Patent Description:
A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into a patient and positioned relative to tissue that is to be stapled and/or incised. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples contained therein, 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 a knife blade which are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge via camming surfaces on the pusher bar and/or camming surfaces on a wedge sled that is pushed by 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 staples in order to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail the camming surfaces and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows.

Examples of such stapling instruments are disclosed in <CIT>, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

<CIT> discloses a surgical stapler having a tissue gripping ridge on at least one of the tissue contacting surfaces. The tissue contact surfaces are preferably displayed on both the anvil and the cartridge surfaces of the surgical stapler. The tissue gripping ridges preferably have serrated surfaces which mesh when in contact with each other to hold the tissue.

<CIT> discloses a surgical instrument including gripping surfaces on inner surfaces of an upper and lower jaw that enhance use as a grasping instrument to preposition tissue prior to performing a stapling and severing procedure.

The invention provides a staple cartridge according to the independent claim. Further embodiments of the invention are provided by the dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> and described in corresponding paragraphs of the description.

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity comprises an opening in the deck, and wherein a staple is positioned in each staple cavity. The cartridge body can further comprise a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck, wherein each opening is at least partially surrounded by a ridge.

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise a middle portion, a side portion, a tissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staple cavities, wherein a staple is positioned in each staple cavity, and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck, wherein each ridge extends between the middle portion and the side portion of the cartridge body.

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a tissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staple cavities, wherein a staple is positioned in each staple cavity, and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck, wherein each ridge comprises a height which varies between a proximal height and a distal height, and wherein the proximal height is closer to the proximal end than the distal height.

The foregoing discussion should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative.

Reference throughout the specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," or "an embodiment", or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment", or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down", for example, may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, these terms are used to assist the reader and are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

Turning to <FIG>, a surgical stapling and severing instrument <NUM> can include a handle portion <NUM> that can be manipulated in order to position an implement portion <NUM> in a surgical site. In various embodiments, the implement portion <NUM> can include an end effector <NUM> attached to an elongate shaft <NUM>. In various circumstances, the implement portion <NUM> can be sized and configured to be inserted through a cannula of a trocar (not shown) into the surgical site in order to perform an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure, for example. The end effector <NUM> can comprise an upper jaw, or anvil, <NUM> and a lower jaw <NUM>, wherein the anvil <NUM> can be moved between an open position and a closed position when the closure trigger <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> is moved, or depressed, toward a pistol grip <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM>. In various embodiments, the depression of the closure trigger <NUM> can advance an outer closing sleeve <NUM> of the elongate shaft <NUM> wherein the outer closing sleeve <NUM> can contact the anvil <NUM> and pivot the anvil <NUM> into its closed position. In certain circumstances, the surgeon may rotate the implement potion <NUM> about its longitudinal axis by twisting a shaft rotation knob <NUM>. In any event, once the end effector <NUM> has been inserted into an insufflated body cavity, for example, the closure trigger <NUM> may be released thereby allowing the anvil <NUM> to be biased open by a spring (not shown) and positioned relative to the targeted tissue. In various embodiments, the closure trigger <NUM> can be locked in its depressed condition and, in at least one embodiment, the handle portion <NUM> can further comprise a lock release actuator <NUM> which can be depressed to unlock the closure trigger <NUM>. Once the anvil <NUM> and the lower jaw <NUM> have been suitably positioned relative to the tissue in the surgical site, the closure trigger <NUM> can be depressed once again in order to close the anvil <NUM> and compress the tissue against a staple cartridge <NUM> attached to the bottom jaw <NUM>.

