阅读说明：本技术 具有钉引导突起和组织稳定特征部的外科缝合器砧座 (Surgical stapler anvil with staple guide protrusions and tissue stabilization features ) 是由 J·L·哈里斯 F·E·谢尔顿四世 C·J·赫斯 C·O·巴克斯特三世 于 2019-08-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种用于外科缝合器的砧座。该砧座包括钉成形下表面,该钉成形下表面具有被构造成能够建立柔性钉线的多排钉成形凹坑。多个砧座突起从平坦的非成形表面部分突起,使得每个砧座突起与至少两个钉成形凹坑相邻,以在钉击发过程期间在其中引导钉并且接合正被缝合的组织。(An anvil for a surgical stapler is disclosed. The anvil includes a staple forming undersurface having a plurality of rows of staple forming pockets configured to establish flexible staple lines. A plurality of anvil projections project from the flat non-forming surface portion such that each anvil projection is adjacent at least two staple forming pockets to guide staples therein and engage tissue being stapled during a staple firing process.)

1. An anvil for a surgical stapler, the anvil comprising:

An anvil body defining a longitudinal axis and comprising:

a flat non-contoured surface;

a first row of first staple forming pockets in said flat non-forming surface, wherein each of said first staple forming pockets in said first row is arranged along a first pocket axis;

a second row of second staple forming pockets in said flat non-forming surface adjacent to said first row of first staple forming pockets, and wherein each of said second staple forming pockets in said second row is arranged along a second pocket axis;

a third row of third staple forming pockets in said flat non-forming surface adjacent to said second row of second staple forming pockets, and wherein each said third staple forming pocket in said third row is arranged along a third pocket axis, and wherein said second pocket axis is transverse to said first pocket axis and said third pocket axis; and

a plurality of anvil projections projecting from said flat non-forming surface such that each said anvil projection is adjacent to at least two of said first, second and third staple forming pockets.

2. The anvil of claim 1, wherein each said first staple forming pocket comprises a first pocket opening in said flat non-forming surface, and wherein each said second staple forming pocket comprises a second pocket opening in said flat non-forming surface, and wherein each said third staple forming pocket comprises a third pocket opening in said flat non-forming surface, and wherein at least one said anvil projection is adjacent to at least one said first pocket opening, at least one said second pocket opening, and at least one said third pocket opening.

3. The anvil of claim 2, wherein each said first pocket opening comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end, and wherein each said second staple forming pocket opening comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end, and wherein said third staple forming pocket opening comprises a third proximal end and a third distal end, and wherein at least one said anvil projection is adjacent to said first distal end of a corresponding first pocket opening, said second proximal end of a corresponding second pocket opening, and said third distal end of a corresponding third pocket opening.

4. The anvil of claim 3 wherein said at least one anvil projection comprises:

a first angled surface adjacent to the first distal end of the first pocket opening;

a second angled surface adjacent to the second distal end of the second pocket opening;

a third angled surface adjacent to the second proximal end of another of the second pocket openings; and

a fourth angled surface adjacent to the third proximal end of the third pocket opening.

5. The anvil of claim 1, wherein said plurality of anvil projections comprises:

a first row of first anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface; and

a second row of second anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface.

6. The anvil of claim 5, wherein said plurality of anvil projections further comprises:

a third row of third anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface;

a fourth row of fourth anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface; and

A fifth row of fifth anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface.

7. The anvil of claim 6 wherein said second anvil projection and said fourth anvil projection comprise the same peripheral shape.

8. The anvil of claim 4, wherein at least one of said first angled surface, said second angled surface, said third angled surface, and said fourth angled surface extends at an acute angle from said flat non-forming surface.

9. The anvil of claim 4, wherein each said first angled surface, each said second angled surface, each said third angled surface, and each said fourth angled surface extend at an acute angle from said flat non-forming surface.

10. An anvil for a surgical stapler, the anvil comprising:

an anvil body comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets arranged in a pattern of staple forming pockets that repeats along a length of the anvil body, wherein each said staple forming pocket comprises a pocket opening at least partially surrounded by a flat non-forming surface; and

A plurality of tissue stabilization cavities formed in the planar non-forming surface between at least some of the staple forming pockets, at least some of the tissue stabilization cavities comprising closed bottom cavities formed in the planar non-forming surface.

11. The anvil of claim 10, wherein said plurality of staple forming pockets comprises:

at least one first row of first staple forming pockets;

at least one second row of second staple forming pockets adjacent to the first row of first staple forming pockets; and

at least one third row of third staple forming pockets adjacent to the second row of second staple forming pockets.

12. The anvil of claim 11, wherein each said first staple forming pocket in said first row is arranged along a first pocket axis, and wherein each said second staple forming pocket in said second row is arranged along a second pocket axis, and wherein each said third staple forming pocket in said third row is arranged along a third pocket axis, and wherein said second pocket axis is transverse to said first pocket axis and said third pocket axis.

13. The anvil of claim 12, wherein each said closed bottom pocket is arranged along a pocket axis that is transverse to at least one of said first pocket axis, said second pocket axis, and said third pocket axis.

14. The anvil of claim 12 wherein said anvil body defines a longitudinal axis and wherein each said tissue stabilizing cavity is arranged along a corresponding cavity axis transverse to said longitudinal axis.

15. The anvil of claim 10, wherein at least some of said plurality of tissue stabilizing lumens comprise a length and a width, wherein said length is greater than said width.

16. The anvil of claim 12, wherein at least some of said closed bottom cavities are arranged along corresponding cavity axes that are parallel to at least one of said first pocket axis, said second pocket axis, and said third pocket axis.

17. The anvil of claim 16, wherein at least some of said closed bottom pockets are arranged along corresponding pocket axes that are parallel to said first pocket axis and said third pocket axis.

18. The anvil of claim 12, wherein at least some of said closed bottom pockets are arranged along a corresponding pocket axis parallel to and transverse to at least one of said first pocket axis, said second pocket axis, and said third pocket axis.

19. An anvil for a surgical stapler, the anvil comprising:

an anvil body defining a longitudinal axis;

a tissue contacting surface on the anvil body;

a plurality of staple forming pockets formed in the tissue contacting surface, the plurality of staple forming pockets arranged in a pattern of staple forming pockets that repeats along a length of the anvil body, wherein the pattern comprises:

a plurality of first staple forming pockets aligned along a first row of forming pockets, each of the first staple forming pockets defining a corresponding first pocket axis transverse to the longitudinal axis;

a plurality of second staple forming pockets aligned along a second row of forming pockets, each said second staple forming pocket defining a corresponding second pocket axis transverse to said longitudinal axis; and

A plurality of third staple forming pockets aligned along a third row of forming pockets, each said third staple forming pocket defining a third pocket axis transverse to said longitudinal axis, and wherein said anvil further comprises:

a plurality of first tissue engaging features formed in the tissue contacting surface between the first row of first staple forming pockets and the second row of second staple forming pockets; and

a plurality of second tissue engaging features formed in the tissue contacting surface between the second row of second staple forming pockets and the third row of third staple forming pockets.

20. The anvil of claim 19, wherein at least one of said tissue engagement features is located between a first staple forming pocket, a second staple forming pocket, and a third staple forming pocket.

Background

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments designed to staple and cut tissue and staple cartridges for use therewith.

Drawings

Various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, may be understood from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of a handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another partially exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2 with the jaws of the end effector in an open position;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of a portion of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a distal closure member embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the distal closure member embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 7 with the anvil and closure member in a fully open position and the end effector;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 11 and the end effector with the anvil and closure member in the closed position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil and closure member of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly and end effector of FIG. 13 with the anvil and closure member of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly in an "over-closed" position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another end effector and a portion of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with an anvil in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil and closure member in a fully open position and the end effector;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 17, as taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 17 with the anvil and closure member in a closed position and the end effector;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 19, as taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil and closure member in an over-closed position and the end effector;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an end view of another distal closure member embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member in an open position and another end effector;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 24 with the anvil and closure member thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 26 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 24 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an over-closed position;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 28 taken along line 29-29 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an end view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member in the closed position and another end effector;

FIG. 32 is another side elevational view of the end effector of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 31 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an "over closed" position;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 31 with the anvil in the closed position;

FIG. 34 is another enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 32 with the anvil in an over-closed position;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member in the closed position and another end effector;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 35 with the anvil in the closed position;

FIG. 37 is another side elevational view of the end effector of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 35 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an over-closed position;

FIG. 38 is another enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 37 with the anvil in an over-closed position;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a prior surgical staple cartridge configured to form a flexible surgical staple line;

FIG. 40 is a top view of a surgical staple line formed in tissue by the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a prior surgical staple embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of another prior surgical staple embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a bottom perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the anvil of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the staple forming undersurface of the anvil of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a forming pocket of the anvil of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a bottom perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the staple forming undersurface of the anvil of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a forming pocket of the anvil of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a top view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a top view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 52 is a top view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a top view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 54 is a top view of a staple forming pocket embodiment;

FIG. 55 is a top view of another staple forming pocket embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a top view of another staple forming pocket embodiment;

FIG. 57 is a top view of another staple forming pocket embodiment;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment; and is

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple forming undersurface of another anvil embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLERANVILS" (attorney docket No. END8577USNP/180088 m);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FORSURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL" (attorney docket number END8578 USNP/180393);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICALSTAPLER ANVILS" (attorney docket No. END8580 USNP/180090);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVEDCLOSURE MEMBERS" (attorney docket number END8581 USNP/180091);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOPFEATURES CONFIRED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH" (attorney docket No. END8582 USNP/180092);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWER APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (attorney docket number END8583 USNP/180093M);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAWCLORE ARRANGEMENTS" (attorney docket number END8584 USNP/180094);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "Power reduced SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CUTUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVES" (attorney docket No. END8585 USNP/180095);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "Power operated furniture SURGICALLY SURGICALINSTRUMERNTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVESSYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM" (attorney docket number END8586 USNP/180096);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWER SURGICALIN STRUCOMETS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTORAR RANGEMENTS" (attorney docket number END8587 USNP/180097);

-U.S. patent application serial No. ________ entitled "SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR motor driven operated apparatus operated under motor driven" (attorney docket No. END8588 USNP/180098); and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS" (attorney docket number END8581 USDP/180099D).

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications and U.S. patents, each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168618, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168619 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168621 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH moving MECHANICAL DEVICE CONGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168623, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168576 entitled "JAW ACTITED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN ASURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGEIS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,926, U.S. patent application publication No. 2018-;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINTINTERFACE BETWEEN A MOBILE JAW AND ACTUATORSHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", U.S. patent application publication No. 2018-0168578;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,930, U.S. patent application publication No.2018-0168579, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATECOOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND DCLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168628 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITHASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, U.S. patent application publication No.2018 and 0168580, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH THE INDIPDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF ANARTICULATION LOCK";

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,934, U.S. patent application publication No.2018-0168581, entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION RESPONSE TO ACTION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF ASURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATEDCONFIGURATION," U.S. patent application publication No. 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, U.S. patent application publication No. 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,996, U.S. patent application publication No.2015-0297228, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSION HAVAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,006 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE comprisingfasterneanvicies includingfasterner CONTROL patents", now U.S. patent No.10,010,324;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,991 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVERSTABIBILIZING ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. Pat. No.9,833,241;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,004 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENTS ONITORING ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent No.9,844,369;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, U.S. patent application publication No.2015-0297232, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,997 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABETISSOUE ENGAGING MEMBERS", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2015-0297229;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,002 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE comprsing tissucontrol patents", now U.S. patent No.9,877,721;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,013, U.S. patent application publication No.2015-0297233, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLERETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,016, U.S. patent application publication No.2015-0297235, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYERATTACHED THERETO".

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,775 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLESAND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLESAND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,834 entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE cartidesasing SAME" and;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE comprisingoverdrivenstables"; and

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE composition OFFSETLONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS";

the applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,218 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,227 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and

U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,264 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 1/4/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,325 entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING a SURGICAL STAPLING SYTEM";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,321 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL stable system and method a DISPLAY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ADISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,263 entitled "minor inertia sensitive adhesive GRIP support";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,262 entitled "rolling POWERED minor actuation bearing balbout SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTORWITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,296 entitled "interactive usable fuel assembly with a rechargeable END effect of the same, which IS selected from the group consisting of rechargeable cylinder END a rechargeable axle";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,258 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ASHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED ended TOPROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ACONOURABLE SHAFT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ATISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AND CLAMPING LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAWCLOSURE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAWATTACHMENT LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ASPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,324 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTINGMECHANISM";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISINGMATIBLE LOCKOUTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,339 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TOAPPLY ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENTHEIGHTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,304 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AGROOVED FORMING POCKET";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,331 entitled "artificial MODIFICATION membersfor surgicalstappers";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,336 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH atraumtica cfeature";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingning and available TISSUE SUPPORT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisinggrotary FIRING SYSTEM"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOADCONTROL".

The applicant of the present application also has the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,488 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERYPACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,525 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FORDRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLEMOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CICUITS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 9/2/2016 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND XIAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINKARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATONICOMATIC MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTORTHAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO ANELONGGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONIONIZATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITHOFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKEREDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,254 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FORDRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,259 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FORDRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,275 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FORDRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FORDRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 18/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAWOPENING ARRANGEMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAMACTUTED JAW CLOSING FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914 entitled "moving Cable winding Board SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPLEMENTATION FILING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STRUTRUNTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED minor instroment," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256184;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795 entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFYOPERATION OF POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE time Equipment complete testing FOR devices FOR MULTIPLE time Equipment type," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935 entitled "OVERAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831 entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INFORMATION OF MOTOR FOR POWER SURGICAL STRUCTURENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALTION OF SENSOR DATATO DETERMINE STATIONITY, CREEP, AND VISCELASTICELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256187;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,817 entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844 entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSORCONNECTED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECTCONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837 entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAPROCESESSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF ASTAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION system a rotable SHAFT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLOBISTERITY HOUSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256161;

the applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on day 27 of month 2 of 2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AND INSTRUCTION STATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIRED TO ASSESSWHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARTUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560 entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGESAND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249910;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,566 entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT energy emergencyanresults FOR CHARGING A BATTERY," now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICALINSTRUCTURE NEEDS TO BE SERVICED," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICALINDERMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548 entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249909;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,526 entitled "adaptive minor insert HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,541 entitled "MODULAR station association" and now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK ANEND-OF-LIFE PARAMETER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917;

the applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed on 12/18/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR RADDY USE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING GLOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR articulalsuerganical INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING argements FOR detachhableshaft assignment WITH artificultable minor details, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT ISSELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVEDCLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FILING BEAM SUPPORTING GEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORTING GEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING AFLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING ALOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 3/1 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295 entitled "Integrated Surgical Instruments With reduced Pathways For Signal Communication," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "Rotary Power engineering Joints For scientific instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb Switch arrays For surgical instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,499 entitled "electrochemical Device with Signal relayarangement", now U.S. patent 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460 entitled "Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular surgical instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "journal Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "Sensor straight End Effect During Removal Throughocar", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518 entitled "Control Methods for scientific Instruments with RemovableImplements", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,375 entitled "road Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Degreesof Freedom free", now U.S. patent 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "Surgical Instrument Soft Stop", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/14 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTCMOMPRIMING A FIRING DRIVE," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263542;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,193 entitled "CONTROL argemenets FOR a DRIVE battery a SURGICAL instumment", now U.S. patent 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USEEWITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTC OMPRIMING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210 entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148 entitled "Multi-functional Motor FOR A SURGICALINSTRUCOMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263554;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORMODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR CURATILATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL armagents formulations minor patents intumescents", now U.S. patent 9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159 entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING ASURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/7/2014 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICALINGURUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 26/3/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR URGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "serilization version CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERYEXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONSOF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTING METHOD SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093 entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUTSSYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR RADARAPTATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL A SAFETY PROCESSOR", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISINITIATED ACTIVE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272570;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126 entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICALINSTRUCOMETS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,081 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING evaluated circui", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTEDCIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTT SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 5/9/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED medical device", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TOQUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ONCOMPENTED EVALUATION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066910;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR affect SENSOR' S OUTPUT OR interrupt," now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0066909;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECTINCISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066915;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION and data RETENTION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWER DOMED EDICAL DEVICE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108 entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TIMSSUE PARAMETERSTABILIZATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 9/4/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590 entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITHLOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING GDRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME OTABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SIGGSWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWERED LINEAR minor stable", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309666;

-U.S. patent application sequence 14/248,591 entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICALINSTRUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICALIN STRUCOMETS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNINGROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTORSHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED minor platform," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICALINUSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 16.4.2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor entering WITH multiple properties perfect BY a SINGLE MOTOR";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,376 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,382 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND piston GRIP";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLEACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,372 entitled "minor ignition WITH multiple electrodes BY a SINGLE MOTOR".

Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples and that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

The term "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "containing" and "containing", are open-ended verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for simplicity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into a patient or may be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

A surgical stapling system may include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. A staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge is not removable or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to allow rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are located on a first side of the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are located on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between a first, or unfired position and a second, or fired position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The drive is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by the sled. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the drive device toward the anvil and lift the drive device, and the staples are supported on the drive device.

In addition to the above, the sled can be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and urge the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first and second cams can control a distance or tissue gap between a deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member also includes a knife configured to incise tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially adjacent to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected prior to the knife.

Fig. 1 and 3 illustrate a reusable or non-reusable motor driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument 1010 includes a previous housing 1012 including a handle 1014 configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a clinician. The housing 1012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 having a surgical end effector 1300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. With continued reference to the present detailed description, it will be appreciated that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively used in conjunction with robotically controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term "housing" may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control action useful for actuating the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. Further, various components may be "housed" or contained within the housing, or various components may be "associated with" the housing. In such examples, the components may not be housed within or directly supported by the housing. The term "frame" may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also refer to a portion of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of a robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods disclosed in U.S. patent 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The previous housing 1012 shown in fig. 1 is shown in conjunction with an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 (fig. 2, 4, and 5) that includes an end effector 1300 that includes a surgical cutting and fastening device configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 4000 therein. The housing 1012 can be configured for use in conjunction with an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector that is adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, and that has different shaft lengths, sizes, types, etc. In addition, housing 1012 may also be effectively used with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies, including those configured to apply other motions and forms of energy, such as, for example, Radio Frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or motions, to end effector arrangements suitable for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Further, the end effector, shaft assembly, handle, surgical instrument, and/or surgical instrument system may utilize any suitable fastener to fasten tissue. For example, a fastener cartridge including a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to an end effector of a shaft assembly.

Fig. 1 illustrates a surgical instrument 1010 that includes an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled to a housing 1012. Fig. 2 shows the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 disengaged from the housing 1012 or the handle 1014. As can be seen in fig. 3, the handle 1014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 1016 and 1018, which may be interconnected by means of screws, snap features, adhesive, or the like. In the illustrated arrangement, handle housing segments 1016 and 1018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1019 that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 1014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to be capable of generating and applying various control actions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly operably attached thereto.

Referring now to fig. 3, the handle 1014 may further comprise a frame 1020 operably supporting a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 1020 operably supports a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 1030, which may be used to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operatively attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1030 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 pivotally supported by the frame 1020. More specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the closure trigger 1032 is pivotally coupled to the housing 1014 via a pin 1033. This arrangement enables the closure trigger 1032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the closure trigger 1032 may be easily pivoted by it from an initial or "unactuated" position to an "actuated" position, and more specifically, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 1032 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 1030 also includes a closure linkage assembly 1034 pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032. As seen in fig. 3, the closure connection assembly 1034 may include a first closure connector 1036 and a second closure connector 1038 pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032 via a pin 1035. The second closure connector 1038 may also be referred to herein as an "attachment member" and includes a transverse attachment pin 1037.

Still referring to fig. 3, it can be observed that the first closure link 1036 can have a locking wall or locking end 1039 thereon that is configured to mate with a closure release assembly 1060 pivotally coupled to the frame 1020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1060 can include a release button assembly 1062 having a distally projecting locking pawl 1064 formed thereon. The release button assembly 1062 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician presses the closure trigger 1032 from its unactuated position toward the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the first closure link 1036 pivots upward to a point where the locking pawl 1064 drops into engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036, thereby preventing the closure trigger 1032 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 1060 functions to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1032 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician need only pivot the closure release button assembly 1062 such that the locking pawl 1064 moves out of engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036. When the locking pawl 1064 has moved out of engagement with the first closure link 1036, the closure trigger 1032 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

An arm 1061 may extend from the closure release button 1062. A magnetic element 1063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 1061. When the closure release button 1062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 1063 may be moved toward the circuit board 1100. The circuit board 1100 may include at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a "hall effect" sensor (not shown) may be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 1100. The hall effect sensor can be configured to detect a change in the magnetic field surrounding the hall effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 1063. The hall effect sensor may be in signal communication with, for example, a microcontroller that can determine whether the closure release button 1062 is in its first position associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first and second positions.

