Patent ID: 12256929

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific examples of the present invention are now described in detail with reference to the Figures, where identical reference numbers indicate elements which are functionally similar or identical. The examples provide solutions for staple cartridge systems that include an implantable adjunct. An implantable adjunct can be used in stapling surgery to account for differing tissue thicknesses across the length of the stapling surface. For instance, a length of tissue clamped in an end effector of a surgical instrument may by thicker at one end of the staple cartridge than at the other end. However, the staple cartridge may be loaded with staples of a single length, meaning the staples may be properly sized for the thicker section of tissue, but may be too long for the thinner section of tissue. If the staples are too long, proper compression of the tissue at the staple site may be compromised, leading to undesired bleeding. An implantable adjunct can account for this differing tissue thickness by providing support for the thinner sections of tissue. Where the tissue is thick, the implantable adjunct can be compressed almost all the way down to a negligible thickness since no additional thickness is needed to account for the staple length. Where the tissue is thin, the implantable adjunct is not as compressed, meaning the adjunct provides the additional thickness needed to account for the staple length, thereby providing proper compression in that section of the tissue.

The implantable adjunct must be properly, yet reversibly, adhered to the deck of the staple cartridge so that it does not become dislodged during shipment or, importantly, during the surgical procedure. For instance, during surgery the staple cartridge is loaded into an end effector of a cutter/stapler surgical instrument, sent through a cannula to a surgical site, traversed through and around tissue, and then positioned at the target tissue site that will be cut and stapled by the surgical instrument. If the implantable adjunct is not properly adhered to the deck of the staple cartridge, it may become dislodged from the deck during this procedure. The adjunct is adhered to the cartridge deck with an attachment material, which needs to be sticky or tacky enough to keep the adjunct adhered to the deck, but not so sticky that it is difficult to detach from the deck after the stapling procedure is completed. As such, the present retainer systems provide solutions that ensure the adjunct is properly adhered to the staple cartridge right before the staple cartridge is positioned at the treatment site. These systems provide such solutions by incorporating retainers and retainer systems that enable a temporary compressive force to be applied to implantable adjuncts on staple cartridges before they are used in surgery.

Referring now to the figure,FIG.1shows an exploded view of a prior staple cartridge100that does not include an implantable adjunct on deck108thereof. In these prior examples, retainer50can be attached to staple cartridge100from proximal end102to distal end104to ensure that staples within various staple pockets110do not fall out of openings112within deck108. Retainer50has a function of preventing staples from falling out before staple cartridge100is positioned within channel206of first jaw frame204of end effector202. Retainer50is simply removed when staple cartridge100is inserted between channel rails208of channel206.

FIGS.2A-2Cillustrate staple cartridges that include an implantable adjunct. As seen in the exploded view ofFIG.2A, the system includes staple cartridge100(which is substantially similar to the staple cartridge shown inFIG.1) and implantable adjunct300which is adhered to deck108that is positioned along elongate body120of staple cartridge100. Implantable adjunct300can be adhered to staple cartridge100with attachment material302. As described above, attachment material302can provide sufficient adhesion for implantable adjunct300to remain adhered to deck108when being positioned at the treatment site, but the adhesion does not impair the ability of implantable adjunct300from being detached from deck108when being implanted. In some instances, attachment material can be an adhesive, adhesive strip, double-sided tape, and the like. The implantable adjunct300can also be adhered directly to deck108.FIG.2Bshows implantable adjunct300adhered to deck108via attachment material302.FIG.2Cis a perspective view of implantable adjunct300adhered to deck108. For background, the staples of the systems described herein are fired through implantable adjunct300during the stapling procedure. In some instances, implantable adjunct300can include sled groove304within length350of the adjunct. Sled groove304provides a path for a knife (not shown in figures) to traverse such that the knife does not need to cut through implantable adjunct300, thereby preserving the edge on the knife. When implantable adjunct300includes sled groove304, implantable adjunct300can be considered to be separated into adjunct first side306and adjunct second side308. In some examples, adjunct300can include laminated layers, such as a foam and/or porous material laminated with a mesh material, wherein the sled groove304is disposed in the foam and/or porous material but the mesh material remains intact. In other examples, adjunct300can include a film layer and/or a mesh layer. The film layer can comprise material commonly used with absorbable monofilament sutures and can be heat processed with a mesh layer to act as a bonding agent to hold the mesh and foam of the adjunct300together.