Once the anvil <NUM> has been closed, a firing trigger <NUM> can be drawn, or depressed, toward the closure trigger <NUM> and the pistol grip <NUM> in order to apply a firing force or motion to a firing member and advance the firing member from an unfired position. In various embodiments, the firing member can comprise a proximal firing rod <NUM> which is attached to a distal firing bar <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the firing rod <NUM> and/or the firing bar <NUM> can be supported within a frame <NUM> in shaft <NUM> which can extend between the handle portion <NUM> and the end effector <NUM>. As a result of the firing motion applied to the firing member, the firing bar <NUM> can be advanced distally within a elongate staple cartridge channel <NUM> of the lower jaw <NUM> and a staple cartridge <NUM> positioned within the cartridge channel <NUM>. In various embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the firing bar <NUM> can comprise an attachment portion <NUM> that is attached to an E-beam <NUM> which can translate within the end effector <NUM>. The E-beam <NUM> can comprise a vertical portion <NUM> which can pass through a narrow longitudinal anvil slot <NUM> extending through a tissue-contacting surface <NUM> in the anvil <NUM>, a narrow vertical slot <NUM> in the staple cartridge <NUM>, and a narrow longitudinal channel slot <NUM> in the elongate staple channel <NUM> when the E-beam <NUM> is advanced distally. Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the anvil slot <NUM> can extend upwardly into the anvil <NUM> and can comprise an end which opens into a laterally-widened longitudinal channel <NUM> sized and configured to receive an upper pin <NUM> that extends laterally from the vertical portion <NUM>. Similarly, the channel slot <NUM> can extend downwardly into the channel <NUM> and can comprise an end which opens into a laterally-widened longitudinal channel <NUM> sized and configured to receive one or more lower feet <NUM> extending laterally from the vertical portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the E-beam <NUM> can further comprise one or more middle pins <NUM> which can extend laterally from the vertical portion <NUM> and can be configured to slide along a top surface of a bottom tray <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the middle pins <NUM> can be configured to seat the staple cartridge <NUM>, or assure that the staple cartridge <NUM> remains seated, in the channel <NUM>. A longitudinal firing recess <NUM> formed in the staple cartridge <NUM> above the bottom tray <NUM> is sized to allow the middle pins <NUM> to translate through the staple cartridge <NUM>. In various embodiments, the E-beam <NUM> can further comprise a distal drive surface <NUM> which can be configured to translate through the vertical slot <NUM> in the staple cartridge <NUM> and drive a wedge sled <NUM> distally through the staple cartridge <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the wedge sled <NUM> can be integrally-formed within the E-beam <NUM> while, in other embodiments, the wedge sled <NUM> can reside in the staple cartridge <NUM> and can be contacted by the drive surface <NUM> as the E-beam <NUM> is advanced distally. The vertical portion <NUM> of the E-beam <NUM> can further comprise a cutting surface <NUM> which extends along a distal edge above the distal drive surface <NUM> and below the upper pin <NUM> that severs the clamped tissue <NUM> as the tissue <NUM> is being stapled. Referring now to <FIG>, the wedge sled <NUM> can be configured to engage one or more staple drivers <NUM> and drive the staple drivers <NUM> upwardly toward the anvil <NUM>. In various embodiments, staples, such as staples <NUM>, for example, can be seated on and/or otherwise supported by the staple drivers <NUM> such that, as the staple drivers <NUM> are lifted upwardly, the staples <NUM> can be lifted upwardly as well. In at least one such embodiment, the staples <NUM> can also be at least partially positioned within staple cavities, or pockets, <NUM> in a staple cartridge body <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM> wherein, as the staples <NUM> are lifted upwardly, the staples <NUM> can contact the anvil <NUM> and can be ejected from the staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, referring again to <FIG>, the bottom tray <NUM> can be attached to the cartridge body <NUM> in order to retain the staple drivers <NUM> and the staples <NUM> within the staple cartridge <NUM> until the staples <NUM> are deployed therefrom as described above.