In at least one form, the handle 1014 and frame 1020 operably support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 1080, which is configured to apply a firing motion to the corresponding portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system 1080 may also be referred to herein as a "second drive system". The firing drive system 1080 may employ an electric motor 1082 positioned in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014. In various forms, the motor 1082 may be, for example, a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotational speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 1082 may be powered by a power source 1090, which in one form may include a removable power pack 1092. As seen in fig. 3, for example, the power pack 1092 may include a proximal housing portion 1094 configured for attachment to a distal housing portion 1096. The proximal housing portion 1094 and the distal housing portion 1096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. The batteries 1098 may each comprise, for example, a lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 1096 is configured for removable operative attachment to a circuit board assembly 1100 that is also operatively coupled to the motor 1082. A plurality of batteries 1098, which may be connected in series, may be used as a power source for the surgical instrument 1010. Further, power source 1090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to the other various forms, the electric motor 1082 may include a rotatable shaft (not shown) operably interfacing with a gear reducer assembly 1084 mounted on the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 in meshing engagement with the drive teeth 1122 of a set or rack. In use, the polarity of the voltage provided by the power source 1090 may operate the electric motor 1082 in a clockwise direction, wherein the polarity of the voltage applied by the battery to the electric motor may be reversed to operate the electric motor 1082 in a counterclockwise direction. When the electric motor 1082 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1120 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 82 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the drive member 1120 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle 1014 may include a switch that may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 by the power source 1090. As with other versions described herein, the handle 1014 may also include a sensor configured to detect the position of the drive member 1120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1120 is moving.

Actuation of motor 1082 may be controlled by a firing trigger 1130 pivotally supported on handle 1014. The firing trigger 1130 may pivot between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1130 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring 1132 or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1130, the firing trigger may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 1132 or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1130 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 1032, as discussed above. In at least one form, the firing trigger safety button 1134 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. Safety button 1134 may be positioned between firing trigger 1130 and closure trigger 1032 and have a pivoting arm 1136 protruding therefrom. See fig. 21. When the closure trigger 1032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1134 is housed in the handle 1014, which button may not be easily accessible to the clinician and moved between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 1130 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 1130 may be fired. When the clinician presses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1134 and the firing trigger 1130 pivot downward and may then be manipulated by the clinician.

As mentioned above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 has a rack of teeth 1122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. At least one form further includes a manually actuatable "panic" assembly 1140 configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 in the event that the motor 1082 becomes disabled. The panic assembly 1140 may include a lever or panic handle assembly 1142 configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 1124 also provided in the drive member 1120. Thus, the clinician may manually retract the drive member 1120 using the emergency handle assembly 1142 to ratchet the drive member 1120 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent No. 8608045 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH manual CUTTING FIRING SYSTEM" discloses emergency arrangements and other components, arrangements, and systems that may also be used WITH the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. patent 8,608,045 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Turning now to fig. 2 and 5, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a surgical end effector 1300 that includes an elongate channel 1310 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4000 therein. The end effector 1300 may also include an anvil 2000 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1310. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may also include an articulation joint 3020 and an articulation lock 2140 that may be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1300 in a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. AN example of various features relating to the end effector 1300, ARTICULATION joint 3020 and at least one form of ARTICULATION LOCK may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION joint acceleration system AN ARTICULATION LOCK," filed on 3, 14, 2013. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "article able document compatibility AN article location LOCK", filed on 14/3/2013, is hereby incorporated by reference. As seen in fig. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 made up of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include a closure system or closure member assembly 3000 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 2000 of the end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 may include a ridge 1210 configured to: first, a firing member is slidably supported therein; second, the closure member assembly 3000 is slidably supported extending around the spine 1210. As can be seen in fig. 5, the distal end 1211 of the ridge 1210 terminates in an upper lug mounting feature 1270 and a lower lug mounting feature 1280. The upper lug mounting feature 1270 has a lug slot 1272 formed therein that is adapted to mount the upper support mounting connector 1274 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mounting feature 1280 has formed therein a lug slot 1282 adapted to mount a support lower mounting link 1284 therein. The upper mounting link 1274 includes a pivot socket 1276 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive a pivot pin 1292 therein formed on a channel cover or anvil retainer 1290 that is attached to the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. The lower mounting link 1284 includes a lower pivot pin 1286 that is adapted to be received within the pivot hole 1314 formed in the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. See fig. 5. The lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1276 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 1300 may be articulated relative to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 2.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1300 is selectively articulatable about an articulation axis AA by an articulation system 2100. In one form, the articulation system 2100 includes a proximal articulation driver 2102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 2120. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 5, offset attachment lugs 2114 are formed on the distal end 2112 of the proximal articulation driver 2102. A pivot hole 2116 is formed in the offset attachment boss 2114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2124 formed on the proximal end 2122 of the articulation link 3020. The distal end 2126 of the articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2128 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel pin 1317 formed on the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. Thus, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 2102 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate channel 1310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 1300 about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 1210. More details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation system 2100 may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein, including U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635,631 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER," filed on 28.6.2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 2102 may be held in place by the articulation lock 2140 when the proximal articulation driver 2102 is not moved in the proximal or distal direction. Additional details regarding examples of articulation locks 2140 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635,631, as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.

In various instances, the spine 1210 can include a proximal end 1211 that is rotatably supported in the base 1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 has threads 1214 formed thereon for threadably attaching to a spine bearing 1216 configured to be supported within the base 1240. See fig. 4. This arrangement facilitates the rotatable attachment of ridge 1210 to base 1240 such that ridge 1210 may be selectively rotated relative to base 1240 about axis SA.

Referring primarily to fig. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 that is slidably supported within a base 1240 such that the closure shuttle moves axially relative to the base. The closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1252 (fig. 2 and 3) configured for attachment to an attachment pin 1037 that is attached to the second closure connector 1038, as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure member segment 3010 having a proximal end 3012 that is coupled to the closure shuttle 1250 to rotate relative thereto. For example, the U-shaped connector 1263 is inserted into an annular slot 3014 in the proximal end 3012 of the proximal closure member segment 3010 and retained within a vertical slot 1253 in the closure shuttle 1250. This arrangement is used to attach the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to the closure shuttle 1250 to travel axially with the closure shuttle while enabling the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1250 about the axis SA. A closure spring 1268 is journaled on the proximal closure tube segment 3010 and serves to bias the proximal closure tube segment 3010 in the proximal direction "PD" and can be used to pivot the closure trigger 1032 to an unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle 1014.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include an articulation joint 3020. However, other interchangeable shaft assemblies may not be able to articulate. As seen in fig. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 3030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member or proximal closure tube segment 3010. The articulation joint 3020 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022 includes an end effector closure tube 3050 with upper and lower distally projecting tangs 3052, 3054. The upper double pivot link 3056 comprises upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage upper distal pin holes in the upper proximally projecting tang 3052 and upper proximal pin holes in the upper distally projecting tang 3032, respectively, on the distal closure tube segment 3030. The lower double pivot link 3058 comprises upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage lower distal pin holes in the proximally projecting inferior tang 3054 and lower proximal pin holes in the distally projecting inferior tang 3034, respectively. See fig. 4 and 5. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure tube assembly 3000 is translated distally (direction "DD") to close the anvil 2000, for example, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 1032. The anvil 2000 is opened by translating the closure tube assembly 3000 proximally, which causes the end effector closure sleeve to interact with the anvil 2000 and pivot it to an open position.

Also as described above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 also includes a firing member 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 1210. The firing member includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1910. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may include a longitudinal slot 1223 in its distal end that may be configured to receive the tab 1912 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1910. The longitudinal slot 1223 and the proximal insert blade 1912 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint. The sliding joint 1914 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the firing drive to move to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 1910. Once the end effector 1300 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1223 comes into contact with the tab 1912 so as to advance the knife bar 1910 and fire the staple cartridge 4000 positioned within the channel 1310. The knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1920 including a blade or tissue cutting edge 1922 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 1924 and a lower channel engagement tab 1926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references that are incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in fig. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 1500 rotatably received on the closure tube 1260. The switching barrel 1500 includes a hollow shaft segment 1502 having a shaft boss formed thereon for receiving an outwardly projecting actuator pin therein. In each case, the actuating pin extends through a slot into a longitudinal slot provided in the locking sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve when engaged with the articulation driver. The rotary torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage a boss on the switching cartridge 1500 and a portion of the nozzle housing 1203 to apply a biasing force to the switching cartridge 1500. The switching cartridge 1500 may also include at least a partial peripheral opening 1506 defined therein, which may be configured to receive a peripheral mount extending from the nozzle halves 1202, 1203 and allow relative rotation, but not relative translation, between the switching cartridge 1500 and the proximal nozzle 1201. The mount also extends through an opening 3011 in the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to be seated in a recess 1219 in the spine shaft 1210. Rotation of the switch drum 1500 about the shaft axis SA will ultimately cause rotation of the actuating pin and locking sleeve between their engaged and disengaged positions. In one arrangement, rotation of the switch drum 1500 may be associated with axial advancement of a closure tube or closure member. Thus, actuation of the closure system may essentially operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in a variety of ways as described in further detail in the following references: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, and U.S. patent No.9,913,642 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPLISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. For example, when the closure tube is in its proximal-most position, corresponding to an "open-jaw" position, the closure tube segment 3010 will have positioned the switch drum 1500 to connect the articulation system with the firing drive system. When the closure tube has moved to its distal position corresponding to the "jaw closed" position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position in which the articulation system is disconnected from the firing drive system.

As also shown in fig. 4, shaft assembly 1200 can include a slip ring assembly 1600, which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 1300 and/or transmit and/or receive signals to and/or from end effector 1300, for example. Slip ring assembly 1600 may include a proximal connector flange 1604 that mounts to a base flange 1242 extending from base 1240 and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housing. The proximal connector flange 1604 may include a first face and the distal connector flange may include a second face positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange is rotatable about the shaft axis SA relative to the proximal connector flange 1604. The proximal connector flange 1604 may comprise a plurality of concentric or at least substantially concentric conductors defined in a first face thereof. The connector may be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts, where each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. This arrangement allows for relative rotation between the proximal and distal connector flanges 1604, 1604 while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. For example, the proximal connector flange 1604 may include an electrical connector 1606 that may place conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to the shaft base 1240. In at least one example, a wire harness including a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector 1606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in the base mounting flange 1242. See fig. 4. More details regarding slip ring assembly 1600 may be found, for example, in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes SENSOR SYSTEM," and U.S. patent No.9,345,481 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes SENSOR SYSTEM," filed 3, 13.2013. U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067, and U.S. patent No.9,345,481, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 1200 can include a proximal portion that can be fixedly mounted to the handle 1014, and a distal portion that can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion may be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 1600 as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 1600 may be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Also, in addition to the above, the switch barrel 1500 may also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum 1500 may be rotated in synchronization with each other. Additionally, the switch drum 1500 is rotatable relative to the distal connector flange between a first position and a second position. When the switch drum 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, as a result, operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system can be operably engaged with the firing drive system such that operation of the firing drive system can articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. As the switch drum 1500 moves between its first position and its second position, the switch drum 1500 moves relative to the distal connector flange. In various examples, shaft assembly 1200 can include at least one sensor configured to detect a position of switch drum 1500.

Referring again to fig. 4, the base 1240 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 1702 formed within the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See fig. 3. Each dovetail slot 1702 can be tapered, or in other words, can be slightly V-shaped, to seatingly receive the attachment portion 1244 therein. As can be further seen in fig. 22, a shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1222. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1014, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 are received in a firing shaft attachment bracket 1126 formed in the distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. See fig. 3.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system 1710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 1200 to the housing 1012 and more specifically to the frame 1020. As seen in fig. 4, for example, in at least one form, the latching system 1710 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1712 movably coupled to the base 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1712 is U-shaped with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1714. The legs 1714 each have pivot lugs 1715 formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1245 formed in the base 1240. This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1712 to the base 1240. The lock yoke 1712 may include two proximally projecting lock ears 1716 configured to releasably engage with corresponding lock pawls or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020. See fig. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke 1712 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke 1712 may be accomplished by a latch button 1722 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 mounted to the base 1240. The latch button 1722 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 1712 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button in the distal direction, which also pivots the lock yoke 1712 out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020. When the lock yoke 1712 is "held in engagement" with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020, the lock lugs 1716 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 of the distal attachment flange 1700.

When interchangeable shaft assemblies are employed that include end effectors of the types described herein as well as other types of end effectors adapted to cut and fasten tissue, it may be advantageous to prevent the interchangeable shaft assemblies from inadvertently disengaging from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use, a clinician may actuate the closure trigger 1032 to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 1300 in the desired orientation, the clinician may fully actuate the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 1306 and clamp the target tissue in place for cutting and stapling. In such an example, first drive system 1030 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 1300, it may be advantageous to prevent the shaft assembly 1200 from inadvertently disengaging from the housing 1012. One form of the latching system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent disengagement.

As best seen in fig. 4, the lock yoke 1712 includes at least one, and preferably two, latch hooks 1718 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock tab portions 1256 formed on the closure shuttle 1250. When the closure shuttle 1250 is in the unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is unactuated and the anvil 1306 is open), the locking yoke 1712 can be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. In this position, the latch hook 1718 does not contact the latch ledge portion 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250. However, with the closure shuttle 1250 moved to the actuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 actuated and the anvil 1306 in the closed position), the lock yoke 1712 is blocked from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1712 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the lock yoke 1712 is inadvertently bumped or otherwise contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the catch 1718 on the lock yoke 1712 will contact the catch 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250, preventing the lock yoke 1712 from moving to the unlocked position.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014 will now be described. To begin the coupling process, the clinician may position the base 1240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 over or near the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020 such that the tapered attachment portions 1244 formed on the base 1240 align with the dovetail slots 1702 in the frame 1020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 1200 along a mounting axis perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions 1244 in "operable engagement" with the corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slots 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft 1222 will also seat in the brackets 1126 in the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 and the portions of the pins 1037 on the second closure link 1038 will seat in the corresponding hooks 1252 in the closure yoke 1250. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with one another such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may perform their intended action, function, and/or procedure.

At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1014. The first system may include a frame system that couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly 1200 with the frame 1020 of the handle 1014. Additional systems may include a closure drive system 1030 that may operably connect the closure trigger 1032 of the handle 1014 to the closure tube 1260 and anvil 2000 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure tube attachment yoke 1250 of the shaft assembly 1200 can engage the pin 1037 on the second closure connector 1038. The third system can include a firing drive system 1080 that can operably connect the firing trigger 1130 of the handle 1014 to the intermediate firing shaft 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 may be operably connected with the bracket 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. Another system may include an electrical system capable of: signals that the shaft assembly (such as the shaft assembly 1200) has been operably engaged with the handle 1014 are sent to a controller (such as a microcontroller) in the handle 1014 and/or power and/or communication signals are conducted between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1014. For example, the shaft assembly 1200 may include an electrical connector 1810 operably mounted to the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1810 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector 1800 on the handle control board 1100. More details regarding the circuitry and control system can be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 and U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,142, the complete disclosures of each of which are previously incorporated herein by reference. The fifth system may consist of a latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014.

Referring now to fig. 5-7, in the illustrated example, the anvil 2000 includes an anvil body 2002 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 2010. The anvil mounting portion 2010 is movably or pivotally supported on the elongate channel 1310 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 2012 extends laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion 2010 to be received in a corresponding trunnion bracket 1316 formed in an upstanding wall 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. Anvil trunnions 2012 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1316 by a channel cover or anvil retainer 1290. The channel cover or anvil retainer 1290 includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or recesses formed in the upstanding wall 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310.

Referring to fig. 7, 8, and 9, in at least one arrangement, a distal closure member or end effector closure tube 3050 employs two axially offset proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 3060 and 3062. In fig. 7, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2060 is located to the right of the shaft axis SA (as viewed by a user of the tool assembly). The positive jaw opening features 3060, 3062 are configured to interact WITH corresponding release regions 3064, 3066 and step portions formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010, as described in further detail in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635,631 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER", filed on 28.6.2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.

Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate one form of the anvil 2000 that includes an elongated anvil body portion 2002 that terminates in a mounting portion 2010 configured to interact with the end effector closure sleeve 3050 to minimize the magnitude of the resultant force experienced by the end effector closure tube 3050 as the anvil 2000 is moved from the fully open position to the closed position and ultimately to the over-closed position. The anvil body portion 2002 includes a staple forming undersurface 2004 that has a series of anvil forming pockets (not shown) formed therein. An elongate slot 2006 extends through the body portion 2002 and the mounting portion 2010 to facilitate passage of a knife portion or "firing member" 1920 therethrough. Further, an anvil cover 2030 is attached to the anvil body 2002 to cover the slot 2006. In various instances, the anvil mounting portion 2010 includes an anvil cam surface 2020 formed thereon. The anvil cam surfaces 2020 are bisected or otherwise separated by the elongated slots 2006. As can be seen in fig. 6 and 7, the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 is oriented at an angle corresponding to the angle/orientation of the anvil cam surface 2020. Fig. 10 and 11 show the anvil 2000 in a fully open position. As can be seen in fig. 10, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 is in its fully open position, the distal or end effector closure tube 3050 is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the cam surface 3072 formed on the distal end 3070 of the end effector closure tube 3050 does not apply any closing force to the cam closure surface 2020. As the end effector closure tube 3050 is moved distally, the camming surfaces 3072 on the end effector closure tube 3050 contact the camming closure surfaces 2020 on the anvil mounting portion 2010 and the corresponding closure surfaces 2034 on the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 to pivot the anvil 2000 to the "closed" position. Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050 and anvil 2000 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position.

As the end effector closure tube 3050 continues to advance distally to apply additional closure motions to the anvil, eventually moving the anvil to an "over-closed" position, the end effector closure tube may experience significant stress, which may occur over time, causing the end effector closure tube to become vertically elongated (when viewed from the end), or, in other words, to become slightly oval in shape, which may eventually lead to failure or otherwise adversely affect the ability to achieve a fully closed position. It is self-evident that when a thin walled tube or cylinder is subjected to internal pressure, "hoop" and longitudinal stresses are created in the tube wall. The hoop stress acts circumferentially and perpendicular to the axis and radius of the cylinder wall. Such hoop stress can be calculated as:

σ_hpd/(2t), wherein:

σ_hhoop stress (MPa, psi)

Internal pressure in pipe or cylinder (MPa, psi)

d-inner diameter of tube or cylinder (mm, in)

t-wall or cylinder wall thickness (mm, in)

End effector closure tubes have been developed having various tube wall configurations. An example of such a tube configuration is disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,903 entitled "close measure membrane FOR minor impurities FOR use in systems" filed on 21/12/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate one form of an end effector closure tube 3050. The closure tube 3050 includes an outer surface 3074 and an inner wall surface 3076. In at least one form, the closure tube 3050 comprises a constant inner diameter ID and a constant outer diameter OD to define a uniform or constant wall thickness CT over the entire length of the closure tube 3050 or at least a portion of the closure tube configured to interface with an end effector jaw, such as the anvil 2000 and the elongate channel 1310.

Returning now to fig. 12, in at least one arrangement, when the anvil 2000 is in the "closed position," a gap distance "CD" can be observed between the staple forming underside 2004 of the anvil body 2002 and the cartridge deck surface of the cartridge supported within the elongate channel 1310 when no tissue is clamped between the anvil 2000 and the cartridge. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in fig. 12 across the closure cam surface 2020 and through the distal end portion of the end effector closure tube 3050 and the anvil mounting portion 2020 and proximal end portion of the elongate channel 1310. As can be seen in this figure, various closing forces CF are applied to the anvil 2000 and elongate channel 1310 by the end effector closure tube 3050. For example, a closing force CF is applied to the closing cam surface 2020 and the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 and to the elongate channel 1310.

In the example illustrated in fig. 6-15, the anvil mounting portion 2020 is formed to establish a plurality of discrete load transfer positions configured to be contacted by the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050 when the end effector closure tube 3050 is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the anvil 2000. In at least one arrangement, at least two discrete load transfer positions are located on each side of a vertical plane VP that bisects the anvil 2000 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position. For example, in fig. 13, a first right load transfer position or edge 2070R, a second right load transfer position or edge 2072R, a third right load transfer position or edge 2074R, and a fourth right load transfer position or edge 2076R are formed on the right side of the vertical plane VP. Similarly, a first left load transfer position or edge 2070L, a second left load transfer position or edge 2072L, a third left load transfer position or edge 2074L and a fourth left load transfer position or edge 2076L are formed on the left side of the vertical plane VP. As used in this context, the term "at least two discrete load transfer positions" means that the load transfer positions are formed relative to one another such that a space or gap is formed between the portion of the anvil mounting portion 2010 extending between the load transfer positions and the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050.