FIG.3Ais a side-view schematic of staple cartridge100being loaded into a surgical instrument, i.e., surgical instrument200. Staple cartridge100is loaded into end effector202before being positioned at the treatment site. As described above, staple cartridge100is inserted into first jaw frame204. Anvil210clamps down toward staple cartridge100during the stapling procedure. Once the tissue is stapled, anvil210opens to leave the staples and adjunct attached to the tissue. Staple cartridge100remains in first jaw frame204as surgical instrument200is removed from the treatment site. In other examples, the entire end effector202with staple cartridge100can be preassembled and attached to surgical instrument200(embodiment not illustrated). The examples described below can be used with the preassembled embodiment as well.

AlthoughFIG.3Ashows staple cartridge100without a retainer attached thereto, the example retainers (i.e., retainer400) described herein can be inserted into first jaw frame204while attached to said staple cartridge100(seethe construct inFIGS.4E,5C,6H, for example). As stated above, implantable adjunct300can account for this differing tissue thickness by providing buttress support for the thinner sections of tissue. Where the tissue is thick, implantable adjunct300can be compressed almost all the way down to a negligible thickness since no additional thickness is needed to account for the staple length. Where the tissue is thin, the implantable adjunct300is not as compressed, meaning the adjunct provides the additional thickness needed to account for the staple length, thereby providing proper compression in that section of the tissue.FIG.3Bis a schematic showing the implantable adjunct300stapled to tissue (T) having different thickness. The individual staples120a,b,c,dhave the same height (H), so the implantable adjunct300fills in the space for thinner sections of tissue (i.e., the tissue (T) shown at staples120band120d). For thicker sections of tissue (i.e., the tissue (T) shown at staples120aand120c), the implantable adjunct300is more compressed as the staples do not need the additional space (i.e., height) filled in by the implantable adjunct300.

Referring now toFIGS.4A-4E, the example implementation shows a staple cartridge and retainer system that can protect an adjunct during shipment of the staple cartridge and also provide a compressive force to the adjunct. The system shown includes retainer400and base410. Retainer400can be releasably secured to staple cartridge100, and retainer400can also be independently releasably secured to base410. As such, base410can act as a disposable protector for staple cartridge100during shipment, and then can be detached from retainer400when the cartridge is ready for surgery. Retainer400can be detached from staple cartridge100once the cartridge is loaded into first jaw frame204(seeFIG.3A).

Referring again to retainer400ofFIG.4A, retainer400is removably securable to elongate body120of staple cartridge100. Retainer400includes a retainer cam406that is engageable with track412in base410. Retainer400is moveable through a range of motion relative to elongate body120while retainer400is secured to elongate body120, as retainer cam406will move through the path provided by track412as retainer400is moved through its range of motion. Movement of retainer cam406through track412from a first cam position414to a second cam position416moves retainer400toward elongate body120, thereby compressing implantable adjunct300against deck108of elongate body120. It is contemplated that the compression of the implantable adjunct300could be in the order of approximately 50% of its thickness, or in the alternative to just before a solid stack height wherein the compression implantable adjunct300is just less than a maximum amount of compression—i.e., to a point where the foam will not compress any further. To further illustrate, in the first cam position414(seeFIG.4B), retainer cam406is positioned such that retainer400is at a predetermined distance away from base410and implantable adjunct300is not compressed. This can be the configuration in which the system is shipped. In the second cam position416(seeFIG.4C), retainer cam406is positioned such that retainer400moved toward base410such that implantable adjunct300becomes compressed. At the same time, this example causes retainer400to slide axially with respect to longitudinal axis106of elongate body120(i.e., actuating the retainer/base causes two-dimensional movement-compression and axial sliding). The first cam position414is higher with respect to height421of base410than is second cam position416. After retainer cam406passes the second cam position416(seeFIG.4D), retainer cam406moves toward track opening418such that retainer400can be removed from base410(seeFIG.4E). Base410is stationary with respect to elongate body120during the movement of retainer cam406through track412from the first cam position414, to the second cam position416, to the track opening418. As is shown inFIG.4A, retainer400can include second cam450, which is substantially similar to retainer cam406. Base410can include second track452, which is substantially similar to track412. Having another cam and track closer to proximal end402of retainer400can enable uniform compression across the entire length of implantable adjunct300.