In use, referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the anvil <NUM> can be positioned on one side of the tissue <NUM> and the bottom jaw <NUM> can be positioned on the opposite side of the tissue <NUM> such that, when the anvil <NUM> is closed onto the tissue, the tissue-contacting surface <NUM> of the anvil <NUM> and the tissue-contacting deck <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM> can compress the tissue <NUM> between an uncompressed thickness <NUM> and a compressed thickness <NUM>. In order to staple and transect the tissue <NUM>, as described above, the wedge sled <NUM> can be advanced distally within the staple cartridge <NUM> in order to lift the staple drivers <NUM> toward the anvil <NUM> and deform the staples <NUM>. In various embodiments, each staple driver <NUM> can comprise one or more slots defined therein which can be configured to receive and releasably hold the bases <NUM> of the staples <NUM> in position. In at least one such embodiment, each staple <NUM> can comprise one or more staple legs <NUM> extending from the base <NUM>, wherein the staple legs <NUM> can extend upwardly into the staple cavities <NUM>. In various embodiments, the tips of the staple legs <NUM> can be recessed with respect to the deck, or tissue-contacting surface, <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> when the staples <NUM> are in their unfired position. As the staples <NUM> are being lifted upwardly by the drivers <NUM>, the tips of the staple legs <NUM> can emerge from the staple cavities <NUM>, penetrate the tissue <NUM>, and contact the anvil forming pockets <NUM> positioned opposite the staple cavities <NUM>. The anvil forming pockets <NUM> can be configured to deform the staples <NUM> into any suitable shape, such as the B-form shape depicted in <FIG>, for example. As the staples <NUM> are deployed, referring now to <FIG>, the cutting edge <NUM> can transect the tissue <NUM> into stapled portions <NUM>.

As described above, the jaw members of an end effector can be configured to apply a compressive pressure, or force, to the tissue being stapled. In various circumstances, however, the tissue can be slippery, for example, and at least a portion of the tissue can slide relative to the jaw members. In certain circumstances, the tissue can slide out of the distal end of the end effector in a longitudinal direction and/or slide out of the sides of the end effector in a direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction. In some circumstances, portions of the tissue can milk out of the distal end of the end effector and/or the sides of the end effector when the tissue is compressed. In various embodiments disclosed herein, a staple cartridge can comprise one or more tissue retention features which can be configured to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, tissue positioned within the end effector from moving relative to the end effector.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM> and a plurality of staples, such as staples <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, positioned within the cartridge body <NUM>. The cartridge body <NUM> can comprise a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, wherein the proximal end <NUM> can be configured to be inserted into a proximal end of a staple cartridge channel and the distal end <NUM> can be configured to be inserted into a distal end of the staple cartridge channel. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge body <NUM> can comprise a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> which can each be configured to receive a staple <NUM> therein. In certain alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, a staple cavity can comprise more than one staple positioned therein. In any event, the staple cavities <NUM> can be arranged in a plurality of rows within the cartridge body <NUM>. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the staple cavities <NUM> can be arranged in three staple rows, for example, on a first side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> and three staple rows, for example, on a second side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> can be separated by a knife slot <NUM> which can be configured to slidably receive a cutting member therein. In various other embodiments, a cartridge can comprise any other suitable number of staple rows, such as two staple rows or four staple rows, for example, on each side of the knife slot <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in various embodiments, the staple cartridge <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of staple drivers <NUM> configured to support the staples <NUM> and/or eject the staples <NUM> from the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each staple cavity <NUM> can comprise an open end, or opening, <NUM> in the deck <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> through which the staples <NUM> can be ejected.