For example, the first gap amount CR₁Formed between the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050, extending between a first right load transfer position 2070R and a second right load transfer position 2072R. Second gap amount CR₂Formed between the inner surfaces of the end effector closure tube 3050, extending between a second right load transfer position 2072R and a third right load transfer position 2074R. Third gap amount CR₃Formed between third right load transfer position 2074R and fourth right load transfer position 2076R. First clearance CL₁Formed between the inner surfaces of the end effector closure tube, extends between a first left load transfer position 2070L and a second left load transfer position 2072L. Second clearance CL₂Formed between the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube, extends between a second left load transfer position 2072L and a third left load transfer position 2074L. Third clearance CL₃Formed between third left load transfer position 2074L and fourth left load transfer position 2076L. In at least one arrangement, the closing force CF applied to the closing cam surface 2020 and the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 may be evenly distributed between the first right and left load transfer positions 2070R and 2070L. Likewise, the closing force CF applied to the elongate channel 1310 may be evenly distributed between, for example, the fourth right load transfer position 2076R and the fourth left load transfer position 2076L.

In at least one arrangement, the at least two right load transfer positions 2070R, 2072R and the at least two left load transfer positions 2070L, 2072L are located on one side of a horizontal plane HP that bisects the end effector 1300. As shown in fig. 13, the two right load transfer positions 2070R, 2072R are located on the opposite side of the vertical plane VP from the two left load transfer positions 2070L, 2072L. Also in at least one arrangement, the third and fourth right load transfer positions 2074R and 2076R are located on an opposite side of the horizontal plane HP from the first and second right load transfer positions 2070R and 2072R. Similarly, the third and fourth left load transfer positions 2074L and 2076L are located on an opposite side of the horizontal plane HP from the first and second left load transfer positions 2070L and 2072L. The right load transfer positions 2074R, 2076R are located on the opposite side of the vertical plane VP from the two left load transfer positions 2074L, 2076L. As seen in fig. 6 and 10, the load transfer positions may be formed by scalloped or relieved areas 2080, 2082, 2084 such that the load transfer positions include corners formed by the abutment surfaces. Other load transfer location shapes are contemplated.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate the anvil 2000 and end effector closure tube 3050 in an "over-closed" condition that results when the end effector closure tube 3050 is advanced further distally after the anvil 2000 has reached a closed position. In at least one example, the anvil 2000 is in an "over-closed condition" when the distal end portion 2003 of the body portion 2002 of the anvil 2000 is in contact with a cartridge deck of a staple cartridge operably supported by the elongate channel 1310. See fig. 14. After the anvil 2000 has reached the closed position, continued distal advancement of the end effector closure tube 3050 may significantly increase the hoop stress formed in the end effector closure tube 3050, which may result in an end effector closure tube failure at all or vertical elongation, which may adversely affect proper closure of the anvil when used in future applications. As shown in FIG. 15, the first right clearance amount CR₁And a first left clearance amount CL₁May each have a gap width CW lying on a common side of the horizontal plane HP₁. Second right gap amount CR₂And a second left clearance amount CL₂Each crossing a horizontal plane HP. In other words, the second right gap amount CR₂Is located on each side of the horizontal plane HP, and a second left clearance amount CL ₂Located on each side of the horizontal plane HP.

Forming at least two discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress that develops in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Forming at least three discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may also reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress formed in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Forming at least four discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may also reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress created in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Such an arrangement enables the end effector closure tube 3050 to be made with a constant wall thickness as described above, which can reduce manufacturing costs associated with manufacturing the end effector closure tube.

Fig. 16-22 illustrate an alternative anvil 2000' that is substantially identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences described below. As can be seen in fig. 16, the anvil mounting portion 2010 'is formed with a continuous arcuate anvil camming surface 2020' that is uninterrupted by any load transfer positions. Fig. 17 and 18 show the anvil 2000' in a fully open position. As can be seen in fig. 17, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 'is in its fully open position, the end effector closure tube 3050' is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the end effector closure tube 3050 'does not apply any closure force to the cam closure surface 2020'.

Fig. 23 illustrates one form of an end effector closure tube 3050', which may be identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences noted below. The end effector closure tube 3050' includes an outer surface 3074' and an inner wall surface 3076 '. In at least one form, the wall is a section a other than at the top of the end effector closure tube 3050_sIn addition, the closed tube 3050' has a constant wall thickness WT₁The sector having a size greater than WT₁Of the wall thickness WT₂. Such an arrangement forms a single load transfer location 2070'.

Fig. 19 and 20 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050' and anvil 2000' when the anvil 2000' is in the closed position. As can be seen in fig. 20, as the end effector closure tube 3050' is moved distally, the load transfer location 2070' on the end effector closure tube 3050' contacts the cam surface 2034 on the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030. The end effector closure tube 3050' also contacts portions of the elongate channel 1310 on each side of the vertical plane VP bisecting the end effector. The load transfer position 2070 'may span the entire cam surface 2034 to contact an upper portion of the cam surface 2020' on each side of the vertical plane VP, as shown in fig. 20. Such an arrangement serves to create a space 3077 between a corresponding portion of the inner surface 3076 'of the end effector closure tube 3050' and the cam surface 2020 'of the anvil mounting portion 2010' when in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 19 and 20, as illustrated in fig. 20. The spaces 3077 are each from the load transfer position 2070 'and the region where the interior surface 3076' contacts the elongated channel 1310 (spatial distance S) _D) And (4) extending. Thus, when the anvil 2000 'is moved to the closed position, there is a discrete first load transfer position 2070' on one side of the horizontal plane HP and two discrete load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' on the opposite side of the horizontal plane HP. When the anvil 2000 'is in the closed position, the discrete first load transfer positions 2070' are separated from each of the discrete load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' by the spaces 3077. See fig. 20. As can also be seen in fig. 20, the load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' are located on opposite sides of the vertical plane VP.

Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate the interrelationship between the end effector closure tube 3050 'and the anvil 2000' when the end effector closure tube 3050 'has moved the anvil 2000' in an over-closed orientation. As can be seen in fig. 22, when in the over-closed position, the end effector closure tube 3050' contacts the anvil 2000' and the elongate channel 1310 to form discrete load transfer locations 2070' that are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2074R ', 2074L ' by spaces 3079R, 3079L. The discrete load transfer locations 2074R 'are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2076R' by spaces 3081R and the discrete load transfer locations 2074L 'are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2076L' by spaces 3081L. Thus, in this arrangement, at least one discrete load transfer position (2070') spans the vertical plane VP bisecting the end effector, and at least two discrete load transfer positions span the horizontal plane HP bisecting the end effector. Furthermore, at least one discrete load transferring position is located on each side of the horizontal plane HP and at least one discrete load transferring position is located on each side of the vertical plane VP. Such an arrangement of load transfer positions in the manner described above may help prevent vertical elongation of the end effector closure tube 3050'.

Fig. 24-30 illustrate an alternative anvil 2000 "that is substantially identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences described below. As seen in fig. 24, the anvil mounting portion 2010 "is formed with an arcuate anvil camming surface 2020" and right and left notched or recessed portions 2022 ". Fig. 24 and 25 illustrate the anvil 2000 "in a fully open position. As can be seen in fig. 24, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 "is in its fully open position, the end effector closure tube 3050" is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the end effector closure tube 3050 "does not apply any closure force to the cam closure surface 2020". Fig. 30 illustrates one form of an end effector closure tube 3050 ", which may be identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences noted below. The end effector closure tube 3050 "includes an outer surface 3074" and an inner wall surface 3076 ". In at least one form, the closed tube 3050 "has a first wall thickness WT arranged as shown in fig. 30₁Second wall thickness WT₂Third wall thickness WT₃And a fourth wall thickness WT₄. In at least one arrangement, e.g. WT ₁<WT₂<WT₃≤WT₄. In some cases, WT₃>WT₄. The end effector closure tube 3050 "having a profile corresponding to WT₄The portion of the wall thickness of (a) forms the load transfer location 2070 ". In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the load transfer position 2070 "spans the split end effectorThe vertical plane VP of the closed tube 3050 ". Wall thickness WT of end effector closure tube 3050 ″₃Form the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L". In at least one arrangement as shown in fig. 30, the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L" span the horizontal plane HP of the split end effector closure tube 3050 ".

Referring now to fig. 26 and 27, as the end effector closure tube 3050 "is moved distally, the load transfer position 2070" contacts the cam surface 2034 on the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030. The load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L" also contact corresponding portions of the anvil mounting portion 2010 ". In addition, portions of the end effector closure tube 3050 "form load transfer positions 2074R", 2074L "which contact corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1310 to move the anvil 2000" to the closed position illustrated in fig. 26 and 27. Such an arrangement serves to create spaces 3077 ", 3079" between corresponding portions of the inner surface 3076 "of the end effector closure tube 3050" and the cam surface 2020 "of the anvil mounting portion 2010" when in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 26 and 27, as illustrated in fig. 27. The space 3077 "is located between the load transfer position 2070" and the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L". The space 3079 "is located between the load transfer positions 2072R", 2072L "and the load transfer positions 2074R, 2074L" as shown in fig. 27.

Fig. 28 and 29 illustrate the relationship between the end effector closure tube 3050 "and the anvil 2000" when the end effector closure tube 3050 "has moved the anvil 2000" in an over-closed orientation. As can be seen in fig. 29, in addition to the load transfer positions 2070 ", 2072R", 2072L ", 2074R", 2074L ", discrete load transfer positions 2076R", 2076L "are formed by the edges of the recessed portion 2022" formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010 ". Such discrete load transfer locations 2076R ", 2076L" are separated from the corresponding discrete load transfer locations 2072R ", 2072L" by corresponding spaces 3081 ". Such a configuration in the manner described above to provide a load transfer position may help prevent vertical elongation of the end effector closure tube 3050 ".

When using an end effector 1300 of the type and configuration described herein, a clinician manipulates first and second jaws (an anvil 2000 and an elongate channel 1310 having a surgical staple cartridge operably mounted therein) to capture tissue to be cut and stapled ("target tissue") therebetween. As can be seen in fig. 5 and 7, for example, the surgical staple cartridge 4000 comprises a cartridge body 4010 that is configured to be removably supported in an elongate channel 1310. The cartridge body 4010 comprises an elongated cartridge slot 4016 that extends through the cartridge body 4010 from a proximal end 4012 to a distal end portion 4014 to enable a knife member or firing member 1920 to pass therethrough. The cartridge body 4010 also defines a cartridge deck surface 4020 on each side of the elongated slot 4016. A plurality of staple cavities 4022 are disposed in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. Each lumen 4022 opens through the deck surface 4020 to removably support one or more surgical staples therein. In at least one cartridge arrangement, three rows of staple cavities 4022 are provided on each side of the elongate slot 4016. The rows are shaped so that the staples in the central row are staggered with respect to the staples in the two adjacent outer rows. The staples are supported on staple drivers that are movably supported within each staple cavity. In at least some arrangements, for example, the staple drivers are arranged to contact or "fire" upwardly when contacted by one or more camming members associated with the knife member 1920. In some arrangements, a wedge or cam slider is movably supported in the cartridge body and is adapted to be axially displaced through the cartridge body as the knife member 1920 is axially deployed through the cartridge from the proximal end portion 4012 to the distal end portion 4014 of the cartridge body 4010. The wedge sled includes a camming member or wedge associated with each row of staple cavities for continuously deploying the staple drivers supported therein. As the cams contact the staple drivers, the drivers are driven upwardly within the staple cavities, thereby driving one or more staples supported thereon out of the staple cavities and through the clamped tissue into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface of the anvil. The wedge sled or camming member is located distal to the knife or tissue cutting edge of the knife or firing member 1920 such that tissue is stapled prior to being severed by the tissue cutting edge.

When the clinician initially positions the target tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge, it is important that the target tissue be positioned such that the knife does not cut into the target tissue unless the target tissue is first stapled. In previous anvil arrangements, tissue stops were provided on the proximal end of the anvil body to prevent the target tissue from moving proximally past the most proximal staple pockets in the staple cartridge. Such tissue stops form an abrupt proximal end that faces or faces the distal end of the end effector closure tube. When the closure tube is moved distally to close the anvil, tissue extending outwardly from between the anvil and the cartridge will occasionally be undesirably pinched or clamped between the proximal end of the tissue stop and the distal end of the end effector closure tube. The examples disclosed below are configured to minimize the likelihood of tissue being pinched between the tissue stop and the end effector closure tube when the anvil is moved to the closed and over-closed positions in the various manners described herein.

Turning to fig. 7, for example, the staple cartridge 4000 comprises staples (not shown) that are removably supported or stored in each of the proximal-most staple cavities 4022P that are positioned in the rows of staple cavities 4022 in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. In various circumstances, to prevent the target tissue from being clamped proximally of the staples in the proximal-most staple cavities 4022P, the anvil 2000 includes two tissue stop members 2040 which project downwardly past the staple forming undersurface on each side of the anvil body. Each of the tissue stop members 2040 protrudes downwardly on each side of the cartridge body 4010 when the anvil is in the closed position or in the over-closed position. Fig. 7 shows the anvil 2000 in an open configuration. As can be seen in this figure, each of the tissue stops 2040 extends below the cartridge deck surface to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the staples in the most proximal staple cavities 4022P. As can be seen in fig. 7, 31 and 32, in at least one arrangement, the tissue stop 2040 is integral with the anvil body portion 2002. The proximal ends of the anvil body portion 2002 and the tissue stop 2040 extend slightly above a corresponding camming surface 2020 formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010. In the illustrated example, the proximal end of tissue stop 2040 is segmented into an upper proximal end portion 2042, a lower proximal end portion 2043, and a bottom proximal end portion 2044. See fig. 31 and 32. As can also be seen in fig. 31 and 32, an angled or chamfered surface 2045 is formed on the anvil mounting portion between the upper proximal end portion 2042 and the camming surface 2020. An angled or chamfered surface 2046 is formed between the lower proximal end portion 2043 and the camming surface 2020, and an angled or chamfered surface 2047 is formed between the lower proximal end portion 2044 and the camming surface 2020. In the illustrated arrangement where scalloped or relieved areas 2080, 2082, 2084 are formed in the anvil mounting portion 2010, chamfer 2045 corresponds to relieved area 2080. See fig. 33. Lower proximal end portion 2043 and accompanying chamfer 2046 correspond to relief area 2082, and lower proximal end portion 2044 and accompanying chamfer 2047 correspond to relief area 2084.

As discussed above, the anvil 2000 is moved from the fully open position to the closed position and the over-closed position by the axially movable end effector closure tube 3050. Fig. 31 and 33 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050 relative to the tissue stop 2040 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position. As can be seen in fig. 33, the upper proximal end portion 2042 and accompanying ramp 2045 are generally parallel to corresponding portions of the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. To reduce the likelihood of tissue being inadvertently clamped between the tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050, the lower proximal end portion 2043 and the lower proximal end portion 2044 of the tissue stop 2040, and the corresponding chamfers 2046 and 2047, are angled with respect to the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. This arrangement has the practical effect of increasing the distance between the portion of the tissue stop and the end effector closure tube that is most likely to encounter adjacent tissue.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end effector shown in FIG. 31 with the anvil 2000 in a closed position. When in this position, the upper proximal end portion 2042 of each tissue stop 2040 is located a distance from the end effector closure The distal end 3051 of the tube 3050 a first tissue distance TD₁To (3). The bottom proximal end portion 2044 of each tissue stop 2040 is located a second tissue distance TD from the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₂To (3). As can be seen in this figure, TD₂>TD₁. Fig. 32 and 34 illustrate the anvil 2000 in an over-closed position. A first tissue distance TD between the upper proximal end portion 2042 of each tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₁' still slightly less than a second tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 2044 of each tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₂', this will still reduce the likelihood of pinching tissue therebetween. In at least one example, TD₂And/or TD₂' may be approximately ten thousand inches to approximately twenty-five thousand inches. However, other thicknesses may be obtained. Additionally, the inclusion of the chamfered surfaces 2045, 2046, and 2047 can help reduce the likelihood of tissue being pinched between the tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050 as the anvil 200 is moved to the closed and over-closed positions. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above-described tissue stop configurations will also be used with other forms of end effector closure tube and closure member arrangements.

Fig. 35-38 illustrate another anvil embodiment 5000 that is identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences associated with the tissue stop 5040. The tissue stop 5040 can be identical to the tissue stops 2040, except that the proximal end portion 5042, 5043, 5044 and accompanying chamfer 5045, 5046, 5047 of each tissue stop are generally parallel to the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030. The end effector closure tube 5050 may be otherwise identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences discussed below. Fig. 35 and 36 illustrate the anvil 5000 in a closed position. In this arrangement, the areas that could otherwise readily clamp tissue are the edges of the bottom proximal end portion 5044 and the confronting portions of the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5050. To mitigate and minimize this possibility, a release region 5060 is formed in the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030 that faces or is otherwise opposite the bottom proximal end 5044 of each of the tissue stops 5040. In the illustrated example, each release region 5060 includes an arcuate notch 5062 formed in a portion of the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030 that corresponds to the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, when the end effector closure tube 5050 is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the anvil 5000, the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each of the tissue stops 5040 terminates in a bottom corner 5070, and the apex or bottom 5064 directly spans from the bottom corner 5070. However, other notch shapes may be employed.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end effector shown in FIG. 35 with the anvil 5000 in a closed position. When in this position, the upper proximal end portion 5042, the lower proximal end portion 5043, and the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 are located a first tissue distance TD from the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₁To (3). The bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 is located a second tissue distance TD from an apex or bottom 5064 of the notch 5062 in the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₂To (3). As can be seen in this figure, TD₂>TD₁. Fig. 37 and 38 show the anvil 5000 in an over-closed position. A first tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 and the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₁' still less than a second tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 2040 and the apex 5064 of the corresponding notch 5062 in the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₂', this will still reduce the likelihood of pinching tissue therebetween. Additionally, the inclusion of the chamfered surfaces 5045, 5046, and 5047 can help reduce the likelihood of tissue being pinched between the tissue stop 5040 and the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050 as the anvil 5000 is moved to the closed and over-closed positions. General techniques in this field One will appreciate that the above-described tissue stop configurations will also be used with other forms of end effector closure tube and closure member arrangements.

Fig. 39 illustrates a surgical staple cartridge 4000 including a cartridge body 4010 that is configured to be removably supported in an elongate channel 1310. The cartridge body 4010 comprises an elongate cartridge slot 4016 that extends through the cartridge body 4010 from a proximal end 4012 to a distal end portion 4014 to enable a knife member or firing member 1920 (fig. 5) to pass therethrough. The cartridge body 4010 also defines a cartridge deck surface 4020 on each side of the elongated slot 4016. See fig. 39. A plurality of staple cavities 4022 are disposed in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. Each lumen 4022 opens through the deck surface 4020 to removably support one or more surgical staples therein. In at least one cartridge arrangement, three rows of staple cavities 4022 are provided on each side of the elongate slot 4016. In the illustrated example, the rows are shaped so that the staples in the central row are staggered with respect to the staples in the two adjacent outer rows. The staples are supported on staple drivers that are movably supported within each staple cavity. In at least some arrangements, for example, the staple drivers are arranged to contact or "fire" upwardly when contacted by a cam member or camming portion associated with the knife member 1920. In some arrangements, a wedge or camming slide is movably supported in the cartridge body 4010 and is adapted to be axially displaced through the cartridge body 4010 as the knife member 1920 is axially deployed through the cartridge from a proximal end portion 4012 to a distal end portion 4014 of the cartridge body 4010. The wedge sled includes a camming member or "wedge" associated with each row of staple cavities for successively deploying the staple drivers supported therein. When the corresponding wedge or cam contacts the staple drivers, the drivers are driven upwardly within the staple cavities, thereby driving the staple or staples supported thereon out of the staple cavities and through the clamped tissue into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface of the end effector that faces the anvil. The wedge sled or camming member is located distal to the knife or tissue cutting edge of the knife or firing member 1920 such that tissue is stapled prior to being severed by the tissue cutting edge on the knife or firing member.

Variations in the arrangement and/or geometry of the staples in the staple line can affect the flexibility and sealing characteristics of the staple line. For example, staple lines comprised of linearly aligned staples may provide a limited amount of flexibility or stretch as the staple lines may flex or stretch between the linear staples. Thus, a limited portion of the staple line (e.g., the portion between the staples) is flexible. Staple lines comprised of angularly oriented staples may also flex or stretch between the staples. However, the angularly oriented staples can also be rotated, which provides an additional degree of stretch within the staple line. For example, staple lines made up of angularly oriented staples may stretch by more than 60%. In certain instances, for example, a staple line consisting of angularly oriented staples may stretch at least 25% or at least 50%. For example, the arrangement of the staples includes the relative orientation of the staples and the spacing between the staples. For example, the geometry of the staples includes the size and shape of the staples. The flexibility and sealing characteristics of the staple line may vary at longitudinal and/or lateral locations based on the staple arrangement and/or geometry. In some instances, it may be desirable to vary the flexibility and/or sealing characteristics of the staple line at one or more locations along the staple line. For example, it may be desirable to maximize the flexibility of the staple line or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to minimize the flexibility of the staple line or a portion thereof. It may also be desirable to maximize the sealing characteristics of the staple line or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to minimize the sealing characteristics of the staple line or a portion thereof.