The example retainer system shown inFIGS.4A-4Ecomprises actuator422positioned proximate distal end404of retainer400. Actuation of actuator422causes retainer cam406to move through track412and further causes retainer400to compress the implantable adjunct300. As actuator422is pushed inwardly (down inFIG.4B, for example) toward base410, actuator cam424on actuator422tracks through actuator track426on base410, constraining actuator422to move only in that linear direction. As actuator422moves through actuator track426, actuator ramp428on actuator422will slidably engage with retainer ramp408at distal end404of retainer400, thereby causing retainer400to both compress implantable adjunct300and slide axially with respect to longitudinal axis106of elongate body120. In other examples, the actuator track426does not need to be linear or “vertical” as illustrated. The actuator track426can be shaped to apply both a downward and a longitudinal force based on the actuator track426regardless of the shape of an actuator ramp428and a retainer ramp408.

In certain implementations, and as shown inFIG.4E, base410includes base lug shoulder432and/or includes base channel shoulder434. These features can be used to ensure that retainer400is not over compressed onto staple cartridge100, which could deform the cartridge before inserting it into end effector202(seeFIG.3A). Base lug shoulder432is positioned within base410to align with lug212of cartridge100; base channel shoulder434is positioned within base410to align with channel rails208of cartridge100. As retainer cam406moves through track412to the second cam position416, base lug shoulder432and/or base channel shoulder434will come close to or contact their respective feature on cartridge100to prevent cartridge100from bowing or deforming as the compressive force is applied to implantable adjunct300.

Retainer400shown inFIGS.4A-4Ealso includes one or more retention tabs420extending from retainer400. Retention tabs420are outwardly deflectable upon seating into first jaw frame204. Retention tabs420can keep retainer400connected to staple cartridge100until the cartridge/retainer is inserted into first jaw frame204. For instance, retention tabs420can hook onto cartridge rails118of staple cartridge100(seeFIGS.2A and2B). Upon insertion into first jaw frame204, channel rails208of first jaw frame204will slip between retention tabs420and staple cartridge100to deflect them outwardly, thereby releasing them from cartridge rails118such that retainer400can be removed from staple cartridge100.FIG.6H, although depicting a different embodiment of a retainer (i.e., retainer600), provides an illustration of retention tabs (e.g., retention tabs620) hooked to cartridge rails118before being deflected by channel rails208of first jaw frame204.

Referring now toFIGS.5A-5D, the example shows a staple cartridge and retainer system that can protect an adjunct during shipment of the staple cartridge and also provide a compressive force to the implantable adjunct. Retainer500inFIGS.5A-5Dis substantially similar to retainer400described with respect toFIGS.4A-4E, but in this implementation retainer500includes retainer grip surface522. Retainer grip surface522can include retainer ridges554for improved grip. The retainer system inFIG.4Aalso includes base510, which is similar to base410. Base510includes base grip surface524. Base grip surface524can include base ridges556for improved grip. In this implementation, the retainer system does not include a separate actuator (e.g., actuator422inFIGS.4A), but instead the actuation of retainer500with respect to base510is performed by pushing downwardly and axially on retainer500. For instance, a user can grip distal end504of retainer500by retainer grip surface522, grip base510by base grip surface524, and pinch retainer500inwardly (down inFIG.5A, for example) toward base510. In doing so, retainer cam506will move through the path provided by track512as retainer500is moved through the range of motion.

Referring again to retainer500ofFIG.5A, retainer500is removably securable to elongate body120of staple cartridge100. Retainer500includes a retainer cam506that is engageable with track512in base510. Retainer500is moveable through a range of motion relative to elongate body120while retainer500is secured to elongate body120, as retainer cam506will move through the path provided by track512as retainer500is moved through the range of motion. Movement of retainer cam506through track512from a first cam position514to a second cam position516moves retainer500toward elongate body120, thereby compressing implantable adjunct300against deck108of elongate body120. To further illustrate, in the first cam position514(seeFIGS.5A and5B), retainer cam506is positioned such that retainer500is at a predetermined distance away from base510and implantable adjunct300is not compressed. This can be the configuration in which the system is shipped. In the second cam position516(seeFIG.5Cfor reference), retainer cam506is positioned such that retainer500moved toward base510such that implantable adjunct300becomes compressed. At the same time, this example causes retainer500to slide axially with respect to longitudinal axis106of elongate body120(i.e., actuating the retainer/base causes two-dimensional movement-compression and axial sliding). The first cam position516is higher with respect to height521of base510than is second cam position516. After retainer cam506passes the second cam position516, retainer cam506moves toward track opening518such that retainer500can be removed from base510(this position is shown inFIG.5C). Base510is stationary with respect to elongate body120during the movement of retainer cam506through track512from the first cam position514, to the second cam position516, to the track opening518. As is shown inFIG.5A, retainer500can include second cam550, which is substantially similar to retainer cam506. Base510can include second track552, which is substantially similar to track512. Having another cam and track closer to proximal end502of retainer500can enable uniform compression across the entire length of implantable adjunct300.