In various embodiments, referring primarily to <FIG>, the staple cavities <NUM> can be arranged such that they are staggered longitudinally relative to one another. For example, the staple cavities <NUM> on the first side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>, for example, can be arranged in an innermost row of staple cavities <NUM>, an intermediate row of staple cavities <NUM>, and an outermost row of staple cavities <NUM>, wherein the staple cavities <NUM> in one row may not be aligned transversely with the staple cavities <NUM> in one or both of the other rows. In at least one embodiment, each staple cavity <NUM> can comprise a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, wherein the proximal end <NUM> of each staple cavity <NUM> can be positioned closer to the proximal end <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> than the distal end <NUM>. Likewise, the distal end <NUM> of each cavity <NUM> can be positioned closer to the distal end <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> than the proximal end <NUM>. In various embodiments, the innermost row of staple cavities <NUM> can be positioned such that the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavities <NUM> within the innermost row are positioned distally with respect to the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavities <NUM> in the intermediate row of staple cavities <NUM>. Similarly, the outermost row of staple cavities <NUM> can be positioned such that the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavities <NUM> within the outermost row are positioned distally with respect to the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavities in the intermediate row of staple cavities <NUM>. For example, the distalmost staple cavity <NUM> in the innermost row can be positioned distally with respect to the distalmost staple cavity <NUM> in the intermediate row and, similarly, the distalmost staple cavity <NUM> in the outermost row can be positioned distally with respect to the distalmost staple cavity <NUM> in the intermediate row. In certain embodiments, the staple cavities <NUM> of the innermost row and the staple cavities <NUM> of the outermost row can be aligned transversely with each other such that, one, the distal ends <NUM> of the innermost staple cavities <NUM> are aligned with the distal ends <NUM> of the outermost staple cavities <NUM> and, two, the proximal ends <NUM> of the innermost staple cavities <NUM> are aligned with the proximal ends <NUM> of the outermost staple cavities <NUM>. In various embodiments, each staple cavity <NUM>, and their openings <NUM>, can have the same, or at least approximately the same, configuration and, in at least one embodiment, the staple cavities <NUM> can be spaced equidistantly, or at least substantially equidistantly, relative to one another within a staple row.

In various embodiments, referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cartridge body <NUM> of the staple cartridge <NUM> can further comprise one or more ridges, such as ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, for example, which can be configured to contact and compress the targeted tissue. More particularly, referring now to <FIG>, the anvil <NUM> of an end effector can be closed in order to compress the tissue T against the staple cartridge <NUM> wherein, in such circumstances, the tissue-contacting deck <NUM> and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extending therefrom can engage the tissue. As the anvil <NUM> is closed, in certain circumstances, the anvil <NUM> can push the tissue toward the staple cartridge <NUM> such that the tissue first contacts the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and then contacts the cartridge deck <NUM>. In other circumstances, the staple cartridge <NUM> can be positioned against the tissue such that the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> contact the tissue before the tissue is contacted by the cartridge deck <NUM>. In any event, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, once in contact in with the tissue, can prevent, or at least limit, relative movement between the tissue and the staple cartridge <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can extend upwardly from a flat, or at least substantially flat, cartridge deck <NUM> and can define one or more pockets or channels, for example, which can be configured to receive a portion of the tissue therein and, as a result, inhibit the relative movement of the tissue in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the end effector, especially when the tissue is at least partially compressed between the anvil <NUM> and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In various embodiments, as the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend above the cartridge deck <NUM>, the tissue positioned intermediate the anvil <NUM> and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be compressed before the tissue positioned intermediate the anvil <NUM> and the cartridge deck <NUM> is compressed. In some such circumstances, as a result, the tissue positioned between the anvil <NUM> and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be pre-compressed, i.e., at least partially compressed before the other portions of the tissue positioned between the anvil <NUM> and the cartridge deck <NUM> are compressed. Owing to this pre-compression, in various circumstances, portions of the tissue can be controlled or prevented from slipping out of the end effector before the tissue is fully compressed as described in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the ridges <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM> can extend around the proximal ends <NUM> of the staple cavity openings <NUM>. Similarly, the ridges <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM> can extend around the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavity openings <NUM>. These proximal ridges <NUM> and distal ridges <NUM>, in various embodiments, can be configured to engage the tissue positioned above and/or around the staple cavities <NUM> and hold these portions of the tissue in position as the tissue is being compressed and/or stapled. Stated another way, holding the tissue positioned above and/or surrounding the staple cavities <NUM> can provide localized control over the portions of the tissue that are going to be stapled and, as a result, prevent, or at least limit, the relative movement between these portions of the tissue and the staple cartridge <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ridges <NUM> and <NUM> can be positioned around the openings <NUM> of all of the staple cavities <NUM> or only some of the staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, a cartridge body may comprise ridges <NUM> and <NUM> surrounding only the staple cavities <NUM> in the outermost rows of the first and second sides <NUM> and <NUM>. In such embodiments, the ridges surrounding the outermost rows of staple cavities <NUM> may be sufficient to block the lateral movement of the tissue within the end effector. In certain embodiments, a cartridge body may only comprise proximal ridges <NUM> surrounding the proximal ends <NUM> of the proximalmost staple cavities <NUM> and/or distal ridges <NUM> surrounding the distal ends <NUM> of the distalmost staple cavities <NUM>. In such embodiments, the ridges surrounding the proximalmost and distalmost staple cavities <NUM> may be sufficient to block the longitudinal movement of the tissue within the end effector.