The arrangement of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge corresponds to the arrangement of the staples in the staple line produced by the staple cartridge. For example, the spacing and relative orientation of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge correspond to the spacing and relative orientation of the staples in the staple line produced by the staple cartridge. In various examples, a staple cartridge can include an arrangement of staple cavities that are selected and/or designed to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing characteristics of the resulting staple line. For example, a surgeon may select a staple cartridge having staple cavities in a particular arrangement based on the surgical procedure to be performed and/or the characteristics of the tissue to be treated during the surgical procedure.

In some instances, it may be desirable to produce staple lines having different staple patterns. The staple line may include a first staple pattern for a first portion thereof and a second staple pattern for a second portion thereof. The first pattern and the second pattern may be longitudinally offset. For example, the first pattern may be positioned at a proximal end or a distal end of the staple line. In other examples, the first and second patterns may be laterally offset, and in other examples, the first and second patterns may be laterally offset and longitudinally offset. The staple line may comprise at least two different staple patterns.

In some instances, a majority of the staples in the staple line can form a primary pattern, and other staples in the staple line can form one or more secondary patterns. The main pattern may span a significant portion of the staple line and may include longitudinally repeating sub-patterns. In some examples, the secondary pattern or irregular shape may deviate from the primary pattern. The secondary pattern may be, for example, an anomaly at one or more locations along the length of the staple line. Different patterns in the staple line may be configured to produce different characteristics at predetermined locations. For example, the primary pattern may be a highly flexible or elastic pattern that may allow for extensive stretching of the stapled tissue, and the secondary pattern may be less flexible or less elastic. For example, it may be desirable for a majority of the staple lines to be highly flexible, and for one or more limited portions to be less flexible. In other examples, the secondary pattern may be more flexible than the primary pattern. In some instances, the flexibility of the secondary pattern may not affect, or not significantly affect, the overall flexibility of the entire staple line, as the secondary pattern extends along a shorter portion of the staple line. U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,389, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" (now U.S. patent application publication 2018/0168629, the entire disclosure OF which is hereby incorporated by reference herein), discloses various staple cartridge and staple driver arrangements. U.S. patent No.9,801,627, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING flex STAPLE LINES," the entire disclosure OF which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses various cartridge and anvil structures FOR producing FLEXIBLE surgical staple lines.

Referring again to fig. 39, a majority of the staple cavities 4022 in the cartridge 4000 are arranged in a first or primary pattern 4030. The first pattern 4030 is a longitudinally repeating pattern of angularly oriented staple cavities 4022. A longitudinally repeating pattern is one in which a sub-pattern or arrangement of longitudinally repeating patterns. For example, an arrangement of three staple cavities (inner, middle, and outer) on each side of the slot 4016 can repeat along at least a portion of the length of the staple cartridge body 4010. Various longitudinally repeating patterns of angularly oriented staple cavities are described in U.S. patent application No.14/498,145, now U.S. patent application publication No.2016/0089142, entitled "METHOD FOR CREATING A flex ibile STAPLE LINE," filed on 26.9.2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The openings 4024 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 form a herringbone pattern having six rows of angularly oriented staple cavity openings 4024 in the cartridge deck surface 4020. The inner row 4026a, middle row 4026b, and outer row 4026c of staple cavities 4022 are positioned on each side of the slot 4016.

Each staple lumen opening 4024 has a proximal end 4027 and a distal end 4028. The proximal ends 4027 and distal ends 4028 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 are laterally offset. In other words, each staple cavity 4022 in the first pattern 4030 is angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. A lumen axis CA extends between a proximal end 4027 and a distal end 4028 of each opening 4024. The cavity axis CA is oriented obliquely with respect to the slot 4016. More specifically, the openings 4024 in the inner row 4026a of staple cavities 4022 and the outer row 4026c of staple cavities 4022 are oriented at 45 degrees or about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA, and the openings 4024 in the middle row 4026b of staple cavities 4022 are oriented at 90 degrees or about 90 degrees relative to the openings 4024 of the inner and outer rows 4026a, 4026 c.

In the example of fig. 39, certain staple cavities in the cartridge body 4010 are oriented at an abnormal or irregular angle relative to the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. More specifically, the angular orientation of the proximal staple lumens 4022a, 4022b, 4022c, and 4022d and the distal staple lumens 4022e, 4022f, 4022g, and 4022h do not conform to the chevron configuration of staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. In contrast, the proximal staple lumens 4022a-4022d and the distal staple lumens 4022e-4022h are angularly offset from the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. The proximal staple lumens 4022a, 4022b, 4022c, and 4022d are obliquely oriented relative to the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030, and the distal staple lumens 4022e, 4022f, 4022g, and 4022h are also obliquely oriented relative to the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. The proximal and distal staple cavities 4022a-4022h are oriented parallel to the slot 4016 and parallel to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA.

The proximal staple lumens 4022a-4022d form a proximal pattern 4040 that is different from the first pattern 4030, and the distal staple lumens 4022e-4022h form a distal pattern 4042 that is also different from the first pattern 4030. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal pattern 4040 includes a first pair of parallel, longitudinally-aligned staple lumens 4022a, 4022b on a first side of the slot 4016 and a second pair of parallel, longitudinally-aligned staple lumens 4022c, 4022d on a second side of the longitudinal slot 4016. The distal pattern 4042 also includes a first pair of parallel, longitudinally aligned staple cavities 4022e, 4022f on a first side of the longitudinal slot 4016 and a second pair of parallel, longitudinally aligned staple cavities 4022g, 4022h on a second side of the longitudinal slot 4016. In other examples, the distal pattern 4042 may be different from the proximal pattern 4040.

The proximal pattern 4040 and the distal pattern 4042 are symmetric relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. In other examples, the proximal pattern 4040 and/or the distal pattern 4042 can be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. For example, the staple lumens 4022e and 4022f may be longitudinally offset from the staple lumens 4022g and 4022h and/or the staple lumens 4022a and 4022b may be longitudinally offset from the staple lumens 4022c and 4022 d. Additionally or alternatively, in certain examples, the staple cartridge body 4010 can comprise a proximal pattern 4040 or a distal pattern 4042. In other examples, the staple cavities 4022 defined in the staple cartridge body 4010 can comprise additional and/or different patterns of staple cavities 4022.

As further seen in fig. 39, atraumatic dilator 4050 extends or protrudes from the platform surface 4020 around a portion of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. Atraumatic dilators 4050 surround the proximal and distal ends 4027, 4028, respectively, of the openings 4024 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. Atraumatic dilator 4050 may be configured to grasp tissue clamped by the end effector. Additionally or alternatively, in certain examples, the tips of the staple legs can protrude from the cartridge body 4010. In such an example, atraumatic dilator 4050 can be configured to extend flush with and/or beyond the tips of the staple legs to prevent the tips from prematurely penetrating the tissue. Thus, larger staples (e.g., staples having longer legs) can be positioned in staple cavities 4022, with staple cavities 3010 having atraumatic dilators 4050 positioned thereabout. For example, referring again to fig. 39, larger staples can be positioned in the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 instead of the staples in the staple cavities in the proximal and distal patterns 4040, 4042 without risking premature tissue penetration by the longer staple legs. In certain examples, atraumatic dilator 4050 may be positioned around staple cavities 4022 in proximal pattern 4040 and/or distal pattern 4042, and larger staples may also be positioned in one or more of those staple cavities 4022a-4022 h.

The staple cartridge body 4010 can be configured to produce staple lines having different properties along its length. Staple lines 4060 produced by the staple cartridge body 4010 and embedded in the tissue T are shown in fig. 40. Staple line 4060 is comprised of staples 4062, and an exemplary staple 4062 for use with the various staple cartridges described herein is shown in fig. 41. For example, the staple 4062 may be comprised of bent wire. The diameter of the wire may have a diameter of 0.0079 inches or about 0.0079 inches. In other examples, the wire may have a diameter of 0.0089 inches or about 0.0089 inches. In other examples, the wire may have a diameter of 0.0094 inches or about 0.0094 inches. In certain examples, the wire may have a diameter of less than 0.0079 inches or greater than 0.0094 inches. The reader will appreciate that the diameter of the wire may determine the diameter of the nail. The staple 4062 is a generally U-shaped staple having a base 4064, a first leg 4066 extending from a first end of the base 4064, and a second leg 4068 extending from a second end of the base 4064. First leg 4066 is substantially parallel to second leg 4068 and substantially perpendicular to base 4064. When implanted in tissue T, the angular orientation of the bases 4064 corresponds to the angular orientation of the staple cavity openings 4024 from which the staples 4062 are fired.

Another exemplary staple 4070 that may be used with the various staple cartridges described herein is shown in fig. 42. Staple 4070 is a substantially V-shaped staple having a base 4072, a first leg 4074 extending from a first end of base 4072, and a second leg 4076 extending from a second end of base 4072. The first leg 4074 is oriented obliquely relative to the second leg 4076 and the base 4072. When implanted in tissue T, the orientation of base 4072 corresponds to the orientation of the staple cavity openings 4024 from which staples 4070 are fired. The reader will appreciate that staples having different geometries may also be fired from the staple cartridges described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 40, the staple line 4060 includes a first portion 4061, a proximal portion 4063, and a distal portion 4065. The first portion 4061 is created by the first pattern or host 4030 and extends along a majority of the staple line 4030. Due to the angular orientation of the staples 4062 in the first portion 4030, the first portion 4061 is substantially flexible or compliant. For example, because angularly oriented staples 4062 are rotatable within stapled tissue T while minimizing trauma to tissue T, first portion 4061 is configured to stretch or extend longitudinally and/or laterally as the stapled tissue is stretched.

Proximal portion 4063 is created from proximal pattern 4040 and forms the proximal end of staple line 4060. The distal portion 4065 is generated from the distal pattern 4042 and forms the distal end of the staple line 4060. Due to the parallel orientation of the staples 4062 in the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 of the staple line 4060, the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 of the staple line 4060 may have less flexibility than the first portion 4061. However, the reduced flexibility of the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 may not affect, or substantially affect, the overall flexibility of the staple line 4060. Further, as described herein, the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 may not extend adjacent the cut line, and in certain examples, the proximal portion 4063 may be absent or missing from the staple line 4060.

As described herein, staples are removably positioned in a staple cartridge and fired from the staple cartridge during use. In various examples, staples can be driven out of staple cavities in a staple cartridge and into forming contact with an anvil. For example, the firing element may translate through the staple cartridge during a firing stroke to drive the staples from the staple cartridge toward the anvil. In certain instances, the staples can be supported by staple drivers, and a firing element can lift the staple drivers to eject or remove the staples from the staple cartridge.

The anvil can include a staple forming undersurface having staple forming pockets defined therein. In certain examples, the staple forming pockets can be stamped in the anvil. For example, the staple forming pockets can be embossed in the flat surface of the anvil. The reader will appreciate that certain features of the staple forming pockets can be an intentional consequence of the embossing process. For example, a degree of rounding at the corners and/or edges of the staple formed product may be an intentional result of the embossing process. These features may also be designed to better form the staples into their formed configurations, including staples that become deflected and/or otherwise misaligned during deployment.

Each staple in the staple cartridge can be aligned with a staple forming pocket of the anvil. In other words, the arrangement of staple cavities and staples in a staple cartridge for an end effector can correspond to or match the arrangement of staple forming pockets in an anvil of the end effector. More specifically, the angular orientation of each staple cavity may match the angular orientation of the corresponding staple forming pocket. For example, when the staple cavities are arranged in a herringbone pattern, the staple forming pockets may also be arranged in a herringbone pattern.

The staples can be formed into a "fired" configuration as they are driven from the staple cartridge and into forming contact with the anvil. In various examples, the firing configuration can be a "B-shaped" configuration in which the ends of the staple legs are bent toward the staple base or crown to form a capital letter B having symmetrical upper and lower rings. In other examples, the firing configuration can be a modified B-shape, such as a skewed B-shape configuration in which at least a portion of the staple legs are twisted out-of-plane with the staple base, or an asymmetric B-shape configuration in which the upper and lower rings of the capital letter B are asymmetric. Tissue can be captured or clamped within the formed staples.

The arrangement of staples and/or staple cavities in the staple cartridge can be configured to optimize the corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets in the forming surface of the staple complementary anvil. For example, the angular orientation and spacing of the staples in the staple cartridge can be designed to optimize the forming surface of the anvil. In certain examples, the footprint of the staple forming pockets in the anvil may be limited by the geometry of the anvil. In instances where the staple forming pockets are oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, the width of the anvil may limit the size and spacing of the obliquely oriented staple forming pockets. For example, the width of the middle row of staple forming pockets may define a minimum distance between a first row (e.g., outer row) on one side of the middle row and a second row (e.g., inner row) on the other side of the middle row. Further, rows of staple forming pockets are confined between the inside edges of the anvil (such as the knife slot) and the outside edges of the anvil.

In various examples, the pockets can be adjacently nested along a staple forming undersurface of the anvil. For example, the middle dimple may be nested between the inner and outer dimples. The angular orientation of the dimples may be varied from row to facilitate nesting thereof. For example, the staple forming pockets in the inner row may be oriented at a first angle, the staple forming pockets in the middle row may be oriented at a second angle, and the staple forming pockets in the outer row may be oriented at a third angle. The first, second, and third angles may be different, which may facilitate a close arrangement of staple forming pockets.

Referring again to the previous staple cartridge shown in FIG. 39 and other previous staple cartridges such as those disclosed in the following patents: U.S. patent No.9,801,627, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR forming flex STAPLE LINES," and/or U.S. patent application No.14/498,145, filed on 26.9.2014, now U.S. patent application publication No.2016/0089142, entitled "METHOD FOR CREATING A flex STAPLE LINE," the varying angles of the staples and staple cavities in each row can be selected to optimize the nesting of the staple forming pockets in the complementary anvil. For each such staple cartridge, the complementary anvil can be configured to have a corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets. Further, the staple forming pockets in the complementary anvil can be larger than the staple cavities to facilitate the staple legs landing or falling into the staple forming pockets. For example, the staple legs can be outwardly biased, such as in the case of V-shaped staples (see fig. 42), and the larger footprint of the staple forming pockets can capture the outwardly biased staple legs during firing. In various examples, the staple forming pockets can be 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches longer than the corresponding staple cavities and/or staples. Additionally or alternatively, the staple-receiving cup of each staple-forming pocket may be 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches wider than the corresponding staple cavity. In other examples, the difference in length and/or width may be less than 0.005 inches or greater than 0.015 inches.

In instances where the dimensions of the staples vary within the staple cartridge, the dimensions of the staple forming pockets may vary accordingly within the complementary anvil. Varying the size of the staple forming pockets can further facilitate nesting thereof. For example, in instances where the staple forming pockets in the middle row are shorter than the staple forming pockets in the inner or outer rows, the width of the middle row of staple pockets may be reduced, which may minimize the necessary spacing between the inner and outer rows.

The spacing of the staple forming pockets can also be configured to optimize their nesting. For example, dimples arranged in an inner row may be longitudinally staggered relative to dimples arranged in an outer row. Further, the dimples in the inner row may partially longitudinally overlap the dimples in the outer row. The dimples in the middle row may be staggered longitudinally relative to the dimples in the inner row and the dimples in the outer row. For example, the dimples in the middle row may be longitudinally offset equidistant from the dimples in the outer row and the dimples in the inner row.

Fig. 43 to 46 show a part of an anvil or anvil 6000. In the illustrated example, the anvil 6000 includes an elongate body portion 6010 and an anvil mounting portion 6020. See fig. 43. In this example, the anvil mounting portion 6020 includes a pair of anvil trunnions or pivot members 6022 that facilitate pivotal support of the anvil 6000 on the elongate channel that supports the staple cartridge therein in the various manners described herein. A pair of tissue stops 6024 extend downwardly from the anvil mounting portion 6020 and serve to properly position or orient the target tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge relative to the proximal-most staples stored within the cartridge. Such an arrangement serves to ensure that the proximal staples are first fired into the target tissue before the tissue is severed by the tissue cutting edge on the firing member. An elongate slot 6026 extends through the anvil mounting portion 6020 and elongate body portion 6010 along the longitudinal axis LA to facilitate passage of a knife or firing member therethrough.

Anvil body 6010 includes a staple forming undersurface (commonly referred to as 6030) through which elongated slot 6026 passes. The staple forming undersurface 6030 is used to form flanges 6032, 6034 on each side of the slot 6026 within the anvil body 6010 for sliding engagement by protrusions formed on or attached to the knife of the firing member that pass through the slot 6026 during the staple firing and tissue cutting process. The staple forming undersurface 6030 includes flat surface portions 6040, which may be referred to herein as "non-forming surface portions" on each side of the slot 6026, which each have a plurality of staple forming pockets 6060 formed therein. See fig. 44. The anvil 6000 is generally complementary to the particular staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel. For example, the arrangement of staple forming pockets 6060 in the anvil 6000 can correspond to the arrangement of staples and staple cavities in a staple cartridge supported in the elongate channel. The forming ratio of the staple forming undersurface 6030 can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming surface portion 6040 of the anvil 6000 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 6060. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 6060 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming undersurface 6030 designed to capture and form a staple.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple forming pockets 6060 shown in fig. 43-46 are arranged in three rows 6050a, 6050b, 6050c on a first side of the longitudinal slot 6026. The first row 6050a is an outer row, the second row 6050b is a middle row, and the third row 6050c is an inner row. Outer dimples 6060a are positioned in outer row 6050a, middle dimples 6060b are positioned in middle row 6050b, and inner dimples 6060c are positioned in inner row 6050c closest to slot 6026. Pockets 6060a-c are arranged in a chevron arrangement along staple forming undersurface 6030 of anvil 6000. In at least one example, dimples 6060a-c on opposite sides of slot 6026 may form mirror image reflections of dimples 6060a-c on a first side of longitudinal slot 6026. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 6060 in the staple forming undersurface 6030 can be asymmetric with respect to the slot 6026, and in some examples, the anvil 6000 can exclude the longitudinal slot 6026. In various examples, dimples 6060 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of slot 6026.

Each dimple 6060a-c is arranged along a corresponding dimple axis and includes a perimeter 6062a-c that bounds the dimple 6064 a-c. Each pocket 6060a-c also includes a proximal cup or end 6066a-c, a distal cup or end 6068a-c, and a neck portion 6070a-c connecting the proximal cup 6066a-c and the distal cup 6068 a-c. A proximal forming or staple guiding groove 6072a-c is provided in each proximal cup 6066a-c and a distal forming or staple guiding groove 6074a-c is provided in each distal cup 6069 a-c. For example, when staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 6030, the proximal cups 6066a-c are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 6068a-c are aligned with the distal staple legs. The tips of the staple legs are positioned and configured to land in respective cups 6066a-c, 6068 a-c. In other words, the proximal cups 6066a-c are configured to receive proximal staple legs and the distal cups 6068a-c are configured to receive distal staple legs of corresponding staples. The cups 6066a-c and 6068a-c and forming recesses 6072a-c, 6074a-c are also configured to guide or transport the staple legs toward the pocket axis and a central portion (such as neck portions 6070a-c) of the pockets 6060a-c and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

The geometry, spacing, and/or orientation of dimples 6060a-c can vary from row to row. Dimple axes extend from the proximal cups 6066a-c, through the neck portions 6070a-c, and to the distal cup 6068a-c of each dimple 6060 a-c. Dimples 6060a-c in each respective row are parallel to one another. For example, the outer or first dimple 6060a is oriented at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis LA. See fig. 45. In other words, a first dimple axis (e.g., FPA) of outer dimple 6060a is oriented at an angle a relative to longitudinal axis LA. Middle dimple 6060B is oriented at an angle B relative to longitudinal axis LA. In other words, second pocket axis SPA of intermediate pocket 6060B is oriented at an angle B relative to longitudinal axis LA. The interior pocket or third pocket 6060C is oriented at an angle C relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, third pocket axis TPA of interior pocket 6060C is oriented at an angle C relative to longitudinal axis LA. See fig. 45.

Angles A, B and C may be different. In the example shown, outer dimples 6060a are substantially parallel with respect to inner dimples 6060 c. Angle a is substantially equal to angle C. That is, first pocket axis FPA is substantially parallel to third pocket axis TPA. Second pocket axis SPA is transverse to first pocket axis FPA and third pocket axis TPA, e.g., such that staple forming pockets 6060a-c in anvil 6000 form a herringbone pattern. Pockets 6060a-c may be of equal length or may be of different lengths. For example, the length of pockets 6060a-c may be selected to optimize the nesting of pockets 6060 a-c. For example, outer dimples 6060a can be longitudinally staggered relative to inner dimples 6060 c. In at least one arrangement, for example, the proximal cups 6066b of at least some of the forming pockets 6060b in the second or middle row 6050b of forming pockets are adjacent to the distal cups 6068c of adjacent forming pockets 6060c in the third or outer row 6050c of forming pockets, as shown in fig. 45. Likewise, the distal cups 6068b of at least some of the forming pockets 6060b in the second or middle row 6050b are adjacent to a portion of the neck 6070a and the proximal cups 6066a of adjacent forming cups 6060a in the first or outer row 6060 a. The arrangement of pockets 6060a-c is configured to nest pockets 6060a-c such that pockets 6060a-c fit within a predetermined space. For example, in certain instances, the width of the anvil 6000 can be minimized or otherwise limited to fit within a surgical trocar and/or within a narrow surgical field, and the arrangement of staple forming pockets 6060a-c (and corresponding structure of staples and/or staple cavities) can fit within the narrow anvil.