In certain implementations, and as shown inFIG.5D, base510includes base lug shoulder532and/or includes base channel shoulder534. These features can be used to ensure that retainer500is not over compressed onto staple cartridge100, which could deform the cartridge before inserting it into end effector202(seeFIG.3A). Base lug shoulder532is positioned within base510to align with lug212of cartridge100; base channel shoulder534is positioned within base510to align with channel rails208of cartridge100. As retainer cam506moves through track512to the second cam position516, base lug shoulder532and/or base channel shoulder534will come close to or contact their respective feature on cartridge100to prevent cartridge100from bowing or deforming as the compressive force is applied to implantable adjunct300.

Retainer500shown inFIGS.5A-5Dalso includes one or more retention tabs520extending from retainer500. Retention tabs520are outwardly deflectable upon seating into first jaw frame204. Retention tabs520can keep retainer500connected to staple cartridge100until the cartridge/retainer is inserted into first jaw frame204. For instance, retention tabs520can hook onto cartridge rails118of staple cartridge100(seeFIGS.2A and2B). Upon insertion into first jaw frame204, channel rails208of first jaw frame204will slip between retention tabs520and staple cartridge100to deflect them outwardly, thereby releasing them from cartridge rails118such that retainer500can be removed from staple cartridge100.

Referring now toFIGS.6A-6H, the example shows a staple cartridge and retainer system that can protect an adjunct during shipment of the staple cartridge and also provide a compressive force to the implantable adjunct. Unlike retainers400and500discussed above, retainer600inFIGS.6A-6Hdoes not include a base. Retainer cam606in this implementation is pointed inwardly toward staple cartridge100, and retainer cam606engages with track612positioned within lug212of cartridge100(seeFIG.6Cfor detailed view of lug212). Lug212can be an extension on elongate body120; lug212fits within a corresponding slot205in first jaw frame204(seeFIG.3Atoward the distal end of end effector202). The implementation shown inFIGS.6A-6Hincludes cam arm624pivotably attached to retainer600. Retainer cam606is positioned on cam arm624. Retainer600is moveable through a range of motion relative to elongate body120while retainer600is secured to elongate body120. Retainer cam606moves through track612from a first cam position614to a second cam position616as retainer600is pressed toward elongate body120to compress implantable adjunct300against deck108. To further illustrate, in the first cam position614(seeFIG.6E), retainer cam606is positioned such that retainer600is at a distance away from staple cartridge100and implantable adjunct300is not compressed. This can be the configuration in which the system is shipped. In the second cam position616(seeFIG.6F), retainer cam606is positioned such that retainer600moved toward staple cartridge100and implantable adjunct300becomes compressed. After retainer cam606passes the second cam position616, retainer cam606moves toward track opening618such that retainer600can be removed from staple cartridge100(seeFIG.6G).

Retainer cam606can be attached to cam arm624, for example via a pin622on the retainer600that engages with an aperture626on cam arm624. Cam arm624is in turn pivotably attached to retainer600. Actuating retainer cam406, therefore, causes retainer cam406to pivot around pin622(seeFIG.6B). To facilitate retainer cam606moving through track612, retainer500includes torsion spring628attached to retainer600and cam arm624(seeFIG.6D). Torsion spring628biases cam arm624toward track opening618of track612. As retainer600is pressed toward staple cartridge100, torsion spring628moves retainer cam606from first cam position614(seeFIG.6E), to second cam position616(seeFIG.6F), to track opening618(seeFIG.6G). In this embodiment, therefore, movement of retainer600with respect to implantable adjunct300is one dimensional to shield implantable adjunct300from shear forces of retainer600as implantable adjunct300is compressed. In other words, there is no sliding, axial movement for retainer600as there was described for retainers400and500.