In various embodiments, further to the above, each proximal ridge <NUM> can comprise an arcuate or curved profile, for example, which surrounds a proximal end <NUM> of an opening <NUM>. The arcuate profile of each proximal ridge <NUM> can be defined by one radius of curvature or more than one radius of curvature. Similarly, each distal ridge <NUM> can comprise an arcuate or curved profile, for example, which surrounds a distal end <NUM> of an opening <NUM>. The arcuate profile of each distal ridge <NUM> can be defined by one radius of curvature or more than one radius of curvature. In certain embodiments, further to the above, each ridge <NUM> and <NUM> can form a pocket which can receive a portion of tissue that is being compressed and prevent that portion of tissue from moving longitudinally and/or transversely relative to the staple cartridge <NUM>. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge <NUM> can further comprise intermediate ridges <NUM> which can extend between and/or connect adjacent ridges <NUM> and <NUM> in adjacent rows of staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, one or more ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can co-operatively form an undulating ridge extending across the first side <NUM> or the second side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> wherein, in at least one embodiment, the undulating ridge can extend between a center portion and a side portion of the cartridge body <NUM>. In various embodiments, each undulating ridge can comprise a plurality of wave portions winding around the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavities <NUM>, for example. In various embodiments, each ridge <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can comprise a height defined from the cartridge deck <NUM> wherein, in certain embodiments, the height of each ridge <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, across the length thereof. In at least one embodiment, each ridge <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can have the same, or at least substantially the same, height.

In various embodiments, as described above, the staple cavities defined in a staple cartridge body can comprise a staple positioned therein wherein the entirety of the staple can be positioned below the top surface, or tissue-contacting surface, of the cartridge deck when the staple is in its unfired position. In certain other embodiments, at least a portion of the staple, such as the tips of the staple legs, for example, can extend above the top surface, or tissue-contacting surface, of the cartridge deck when the staples are in their unfired position. In some such embodiments, the tips of the staples can protrude from the deck and may snag on tissue as the staple cartridge is inserted into a surgical site. In at least one embodiment, referring now to <FIG>, the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, which extend above the tissue-contacting cartridge deck <NUM>, can at least partially surround and protect the staple legs <NUM> of staples <NUM> when they extend above the cartridge deck <NUM> in their unfired position. Although the ridges <NUM> and <NUM> may not extend entirely around each opening <NUM>, in various embodiments, the proximal ridge <NUM> may sufficiently surround one of the staple leg tips and the distal ridge <NUM> may sufficiently surround the other staple leg tip such that the staple leg tips do not contact the tissue prior to the tissue being compressed against the staple cartridge <NUM> and/or the staples <NUM> being ejected from the staple cartridge <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the staple leg tips can be positioned below the top surfaces <NUM> of the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the staple leg tips can lie in a common plane with the top surfaces <NUM> of the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>. In various embodiments, as a result of the protection afforded by the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, staples having a taller staple height can be used without the staple tips protruding from the staple cartridge <NUM> in their unfired position. In certain embodiments, referring again to <FIG>, the ridges <NUM> and <NUM> can extend or increase the length in which the staple legs <NUM> of the staples <NUM> can be controlled and/or supported. In at least one such embodiment, each ridge <NUM> and <NUM> can extend or increase the length in which the staple legs <NUM> are supported on three sides thereof. Such embodiments can prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, the staple legs <NUM> from buckling when they are inserted through dense tissue, such as bronchus tissue, for example.