The anvil 6000 can also be provided with tissue stabilizing features and features that can improve the likelihood of the staples being properly formed when fired into their corresponding forming pockets 6060 a-c. For example, as can be seen in fig. 44 and 45, a plurality of anvil projections 6080 project upwardly from a flat non-forming surface portion 6040 of the staple forming undersurface 6030. In at least one instance, an outer or first anvil projection 6080 is formed about each proximal end or cup 6066a of each forming pocket 6060a in a first row or outer row 6050a of forming pockets 6060 a. In the illustrated arrangement, such first anvil projections 6080 can be integrally formed into the non-forming surface portions 6040 by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached to these non-forming surface portions 6040 by welding, adhesives, or the like, such that the first anvil projections 6080 project from the flat non-forming surface portions 6040. In at least one instance, first anvil projection 6080 extends around at least a portion of proximal cup 6066a in corresponding first forming pocket 6060 a. First anvil projection 6080 may also extend around at least a portion of a distal cup 6068b and around at least a portion of a proximal cup 6066c of an adjacent forming pocket 6060b, as shown in fig. 45. Likewise, an inner or second anvil projection 6090 is formed around at least a portion of each distal end or cup 6068c of each forming pocket 6060c in a third or outer portion 6050c of the forming pockets 6060 c. In the illustrated arrangement, such second anvil projections 6090 may be integrally formed into the non-forming flat surface portions 6040 by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached to these non-forming surface portions by welding, adhesives, or the like, such that the second anvil projections 6090 project from the flat non-forming surface portions 6040. In at least one instance, second anvil projection 6090 extends around at least a portion of distal cup 6068c in corresponding third forming pocket 6060 c. Second anvil projection 6090 may also extend around at least a portion of a proximal cup 6066b of an adjacent forming pocket 6060b and around at least a portion of a distal cup 6068a of an adjacent first forming pocket 6060a, as shown in fig. 45.

In at least one example, first anvil projection 6080 and second anvil projection 6090 can be formed with at least one "contoured" staple guide surface. The anvil 6000 illustrated in fig. 45 includes undulating surfaces or staple guiding facets or surfaces 6082, 6084, 6092, 6094. As used in this context, the term "contoured" is intended to encompass any surface that does not extend at a right angle (ninety degrees or about ninety degrees) relative to the flat non-shaped surface 6040. The term "contoured" can encompass rounded corner surfaces as well as angled surfaces or facets oriented at an acute angle (less than ninety degrees) relative to the flat non-shaped surface 6040.

In the illustrated arrangement, relative to the first anvil projection 6080, the first contoured forming surface 6082 angles inwardly from the upper surface 6081 of the projection and extends around a first portion of the perimeter of the corresponding proximal cup 6066 a. The first contoured forming surface 6082 transitions to an outer surface that extends around a first end of the distal cup 6068b of an adjacent forming pocket 6060 b. The first contoured surface 6082 then transitions to an inner angled surface that extends around the end of the proximal cup 6066c of an adjacent staple forming pocket 6060c, as shown, for example, in FIG. 45. Still referring to fig. 45, surface 6083 is also angled with respect to upper surface 6081 of first anvil projection 6080. The surface 6083 forms an outer surface that extends around the end of the proximal cup 6066a, then transitions to an inner angled surface that extends around the distal cup 6068 b. Surface 6083 then transitions to an upper surface that extends around proximal cup 6066c, as shown in fig. 45. The anvil 6000 may be used in conjunction with, for example, a surgical staple cartridge having an atraumatic extender on its deck surface, such as the cartridge 4000 described above. In such examples, the anvil projections may be aligned or substantially aligned with one or more corresponding atraumatic expanders on the cartridge. In other anvil arrangements, the anvil projections may be oriented out of alignment or misalignment or substantially misalignment with atraumatic extenders on the staple cartridge. In other arrangements, the anvil 6000 may be used in conjunction with a staple cartridge that does not have an atraumatic extender.

Staple forming undersurface 6030 further comprises a plurality of second anvil projections 6090 protruding therefrom. Relative to the second anvil projection 6090, the first contoured forming surface 6092 angles inward from the upper surface 6091 and extends around a portion of the perimeter of the respective distal cup 6068 a. First exterior surface 6092 transitions to an exterior surface angularly inwardly adjacent a portion of staple forming pockets 6060 c. As can be seen in fig. 45, the surface 6092 extends around a portion of the distal side 6068c wherein the surface is truncated at the edge of the cartridge body. An additional portion 6096 of the second anvil projection 6060 is formed adjacent to the other side of the perimeter of the distal cup 6068c as shown. The interior surface portion 6092 angles inward toward the perimeter of the distal cup 6068c, as shown. Thus, in the example illustrated in fig. 43-46, the anvil projections extend at least partially around each of the forming cups of each staple forming pocket 6060a-c on the staple forming undersurface 6030 on both sides of the elongated slot 6026 in the cartridge body 6010. Such raised anvil formation 6080, 6090 can be used to stabilize the tissue being stapled, and the angled surfaces can also help guide the staple legs of the corresponding staples into the cups of the correct staple forming pockets during stapling. Such use of anvil forming or tissue stabilizing features on an anvil to stabilize the cut tissue and staples may be particularly advantageous for anvil arrangements having a chevron-pocket configuration designed to achieve or form a flexible staple line.

Fig. 47-49 illustrate an anvil 6000', similar to the anvil 6000 discussed above, except for the differences discussed herein. Referring primarily to fig. 47, an anvil 6000' includes an elongate body portion 6010' and an anvil mounting portion 6020 '. In this example, the anvil mounting portion 6020' includes a pair of anvil trunnions or pivot members 6022' that facilitate pivotal support of the anvil 6000' on the elongate channel that supports a staple cartridge therein in the various manners described herein. A pair of tissue stops 6024 'extend downwardly from the anvil mounting portion 6020' and serve to properly position or orient the target tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge relative to the proximal-most staples stored within the cartridge. Such an arrangement serves to ensure that the proximal staples are first fired into the target tissue before the tissue is severed by the tissue cutting edge on the firing member. An elongate slot 6026' extends through the anvil mounting portion 6020' and the elongate body portion 6010' along the longitudinal axis LA to facilitate passage of a knife or firing member therethrough.

Anvil body 6010' includes a staple forming undersurface (commonly referred to as 6030') through which an elongated slot 6026' passes. The staple forming undersurface 6030 'is used to form flanges 6032', 6034 'on each side of the slot 6026' within the anvil body 6010 'for sliding engagement by protrusions formed on or attached to the knife of the firing member that pass through the slot 6026' during the staple firing and tissue cutting process. The staple forming undersurface 6030' includes flat portions 6040' (fig. 48), which may be referred to herein as "non-forming surface portions" on each side of the slot 6026', each having a plurality of staple forming pockets 6060a ' -c ' formed therein. The anvil 6000' is generally complementary to the particular staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel. For example, the arrangement of staple forming pockets 6060a ' -c ' in the anvil 6000' can correspond to the arrangement of staples and staple cavities in a staple cartridge supported in the elongate channel. The forming ratio of the staple forming undersurface 6030' can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 6040 'of the anvil 6000' can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 6060a '-c'. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 6060a ' -c ' can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming undersurface 6030' designed to capture and form a staple.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple forming pockets 6060a '-c' shown in fig. 47-49 are arranged in three rows 6050a ', 6050b', 6050c 'on a first side of the longitudinal slot 6026'. See fig. 48. The first row 6050c ' is an inner row, the second row 6050b ' is a middle row, and the third row 6050a ' is an outer row. Inner dimples 6060c 'are positioned in an inner row 6050c', middle dimples 6060b 'are positioned in a middle row 6050b', and outer dimples 6060c 'are positioned in an outer row 6050 c'. Pockets 6060a '-c' are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 6030 'of anvil 6000'. In at least one example, dimples 6060a '-c' on opposite sides of slot 6026 'can form a mirror image reflection of dimples 6060a' -c 'on a first side of longitudinal slot 6026'. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 6060a '-c' in the staple forming undersurface 6030 'can be asymmetric with respect to the slot 6026', and in some examples, the anvil 6000 'can exclude the longitudinal slot 6026'. In various examples, dimples 6060 'can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of slot 6026'.

Each dimple 6060a '-c' includes a perimeter 6062a '-c' that defines the boundaries of dimples 6060a '-c'. Each pocket 6060a '-c' also includes a proximal cup 6066a '-c', a distal cup 6068a '-c', and a neck portion 6070a '-c' connecting the proximal cup 6066a '-c' and the distal cup 6068a '-c'. A proximal shaped groove 7072a '-c' is disposed in each proximal cup 6066a '-c' and a distal shaped groove 6074a '-c' is disposed in each distal cup 6068a '-c'. When the staples are driven into forming contact with, for example, staple forming undersurface 6030', the proximal cups 6066a ' -c ' are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 6068a ' -c ' are aligned with the distal staple legs. The tips of the staple legs are positioned and configured to land in the respective cups 6066a '-c', 6068a '-c'. In other words, the proximal cups 6066a '-c' are configured to receive proximal staple legs and the distal cups 6068a '-c' are configured to receive distal staple legs of corresponding staples. The cups 6066a '-c' and 6068a '-c' and forming recesses 6072a '-c', 6074a '-c' are also configured to guide or transport and deform the staple legs toward the pocket axis and a central portion of the pockets 6060a '-c', such as neck portions 6070a '-c'.

The geometry, spacing, and/or orientation of dimples 6060a '-c' can vary from row to row. Dimple axes extend from proximal cups 6066a '-c', through neck portions 6070a '-c', and to distal cups 6068a '-c' of each dimple 6060a '-c'. Dimples 6060a '-c' in each corresponding row are parallel. For example, outer dimples 6060a 'are oriented at an angle a' relative to longitudinal axis LA. Each outer or first dimple row 6060a 'is along a first dimple axis FPA' axis oriented at an angle a relative to longitudinal axis LA. The medial concavity 6060B' is oriented at an angle B relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Each second pocket 6060B ' is disposed along a second pocket axis SPA ' oriented at an angle B ' relative to the longitudinal axis LA. The interior pocket or third pocket 6060C 'is oriented at an angle C' relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Each inner pocket 6060C ' is disposed along a third pocket axis TPA ' oriented at an angle C ' relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

The angles A ', B ' and C ' may be different. In the illustrated example, first or inner dimple 6060a 'is substantially parallel with respect to outer dimple 6060 c'. Angle a 'is substantially equal to angle C'. That is, first pocket axis FPA is substantially parallel to third pocket axis TPA. Second pocket axis SPA is transverse to first pocket axis FPA and third pocket axis TPA, e.g., such that staple forming pockets 6060a '-c' in anvil 6000 form a herringbone pattern. Dimples 6060a '-c' may be of equal length or may be of different lengths. The length of dimples 6060a '-c' can be selected, for example, to optimize nesting of dimples 6060a '-c'. For example, interior pockets 6060a 'may be longitudinally staggered relative to exterior pockets 6060 c'. In at least one arrangement, for example, the proximal cups 6066b 'of at least some of the forming pockets 6060b' in the second or middle row 6050b 'of forming pockets 6060b' are adjacent to the distal cups 6068c 'of adjacent forming pockets 6060c' in the third or outer row 6050c 'of forming pockets 6060c', as shown in fig. 48. Likewise, the distal cups 6068b 'of at least some of the forming pockets 6060b' in the second or middle row 6050b 'of forming pockets 6060b' are adjacent to a portion of the neck 6070a 'and the proximal cups 6066a' of adjacent forming cups 6060a 'in the first or inner row 6060 a'. The arrangement of dimples 6060a '-c' is configured to nest dimples 6060a '-c' such that dimples 6060a '-c' fit within a predetermined space. For example, in certain instances, the width of the anvil 6000' can be minimized or otherwise limited to fit within a surgical trocar and/or within a narrow surgical field, and the arrangement of staple forming pockets 6060a ' -c ' (and corresponding structure of staples and/or staple cavities) can fit within the narrow anvil.

The anvil 6000' can also be provided with tissue stabilizing features and features that can enhance the likelihood of staples being properly formed when fired into their corresponding forming pockets 6060a ' -c '. AN example of AN ANVIL projection is disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,014 entitled "END EFFECTOR assembly AN and view assembly process EXTENDING tool rom", filed on 30.6.2014 (now U.S. patent application publication No. us2015/0297234), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For example, as seen in fig. 48, a plurality of outer or first anvil projections 7000 are shaped to project upwardly from a flat non-forming surface portion 6040 'of staple forming undersurface 6030'. In at least one instance, first anvil projection 7000 is formed adjacent to a proximal side of each staple forming pocket 6060a ' of outer row 6050a ' of staple forming pockets 6060a '. In the illustrated example, each first anvil projection 7000 is formed adjacent a portion of a corresponding first staple forming pocket 6060a 'and elongated slot 6026'. First anvil projection 7000 may be advantageously sized and shaped to enhance tissue stabilization during the clamping and stapling process, and/or to enhance the likelihood that the corresponding staple will be properly formed during stapling. For example, each first anvil projection 7000 can be shaped and dimensioned to reinforce and guide the staple leg of a corresponding staple into that portion of staple forming pocket 6060a 'into forming contact with a corresponding portion of proximal cup portion 6066 a'. In the illustrated arrangement, first anvil projection 7000 can be integrally formed into staple forming undersurface 6040 'by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached thereto by welding, adhesive, or the like, such that projection 7000 projects from planar surface 6040'. In at least one instance, the first anvil projection 7000 comprises a polyhedron shape having four "first" sides 7002, 7004, 7006, 7008. The two ends 7002, 7004 are triangular flat surfaces. Two sides 7006, 7008 extend between and intersect the ends 7002, 7004 to form a straight line 7009. The longer side 7008 is adjacent to the proximal cup 6066a 'and extends to a neck portion 6070 a'. See fig. 48.

Still referring to fig. 48, the anvil 6000' can further comprise a plurality of second anvil projections 7010 which are shaped to project upwardly from the flat non-forming surface portions 6040' of the staple forming undersurface 6030 '. In at least one instance, a second anvil protrusion 7010 is formed between the proximal end of a corresponding staple forming pocket 6060a ' and the distal end of another corresponding staple forming pocket 6060a ' in the row of staple forming pockets 6050a '. In addition, a second anvil protrusion 7010 can extend along one side of adjacent staple forming pockets 6060b', as shown. The second anvil protrusion 7010 may advantageously be sized and shaped to enhance tissue stabilization during the clamping and stapling process and/or to enhance the likelihood that the corresponding staple will be properly formed during stapling. For example, each second anvil projection 7010 can be shaped and dimensioned to reinforce and guide the staple legs into corresponding portions of staple forming pockets 6060a 'and 6060 b'. In the illustrated arrangement, the second anvil projections 7010 can be integrally formed into the staple forming undersurface 6040 'by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached thereto by welding, adhesive, or the like, such that the second anvil projections 7010 project from the non-forming surface portions 6040'. In at least one instance, the second anvil protrusion 7010 comprises a polyhedral shape having four "second" sides 7012, 7014, 7016, 7018. The two end portions 7012, 7014 are triangular flat surfaces. The two sides 7016, 7018 extend between and intersect the end portions 7012, 7014 to form a straight line 7019. The side 7018 is adjacent to a side of the distal cup 6068b ' and a portion of the proximal cup 6066b ' of an adjacent staple forming pocket 6060b ', as shown.

Still referring to fig. 48, the anvil 6000' can further comprise a plurality of third anvil projections 7020 which project upwardly from the non-forming surface portions 6040' of the staple forming undersurface 6030 '. In at least one instance, the third anvil protrusion 7020 is formed between the proximal end of a corresponding staple forming pocket 6060c 'and the distal end of another corresponding staple forming pocket 6060a' in the row of staple forming pockets 6050a 'and between the proximal cup 6066b' of the staple forming pocket 6060b 'and the distal cup 6068b' of another staple forming pocket 6060b 'of the row of staple forming pockets 6050b', as shown. The third anvil protrusion 7020 may be advantageously sized and shaped to enhance tissue stabilization during the clamping and stapling process and/or to enhance the likelihood that the corresponding staple will be properly formed during stapling. For example, each third anvil projection 7020 can be shaped and dimensioned to reinforce and guide the staple legs into corresponding portions of staple forming pockets 6060a ', 6060b ' and 6060c '. In the illustrated arrangement, the third anvil projections 7020 may be integrally formed into the non-forming surface portions 6040' by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached to these non-forming surface portions 6040' by welding, adhesives, or the like, such that the third anvil projections 7020 project from the non-forming surface portions 6040 '. In at least one instance, the third anvil protrusion 7020 comprises a polyhedral shape having four "third" sides 7022, 7024, 7026, 7028. The two end portions 7022, 7024 are triangular flat surfaces. In one arrangement, the sides 7022, 2024 are identical to one another. The two sides 7026, 7028 extend between and intersect the end portions 7022, 7024 to form a straight line 7029. The sides 7026, 7028 can be identical to one another.

Also in the example illustrated in fig. 48, a plurality of fourth anvil projections 7030 project upwardly from non-forming surface portions 6040 'of staple forming undersurface 6030'. In various circumstances, the fourth anvil protrusion 7030 can be the same size and shape as the second anvil protrusion 7010. In at least one instance, the fourth anvil protrusion 7030 comprises a polyhedral shape having four "fourth" sides 7032, 7034, 7036, 7038. For example, the end 7034 can be formed adjacent to one side of the proximal cup 6066c 'of a staple forming pocket 6060c', and the end 7032 can be formed adjacent to a portion of the distal cup 6068c 'of an adjacent staple forming pocket 6060c' in the row 6050c 'of forming pockets 6060 c'. The side 7038 can be formed adjacent to a side of the proximal cup 6066b 'of an adjacent staple forming pocket 6060b', as shown. Sides 7032, 7034, 7036, 7038 intersect to form line 7039. The fourth anvil protrusion 7030 may be advantageously sized and shaped to enhance tissue stabilization during the clamping and stapling process and/or to enhance the likelihood that the corresponding staple will be properly formed during stapling. For example, each fourth anvil projection 7030 can be shaped and dimensioned to reinforce and guide the staple legs into corresponding portions of staple forming pockets 6060c 'and 6060 b'. In the illustrated arrangement, the fourth anvil protrusion 7030 may be integrally formed into the non-forming surface portion 6040' by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached to the non-forming surface portion by welding, adhesive, or the like, such that protrusion 7030 protrudes from the non-forming surface portion.

The anvil 6000' can also include a plurality of fifth anvil projections 7050. As can be seen in fig. 48, in at least one instance, an outer or fifth anvil protrusion 7050 is formed adjacent to the proximal side of the distal cup 6068c 'of each staple forming pocket 6060c' in the outer row 6050c 'of staple forming pockets 6060 c'. The fifth anvil protrusion 7050 may advantageously be sized and shaped to enhance tissue stabilization during the clamping and stapling process, and/or to enhance the likelihood that the corresponding staple will be properly formed during stapling. For example, each fifth anvil projection 7050 can be shaped and dimensioned to reinforce and guide the staple legs of a corresponding staple into that portion of the staple forming pocket 6060c 'into forming contact with a corresponding portion of the proximal cup portion 6068 c'. In the illustrated arrangement, the fifth anvil protrusion 7050 can be integrally formed into the non-forming surface portion 6040' by stamping, pressing, stamping, forging, molding, metal injection molding, electrochemical machining, or the like, or attached to the non-forming surface portion by welding, adhesive, or the like, such that the fifth anvil protrusion 7050 protrudes from the non-forming surface portion. In at least one instance, the fifth anvil projection 7050 comprises a polyhedral shape having four triangular sides 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058 that intersect to form a point 7059. In the illustrated example, first anvil projections 7000 may be arranged in first row 7001a of first anvil projections 7000. The second anvil projections 7010 may be arranged in a second row 7001b of second anvil projections 7010. The third anvil projections 7020 may be arranged in a third row 7001c of third anvil projections 7020. The fourth anvil projections 7030 may be arranged in a fourth row 7001d of fourth anvil projections 7030. The fifth anvil projections 7050 may be arranged in a fifth row 7001e of fifth anvil projections 7050.

The first sides 7002, 7004, 7006, 7008 and second sides 7012, 7014, 7016, 7018 and third sides 7022, 7024, 7026, 7028 and fourth sides 7032, 7034, 7036, 7038 and fifth sides 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058 may all be oriented at the same acute side angle SA relative to the planar non-forming surface 6040'. The first sides 7002, 7004, 7006, 7008 and second sides 7012, 7014, 7016, 7018 and third sides 7022, 7024, 7026, 7028 and fourth sides 7032, 7034, 7036, 7038 and fifth sides 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058 may be oriented at different acute angles or a combination of different acute angles SA and SA 'relative to a planar non-shaped surface 6040' (fig. 49).