Referring again toFIG.6A, staple cartridge100can include pan114disposed along a bottom surface116of elongate body120. Pan114can be a rigid support along the length of elongate body120to prevent elongate body120from warping or deforming when compressive forces are applied to the cartridge. Referring now toFIG.6H, retainer600also includes one or more retention tabs620extending from retainer600. Retention tabs620are outwardly deflectable upon seating into first jaw frame204. Retention tabs620can keep retainer600connected to staple cartridge100until the cartridge/retainer is inserted into first jaw frame204. For instance, retention tabs620can hook onto cartridge rails118of staple cartridge100(seeFIGS.2A and2B). Upon insertion into first jaw frame204, channel rails208of first jaw frame204will slip between retention tabs620and staple cartridge100to deflect them outwardly, thereby releasing them from cartridge rails118such that retainer600can be removed from staple cartridge100.

Referring now toFIGS.7A-7C, the example shows various shapes of distal end702of implantable adjunct300. As described above, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide solutions to ensure the implantable adjunct300is properly adhered to deck108(FIG.2B) so that it is not dislodged from deck108during shipment or, importantly, during surgery before the implantable adjunct300is positioned at the treatment site. Beveling distal end702of implantable adjunct300can help to prevent dislodging by providing a smooth profile for the adjunct as the cartridge navigates the tissue. In some instances, distal end702of implantable adjunct300can include a distal slant706(FIG.7A) that can be cut into distal end702as the adjunct is manufactured. In an alternative embodiment, distal end702can be formed by a compressive force of a retainer (e.g., retainer400,500,600, or700). This compressive force can come from any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the respective retainer is pressed toward elongate body120to compress implantable adjunct300. In other examples, the implantable adjunct300can be pre-compressed during shipment of the cartridge. In any example, once compression of removed from implantable adjunct300, the adjunct can return to its manufactured, non-compressed state (for example after the adjunct has been implanted).

Referring now to the example adjunct shown inFIG.7B, distal end702of implantable adjunct300defines a first lateral contour708and a second lateral contour710. These two contour edges at corners of distal end702can further decrease the risk of dislodging implantable adjunct300as it traverses tissue to the treatment site by providing a smooth distal profile. In some examples, distal end704of retainer700(or any of retainers400,500, and600described herein) curves toward the implantable adjunct300and in a shape to define the contours. This shape of retainer700can compress distal end702of implantable adjunct300even when a retainer cam (e.g., retainer cam406,506,606) is in the first cam position414,514,614, i.e., before the respective retainer is actuated to compress implantable adjunct300.

Referring now toFIGS.8A-8E, the example system shown therein shows a clip-style retainer800, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.8A, retainer800can cover implantable adjunct300from a proximal end802of the retainer, and a distal end804can curve toward elongate body120of staple cartridge100to protect a distal end of the cartridge. Retainer800includes first retention hook806and first retention hook808that extends toward elongate body120and can engage with cartridge rails118of staple cartridge100.FIG.8Bis a side view of retainer800not being attached to staple cartridge100, andFIG.8Dshows retainer800attached to staple cartridge100. Retainer800includes sled rib812(FIG.8C) that, when connected to staple cartridge100, extends into sled groove304within length350of the implantable adjunct300(seeFIG.2C). Sled rib812can abut a sled (see sled216inFIG.9) of the staple cartridge100and prevent it from moving distally (and thus firing staples) prematurely. Sled rib812can be affixed to retainer800by weld tabs822extending from sled rib812which extend into weld slots824on retainer800. Weld tabs822can be welded to retainer800when the tabs are inserted into their respective weld slots824.

The system shown inFIGS.8A-8Eincludes base810. As shown inFIG.8E, base810includes hooks, i.e., first hook814and second hook816. First hook814and second hook816can loop over to engage with openings in retainer800, i.e., first hook opening818and second hook opening820, respectively. First hook814and second hook816are biased outwardly, so when a force is applied to retainer800to move the retainer toward base810, the retainer both compresses implantable adjunct300and allows first hook814and second hook816to disengage from their respective hook openings and spring outwardly, releasing retainer800and allowing base810to be detached and removed from retainer800.

FIG.9is a cutaway view of retainer900and base910. Base910includes base rib912. Retainer900is substantially similar to retainer800described above, but retainer900does not include a rib (e.g., sled rib812). Instead, base rib912extends from the bottom surface of base910, through staple cartridge100, and into sled groove304(seeFIG.2C). Base rib912can abut sled216of staple cartridge100and prevent the sled from moving distally (and thus firing staples) prematurely. Sled rib812can be affixed to retainer800by weld tabs822extending from sled rib812which extend into weld slots824on retainer800. Weld tabs822can be welded to retainer800when the tabs are inserted into their respective weld slots824.