In various embodiments, referring again to <FIG>, the cartridge body <NUM> can comprise cavities <NUM>, slot <NUM>, and channels <NUM>, for example, defined therein which can reduce the strength of the cartridge body <NUM>. In various circumstances, especially when the cartridge body <NUM> is compressed by the anvil <NUM>, for example, the cartridge body <NUM> can deflect as a result of the load applied thereto. In at least one such embodiment, the portions of the cartridge deck <NUM> extending over the channels <NUM>, for example, may be especially thin and may be especially subject to deflection and/or breakage. In certain embodiments, referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> can be configured to strengthen and/or stiffen the cartridge body <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the ridges <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, can extend around the openings <NUM> in order to strengthen and/or stiffen the portions of the cartridge body <NUM> surrounding the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ridges <NUM>, for example, can extend transversely over channels <NUM>, or the like, defined within the cartridge body <NUM> such that the ridges <NUM> can strengthen and/or stiffen the cartridge body <NUM> surrounding the channels <NUM>. In various other embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can comprise any suitable number and configuration of ridges extending therefrom in order to achieve the advantages described herein.

In various embodiments, a staple cartridge body <NUM> can be comprised of plastic materials, metallic materials, and/or ceramic materials, for example. Some such materials can comprise liquid crystal polymers, such as Vectra, for example, thermoplastic polymers, such as polycarbonate, ABS, Noryl, polyamides (nylons), polyethersulfones, polyetherimides, such as Ultem, for example, and/or polymer blends of two or more of the aforementioned thermoplastic polymers, for example, wherein, in various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can be formed by an injection molding process, for example. Some such materials can comprise thermoset polymers, like thermoset polyesters, for example, investment cast stainless steels, such as <NUM>-<NUM> PH, for example, and/or metal Injection molded stainless steels, such as <NUM>-<NUM> PH, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> can be integrally formed with the cartridge deck <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> can be attached to the cartridge deck <NUM> by at least one adhesive, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM>, a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> defined in the cartridge body <NUM>, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a first side <NUM> comprising a first group of staple cavities <NUM>, a second side <NUM> comprising a second group of staple cavities <NUM>, and a cartridge deck <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of ridges <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM> which can be positioned intermediate adjacent staple cavities <NUM> in a row of staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a cross-shaped or X-shaped configuration, for example. In at least one such embodiment, for example, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a V-shaped portion <NUM> which can at least partially surround a proximal end <NUM> of a staple cavity opening <NUM> and, in addition, a V-shaped portion <NUM> which can at least partially surround a distal end <NUM> of another staple cavity opening <NUM>. In certain embodiments, only the outermost rows of staple cavities <NUM> in cartridge body <NUM> can be at least partially surrounded by ridges <NUM>. In certain other embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, a staple cartridge body <NUM>' can comprise ridges <NUM> which at least partially surround the opening <NUM> of every staple cavity <NUM> in the cartridge body. In any event, in various embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can be configured to compress and control tissue positioned against the staple cartridge <NUM> as described above and/or surround the staple legs of the staples extending above the deck <NUM>.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM>, a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> defined in the cartridge body <NUM>, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a first side <NUM> comprising a first group of staple cavities <NUM>, a second side <NUM> comprising a second group of staple cavities <NUM>, and a cartridge deck <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of ridges <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM>, wherein each ridge <NUM> can entirely surround or encompass a staple cavity opening <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, some cavity openings <NUM> in the cartridge body <NUM> may not be surrounded by a ridge <NUM>; whereas, in various alternative embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, every cavity opening <NUM> in a cartridge body <NUM>' can be surrounded by a ridge <NUM>. Various embodiments are contemplated where a cartridge body comprises a first group of staple cavities <NUM> which are surrounded by a ridge <NUM> and a second group of staple cavities <NUM> which are not surrounded by a ridge <NUM>, wherein staples having a taller staple height can be positioned in the first group of staple cavities <NUM> and wherein staples having a shorter staple height can be positioned in the second group of staple cavities <NUM> such that neither the taller staples nor