In various circumstances, anvil projections can be formed on the staple forming undersurface so as to project upwardly from the flat portion thereof to form a plurality of staple guiding surfaces corresponding to the staple forming pockets to guide the corresponding staple legs therein, which can ultimately result in better formation of the staples and more consistently correct formation of the staples. Such anvil projections project above the anvil forming pockets and are angled toward their periphery such that when contacted by the ends of the wrong staple legs during the stapling process, the anvil projections will force or urge the wrong staple legs into the correct cup portions of the staple forming pockets for proper formation. Such anvil projections may be formed with one or more angled surfaces strategically positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the corresponding staple forming pockets. The anvil projection may have a plurality of angled surfaces, wherein the surfaces correspond to one or more staple forming pockets in the anvil. The anvil projections may be formed of the same material that constitutes the staple forming undersurface. Various surfaces of the anvil projections may be treated to reduce friction (e.g., coated with a friction reducing coating, polished, etc.) when contacted by the staple legs.

The entire staple forming undersurface, or a substantial portion of the staple forming undersurface, can be covered with anvil projections that are sized and designed to reinforce and guide the staple legs into corresponding portions of the staple forming pockets. Multiple anvil projections may be employed. These anvil projections may be identical in size and shape or may differ in size and shape. These anvil projections may be sized and shaped to completely fill the portions of the anvil forming surface between the staple forming pockets or to fill a substantial portion of such spaces. The various anvil projections can be sized and shaped to correspond to a variety of different staple forming pocket shapes and configurations, many of which are disclosed herein and in the various references incorporated herein in their entirety. The anvil projection arrangements disclosed herein may be used with staple forming pockets arranged in a herringbone configuration as well as conventional non-herringbone configurations.

The various anvil projection arrangements and configurations disclosed herein may also be effectively used in conjunction with anvil configurations that employ a "stepped" staple forming undersurface. Such "stepped" anvil arrangements are used in conjunction with staple cartridges having "stepped" decks. The stepped anvil may have two forming surfaces that do not lie on a common plane. The anvil projections disclosed herein can be distinguished from a stepped deck arrangement in that the anvil projections extend above the deck surface itself and are angled toward a corresponding portion of the perimeter of the corresponding staple forming pocket. As used in this context, the term "angled" refers to an acute angle of less than 90 degrees extending from a flat non-forming surface. Other anvil projection arrangements may employ radiused surfaces rather than flat angled surfaces to help guide the staple legs into adjacent forming pockets. Such anvil projections may also improve the stability of the tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge and ultimately stapled and cut.

Various anvils described herein, including anvil projections and tissue stabilizing features, may be used in conjunction with surgical staple cartridges having atraumatic extenders on their deck surfaces, such as the cartridge 4000 described above. In such examples, the anvil projections may be aligned or substantially aligned with one or more corresponding atraumatic expanders on the cartridge. In other anvil arrangements, the anvil projections may be oriented to avoid alignment or direct alignment with atraumatic extenders on the staple cartridge. In other arrangements, the anvil may be used in conjunction with, for example, a staple cartridge without an atraumatic extender.

FIG. 50 illustrates a portion of an anvil 7100 which can be otherwise identical to anvil 6000 except for a different arrangement of staple forming pockets 7160, for example. Similar to the anvil 6000, the pockets 7160 are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 7130 of the anvil 7100. The anvil 7100 includes a staple forming undersurface 7130 and a longitudinal slot 7126. The longitudinal slot 7126 extends along a longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 7100. In certain examples, the firing element and/or cutting element can translate through the longitudinal slot 7126 during at least a portion of the firing stroke. A staple forming pocket 7160 is defined in the staple forming undersurface 7130. The staple forming undersurface 7130 also includes a non-forming portion 7140 that extends around the pocket 7160. The non-formed portion 7140 extends completely around each dimple 7160. In other words, the non-forming portion 7140 surrounds the staple forming pocket 7160. In other examples, at least a portion of two or more adjacent pockets 7160 can be in abutting contact such that the non-formed portion 7140 is not positioned therebetween.

The forming ratio of the staple forming undersurface 7130 can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 7140 of the anvil 7100 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 7160. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 7160 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming lower surface 7130 designed to capture and form staples.

The dimples 7160 shown in fig. 50 are arranged in an inner row 7150a, a middle row 7150b, and an outer row 7150c on a first side of the longitudinal slot 7126. The inner dimple 7160a is positioned in the inner row 7150a, the middle dimple 7160b is positioned in the middle row 7150b, and the outer dimple 7160c is positioned in the outer row 7150 c. Although not shown in fig. 50, in at least one example, the pits 7160 on opposite sides of the slot 7126 can form a mirror image reflection of the pits 7160 on a first side of the longitudinal slot 7126. In other examples, the arrangement of pockets 7160 in the staple forming undersurface 7130 can be asymmetric with respect to the slot 7126, and in certain examples, the anvil 7100 can not include a longitudinal slot 7126. In various examples, the dimples 7160 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 7126.

Inner dimples 7160a are identical, middle dimples 7160b are identical, and outer dimples 7160c are identical; however, inner dimple 7160a may be slightly different from middle dimple 7160b and outer dimple 7160c, and middle dimple 7160b may be slightly different from outer dimple 7160 c. In other words, the pockets 7160 in each row 7150a, 7150b, and 7150c may be slightly different, or they may be the same or substantially the same for purposes of explanation. In other examples, the dimples 7160 in two or more of the rows may be the same. For example, inner dimple 7160a may be identical to outer dimple 7160 c. The extended landing areas 7170 and 7172 of the pits 7160a, 7160b, and 7160c described herein may contribute to their different geometries. In addition, the shape and size of the extended landing zones 7170 and 7172 are limited by the perimeter 7161 of the adjacent nested dimples 7160. The landing zones 7170 and 7172 define a polygonal profile and include linear and undulating portions.

The pockets 7160 can be configured to form the staples into the same or substantially the same formed shape. In other examples, the pockets 7160 can be configured to enable the staples to be formed into differently shaped staples, such as different heights and/or configurations. In certain examples, the pockets 7160 can vary longitudinally within each row 7150a, 7150b, and 7150 c. For example, in certain instances, the depth of the pockets 7160 or portions thereof can vary along the length of the anvil 7100 to accommodate variations in the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and/or tissue flow, as described herein.

Still referring to fig. 50, the pockets 7160a have a first or proximal end 7165a and a second or distal end 7167 a. The first pocket axis FPA extends between the proximal end 7165a and the distal end 7167a of the pocket 7160 a. Pocket 7160a includes a perimeter 7161 that defines the boundaries of pocket 7160 a. The perimeter 7161 includes a linear portion and a corrugated portion. More specifically, the perimeter 7161 includes linear portions and undulating corners therebetween where the linear portions change direction. In at least some arrangements, at least a portion of the perimeter 7161 of each dimple 7160 closely tracks or is parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of one or more adjacent dimples 7160. The rounded perimeter 7161 of the depressions 7160a may provide a smoother profile, e.g., it may be easier to stamp and/or punch in the staple forming undersurface 7130 than depressions having sharp corners.

Pocket 7160a comprises a proximal cup 7166a, a distal cup 7168a, and a neck portion 7169 extending between the proximal cup 7166a and the distal cup 7168 a. When the staple is driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7130, the proximal cups 7166a are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7168a are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7166a, 7168a are configured to guide or transport the staple legs toward the pocket axis and a central portion of the pocket 7160a (such as neck portion 7169a) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration. Each cup 7166a, 7168a of the pocket 7160a defines an inlet ramp 7180 and an outlet ramp 7182. When forming the staple, the ends of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 7166a, 7168a along the entrance ramp 7180 and exit the respective cups 7166a, 7168a along the exit ramp 7182. At the apex between the inlet ramp 7180 and the outlet ramp 7182, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as a B-shape or a modified B-shape. The pocket 7160a also defines a bridge 7186 in the neck portion 7169a between the proximal cup 7166a and the distal cup 7168 a. The bridge 7186 can be offset from the non-shaped portion 7140. More specifically, the bridge 7186 can be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7140. Pockets 7160b and 7160c may be formed to have the same configuration and characteristics as described herein with respect to pocket 7160 a. Such an arrangement results in a reduction in the non-formed portions 7140 of the staple forming lower surface 7130 and facilitates nesting of the respective rows of pockets. The pockets 7160a-c are arranged in a herringbone pattern, thereby forming flexible staple lines as described herein. Specifically, each dimple 7160b is aligned along a corresponding second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first dimple axis FPA of an adjacent first dimple 7160 a. Each third pocket 7160c is disposed along a corresponding third pocket axis TPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. In at least one arrangement, the third pocket axis TPA is parallel to the first pocket axis FPA and transverse to the second pocket axis SPA.

Fig. 51 illustrates a portion of an anvil 7200 that can be otherwise identical to anvil 6000, except for a different arrangement of staple forming pockets 7260, for example. Similar to the anvil 6000, the pockets 7260 are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 7230 of the anvil 7200. The anvil 7200 includes a staple forming undersurface 7230 and a longitudinal slot 7226. The longitudinal slot 7226 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 7200. In certain examples, the firing element and/or the cutting element can translate through the longitudinal slot 7226 during at least a portion of the firing stroke. Staple forming pockets 7260 are defined in staple forming lower surface 7230. The staple forming undersurface 7230 also includes a non-forming portion 7240 that extends around the recess 7260. The non-shaped portion 7240 extends completely around each dimple 7260. In other words, the non-forming portion 7240 surrounds the staple forming pocket 7260. In other examples, at least a portion of two or more adjacent dimples 7260 can be in abutting contact such that the non-shaped portion 7240 is not positioned therebetween.

The forming ratio of the staple forming undersurface 7230 can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 7240 of the anvil 7200 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 7260. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 7260 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming lower surface 7230 designed to capture and form staples.

The dimples 7260 shown in fig. 51 are arranged in an inner row 7250a, a middle row 7250b, and an outer row 7250c on a first side of the longitudinal slot 7226. The interior pockets 7260a are positioned in an inner row 7250a, the middle pockets 7260b are positioned in a middle row 7250b, and the exterior pockets 7260c are positioned in an outer row 7250 c. Although not shown in fig. 51, in at least one example, the dimples 7260 on opposite sides of the slot 7226 can form a mirror reflection of the dimples 7260 on the first side of the longitudinal slot 7226. In other examples, the arrangement of the dimples 7260 in the staple forming undersurface 7230 can be asymmetric with respect to the slots 7226, and in certain examples, the anvil 7200 can not include longitudinal slots 7226. In various examples, the dimples 7260 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 7226.

The internal dimples 7260a are identical, the intermediate dimples 7260b are identical, and the external dimples 7260c are identical; however, the inner dimples 7260a can be different from the middle dimples 7260b and the outer dimples 7260c, and the middle dimples 7260b can be different from the outer dimples 7260 c. In other words, the dimples 7260 in each row 7250a, 7250b and 7250c can be different. In other examples, dimples 7260 in two or more of the rows may be identical. For example, the interior dimples 7260a can be identical to the exterior dimples 7260 c. The extended landing areas 7270 and 7272 of the dimples 7260a, 7260b and 7260c described herein can contribute to their different geometries. In addition, the shape and size of the extended landing areas 7270 and 7272 are limited by the perimeter 7261 of adjacent nesting dimples 7260. The landing zones 7270 and 7272 define a polygonal profile and include linear and undulating portions.

The pockets 7260 can be configured to form the staples into the same or substantially the same formed shape. In other examples, the pockets 7260 can be configured to enable staples to be formed into different shaped staples, such as different heights and/or configurations. In certain examples, dimples 7260 can vary longitudinally within each row 7250a, 7250b, and 7250 c. For example, in certain instances, the depth of the pockets 7260 or portions thereof can vary along the length of the anvil 7200 to accommodate variations in the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and/or tissue flow, as described herein.

Still referring to fig. 51, the pockets 7260a have a first or proximal end 7265a and a second or distal end 7267 a. The first pocket axis FPA extends between the proximal end 7265a and the distal end 7267a of the pocket 7260 a. Dimple 7260a includes a perimeter 7261 that defines the boundaries of dimple 7260 a. Perimeter 7261 includes a linear portion and a wavy portion. More specifically, perimeter 7261 includes linear portions and undulating corners therebetween where the linear portions change direction. In at least some arrangements, at least a portion of the perimeter 7261 of each dimple 7260 closely tracks or is parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of one or more adjacent dimples 7260. The rounded perimeter 7261 of the dimples 7260a can provide a smoother profile, e.g., it can be more easily stamped and/or punched in the staple forming undersurface 7230 than dimples having sharp corners.

The pocket 7260a includes a proximal cup 7266a, a distal cup 7268a, and a neck portion 7269 extending between the proximal cup 7266a and the distal cup 7268 a. When staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7230, the proximal cups 7266a are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7268a are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7266a, 7268a are configured to guide or convey the staple legs toward the first pocket axis FPA and a central portion of the pocket 7260a (such as neck portion 7269a) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration. Each cup 7266a, 7268a of the recess 7260a defines an inlet ramp 7280 and an outlet ramp 7282. When forming staples, the ends of the staple legs can enter the respective cups 7266a, 7268a along the entry ramp 7280 and exit the respective cups 7266a, 7268a along the exit ramp 7282. At the apex between the entry ramp 7280 and the exit ramp 7282, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as a B-shape or modified B-shape. The depressions 7260a also define bridges 7286 in the neck portion 7269a between the proximal and distal cups 7266a, 7268 a. The bridge 7286 can be offset from the non-shaped portion 7240. More specifically, the bridges 7286 can be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7240. Dimples 7260b and 7260c can be formed to have the same configurations and characteristics as described herein with respect to dimple 7260 a. Such an arrangement results in a reduction of non-formed portions 7240 of staple forming lower surface 7230 and facilitates nesting of the respective rows of pockets. The dimples 7260a-c are arranged in a chevron pattern, forming a flex staple line as described herein. Specifically, each dimple 7260b is disposed along a corresponding second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to longitudinal axis LA and first dimple axis FPA of an adjacent first dimple 7260 a. Each third pocket 7260c is disposed along a corresponding third pocket axis TPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. In at least one arrangement, the third pocket axis TPA is parallel to the first pocket axis FPA and transverse to the second pocket axis SPA.

Referring now to fig. 52, staple forming pockets 7360 in a portion of anvil 7300 are depicted. Anvil 7300 includes a staple forming lower surface 7330 and a longitudinal slot 7326. The longitudinal slot 7326 extends along a longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 7300. In certain examples, the firing element and/or the cutting element can translate through the longitudinal slot 7326 during at least a portion of the firing stroke. Staple forming pockets 7360 are defined in staple forming lower surface 7360. The staple forming lower surface 7330 also includes a non-forming portion 7340 that extends around the dimple 7360. Non-formed portions 7340 extend completely around each dimple 7360 in fig. 52. In other words, non-forming portions 7340 surround staple forming pockets 7360. In other examples, at least a portion of two or more adjacent dimples 7360 may be in abutting contact such that non-formed portions 7340 are not positioned therebetween.

The forming ratio of the staple forming lower surface 7330 can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 7340 of the anvil 7300 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 7360. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 7360 may be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming lower surface 7340 designed to capture and form staples.

Dimples 7360 shown in fig. 52 are arranged in three rows 7350a, 7350b, 7350c on a first side of longitudinal slot 7326. First row 7350a is an inner row, second row 7350b is a middle row, and third row 7350c is an outer row. Inner dimples 7360 are positioned in inner row 7350a, middle dimples 7360 are positioned in middle row 7350b, and outer dimples 7360 are positioned in outer row 7350 c. Similar to anvil 7200, dimples 7360 are arranged in a chevron arrangement along staple forming undersurface 7330 of anvil 7300. Although not shown in fig. 52, in at least one example, dimples 7360 on opposite sides of slot 7326 can form a mirror reflection of dimples 7360 on a first side of longitudinal slot 7326. In other examples, the arrangement of dimples 7360 in the staple forming lower surface 7330 may be asymmetric with respect to the slot 7326, and in some examples, the anvil 7300 may not include a longitudinal slot 7326. In various examples, the dimples 7360 may be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 7326.

The dimples 7360 shown in fig. 52 are identical to each other. Each dimple 7360 defined in the staple forming lower surface 7330 has the same geometry. In other examples, the geometry of the dimples 7360 may vary from row to row and/or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 7300. For example, in certain instances, the depth of the dimples 7360 or portions thereof can vary along the length of the anvil 7300 to accommodate variations in the gap distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and/or tissue flow, as described herein. In at least one arrangement, the dimple 7360 has a first or proximal end 7365 and a second or distal end 7367. The first pocket axis FPA extends between the proximal end 7365 and the distal end 7367 in each pocket of the pockets 7360 in the first row 7350 a. Dimple 7360 includes a perimeter 7361 that defines the boundaries of dimple 7360. The pocket 7360b also includes a proximal cup 7366, a distal cup 7368, and a neck portion 7369 connecting the proximal cup 7366 and the distal cup 7368. When the staple is driven into forming contact with staple forming lower surface 7303, proximal cups 7366 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and distal cups 7368 are aligned with the distal staple legs. Cups 7366 and 7368 are configured to direct or convey the staple legs toward the corresponding pocket axis and central portion of pocket 7360 (such as neck portion 7369) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

Still referring to fig. 52, each cup 7366, 7368 of the well 7360 defines an inlet ramp 7370 and an outlet ramp 7372. The outlet ramp 7372 may be steeper than the inlet ramp 7330. When forming the staple, the ends of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 7366, 7368 along the entrance ramp 7370 and exit the respective cups 7366, 7368 along the exit ramp 7332. At an apex region or parting line 7374 between the inlet ramp 7370 and the outlet ramp 7372, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or a modified B-shape. The depressions 7360 also define bridges 7376 in the neck portion 7369 between the proximal and distal cups 7366, 7368. The bridge member 7376 may be offset from the non-formed portion 7340 of the staple forming lower surface 7330. More specifically, the bridge 7376 may be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7340.

In at least one example, well 7360 includes sidewalls 7377. In at least one arrangement, the side wall 7377 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 7366, 7368 toward the neck portion 7369. Thus, the widest portions of the cups 7366, 7368 may be located at the proximal end 7365 and the distal end 7367, respectively, of the dimple 7360. The widened regions at the proximal end 7365 and distal end 7367, along with the side wall 7377, provide an enlarged footprint for receiving the staple leg tips. In various examples, the widened portions of cups 7366 and 7368 define extended landing zones for receiving the nail tips. As the cups 7366, 7368 narrow toward the neck portion 7369, the cups 7366, 7368 are configured to convey and/or guide the tips of the staple legs toward and/or along the pocket axis into a formed configuration. Dimple 7360 defines a chamfered edge 7378 along the sides of dimple 7360. Chamfered edge 7378 serves to enlarge the footprint of pocket 7360 and to guide the tips of the legs toward the pocket axis. In the illustrated arrangement, the dimples 7360 are symmetric about the corresponding dimple axis PA. For example, perimeter 7361 of dimple 7360 is symmetric about the corresponding dimple axis. Further, dimple 7360 is symmetric about a central axis CA that passes through neck portion 7369 and is perpendicular to the dimple axis. For example, the perimeter 7361 of the dimple 7360 is symmetric about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 7366 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7368. In other examples, the proximal cup 7366 may be different from the distal cup 7368. In various instances, the neck portion 7369 has a width that is less than the width of the cups 7366 and 7368. Thus, the central portion of the dimple 7360 is narrower than the proximal and distal cups 7366, 7368.

The geometry of dimples 7360 facilitates a close arrangement of dimples 7360 in staple forming lower surface 7330. For example, because dimple 7360 includes a narrowed neck portion 7369 between two enlarged cups 7366 and 7368, the enlarged cups 7366, 7368 of another dimple 7360 may be positioned adjacent to the narrowed neck portion 7369. Thus, the surface area of the staple forming lower surface 7330 covered by the dimples 7360 can be optimized. For example, the surface area of the staple forming lower surface 7330 covered by the dimples 7360 is maximized. The "forming ratio" is the ratio of non-formed portions 7340 to formed portions (i.e., dimples 7360). In various examples, for example, the forming ratio can be at least 1: 1.

In some examples, although dimples 7360 are positioned in close proximity to each other, there is space for non-formed portions 7340 between adjacent dimples 7360 due to the narrowing of neck portions 7369. For example, non-formed portions 7340 may extend between neck portions 7369 of dimples 7360 in inner row 7350a and distal cups 7368 of adjacent dimples 7360 in second intermediate row 7350 b. The non-formed portions 7340 between adjacent dimples 7360 may provide sufficient spacing between the dimples 7360 to strengthen and/or strengthen the anvil 7300. The depressions 7360 are arranged in a chevron pattern, forming a flexible staple line as described herein. Specifically, each dimple 7360 in first row 7350a is arranged along a corresponding first dimple axis FPA that is transverse to longitudinal axis LA. Each dimple 7360 in second row 7350b of dimples 7360 is arranged along a corresponding second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to longitudinal axis LA and to first dimple axis FPA of an adjacent dimple 7360 in first row 7350 a. Each dimple 7360 in third row 7350c of dimples 7360 is arranged along a corresponding third dimple axis TPA that is transverse to longitudinal axis LA. In at least one arrangement, the third pocket axis TPA is parallel to the first pocket axis FPA and transverse to the second pocket axis SPA.