FIG.10is a flowchart of a method1000of causing a retainer to compress implantable adjunct300against deck108of elongated body120of staple cartridge100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Method1000can be performed to on and of the retainers shown inFIGS.4A-7C(e.g., retainers400,500,600, and700). Method1000includes actuating1005a retainer cam (e.g., retainer cam406,506,606) through a range of motion defined by a track (e.g., track412,512,612) to actuate a retainer (e.g., retainers400,500,600,700) of staple cartridge100. Method1000includes moving1010, via the actuation in step1005, the retainer cam406,506,606from a first cam position414,514,614to second cam position416,516,616, thereby causing the retainer400,500,600,700to compress implantable adjunct300against deck108of elongate body120of the staple cartridge.

Method1000can end after step1010, or other steps can be performed according to the embodiments described herein. For example, method1000can include actuating actuator422comprising actuator ramp428such that actuator ramp428engages with retainer ramp408on retainer400, thereby causing retainer cam406to actuate through the range of motion defined by track412. Method1000can include grasping staple cartridge100by base410,510, wherein base410,510remains static with respect to elongated body120while actuating retainer400,500through the range of motion.

Examples of the present disclosure can be implemented by any of the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: A staple cartridge (100), comprising: an elongate body (120), the elongate body (120) comprising a deck (108), the elongate body (120) defining a plurality of staple pockets (110), each of the staple pockets (110) accessible via an opening (112) defined by the deck (108); an implantable adjunct (300) removably secured to the deck (108); a track (412,512,612); and a retainer (400,500,600,700) removably securable to the elongate body (120) and comprising a retainer cam (406,506,606) engageable with the track (412,512,612), the retainer (400,500,600,700) movable through a range of motion relative to the elongate body (120) while the retainer (400,500,600,700) is secured to the elongate body (120), the track (412,512,612) further defining a movement path for the retainer (400,500,600,700) with respect to the elongate body (120), with the retainer (400,500,600,700) secured to the elongate body (120), and the implantable adjunct (300) positioned intermediate the retainer (400,500,600,700) and the elongate body (120), a movement of the retainer cam (406,506,606) through the track (412,512,612) from a first cam position (414,514,614) to a second cam position (416,516,616) moves the retainer (400,500,600,700) toward the elongate body (120) thereby compressing the implantable adjunct (300) against the deck (108) of the elongate body (120).

Clause 2: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 1 further comprising a base (410,510) comprising the track (412,512,612), wherein the base (410,510) is positioned adjacent the elongate body (120) during the movement of the retainer cam (406,506,606) through the track (412,512,612).

Clause 3: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 2, wherein the base (410,510) is stationary with respect to the elongate body (120) during the movement of the retainer cam (406,506,606) through the track (412,512,612) from the first cam position (414,514,614) to the second cam position (416,516,616).

Clause 4: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 2 or 3 further comprising an actuator (422) positioned proximate a distal end (404) of the retainer (400) during the movement of the retainer cam (406) through the track, wherein actuation of the actuator (422) causes the retainer cam (406) to move through the track (412) and further causes the retainer (400) to compress the implantable adjunct (300) and slide axially with respect to a longitudinal axis (106) of the elongate body (120).

Clause 5: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 4, wherein the actuator (422) comprises an actuator ramp (428), and the retainer (400) comprises a retainer ramp (408) at its distal end (404) that is slidably engageable with the actuator ramp (428) upon actuation of actuator (422), causing the retainer (400) to slide axially with respect to a longitudinal axis (106) of the elongate body (120).

Clause 6: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 4 or 5, wherein the actuator (422) comprises an actuator cam (424), the base (410) comprises an actuator track (426), and movement of the actuator (422) is constrained by engagement of the actuator cam (424) with the actuator track (426).

Clause 7: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 2, wherein the base (510) comprises a base grip surface (524), and the retainer (500) comprises a retainer grip surface (522).

Clause 8: The staple cartridge (100) of any one of Clauses 2 to 7, wherein the base (410,510) comprises at least one of a base lug shoulder (432,532) and a base channel shoulder (434,534).

Clause 9: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 1 further comprising a lug (212) positioned proximate a distal end (104) of the elongate body (120), wherein the track (612) is positioned within the lug (212), and the retainer cam (606) is aligned inwardly toward the track (612).