the shorter staples protrude from the staple cartridge <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, for example, the cartridge body can be configured to utilize taller staples in one row of staple cavities <NUM> and shorter staples in another row of staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, ridges <NUM> can surround all of the staple cavities <NUM> in the outermost rows of staple cavities <NUM> in the cartridge body such that taller staples can be utilized in the outermost rows and shorter staples can be utilized in the innermost rows and/or intermediate rows of staple cavities <NUM>, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM>, a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> defined in the cartridge body <NUM>, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a first side <NUM> comprising a first group of staple cavities <NUM>, a second side <NUM> comprising a second group of staple cavities <NUM>, and a cartridge deck <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of ridges <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM>, wherein each ridge <NUM> can comprise a plurality, or array, of knurls. In use, an anvil can be utilized to position tissue against the knurls such that the tissue conforms to the contour of the knurls. In various embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a plurality of pyramidal-shaped, or diamond-shaped, knurls, for example, at least partially surrounding one or more staple cavity openings <NUM> wherein, in at least one embodiment, the pyramidal-shaped knurls can point upwardly from the cartridge deck <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, each pyramidal knurl can comprise four triangular sides which can converge together to form a sharp point. In certain embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the pyramidal knurls of ridges <NUM> can be truncated, wherein the top of each knurl can comprise a flat top surface surrounded by inclined sides. Although four-sided pyramidal knurls can be utilized, referring now to <FIG>, other pyramidal shapes are contemplated which have less than four sides or more than four sides, such as three sides, for example. In various embodiments, one or more ridges <NUM> can comprise a plurality of cone-shaped knurls, wherein each cone-shaped knurl can comprise a circular, or at least substantially circular, base which tapers upwardly to form a sharp point. In certain embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, the cone-shaped knurls can be truncated, wherein the top of each knurl can comprise a flat top surface surrounded by an annular side. In various embodiments, referring again to <FIG>, the knurls of the ridges <NUM> can extend along the lateral sides of the staple cavity openings <NUM> and/or between adjacent staple cavity openings <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the knurls can extend around the proximal ends <NUM> and/or the distal ends <NUM> of the staple cavity openings <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the knurls of ridges <NUM> may only surround some of the staple cavities <NUM> while, in certain other embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the knurls of ridges <NUM> may cover the entirety, or at least the substantial entirety, of the cartridge deck <NUM>, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM>, a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> defined in the cartridge body <NUM>, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a first side <NUM> comprising a first group of staple cavities <NUM>, a second side <NUM> comprising a second group of staple cavities <NUM>, and a cartridge deck <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of ridges, or bumps, <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, each ridge <NUM> can extend transversely between a center, or middle, portion of the cartridge body <NUM> positioned adjacent to a knife slot <NUM> and a lateral portion of the cartridge body <NUM>. More particularly, referring specifically to the first side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a first end <NUM> positioned adjacent to the knife slot <NUM> and a second end <NUM> positioned adjacent to the first side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. Similarly, referring now to the second side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a first end <NUM> positioned adjacent to the knife slot <NUM> and a second end <NUM> positioned adjacent to the second side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a height measured from the deck <NUM> wherein, in at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can vary along the length thereof. In certain embodiments, the second end <NUM> can be taller than the first end <NUM> and the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper between the second end <NUM> and the first end <NUM>. In certain alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, the first end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> can be taller than the second end <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper linearly, or at least substantially linearly, between the ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper between a maximum height at the second end <NUM> down to no height at all at the first end <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the height of each ridge <NUM> can vary geometrically between the ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In certain alternative embodiments, referring now to <FIG>, each ridge <NUM>' can comprise a uniform height across the length thereof.