Referring now to fig. 53, staple forming pockets 7460 in a portion of an anvil 7400 are depicted. The anvil 7400 includes a staple forming undersurface 7430 and a longitudinal slot 7426. The longitudinal slot 7426 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the anvil 7400. In certain examples, the firing element and/or the cutting element can translate through the longitudinal slot 7426 during at least a portion of the firing stroke. A staple forming pocket 7460 is defined in the staple forming undersurface 7430. The staple forming undersurface 7430 also includes a non-forming portion 7440 that extends around the pocket 7460. The non-shaped portion 7440 extends completely around each pocket 7460. In other words, the non-forming portions 7440 surround the staple forming pockets 7460. In other examples, at least a portion of two or more adjacent wells 7460 can be in abutting contact such that the non-shaped portion 7440 is not positioned therebetween. In addition, a non-shaped portion 7440 extends through each pocket 7460, as described herein.

The forming ratio of the staple forming undersurface 7430 can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 7440 of the anvil 7400 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 7460. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 7460 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming undersurface 7440 that is designed to capture and form a staple.

The dimples 7460 shown in fig. 53 are arranged in an inner row 7450a, a middle row 7450b, and an outer row 7450c on a first side of the longitudinal slot 7426. The inner dimples 7460 are positioned in an inner row 7450a, the middle dimples 7460 are positioned in a middle row 7450b, and the outer dimples 7460 are positioned in an outer row 7450 c. The pockets 7460 are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 7430 of the anvil 7430. Although not shown in fig. 53, in at least one example, the dimples 7460 on opposite sides of the slot 7426 can form a mirror image reflection of the dimples 7460 on a first side of the longitudinal slot 7426. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 7460 in the staple forming undersurface 7430 can be asymmetric with respect to the slots 7426, and in certain examples, the anvil 7400 can exclude the longitudinal slots 7426. In various examples, the dimples 7460 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 7426.

The dimples 7460 shown in fig. 53 are identical to each other. Each of the pockets 7460 defined in the staple forming undersurface 7430 has the same geometry. In other examples, the geometry of the pockets 7460 can vary from row to row and/or longitudinally along the length of the anvil 7400. For example, in certain instances, the depth of the pockets 7460 or portions thereof can vary along the length of the anvil 7400 to accommodate variations in the gap distance between the anvil and staple cartridge along the length of the end effector and/or tissue flow, as described herein. In at least one example, the pockets 7460 have a first or proximal end 7465 and a second or distal end 7468. The pocket axis extends between a proximal end 7465 and a distal end 7467 of the pocket 7460. The wells 7460 include a perimeter 7461 that defines the boundaries of the wells 7460. The perimeter 7461 includes rounded corners at the proximal end 7465 and the distal end 7467 of the pockets 7460. The wells 7460 also include a proximal cup 7466 and a distal cup 7468. A portion of the non-shaped portion 7440 extends between the proximal cup 7466 and the distal cup 7468. In other words, the pocket 7460 includes two separate and discrete cups 7466 and 7468 in the staple-forming lower surface 7430. As the staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7430, the proximal cups 7466 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7468 are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7466, 7468 are configured to direct or convey the staple legs toward the pocket axis and central portion of the pocket 7460 and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

Referring primarily to fig. 53, each cup 7466, 7468 of the pocket 7460 defines an entrance ramp 7480 and an exit ramp 7482. The exit ramp 7482 is steeper than the entrance ramp 7480. When forming a staple, the ends of the staple legs may enter the respective cups 7466, 7468 along the entrance ramp 7480 and exit the respective cups 7466, 7468 along the exit ramp 7482. At the apex 7484 between the entry ramp 7480 and the exit ramp 7482, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or a modified B-shape. The pockets 7460 also define a bridge 7486 between the proximal cup 7466 and the distal cup 7468. The bridge 7486 is aligned with the non-shaped portion 7440. More specifically, the bridge 7486 is a planar extension of the non-shaped portion 7440 that extends between the proximal cup 7466 and the distal cup 7468.

In the illustrated example, each pocket 7460 includes a pair of side walls 7478 that are angularly oriented relative to the non-shaped portion 7440. The angular orientation of the side walls 7478 may be constant along the length of each of the cups 7466, 7468. The side walls 7478 narrow between the outer end of each cup 7466, 7468 and the inner end of the cup 7466, 7468. For example, the side walls 7478 extend along an inward contour to define a contour in the perimeter 7461 of the recess 7460. The widest portions of the cups 7466, 7468 are located at the proximal and distal ends of the recess 7460. The widened region provides an enlarged footprint for receiving the distal ends of the staple legs. As the cups 7466, 7468 narrow toward the bridge 7486, the side walls 7478 are configured to convey and/or guide the tips of the staple legs toward and/or along the pocket axis and into a forming configuration.

In the illustrated arrangement, the dimples 7460 located in the first or inner row 7450a of dimples 7460 are arranged along a first dimple axis FPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Each of the dimples 7460 in the second or intermediate row 7450b of dimples 7460 is arranged along a second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first dimple axis FPA. Each pocket in the outer or third row 7450c of pockets 7460 is arranged along a third pocket axis TPA that is parallel to the first pocket axis FPA in one arrangement, or it may not be parallel to the first pocket axis, but rather transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Each dimple 7460 is symmetrical about its respective dimple axis. For example, the perimeter 7461 of the dimple 7460 is symmetric about the dimple axis. Further, the pockets 7460 are symmetrical about a central axis CA located between the proximal cup 7466 and the distal cup 7468 and perpendicular to the respective pocket axes. For example, the perimeter 7461 of the pockets 7460 is symmetrical about the central axis CA and the proximal cup 74660 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7468. In other examples, the proximal cup 7466 may be different from the distal cup 7468. U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,900 entitled "stable-FORMING POCKET assembly PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET adhesive devices", filed on 21/12/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, now U.S. patent application publication No.2018/0168601, discloses other dimple configurations that can be used with the various anvil ARRANGEMENTS disclosed herein.

Fig. 54-57 illustrate other pocket configurations that may be used with the various anvil arrangements disclosed herein. Turning to fig. 54, the pocket 7560 includes a first or proximal end 7565 and a second or distal end 7567. The pocket axis PA extends between the proximal end 7565 and the distal end 7567. Pocket 7560 includes a perimeter 7561 that defines the boundaries of pocket 7560. The pocket 7560b also includes a proximal cup 7566, a distal cup 7568, and a neck portion 7569 connecting the proximal cup 7566 and the distal cup 7568. Each cup 7566, 7568 of a pocket 7560 defines an entrance ramp 7570 and an exit ramp 7572. When forming the staple, the tips of the staple legs can enter the respective cups 7566, 7568 along the entrance ramp 7570 and exit the respective cups 7566, 7568 along the exit ramp 7532. At an apex region or parting line 7574 between the entrance ramp 7570 and the exit ramp 7572, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or a modified B-shape. In the illustrated example, the pocket 7560 includes a centrally disposed shaped groove 7580 that is disposed along the pocket axis PA and extends from the proximal cup 7566 to the distal cup 7568. The shaped groove 7580 bisects each of the inlet and outlet ramps 7570, 7572 as shown.

The pockets 7560 also define bridges 7576 in the neck portion 7569 between the proximal and distal cups 7566, 7568. Bridge 7576 can be offset from non-shaped portion 7540 of staple forming undersurface 7530. More specifically, the bridge 7576 can be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7540. In at least one example, pocket 7560 includes sidewalls 7577. In at least one arrangement, the distance between the sidewalls 7577 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 7566, 7568 toward the neck portion 7569. Thus, the widest portions of the cups 7566, 7568 can be located at the proximal and distal ends 7565, 7567, respectively, of the pocket 7560. The widened regions at the proximal and distal ends 7565, 7567, along with the sidewalls 7577, provide an enlarged footprint for preferably receiving the tips of the staple legs within the staple forming grooves 7580. In various examples, the widened portions of the cups 7566 and 7568 define extended landing zones for receiving the nail tips. As the cups 7566, 7568 narrow toward the neck portion 7369, the cups 7366, 7368 are configured to convey and/or guide the tips of the staple legs toward and/or along the pocket axis into the forming grooves 7580 and into a forming configuration. The pocket 7560 defines a chamfered edge 7578 along the sides of the pocket 7560. The chamfered edges 7578 serve to enlarge the footprint of the pocket 7560 and guide the tips of the legs of the staple toward the pocket axis. In the illustrated arrangement, the dimples 7560 are symmetric about the corresponding dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7561 of the dimple 7560 is symmetric about the corresponding dimple axis. Further, the pocket 7560 is symmetrical about a central axis CA that passes through the neck portion 7569 and is perpendicular to the pocket axis. For example, the perimeter 7561 of the pocket 7560 is symmetric about the central axis CA and the proximal cup 7566 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7568. In other examples, the proximal cup 7566 can be different from the distal cup 7568. In each case, the neck portion 7569 has a width that is less than the width of the cups 7566 and 7568. Thus, the central portion of the pocket 7560 is narrower than the proximal and distal cups 7566, 7568. In the exemplified arrangement, the proximal cup 7566 has a pointed end 7590 and the distal cup 7568 has a pointed end 7592. A forming groove 7580 extends from each of the pointed ends 7590, 7592 to enhance the likelihood that the tips of the staple legs will fall into the forming grooves 7580 during firing. When the staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7530, the proximal cups 7566 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7568 are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7566 and 7568 are configured to guide or transport the staple legs toward the corresponding pocket axis and forming groove 7580 and a central portion of the pocket 7560 (such as neck portion 7569) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

Turning to fig. 55, the dimple 7660 includes a first or proximal end 7665 and a second or distal end 7667. The pocket axis PA extends between the proximal end 7665 and the distal end 7667. Dimple 7660 includes a perimeter 7661, which defines the boundaries of dimple 7660. The recess 7660b further includes a proximal cup 7666, a distal cup 7668, and a neck portion 7669 connecting the proximal and distal cups 7666, 7668. In the illustrated example, the dimple 7660 includes a centrally-disposed shaped indentation 7680 that is disposed along the dimple axis PA and extends from the proximal cup 7666 to the distal cup 7668. The shaped recess 7680 defines an entrance ramp 7670 and an exit ramp 7672. When forming staples, the ends of the staple legs can enter the respective cups 7666, 7668 along the entrance ramp 7670 and exit the respective cups 7666, 7668 along the exit ramp 7672. At an apex region or parting line 7674 between the entry ramp 7670 and the exit ramp 7672, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or a modified B-shape.

The dimples 7660 also define bridges 7676 in the neck portion 7669 between the proximal and distal cups 7666, 7668. The bridge 7676 can be offset from the non-forming portion 7640 of the staple forming undersurface 7630. More specifically, the bridge 7676 can be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7640. In at least one example, dimple 7660 includes a sidewall 7677. In at least one arrangement, the distance between the side walls 7677 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 7666, 7668 toward the neck portion 7669. Thus, the widest portions of the cups 7666, 7668 may be located at the proximal and distal ends 7665, 7667, respectively, of the dimples 7660. The widened regions at the proximal and distal ends 7665 and 7667, along with the side walls 7677, provide an enlarged footprint for receiving the tips of the staple legs, preferably within the staple forming recesses 7680. In various examples, the widened portions of cups 7666 and 7568 define extended landing zones for receiving the nail tips. As the cups 7666, 7668 narrow toward the neck portion 7669, the cups 7666, 7668 are configured to convey and/or guide the ends of the staple legs into the forming pockets 7680 and into a forming configuration toward and/or along the pocket axis. Dimple 7660 defines chamfered edge 7678 along the sides of dimple 7660. Chamfer edge 7678 serves to enlarge the footprint of pocket 7660 and guide the tip of the pin leg toward pocket axis PA. In the illustrated arrangement, dimples 7660 are symmetric about corresponding dimple axes PA. For example, the perimeter 7661 of a dimple 7660 is symmetric about the corresponding dimple axis. Further, the dimples 7660 are symmetrical about a central axis CA that passes through the neck portion 7669 and is perpendicular to the dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7661 of the dimple 7660 is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 7666 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7668. In other examples, proximal cup 7666 may be different from distal cup 7668. In each case, the neck portion 7669 has a width that is less than the width of the cups 7666 and 7668. Thus, a central portion of pocket 7560 is narrower than proximal and distal cups 7666 and 7668. When staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7630, the proximal cups 7666 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7668 are aligned with the distal staple legs. Cups 7666 and 7668 are configured to guide or convey the staple legs toward the corresponding pocket axis and forming pocket 7680 and a central portion of pocket 7660 (such as neck portion 7669) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

Turning to fig. 56, the pocket 7760 includes a first or proximal end 7765 and a second or distal end 7767. The pocket axis PA extends between the proximal end 7765 and the distal end 7767. The depression 7760 includes a perimeter 7761 that defines the boundaries of the depression 7760. The pocket 7760b further includes a proximal cup 7766, a distal cup 7768, and a neck portion 7769 connecting the proximal cup 7766 and the distal cup 7768. In the illustrated example, the pocket 7760 includes a centrally-disposed shaped groove 7780 disposed along the pocket axis PA and extending from the proximal cup 7766 to the distal cup 7768. The shaped recess 7780 defines an entrance ramp 7770 and an exit ramp 7772. When forming staples, the distal ends of the staple legs can enter the respective cup 7766, 7768 along the entrance ramp 7770 and exit the respective cup 7766, 7768 along the exit ramp 7772. At an apex region or parting line 7774 between the entrance ramp 7770 and the exit ramp 7772, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or a modified B-shape.

The pocket 7760 also defines a bridge 7776 in the neck portion 7769 between the proximal and distal cups 7766, 7768. Bridge 7776 may be biased from non-forming portion 7740 of staple forming undersurface 7730. More specifically, the bridge 7776 may be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7740. In at least one example, the pocket 7760 comprises a sidewall 7777. In at least one arrangement, the distance between the sidewalls 7777 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 7766, 7768 toward the neck portion 7769. Thus, the widest portions of the cups 7766, 7768 may be located at the proximal and distal ends 7765, 7767, respectively, of the pocket 7760. The widened regions at the proximal and distal ends 7765, 7767, along with the side walls 7777, provide an enlarged footprint for preferably receiving the tips of the staple legs within the staple forming groove 7780. In various examples, the widened portions of the cups 7766 and 7768 define extended landing zones for receiving the ends of the staples. As the cups 7766, 7768 narrow toward the neck portion 7769, the cups 7766, 7768 are configured to convey and/or guide the tips of the staple legs toward and/or along the pocket axis into the forming groove 7780 and into a forming configuration. The dimple 7760 defines a chamfered edge 7778 along the sides of the dimple 7760. The chamfered edges 7778 serve to enlarge the footprint of the pocket 7760 and guide the tips of the legs of the staple toward the pocket axis PA. In the illustrated arrangement, the dimples 7760 are symmetrical about the corresponding dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7761 of the dimple 7760 is symmetrical about the corresponding dimple axis. Further, the dimple 7760 is symmetrical about a central axis CA that passes through the neck portion 7769 and is perpendicular to the dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7761 of the pocket 7760 is symmetrical about the central axis CA and the proximal cup 7766 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7768. In other examples, the proximal cup 7766 may be different from the distal cup 7668. In various circumstances, the width of the neck portion 7769 is less than the width of the cups 7766 and 7768. Thus, the central portion of the pocket 7560 is narrower than the proximal and distal cups 7766, 7768. When a staple is driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7730, the proximal cups 7766 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7768 are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7666 and 7768 are configured to guide or convey the staple legs toward the corresponding pocket axis and forming flute 7780 and central portion of the pocket 7760 (such as the neck portion 7769) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

Turning to fig. 57, the pocket 7860 includes a first or proximal end 7865 and a second or distal end 7867. The pocket axis PA extends between the proximal end 7865 and the distal end 7867. The pocket 7860 includes a perimeter 7861 that defines the boundaries of the pocket 7860. The pocket 7860b also includes a proximal cup 7866, a distal cup 7868, and a neck portion 7869 connecting the proximal cup 7866 and the distal cup 7868. Each of the proximal and distal cups 7866, 7868 defines an entrance ramp 7870 and an exit ramp 7872. When forming staples, the ends of the staple legs can enter the respective cups 7866, 7868 along the entrance ramp 7870 and exit the respective cups 7866, 7868 along the exit ramp 7872. At the apex region or split line 7874 between the entrance ramp 7870 and the exit ramp 7872, the tips of the staple legs are deformed toward the staple base to assume a formed configuration, such as, for example, a B-shape or modified B-shape.

The pockets 7860 also define bridges 7876 in the neck portion 7869 between the proximal cup 7866 and the distal cup 7868. The bridges 7876 can be offset from the non-formed portion 7840 of the staple forming lower surface 7830. More specifically, the bridge 7876 can be positioned below or recessed relative to the non-shaped portion 7840. In at least one example, the pocket 7860 includes three sidewalls 7877, 7878, 7879. The sidewalls 7877, 7878, 7879 may be angled relative to one another. In at least one arrangement, the distance between the sidewalls 7878, 7879 narrows linearly from the outer end of each cup 7866, 7868 toward the neck portion 7869. Thus, the widest portions of the cups 7866, 7868 may be located at the proximal and distal ends 7865, 7867, respectively, of the recess 7860. The widened regions at the proximal and distal ends 7865, 7867 along with the sidewalls 7877, 7878, 7879 provide an enlarged footprint for receiving the tips of the staple legs within the cups 7866, 7868. In various examples, the widened portions of cups 7866 and 7868 define extended landing zones for receiving the nail tips. As the cups 7866, 7868 narrow toward the neck portion 7869, the cups 7866, 7868 are configured to convey and/or guide the tips of the staple legs toward and/or along the pocket axis PA into a formed configuration. The recess 7860 defines a chamfered edge 7878 along the sides of the recess 7860. The chamfered edges 7878 serve to enlarge the footprint of the pocket 7860 and guide the tips of the staple legs toward the pocket axis PA. In the illustrated arrangement, the dimples 7860 are symmetrical about the corresponding dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7861 of the dimple 7860 is symmetrical about the corresponding dimple axis. Further, the dimple 7860 is symmetrical about a central axis CA that passes through the neck portion 7869 and is perpendicular to the dimple axis PA. For example, the perimeter 7861 of the pocket 7860 is symmetrical about the central axis CA, and the proximal cup 7866 has the same geometry as the distal cup 7868. In other examples, the proximal cup 7866 can be different from the distal cup 7868. In various instances, the neck portion 7869 has a width that is less than the width of the cups 7866 and 7868. Thus, the central portion of the recess 7860 is narrower than the proximal and distal cups 7866, 7868. When the staples are driven into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 7730, the proximal cups 7866 are aligned with the proximal staple legs and the distal cups 7868 are aligned with the distal staple legs. The cups 7866 and 7868 are configured to guide or convey the staple legs toward the corresponding pocket axis and forming recess 7880 and a central portion of the pocket 7860 (such as the neck portion 7869) and deform the staple legs into a formed configuration.

FIG. 58 illustrates another form of anvil 8000 that is similar to the anvil 6000 described above, except for the differences discussed herein. The anvil 8000 includes an anvil body 8010 that defines a staple forming undersurface (generally referred to as 8030) through which an elongate slot 8026 passes. The staple forming lower surface 8030 serves to form flanges 8032, 8034 on each side of the slot 8026 in the anvil body 8010 for sliding engagement by protrusions formed on or attached to a knife of a firing member that passes through the slot 8026 during staple firing and tissue cutting procedures. The staple forming lower surface 8030 includes flat surface portions 8040, which may be referred to herein as non-forming surface portions on each side of the slot 8026, each having a plurality of staple forming pockets 8060 formed therein. The anvil 8000 is generally complementary to the particular staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel. For example, the arrangement of staple forming pockets 8060 in the anvil 8000 can correspond to the arrangement of staples and staple cavities in a staple cartridge supported in the elongate channel. The forming ratio of the formed lower surface of the staple can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 8040 of the anvil 8000 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 8060. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 8060 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming undersurface 8030 that is designed to capture and form the staples.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple forming pockets 8060 are arranged in three rows 8050a, 8050b, 8050c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8026. The first row 8050a is an inner row, the second row 8050b is a middle row, and the third row 8050c is an outer row. The inner dimples 8060a are positioned in an inner row 8050a, the middle dimples 8060b are positioned in a middle row 8050b, and the outer dimples 8060c are positioned in an outer row 8050 c. The pockets 8060a-c are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 8030 of the anvil 8000. In at least one example, the dimples 8060a-c on opposite sides of the slot 8026 can form mirror images of the dimples 8060a-c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8026. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 8060 in the staple forming undersurface 8030 can be asymmetric relative to the slots 8026, and in certain examples, the anvil 8000 can not include a longitudinal slot 8026. In various examples, the dimples 8060 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 8026. Dimples 8060a-c can include, for example, dimples 6060 described herein, or can include other dimples, including any other dimple configuration disclosed herein.

