a, 255b of the staple cartridge <NUM> are configured to detachably secure the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the staple cartridge <NUM>. Proximal portion 255a of the staple cartridge <NUM> includes a pair of lateral guides <NUM> extending from the tissue facing surface <NUM>. The surgical buttress material <NUM> is received between the lateral guides <NUM>. In addition, the proximal portion 255a of the staple cartridge <NUM> includes hook portions <NUM> having tapered surfaces <NUM> configured to engage a cavity <NUM> defined in a proximal portion 300a of the surgical buttress material <NUM>.

The distal portion 255b of the staple cartridge <NUM> defines opposing lateral grooves <NUM> configured to receive respective end portions of the suture <NUM> to secure the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the staple cartridge <NUM>. In addition, the distal portion 255b further defines a pair of opposing slots <NUM> configured to receive respective lifting members <NUM> (<FIG>). Under such a configuration, a portion of the surgical buttress material <NUM> is interposed between the opposing slots <NUM>. The lifting members <NUM> may be disposed on respective distal-most pushers <NUM>. The lifting member <NUM> and the distal-most pushers <NUM> may be formed as single construct.

A portion of the surgical buttress material <NUM> is interposed between the slots <NUM> such that when the respective end portions of the suture <NUM> are secured to the lateral grooves <NUM>, the suture <NUM> extends over the opposing slots <NUM>. Under such a configuration, the suture <NUM> secures the surgical buttress material <NUM> to the distal portion 255b of the staple cartridge <NUM>.

With respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lifting members <NUM> extend out of the respective slots <NUM>, the lifting members <NUM> urge the suture <NUM> away from the surgical buttress material <NUM>, e.g., towards the anvil assembly <NUM>, such that the surgical buttress material <NUM> may be released from the staple cartridge <NUM>. In an embodiment, the suture <NUM> may be flexible.

During operation of the surgical stapler <NUM>, the actuation sled <NUM> translates through the staple cartridge <NUM> to advance cam wedges <NUM> of the actuation sled <NUM> into sequential contact with the staple pushers <NUM>. This causes the staple pushers <NUM> to move vertically within the staple pockets <NUM> and urge the staples <NUM> from the staple pockets <NUM> towards the anvil assembly <NUM>. In addition, the lifting members <NUM> extend out of the respective slots <NUM> (<FIG>) and release the surgical buttress material <NUM> from the staple cartridge <NUM>. The method and use of the staple cartridge <NUM> is substantially similar to the method and use of the staple cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> described hereinabove, and thus, will not be described herein.

Claim 1:
An end effector (<NUM>) for use with a surgical stapler (<NUM>) comprising:
an anvil assembly (<NUM>); and
a staple cartridge assembly (<NUM>) movable relative to the anvil assembly (<NUM>) between an approximated position and a spaced apart position, the staple cartridge assembly defining a plurality of retention slots (<NUM>) and a cavity (<NUM>), the staple cartridge assembly including:
a plurality of staples (<NUM>) disposed in the respective plurality of retention slots;
a plurality of pushers (<NUM>) configured to eject the plurality of staples through the respective plurality of retention slots;
an actuation sled (<NUM>) configured for movement along a length of the staple cartridge assembly to sequentially engage the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples through the respective plurality of retention slots, the actuation sled including a first knife blade (<NUM>);
a surgical buttress material (<NUM>) configured to be supported on a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly;
a suture (<NUM>) including opposing ends securely attached to opposing lateral sides of the staple cartridge assembly; characterised by
an anchoring button (<NUM>) configured to be received in the cavity (<NUM>) of the staple cartridge assembly such that a portion of the suture is supported in the cavity so as to be severed by the first knife blade (<NUM>) of the actuation sled (<NUM>) when the actuation sled is advanced distally.