As described above, the inner ends <NUM> of the ridges <NUM> can be shorter than the outer ends <NUM> of the ridges <NUM>. In various circumstances, as a result, the inner ends <NUM> can apply less pressure to the tissue clamped between an anvil and the staple cartridge <NUM> as compared to the outer ends <NUM>. In various embodiments, as described above, each ridge <NUM> can extend transversely across the cartridge deck <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can extend along a ridge axis which transects a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the ridge axes can be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In various embodiments, the staple cavities <NUM> can be arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each row of staple cavities <NUM> can be defined along a longitudinal axis which can be parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the ridge axes of the ridges <NUM> can extend in a direction which transect the longitudinal axes of the staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the ridge axes of the ridges <NUM> can extend in a direction which is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axes of the staple cavities <NUM>. In various embodiments, referring again to <FIG>, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a crest <NUM> and, in addition, sloped surfaces <NUM> extending between the crest <NUM> and the cartridge deck <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each sloped surface <NUM> can comprise one or more flat surfaces, curved surfaces, concave surfaces, and/or convex surfaces, for example. In various embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can extend along a path which extends across one or more openings <NUM> of the staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, such openings <NUM> can extend upwardly through the ridges <NUM>. As the ridges <NUM> extend transversely across the cartridge deck <NUM>, the ridges <NUM>, similar to the ridges <NUM>, can increase the strength and/or stiffness of the cartridge body <NUM>.

In various embodiments, referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge <NUM>, for example, can comprise a cartridge body <NUM>, a plurality of staple cavities <NUM> defined in the cartridge body <NUM>, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a first side <NUM> comprising a first group of staple cavities <NUM>, a second side <NUM> comprising a second group of staple cavities <NUM>, and a cartridge deck <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cartridge body <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of ridges, or bumps, <NUM> extending from the cartridge deck <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, each ridge <NUM> can extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein each ridge <NUM> can comprise a distal end <NUM> and a proximal end <NUM>, wherein the distal end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> can positioned closer to the distal end <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>, and wherein the proximal end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> can be positioned closer to the proximal end <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a height measured from the deck <NUM> wherein, in at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can vary along the length thereof. In certain embodiments, the proximal end <NUM> can be taller than the distal end <NUM> and the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper between the proximal end <NUM> and the distal end <NUM>. In certain alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, the distal end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> can be taller than the proximal end <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper linearly, or at least substantially linearly, between the ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge <NUM> can taper between a maximum height at the proximal end <NUM> down to no height at all at the distal end <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the height of each ridge <NUM> can vary geometrically between the ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In certain alternative embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a uniform height across the length thereof.

As described above, the distal ends <NUM> of the ridges <NUM> can be shorter than the proximal ends <NUM> of the ridges <NUM>. In various circumstances, as a result, the distal ends <NUM> can apply less pressure to the tissue clamped between an anvil and the staple cartridge <NUM> as compared to the proximal ends <NUM>. In various embodiments, as described above, each ridge <NUM> can extend longitudinally across the cartridge deck <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can extend along a ridge axis which is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. In various embodiments, the staple cavities <NUM> can be arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each row of staple cavities <NUM> can be defined along a longitudinal axis which can be parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the ridge axes of ridges <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, referring again to <FIG>, each ridge <NUM> can comprise a ramped surface which can comprise one or more flat surfaces, curved surfaces, concave surfaces, and/or convex surfaces, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the bottom of the ramped surface can face distally which can facilitate the sliding of tissue across the staple cartridge <NUM> when the tissue is positioned in the end effector. In various embodiments, each ridge <NUM> can extend along a path which extends across one or more openings <NUM> of the staple cavities <NUM>. In at least one such embodiment, such openings <NUM> can extend upwardly through the ridges <NUM>. As the ridges <NUM> extend transversely across the cartridge deck <NUM>, the ridges <NUM> can increase the strength and/or stiffness of the cartridge body <NUM>.

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 tetrafluoroehtylene (TFE) such as ethylene-tetrafluoroehtylene (ETFE), perfluroralkoxyethylene-tetrafluoroehtylene (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.

Although the various embodiments of the devices have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description is intended to cover all such modification and variations.

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 disclosure.

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.

Claim 1:
A staple cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a plurality of staples (<NUM>); and
a cartridge body (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a proximal end (<NUM>);
a distal end (<NUM>);
a tissue-contacting deck (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a plurality of staple cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein a said staple is positioned in each said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple cavity comprises a staple cavity opening; and
a plurality of ridges (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from said tissue-contacting deck,
characterized in that each said ridge extends along a path which extends across more than one staple cavity opening, and
wherein each of the more than one staple cavity openings extends upwardly through the ridges.