In the example shown in fig. 58, the anvil 8000 includes a plurality of tissue stabilization features 8080. In at least one arrangement, each stabilization feature 8080 includes a tissue stabilization cavity 8082 formed in the staple forming lower surface 8030. More specifically, each tissue stabilization lumen 8082 comprises an elongated lumen formed in the non-forming surface portion 8040 of the anvil 8000. In the illustrated example, there are two rows 8070a, 8070b of tissue stabilization lumens 8082 on each side of the elongate slot 8026. Each tissue stabilization cavity 8082 has a closed bottom 8084 and one or more vertical sidewalls 8086 extending therefrom. In one arrangement, the base 8084 is flat. However, in other arrangements, the closed bottom 8084 may not be flat. The tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be as deep as the well 8060. The tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, or can be shallower than the pockets 8060 a-c. In other configurations, some of the tissue stabilization cavities 8082 can be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, while other tissue stabilization cavities 8082 can be shallower than the pockets 8060a-c in the same anvil 8000. The tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can have the same perimeter shape as the pockets 8060a-c, or can have a perimeter shape that is different from the perimeter shape of the pockets 8060 a-c. Each tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be longer and/or wider than the pockets 8060a-c, or the tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be shorter and/or narrower than the pockets 8060 a-c. The tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be distinguished from the pockets 8060a-c in that the tissue stabilization lumen has a closed bottom 8084. While the tissue stabilization cavity 8082 can be designed to receive adjacent tissue therein during the clamping and stapling process, the closed bottom 8084 and the one or more smooth inner walls 8086 prevent the tissue from being snagged and/or captured, which can result in tissue damage when removing tissue from the end effector.

In the example illustrated in fig. 58, each tissue stabilization lumen 8082 is disposed along a stabilization axis SA. The stabilizing axis SA is transverse to the first pocket axis FPA, the second pocket axis SPA, and the third pocket axis TPA. The axis of stability of the tissue stabilizing cavities 8082 in the first or inner row 8079a of tissue stabilizing cavities 8082 is parallel to the axis of stability of the tissue stabilizing cavities 8082 in the outer or second row 8079b of tissue stabilizing cavities 8082. Each of the stabilization axes SA is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. During the stapling process, as the anvil 8000 is pivoted onto the target tissue to clamp the target tissue between the staple forming undersurface 8030 of the anvil 8000 and a staple cartridge in the end effector, corresponding portions of the target tissue may enter the tissue stabilizing cavity 8082, which will help minimize shifting or rolling of the target tissue as the knife or firing member is advanced through the anvil 8000. The angular orientation of the tissue stabilization lumen 8082 relative to the direction of the blade (along the longitudinal axis LA) can be used to further stabilize the tissue during cutting. Further, because some of the target tissue can enter the stability chamber, the anvil 8000 can assume a closer position relative to the cartridge during firing, thereby reducing the amount of bending stress that the anvil typically experiences. Such advantages may also result in lower closing and firing forces being required during the closing and firing process.

FIG. 59 illustrates another form of anvil 8100, which is similar to anvil 8000 described above, except for the differences discussed herein. The anvil 8100 includes an anvil body 8110 that defines a staple forming undersurface (commonly referred to as 8130) through which the elongate slots 8126 pass. The staple forming lower surface 8130 includes planar surface portions 8140, which may be referred to herein as non-forming surface portions on each side of the slot 8126, each having a plurality of staple forming pockets 8060 formed therein. The anvil 8100 is generally complementary to the particular staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel. For example, the arrangement of staple forming pockets 8060 in the anvil 8100 can correspond to the arrangement of staples and staple cavities in a staple cartridge supported in the elongate channel. The forming ratio of the formed lower surface of the staple can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 8140 of the anvil 8100 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 8060. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 8060 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming lower surface 8130 designed to capture and form staples.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple forming pockets 8060 are arranged in three rows 8050a, 8050b, 8050c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8126. The first row 8050a is an inner row, the second row 8050b is a middle row, and the third row 8050c is an outer row. The inner dimples 8060a are positioned in an inner row 8050a, the middle dimples 8060b are positioned in a middle row 8050b, and the outer dimples 8060c are positioned in an outer row 8050 c. The pockets 8060a-c are arranged in a chevron arrangement along the staple forming undersurface 8130 of the anvil 8100. In at least one example, the pits 8060a-c on opposite sides of the slot 8026 can form mirror reflections of the pits 8060a-c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8126. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 8060 in the staple forming undersurface 8130 can be asymmetric relative to the slots 8026, and in certain examples, the anvil 8100 can not include a longitudinal slot 8126. In various examples, the dimples 8060 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 8026. Dimples 8060a-c can include, for example, dimples 6060 described herein, or can include other dimples, including any other dimple configuration disclosed herein. Each first dimple 8060a is arranged along a corresponding first dimple axis FPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Each second dimple 8060b is arranged along a corresponding second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first dimple axis FPA. Each third pocket 8060c is arranged along a corresponding third pocket axis TPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the second pocket axis SPA. The third pocket axis TPA may be parallel to the first pocket axis FPA.

In the example shown in fig. 59, the anvil 8100 includes a plurality of tissue stabilization features 8180 arranged in four rows 8170a, 8170b, 8170c, 8170d on a first side of the longitudinal slot 8126. The first row 8170a is an inner row and includes a plurality of tissue stabilization lumens 8182a therein, each disposed on a corresponding first stabilization axis FSA transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Each first stability axis FSA may be parallel to first dimple axis FPA. The second row 8170b is an intermediate row and includes a plurality of tissue stabilization lumens 8182b therein, each disposed on a corresponding second stabilization axis SSA transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first stabilization axis FSA. Each second stabilizing axis SSA can be parallel to the second dimple axis SPA. The third row 8170c is another intermediate row and includes a plurality of tissue stabilization lumens 8182c therein, each disposed on a corresponding third stabilization axis TSA transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first stabilization axis FSA. Each second stabilizing axis SSA can be parallel to the second stabilizing axis SSA and the second dimple axis SPA. The fourth row 8170d is an outer row and includes a plurality of tissue stabilization lumens 8182d therein, each disposed on a corresponding fourth stabilization axis FRSA that is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. For example, each fourth stabilizing cavity 8182d may be oriented along a corresponding outer edge 8112 of the anvil body 8110, as shown in fig. 59.

In some examples, each tissue stabilization lumen 8182a-d has a closed bottom 8184 and a vertical sidewall 8186 extending therefrom. In one configuration, the bottom 8184 is flat. However, in other arrangements, closed bottom 8184 may not be flat. The tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can be as deep as the pockets 8060 a-c. The tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d may be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, or may be shallower than the pockets 8060 a-c. In other configurations, some of the tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, while other tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can be shallower than the pockets 8060a-c in the same anvil 8100. The tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can have the same perimeter shape as the pockets 8060a-c, or can have a perimeter shape that is different from the perimeter shape of the pockets 8060 a-c. Each tissue stabilization lumen 8082 can be longer and/or wider than the pockets 8060a-c, or the tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can be shorter and/or narrower than the pockets 8060 a-c. The tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d can differ from the pockets 8060a-c in that the tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d have a closed bottom 8184. While the tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-d may be designed to receive adjacent tissue therein during the clamping and stapling process, the closed bottom portion 8184 and the one or more smooth inner walls 8186 prevent the tissue from becoming snagged and/or captured, which may result in tissue damage when removing tissue from the end effector. Each of the first, second, and third stabilization axes FSA, SSA, TSA is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. During the stapling process, as the anvil 8100 is pivoted closed onto the target tissue to clamp the target tissue between the staple forming undersurface 8130 of the anvil 8100 and a staple cartridge in the end effector, corresponding portions of the target tissue will enter the tissue stabilizing cavities 8182a-c, which will help minimize shifting or rolling of the target tissue as the knife or firing member is advanced through the anvil 8100. The angular orientation of the tissue stabilization lumens 8182a-c relative to the direction of the knife (along the longitudinal axis LA) may be used to further stabilize the tissue during cutting. Further, because some of the target tissue can enter the stabilization lumen, the anvil 8100 can assume a closer position relative to the cartridge during firing, thereby reducing the amount of bending stress that the anvil typically experiences. Such advantages may also result in lower closing and firing forces being required during the closing and firing process.

FIG. 60 illustrates another form of anvil 8200, which is similar to anvil 8000 described above, except for the differences discussed herein. The anvil 8200 includes an anvil body 8210 that defines a staple forming undersurface (generally designated 8230) through which an elongate slot 8226 passes. The staple forming undersurface 8230 includes flat surface portions 8240, which may be referred to herein as non-forming surface portions on each side of the slot 8226, each having a plurality of staple forming pockets 8060 formed therein. The anvil 8200 is generally complementary to a particular staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel. For example, the arrangement of staple forming pockets 8060 in the anvil 8200 can correspond to the arrangement of staples and staple cavities in a staple cartridge supported in the elongate channel. The forming ratio of the formed lower surface of the staple can be optimized. By optimizing the forming ratio, more staples may be formed and/or shaped to their desired configuration. In certain examples, the surface area of the non-forming portion 8240 of the anvil 8200 can be minimized relative to the staple forming pockets 8060. Additionally or alternatively, the footprint of the staple forming pockets 8060 can be extended or enlarged to maximize the portion of the staple forming undersurface 8230 that is designed to capture and form a staple.

In the illustrated arrangement, the staple forming pockets 8060 are arranged in three rows 8050a, 8050b, 8050c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8226. The first row 8050a is an inner row, the second row 8050b is a middle row, and the third row 8050c is an outer row. The inner dimples 8060a are positioned in an inner row 8050a, the middle dimples 8060b are positioned in a middle row 8050b, and the outer dimples 8060c are positioned in an outer row 8050 c. The pockets 8060a-c are arranged in a chevron arrangement along a staple forming undersurface 8230 of the anvil 8200. In at least one example, the dimples 8060a-c on opposite sides of the slot 8226 can form a mirror image reflection of the dimples 8060a-c on the first side of the longitudinal slot 8226. In other examples, the arrangement of the pockets 8060 in the staple forming undersurface 8230 can be asymmetric relative to the slots 8226, and in certain examples, the anvil 8200 can not include a longitudinal slot 8226. In various examples, the dimples 8060 can be arranged in fewer or more than three rows on each side of the slot 8226. Dimples 8060a-c can include, for example, dimples 6060 described herein, or can include other dimples, including any other dimple configuration disclosed herein. Each first dimple 8060a is arranged along a corresponding first dimple axis FPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Each second dimple 8060b is arranged along a corresponding second dimple axis SPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the first dimple axis FPA. Each third pocket 8060c is arranged along a corresponding third pocket axis TPA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the second pocket axis SPA. The third pocket axis TPA may be parallel to the first pocket axis FPA.

In the example shown in fig. 60, the anvil 8200 comprises a plurality of tissue stabilization features 8280 arranged in two rows 8270a, 8270b on a first side of the longitudinal slot 8226. The first row 8270a is an interior row and includes therein a plurality of internal or first tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-e each disposed on a corresponding first stabilization axis FSA transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Thus, the first stabilization cavities 8282a-e are parallel to each other, and each first stabilization axis FSA can be parallel to the first pocket axis FPA. The first stability cavities 8282a-e substantially occupy each non-forming surface portion 8240 extending between an adjacent first dimple 8060a and a corresponding second dimple 8060b, as shown.

The second row 8270b is an outer row and includes a plurality of outer or second tissue stabilization lumens 8282f-i therein that are each disposed on a corresponding second stabilization axis SSA that is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and parallel to the third pocket axis TPA of the row of third pockets 8060 c. Thus, the second stability chambers 8282f-i are parallel to each other and to each third pocket axis TPA. The second stability cavities 8282a-e substantially occupy each non-forming surface portion 8240 extending between an adjacent third dimple 8060c and a corresponding second dimple 8060b, as shown.

In certain examples, each tissue stabilization lumen 8282a-i has a flat bottom 8284 and vertical sidewalls 8286 extending therefrom. The tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can be as deep as the pockets 8060 a-c. The tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, or can be shallower than the pockets 8060 a-c. In other configurations, some of the tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can be deeper than the pockets 8060a-c, while other tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can be shallower than the pockets 8060a-c in the same anvil 8200. The tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can have the same perimeter shape as the pockets 8060a-c, or can have a perimeter shape that is different from the perimeter shape of the pockets 8060 a-c. The tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can differ from the pockets 8060a-c in that the tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i have a closed bottom 8284. In one arrangement, the bottom 8284 is flat. However, in other arrangements, the closed bottom 8284 may not be flat. While the tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i can be designed to receive adjacent tissue therein during the clamping and stapling process, the closed bottom 8284 and the one or more smooth inner walls 8286 prevent the tissue from being snagged and/or caught, which can result in tissue damage when removing tissue from the end effector. Each of the first and second stabilization axes FSA, SSA is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. During the stapling process, as the anvil 8200 is pivoted closed onto the target tissue to clamp the target tissue between the staple forming undersurface 8230 of the anvil 8200 and a staple cartridge in the end effector, corresponding portions of the target tissue will enter the tissue stabilizing cavities 8282a-i, which will help minimize shifting or rolling of the target tissue as the knife or firing member is advanced through the anvil 8200. The angular orientation of the tissue stabilization lumens 8282a-i relative to the direction of the knife (along the longitudinal axis LA) can be used to further stabilize tissue during cutting. Further, because some of the target tissue can enter the stabilization lumen, the anvil 8200 can assume a closer position relative to the cartridge during firing, thereby reducing the amount of bending stress that the anvil typically experiences. Such advantages may also result in lower closing and firing forces being required during the closing and firing process.

Examples

Example 1-an anvil for a surgical stapler, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body defining a longitudinal axis. The anvil body also includes a flat non-forming surface. A first row of first staple forming pockets is disposed in the planar non-forming surface, wherein each first staple forming pocket in the first row is arranged along a first pocket axis. A second row of second staple forming pockets is disposed in the planar non-forming surface adjacent to the first row of first staple forming pockets. Each second staple forming pocket in the second row is disposed along a second pocket axis. A third row of third staple forming pockets is disposed in the planar non-forming surface adjacent the second row of second staple forming pockets, and wherein each third staple forming pocket in the third row is arranged along a third pocket axis. The second pocket axis is transverse to the first pocket axis and the third pocket axis. A plurality of anvil projections project from the flat non-forming surface such that each anvil projection is adjacent to at least two of the first, second, and third staple forming pockets.

Example 2-the anvil of example 1, wherein each first staple forming pocket comprises a first pocket opening in the planar non-forming surface, and wherein each second staple forming pocket comprises a second pocket opening in the planar non-forming surface, and wherein each third forming pocket comprises a third pocket opening in the planar non-forming surface. The at least one anvil projection is adjacent to the at least one first pocket opening, the at least one second pocket opening, and the at least one third pocket opening.

Example 3-the anvil of example 2, wherein each first pocket opening includes a first proximal end and a first distal end, and wherein each second pocket opening includes a second proximal end and a second distal end, and wherein the third pocket opening includes a third proximal end and a third distal end. At least one anvil projection is adjacent the first distal end of the corresponding first pocket opening, the second proximal end of the corresponding second pocket opening, and the third distal end of the corresponding third pocket opening.

Example 4-the anvil of examples 2 or 3, wherein at least one anvil projection includes a first angled surface adjacent the distal end of the first staple forming pocket opening and a second angled surface adjacent the distal end of the second staple forming pocket opening. The anvil projection further includes a third angled surface adjacent the proximal end of another second staple forming pocket opening and a fourth angled surface adjacent the proximal end of the third staple forming pocket opening.

Example 5-the anvil of examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the plurality of anvil projections comprises a first row of first anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface and a second row of second anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface.

Example 6-the anvil of example 5, wherein the plurality of anvil projections further includes a third row of third anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface, a fourth row of fourth anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface, and a fifth row of fifth anvil projections projecting from the flat non-forming surface.

Example 7-the anvil of example 6, wherein the second anvil projection and the fourth anvil projection have the same peripheral shape.

Example 8-the anvil of example 4, wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth angled surfaces extends at an acute angle from the flat non-forming surface.

Example 9-the anvil of example 4, wherein each first angled surface, each second angled surface, each third angled surface, and each fourth angled surface extend at an acute angle from the flat non-forming surface.

Example 10-an anvil for a surgical stapler, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets arranged in a pattern of staple forming pockets that repeats along a length of the anvil body. Each pocket includes a pocket opening at least partially surrounded by a flat non-contoured surface. A plurality of tissue stabilization cavities are formed in the planar non-forming surface between at least some of the staple forming pockets. At least some of the tissue stabilization cavities include a closed bottom cavity formed in the planar non-shaped surface.

Example 11-the anvil of example 10, wherein the plurality of staple forming pockets includes at least one first row of first staple forming pockets, at least one second row of second staple forming pockets adjacent to the first row of first staple forming pockets, and at least one third row of third staple forming pockets adjacent to the second row of second staple forming pockets.

Example 12-the anvil of example 11, wherein each first staple forming pocket in the first row is arranged along a first pocket axis, and wherein each second staple forming pocket in the second row is arranged along a second pocket axis, and wherein each third pocket in the third row is arranged along a third pocket axis. The second pocket axis is transverse to the first pocket axis and the third pocket axis.

Example 13-the anvil of example 12, wherein each closed bottom cavity is arranged along a cavity axis that is transverse to at least one of the first pocket axis, the second pocket axis, and the third pocket axis.

Example 14-the anvil of examples 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the anvil body defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein each tissue stabilization lumen is arranged along a corresponding lumen axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Example 15-the anvil of examples 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein at least some of the plurality of tissue stabilizing cavities comprise a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width.

Example 16-the anvil of example 12, wherein at least some of the closed bottom pockets are arranged along corresponding pocket axes that are parallel to at least one of the first pocket axis, the second pocket axis, and the third pocket axis.

Example 17-the anvil of examples 12 or 16, wherein at least some of the closed bottom pockets are arranged along corresponding pocket axes that are parallel to the first pocket axis and the third pocket axis.

Example 18-the anvil of example 12, wherein at least some of the closed bottom pockets are arranged along corresponding pocket axes that are parallel to and transverse to at least one of the first pocket axis, the second pocket axis, and the third pocket axis.

Example 19-an anvil for a surgical stapler, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body defining a longitudinal axis. The anvil body includes a tissue contacting surface. A plurality of staple forming pockets are formed in the tissue contacting surface. The plurality of staple forming pockets are arranged in a pattern of staple forming pockets that repeats along the length of the anvil body. The pattern includes a plurality of first staple forming pockets aligned along a first row of forming pockets, wherein each first staple forming pocket defines a corresponding first pocket axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of second staple forming pockets are aligned along a second row of forming pockets, wherein each second staple forming pocket defines a corresponding second pocket axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of third staple forming pockets are aligned along a third row of forming pockets, wherein each third staple forming pocket defines a third pocket axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The anvil further comprises a plurality of first tissue engaging features formed in the tissue contacting surface and located between the first row of first staple forming pockets and the second row of second staple forming pockets. A plurality of second tissue engaging features are formed in the tissue contacting surface and are located between the second row of second staple forming pockets and the third row of third staple forming pockets.

Example 20-the anvil of example 19, wherein the at least one tissue engaging feature is located between the first, second, and third staple forming pockets.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by an electric motor; the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotic control system. Further, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent 9,072,535), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic SURGICAL instrument systems in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Moreover, various embodiments are also contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. In addition, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated by reference:

-U.S. patent 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURURGICALLHEMATIC DEVICE" published on 4.4.1995;

-us patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING GINSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING ANDFIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-U.S. patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-driving warming AND FASTENING inside WITH a TACTILEPOSITION feed" published on 9.9.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,464,849 entitled "electrochemical-mechanical agitation WITH close SYSTEM ANDANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" published on 16.12.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTHAVATING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" published on 3/2 2010;

-U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING GINSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

-us patent 8,393,514 entitled "selective electron withdrawing soluble polymer FASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 12.3.2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now us patent 7,845,537;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND DFASTENING INSTRUMENTS HAVATING RF ELECTRORDES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443) entitled "END effictors FOR ash cup CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 15.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-driver basic cutlingument", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235972 entitled "MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent 9050083.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117 entitled "Power reduced customization AND Staplinggaparatus WITH manual retrieval Filter System", now U.S. patent 8,608,045;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-driving lateral warming apparatus WITH electric field CONTROL direction" filed 24.12.2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/893,461 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" filed on 9, 29, 2012, now U.S. patent 8,733,613;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/036,647 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INDUSTRUMENT" filed on 28.2.2011, now U.S. patent 8,561,870;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,072,535;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/524,049 entitled "articulatalsurgical inertia based locking compensation A FIRING DRIVE" filed on 6, 15/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "stable card triggercissue crystal senser SYSTEM" filed on 13.3.2013, now U.S. patent 9,345,481;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "stable card triggercissue crystal senser SYSTEM" filed on 13.3.2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552;

-U.S. patent application publication 2007/0175955 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND DFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGERLOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING GINSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040.

While various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, many modifications and variations to these embodiments may be implemented. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, without limitation, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with a feature, structure, or characteristic of one or more other embodiments. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may also be replaced with a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The device disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or it may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may 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 of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the repair facility and/or surgical team may remove the device and, after cleaning and/or replacing certain components of the device, may reassemble the device for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the finishing assembly may be disassembled, cleaned/replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument may 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 may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or high energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in a sterile container. Sealing the container may keep the instrument sterile until the container is opened in a medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.