Patent ID: 8814024

Claim:
A surgical stapling system, comprising: a first staple comprised of a wire, wherein said first staple comprises: a first base; and a first leg extending from said first base; a second staple comprised of a wire, wherein said second staple comprises: a second base; and a second leg extending from said second base; and a retention matrix, comprising: a first matrix element, comprising: a first aperture configured to receive said first leg; and a first retention member configured to engage said first leg; a second matrix element, comprising: a second aperture configured to receive said second leg; and a second retention member configured to engage said second leg; and a connecting link connecting said first matrix element and said second matrix element, wherein said first matrix element and said second matrix element are comprised of a metal material, wherein said connecting link is comprised of a plastic material, and wherein said plastic material of said connecting link at least partially surrounds said first matrix element and said second matrix element.