Clause 10: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 9, further comprising a cam arm (624) pivotably attached to the retainer (600), wherein the retainer cam (606) is positioned on the cam arm (624).

Clause 11: The staple cartridge (100) of Clause 10, further comprising a torsion spring (628) attached to the retainer (600) and the cam arm (624), the torsion spring (628) biasing the cam arm (624) toward a track opening (618) of the track (612).

Clause 12: The staple cartridge (100) of any of Clauses 9 to 11, wherein movement of the retainer (400,500,600,700) with respect to the implantable adjunct (300) is substantially one dimensional to shield the implantable adjunct (300) from shear forces of the retainer (400,500,600,700) as the implantable adjunct (300) is compressed by the movement of the retainer cam (406,506,606) through the track (412,512,612) from the first cam position (414,514,614) to the second cam position (416,516,616).

Clause 13: The staple cartridge (100) of any of Clauses 9 to 12 further comprising: at least one cartridge rail (118) extending along the elongate body (120); and one or more retention tabs (620) engageable with the at least one cartridge rail (118) and deflectable upon insertion into a channel (206) of an end effector (202).

Clause 14: The staple cartridge (100) of any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein the retainer (400,500,600,700) is secured to the staple cartridge (100) when the retainer cam (406,506,606) is in the first cam position (414,514,614) and the second cam position (416,516,616), and is removable from the staple cartridge (100) when the retainer cam (406,506,606) has moved past the second cam position (416,516,616) and to a track opening (418,518,618).

Clause 15: The staple cartridge (100) of any one of the preceding Clauses, wherein a distal end (704) of the retainer (400,500,600,700) curves toward the implantable adjunct (300) and compresses a distal end (702) of the implantable adjunct (300) when the retainer cam (406,506,606) is in the first cam position (414,514,614), the compression of the distal end (702) of the implantable adjunct (300) defining a first lateral contour (708) and a second lateral contour (710).

Clause 16: A method of causing a retainer (400,500,600,700) to compress an implantable adjunct (300) against a deck (108) of an elongated body (120) of a staple cartridge (100), the method comprising: actuating a retainer cam (406,506,606) through a range of motion defined by a track (412,512,612) to actuate a retainer (400,500,600,700) of a staple cartridge (100); and moving, via the actuation, the retainer cam (406,506,606) from a first cam position (414,514,614) to a second cam position (416,516,616), thereby causing the retainer (400,500,600,700) to compress an implantable adjunct (300) against a deck (108) of an elongate body (120) of the staple cartridge (100).

Clause 17: The method of Clause 16 further comprising actuating an actuator (422) comprising an actuator ramp (428) such that the actuator ramp (428) engages with a retainer ramp (408) on the retainer (400), thereby causing the retainer cam (406) to actuate through the range of motion defined by the track (412).

Clause 18: The method of Clause 16 or 17, further comprising grasping the staple cartridge (100) by a base (410,510), wherein the base (410,510) remains static with respect to the elongated body (120) while actuating the retainer (400,500,600,700) through the range of motion.

Clause 19: The method of Clause 16, wherein actuating a retainer cam (406,506,606) causes the retainer cam (406,506,606) to pivot around a pin (622).

Clause 20: The method of Clause 19, wherein a movement of the retainer (600) with respect to the implantable adjunct (300) is one dimensional to shield the implantable adjunct (300) from shear forces of the retainer (600) as the implantable adjunct (300) is compressed.

The invention is not necessarily limited to the examples described, which can be varied in construction and detail. The terms “distal” and “proximal” are used throughout the preceding description and are meant to refer to a positions and directions relative to the handle of surgical instrument200. As such, “distal” or distally” refer to a position distant to or a direction away from the handle of surgical instrument200(i.e., a direction toward a patient). Similarly, “proximal” or “proximally” refer to a position near or a direction towards the handle of surgical instrument200(i.e., toward an operator of the handle). Furthermore, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of “couple”, “coupled”, or similar phrases should not be construed as being limited to a certain number of components or a particular order of components unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. More specifically, “about” or “approximately” may refer to the range of values±10% of the recited value, e.g., “about 90%” may refer to the range of values from 80.1% to 99.9%.

In describing example embodiments, terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. As a result, not all possible combinations have been listed, and such variants are often apparent to those of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the claims which follow. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, some steps of a method can be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology.