Surgical stapler anvil having laterally variable orientation stapler pouches

Description

1 / 66 “SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL HAVING STAPLE-FORMING POCKETS WITH VARIABLE LATERAL ORIENTATIONS” PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application No. 63 / 459.739, entitled Surgical Stapler Anvil Having Staple Forming Pockets with Laterally Varying Orientations, filed on April 17, 2023, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] In some settings, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferable to devices for traditional open surgery, as a smaller incision can reduce recovery time and postoperative complications. Consequently, some endoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placing a distal end actuator at a desired surgical site via a trocar cannula. These distal end actuators can interact with tissue in various ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter, gripper, cutter, stapler, clip applicator, access device, drug / gene therapy delivery device, and device for energy application through the use of ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.).Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a drive shaft between the end actuator and a handle portion or other type of body portion, which is manipulated by the clinician or robotic operator. Such a drive shaft may enable insertion to a desired depth and rotation around the longitudinal geometric axis of the drive shaft, thus facilitating the positioning of the end actuator in the patient. The positioning of an end actuator may be further facilitated by the inclusion of one or more pivot joints or features. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 7 / 113 2 / 66 allowing the end actuator to be selectively articulated or otherwise deflected relative to the longitudinal geometric axis of the drive shaft.

[0003] Examples of endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers. Some of these staplers are operable to clamp tissue layers, cut through the clamped tissue layers, and insert staples into the tissue layers to substantially seal the separated tissue layers to one another, close to the separated ends of the tissue layers. Such endoscopic surgical staplers can also be used in open procedures and / or other non-endoscopic procedures. By way of example only, a surgical stapler can be inserted through a thoracotomy and thus between the patient's ribs to reach one or more organs in a thoracic surgical procedure that does not use a trocar as a conduit for the stapler. Such procedures may include using the stapler to separate and close a vessel leading to an organ, such as a lung.For example, the vessels leading to an organ can be separated and closed by a stapler before the organ is removed from the thoracic cavity. Naturally, surgical staplers can be used in a variety of other settings and procedures.

[0004] The staples formed by such surgical staplers may have a two-dimensional (2D) formed configuration in which the legs of each staple are formed so that the tips of the legs are laterally aligned with each other, thus providing each formed staple with a flat shape. Such 2D formed staple configurations may generally provide tight tissue compression, but may generally provide resistance to leakage paths below optimum. Alternatively, the staples formed by such surgical staplers may have a formed configuration Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 8 / 113 3 / 66 three-dimensional (3D) design in which the legs of each staple are formed so that the tips of the legs are offset laterally from each other, thus providing each formed staple with a non-planar shape. Such 3D formed staple configurations can generally provide improved leak path resistance, but can generally provide loose tissue compression. The surgical staplers of the present invention seek to achieve a desired balance between achieving tight tissue compression and optimal leak path resistance.

[0005] Although various types of surgical staplers and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The attached drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this descriptive report, illustrate examples of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the examples given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a surgical stapler;

[0008] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an end actuator of the surgical stapler of Figure 1, shown in the open state;

[0009] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the end actuator of Figure 2;

[0010] Figure 4A shows a side cross-sectional view of the end actuator of Figure 2, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing a trigger bar and a slider in a non-triggered proximal position; Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 9 / 113 4 / 66

[0011] Figure 4B shows a side cross-sectional view of the end actuator of Figure 2, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing the trigger bar in a distal fired position;

[0012] Figure 5 shows an end cross-sectional view of the end actuator of Figure 2, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2 and omitting an upper anvil gripper, showing more details of a distal knife portion of the trigger bar and slider;

[0013] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the end actuator of Figure 3, shown after it has been fired once in a first section of fabric and being positioned to grip and fire in a second section of the fabric;

[0014] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another example of an upper anvil gripper for use with the end actuator of Figure 2 and which has 2D and 3D clamp forming pockets;

[0015] Figure 8 shows a plan view of the bottom of the upper anvil gripper of Figure 7;

[0016] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of area 9 of the upper anvil gripper of Figure 7 as indicated in Figure 8;

[0017] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the end of the upper anvil gripper of Figure 7, taken along lines 10-10 of Figure 9;

[0018] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper anvil gripper of Figure 7, taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9;

[0019] Figure 12 shows a top plan view of a plurality of clamps formed by the upper anvil gripper of Figure 7;

[0020] Figure 13 shows a front elevation view of the plurality of clamps in Figure 12;

[0021] Figure 14 shows a bottom plan view of another example of a top anvil gripper for use with the end actuator. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 10 / 113 5 / 66 of Figure 2 and having a row of staple-forming pockets with proximal and distal pockets displaced laterally;

[0022] Figure 15 shows a schematic view of an anvil having laterally displaced proximal and distal clasp-forming pockets, together with a clasp having a crown that is obliquely oriented relative to the anvil slot;

[0023] Figure 16 shows a schematic view of an anvil having laterally displaced proximal and distal clasp-forming pockets, together with a clasp having a zigzag-shaped crown;

[0024] Figure 17 shows a top plan view of a plurality of formed staples that are asymmetrical with respect to a cutting line produced by the distal knife portion of Figure 5;

[0025] Figure 18 shows a top plan view of a plurality of formed clamps including an intermediate lateral row of 3D formed clamps that are oriented in an inverted manner relative to an outer lateral row of 3D formed clamps;

[0026] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of another example of a clamp for use with the end actuator of Figure 2 and having a crown generally in a C shape; and

[0027] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of another example of a clamp for use with the end actuator of Figure 2 and having a crown generally in an S shape.

[0028] By no means are the drawings intended to be limiting, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other forms, including those not necessarily represented in the drawings. The attached drawings incorporated herein, which form part of the descriptive report, illustrate various aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 11 / 113 6 / 66 to explain the principles of the invention. It should be considered, however, that this invention is not specifically limited to the arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, modalities, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is, by way of illustration, one of the best contemplated ways of realizing the technology. As will be understood, the technology described here is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Consequently, the drawings and descriptions should be considered as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0030] For greater clarity of the invention, the terms proximal and distal are defined in the present invention in relation to a human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument. The term proximal refers to the position of an element closest to the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument and additionally in the opposite direction to the surgical end actuator of the surgical instrument. The term distal refers to the position of an element closest to the surgical end actuator of the surgical instrument and furthest from the human or robotic operator of the surgical instrument. Furthermore, the terms superior, inferior, lateral, transverse, bottom, and top are relative terms to provide additional clarity to the descriptions of the figures provided below. The terms superior, inferior, lateral, transverse, bottom, and top are not thus intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms about, approximately, substantially and the like, as used in the present invention in conjunction with any numerical values, ranges of values ​​and / or Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 12 / 113 7 / 66 geometric / positional quantifications are intended to encompass the exact referenced value(s) as well as an adequate tolerance that allows the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purpose described herein. For example, substantially parallel encompasses nominally parallel structures.

[0032] As used in the present invention in relation to various examples of end-actuator gripper tips, a tip described as angled, bent, or curved encompasses tip configurations in which a longitudinal (e.g., linear or arched) path along which the tip extends is non-coaxial and non-parallel to a longitudinal geometric axis of the gripper body; particularly, configurations in which the longitudinal tip path extends distally toward the opposite gripper.Conversely, a tip described as straight encompasses tip configurations in which a longitudinal geometric axis of the tip is substantially parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal geometric axis of the gripper body. I. Overview of the Surgical Stapler Features

[0033] Figures 1 to 6 show an illustrative surgical stapler (10) that is sized for insertion through a trocar cannula or a surgical incision (e.g., thoracotomy, etc.) at a surgical site in a patient to perform a surgical procedure. The surgical stapler (10) includes a body exemplified as a handle assembly (20), a drive shaft (30) extending distally from the handle assembly (20) along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) and terminating distally at a hinge joint (32), and an end actuator (40) operatively coupled to the drive shaft (30) via the hinge joint (32).

[0034] Once the end actuator (40) and the joint (32) are inserted distally through the cannula passage of a trocar, Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 13 / 113 8 / 66 The articulation joint (32) can be remotely articulated, as shown by a dashed line in Figure 1, by an articulation control exemplified as a rotary knob (22) of the handle assembly (20), so that the end actuator (40) can be deflected from the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at a desired angle (α). The articulation joint (32) and the related features for manipulating the articulation joint (32) can be further configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,186,142, entitled Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks, granted November 17, 2015, the invention of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0035] The end actuator (40) includes a lower gripper exemplified as a cartridge gripper (42) configured to receive a removable staple cartridge (70) (also called a reload) and an upper gripper exemplified as an anvil gripper (44) (also called an anvil) that pivots relative to the cartridge gripper (42) to clamp the fabric between them. In other embodiments, the end actuator (40) may alternatively be configured so that the cartridge gripper (42) pivots relative to the anvil gripper (44). Unless otherwise described, the term pivot (and variations thereof) as used in the present invention in relation to the relative motion between grippers (42, 44) encompasses, but is not necessarily limited to, pivoting motion around a fixed geometric axis.For example, in some versions, the anvil gripper (44) can pivot around a geometric axis that is defined by a pin (or similar feature) that slides along an elongated groove or channel as the anvil gripper (44) moves towards the cartridge gripper (42). Such translation can occur before, during, or after the pivoting motion. It should therefore be understood that such combinations of pivoting and translational motion are covered by. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 14 / 113 9 / 66 pivot term and variations thereof, as used in the present invention with reference to the relative movement between the claws (42, 44).

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the grip assembly (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closing trigger (26). The closing trigger (26) pivots towards the pistol grip (24) to cause clamping, or closing, of the anvil gripper (44) towards the cartridge gripper (42) of the end actuator (40). Such closing of the anvil gripper (44) is provided by means of a closing tube (34) and a closing ring (36) of the drive shaft (30), which translate longitudinally relative to the grip assembly (20) in response to the rotation of the closing trigger (26) relative to the pistol grip (24). The closing tube (34) extends along the length of the drive shaft (30); and the closing ring (36) is positioned distal to the articulation joint (32).The articulation joint (32) is operable to transmit the longitudinal movement of the closing tube (34) to the closing ring (36) to actuate the anvil gripper (44) in relation to the cartridge gripper (42).

[0037] The grip assembly (20) also includes a firing trigger (28). An elongated actuator (not shown) extends longitudinally through the drive shaft (30) and transmits a longitudinal firing motion from the grip assembly (20) to a firing member (also called in the present invention a firing actuator) exemplified as a firing bar (46) in response to actuation of the firing trigger (28). As a result, the firing bar (46) translates distally through a firing stroke to cause clamping and separation of the tissue held by the end actuator (40), as will be described in more detail below. Although not shown, the grip assembly (20) may additionally include an operable motor to actuate such components of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 15 / 113 10 / 66 surgical stapler firing assembly (10) in response to actuation of the firing trigger (28) by a user, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914, entitled Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly, granted June 4, 2013, the invention of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the firing bar (46) includes a proximal bar portion (48) and a distal knife portion (50), wherein the distal knife portion (50) may be formed integrally with a distal end of the proximal bar portion (48), or formed separately and then securely affixed to the distal end of the proximal bar portion (17). The distal knife portion (50) includes a transversely oriented upper protrusion exemplified as an upper pin (52), a transversely oriented lower protrusion exemplified as a cap (54), a transversely oriented middle protrusion exemplified as a middle pin (56) and a distally presented cutting edge (58).The upper pin (52) slides within a longitudinal anvil claw slot (62) of the anvil claw (44) and the cap (54) slides along a lower surface of the cartridge claw (42) defined by a longitudinal cartridge claw slot (64). The middle pin (56) slides along an upper surface of the cartridge claw (42) and cooperates with the cap (54) to stabilize and guide the distal portion of the knife (50) along a longitudinal firing stroke. The firing bar (46) may be further configured and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,717,497, entitled Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument granted August 1, 2017, the invention of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the anvil gripper (44) pivoted to a Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 16 / 113 11 / 66 open state with the firing bar (46) situated in a proximal position, which allows an unspent (i.e., unfired) staple cartridge (70) to be removablely installed in a channel of the cartridge gripper (42). As best seen in Figures 2 to 3, the staple cartridge (70) includes a cartridge body (72) which has an upper platform (74) defining a first stapling surface and a lower container (76) (also called a tray) attached to a lower side of the cartridge body (72). A vertical knife slot (78) extends longitudinally through the cartridge body (72) and is configured to slide-receive the distal portion of the knife (50) of the firing bar (46). In the present version, three rows of cartridge pockets (80) (also referred to as staple openings, staple slots or staple cavities) are formed through the upper platform (74) along each lateral side of the knife slot (78).

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the staple cartridge (70) additionally includes a slider (82) (also called a wedge slider) and a plurality of staple actuators (84) that are movably captured between the cartridge body (72) and the container (76). Each staple actuator (43) is aligned and movable vertically within a respective cartridge pocket (51). The staples (86) are positioned within the respective cartridge pockets (80) above the respective staple actuators (84). During a firing stroke, the slider (82) is actuated longitudinally within the staple cartridge (70) by the distal knife portion (50) from a proximal position shown in Figure 4A to a distal position shown in Figure 4B.Cam surfaces positioned at an angle to sliding cam clip actuators (82) (84) vertically upwards within cartridge pockets (80) to actuate clips (86) upwards above the platform (74), thus ejecting clips (86) from cartridge pockets (80) and towards. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 17 / 113 12 / 66 to the anvil claw (44).

[0041] More specifically, with the end actuator (40) closed as shown in Figures 4A to 4B, the trigger bar (46) is actuated distally for engagement with the anvil gripper (44) directing the upper pin (52) into the longitudinal anvil slot (62). A distal end projection (60) (see Figure 5) of the distal knife portion (50) of the trigger bar (46) engages a proximal end of the slider (82) and actuates the slider (82) distally as the distal knife portion (50) is advanced distally through the staple cartridge (70) in response to actuation of the trigger (28). During this firing, the distal portion of the knife (50) advances distally along the knife slot (78) of the staple cartridge (70) so that the cutting edge (58) separates the tissue trapped between the staple cartridge (70) and the anvil claw (44).

[0042] As shown in Figures 4A to 4B, the middle pin (56) and the distal end projection (60) act together to insert the staple cartridge (70) into the knife slot (78), actuating the slider (82) for cam contact with the staple actuators (84) to drive the staple actuators (84) upwards, which in turn drives the staples (86) outwards through cartridge pockets (80), through clamped tissue and to make contact with staple-forming pockets (66) (see Figure 2) on a second stapling surface defined by the anvil gripper (44). Such tissue stapling instructed by the cam interaction between the slider (82) and the staple actuators (84) is performed simultaneously with the tissue separation performed by the cutting edge (58).However, it will be recognized that for each longitudinal section of fabric held by the end actuator (40), the staples (86) may be ejected into the fabric slightly before the cutting edge (58) separates the fabric to ensure that the fabric is stapled and thus sealed before being separated. Figure 4B shows the bar of. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 18 / 113 13 / 66 firing (46) fully translated distally at the end of a firing stroke after the tissue held by the end actuator (40) has been clamped and separated.

[0043] The staple cartridge (70) and anvil claw (44) may be further configured and operated in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248, entitled Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge, granted November 7, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 9,839,421, entitled Jaw Closure Feature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument, granted December 12, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 10,092,292, entitled Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument, granted October 9, 2018; and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,130,359, entitled Method for Forming a Staple, granted November 20, 2018, the invention of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] Figure 6 shows the end actuator (40) having been actuated through a single firing stroke in the tissue (T) having first and second layers (T1, T2). The cutting edge (58) (see Figures 2 to 5) cut through the tissue (T), while the staple actuators (84) actuated three alternating rows of staples (86) through the tissue (T), on each side of the cutting line produced by the cutting edge (58). After completion of the first firing stroke, the end actuator (40) is removed from the patient, the spent staple cartridge (70) is replaced with an unspent staple cartridge (70), and the end actuator (40) is then reinserted into the patient in order to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process can be repeated until the desired quantity and pattern of firing strokes through the tissue (T) have been completed. II. Example of an anvil having 2D and 3D clamp forming pockets

[0045] In some cases, it may be desirable to arrange and configure clamp forming pockets (66) of the anvil gripper (44) to achieve a Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 19 / 113 14 / 66 improved sealing of the separated fabric, such as achieving a desired balance between achieving tight compression of the fabric and good resistance to leakage path. Figures 7 to 10 show an example of an anvil gripper (F110) (also called an anvil) that can provide such capabilities and that can be incorporated into the end actuator (40) in place of the anvil gripper (44). The anvil gripper (F110) is similar to the anvil gripper (44) described above, except as otherwise described below. In this sense, the anvil gripper (F110) can be configured to pivot relative to the cartridge gripper (42) of the end actuator (40) (or the cartridge gripper (42) can be configured to pivot relative to the anvil gripper (F110)), to clamp the fabric to each other.

[0046] In the example shown, the anvil gripper (F110) includes a body (F111) having an inner side defining an anvil surface (F112) configured to compress tissue and having a plurality of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) and an opposite outer side defining an outer surface (F116). The anvil gripper (F110) also includes a pair of tissue stops (F118) extending downward from a proximal portion of the anvil gripper (F110) on opposite lateral sides, such that the tissue stops (F118) extend beyond the anvil surface (F112). The tissue stops (F118) are configured to inhibit the tissue (T) from advancing too proximally relative to the anvil gripper (F110) when the tissue (T) is positioned between the anvil gripper (F110) and the cartridge gripper (42).More specifically, the tissue stops (F118) allow the tissue (T) to be advanced proximally in the end actuator (40) only to a predetermined position to ensure proper engagement of the clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) (Figures 12 to 13) with the tissue (T) and to ensure that the anvil gripper (F110) can pivot to a closed state without engaging the tissue (T). The stops of... Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 20 / 113 15 / 66 fabric (F118) are also configured to limit the lateral rotation of the anvil gripper (F110) relative to the lower cartridge gripper (42) by engaging lateral portions of the lower cartridge gripper (42). This can be useful for ensuring proper lateral alignment between the more proximally located staples (86a, 86b, 86c) and the corresponding staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f).

[0047] The anvil gripper (F110) additionally includes an elongated anvil slot (F122) (also referred to in the present invention as a firing trigger slot) extending across the anvil surface (F112). As shown in Figure 8, the anvil slot (F122) extends along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) of the anvil gripper (F110).The anvil slot (F122) is configured to receive the upper pin (52) of the trigger bar (46) in a sliding manner similar to that described above in relation to the longitudinal anvil slot (62).

[0048] In the example shown, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) are arranged in pairs on the anvil surface (F112) on each side of the anvil slot (F122). Each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) is configured to receive and deform a respective leg of a staple (86a, 86b, 86c) ejected by a staple cartridge (not shown) that is received within the lower cartridge gripper (42) when the stapler (10) is fired. Consequently, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) cooperate to form the ejected staples (86a, 86b, 86c) in the tissue trapped between the lower cartridge gripper (42) and the anvil gripper (F110).In the present version, the anvil claw (F110) includes three linear (i.e., straight) rows of clamp-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) on each side of the anvil slot (F122), although it is recognized that the anvil claw (F110) may include several. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 21 / 113 16 / 66 other clip pocket configurations (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) in other versions. More specifically, the anvil claw (F110) of the present version includes an inner lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), an intermediate lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d), and an outer lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f), all formed through the same anvil surface (F112) on each side of the anvil slot (F122), with the inner lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) being closer to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) on the respective side of the anvil slot (F122), the outer lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) being farther from the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) on the respective side of the anvil slot (F122), and the intermediate lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F114c,F114d) being arranged between the innermost row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and the outermost row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) on the respective side of an anvil slot (F122).

[0049] As described in more detail below, each row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) has a unique geometry compared to the other two rows of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) on the same side of the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), so that the configurations and / or orientations of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) vary in the lateral direction. In this way, each row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can be configured to form the corresponding row of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) with a unique configuration in relation to the other two rows of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) on the same side of the cutting line produced by the cutting edge (58). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 22 / 113 17 / 66

[0050] As best shown in Figures 8 and 9, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs so that each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of a respective staple (86a, 86b, 86c) and thus transform the staple (86a, 86b, 86c) into a formed shape when the trigger bar (46) is actuated distally. More particularly, each laterally internal proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent laterally internal distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) to provide the resulting staple (86a) with a two-dimensional B-shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86a) are in the same plane;each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c) is configured to cooperate with the adjacent longitudinally intermediate distal staple-forming pocket (F114d) to provide the resulting staple (86b) with a first three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86b) lie in a different plane;and each laterally external proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) is configured to cooperate with the adjacent longitudinally external distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) to provide the resulting staple (86c) with a second three-dimensional formed shape different from the first three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86c) lie in a different plane. For example, such first and / or second three-dimensional formed shapes may be provided in accordance with any one or more of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, entitled Linear Surgical Grampler, granted January 25, 2022, the invention of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, each individual staple formation pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 23 / 113 The 18 / 66 present version includes a respective wide entry end (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) (also called a staple capture area) and a respective narrow exit end (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) (also called a staple formation area). Each pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) additionally includes a respective concave base surface (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) that extends between the corresponding inlet end (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and the outlet end (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) so that each pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) has a variable depth along its length.

[0052] In the example shown, the entry and exit ends (F130a, F130b, F132a, F132b) of laterally internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), with the width of each proximal laterally internal staple-forming pocket (F114a) gradually decreasing inward in a distal direction from the respective entry end (F130a) to the respective exit end (F132a); and the width of each distal and laterally internal staple-forming pocket (F114b) gradually decreasing inward in a proximal direction from the respective entry end (F130b) to the respective exit end (F132b).The entry ends (F130a, F130b) are each configured to receive and guide a staple leg in an unformed state longitudinally along the respective concave base surface (F134a, F134b) and towards the respective exit end (F132a, F132b) to be deformed. The exit ends (F132a, F132b) are configured to guide the staple leg in a deformed state towards the lower cartridge gripper (42) and into the clamped tissue (T). The exit end (F132a) of each. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 24 / 113 19 / 66 The proximal laterally internal staple-forming pocket (F114a) is longitudinally adjacent to the exit end (F132b) of the corresponding distal longitudinally paired laterally internal staple-forming pocket (F114b). In some versions, the exit ends (F132a, F132b) of longitudinally paired laterally internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) may overlap or conversely communicate directly with each other, so that each longitudinal pair of laterally internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) can be effectively fused to define a single corresponding laterally internal staple-forming pocket.

[0053] When the end actuator (40) is closed so that each pair of laterally inner pockets (F114a, F114b) is vertically aligned with a corresponding cartridge pocket (not shown) in a laterally inner row of staple cartridges that is received within the lower cartridge gripper (42), each laterally inner pocket (F114a, F114b) is symmetrical about an inner longitudinal centerline (LG1) extending parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoints (C1) of the laterally inner cartridge pockets; and each proximal laterally inner staple-forming pocket (F114a) is symmetrical about the corresponding longitudinally paired laterally distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) about a corresponding lateral centerline (LT1) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoint (C1) of the corresponding laterally inner cartridge pocket.

[0054] In the example shown, the input ends (F130c, The laterally intermediate staple-forming pockets (F130d) (F114c, F114d) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), while the exit ends (F132c, F132d) of laterally intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) extend substantially obliquely in relation to Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 25 / 113 20 / 66 to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). In this sense, the exit ends (F132c) of proximal and laterally intermediate (F114c) staple-forming pockets are oriented laterally outwards in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at a first angle (α1) and the exit ends (F132d) of distal and laterally intermediate (F114d) staple-forming pockets are oriented laterally inwards in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at the first angle (α1).A medial portion of each laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d) located between the respective entry and exit ends (F130c, F130d, F132c, F132d) includes an angled and / or curved lateral wall (F136c, F136d) that faces the respective entry end (F130c, F130d) and is longitudinally adjacent to the exit end (F132c, F132d) of the corresponding longitudinally paired staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d). The entry ends (F130c, F130d) are configured to receive and guide a staple leg in an unformed state longitudinally along the respective concave base surface (F134c, F134d) and towards the respective side wall at an angle position (F136c, F136d) to be deformed. The exit ends (F132c, F132d) are configured to guide the staple leg in a deformed state towards the lower cartridge gripper (42) and into the clamped tissue (T).The exit end (F132c) of each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c) is laterally adjacent to and extends substantially parallel to the exit end (F132d) of the corresponding paired longitudinally intermediate distal staple-forming pocket (F114d).

[0055] When the end actuator (40) is closed so that each pair of intermediate side pockets (F114c, F114d) is vertically aligned with a corresponding cartridge pocket (not Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 26 / 113 21 / 66 shown) in a laterally intermediate row of staple cartridges that is received within the lower cartridge gripper (42), each laterally intermediate pocket (F114c, F114d) is asymmetrical around an intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2) that extends parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoints (C2) of the laterally intermediate cartridge pockets; and each proximal laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) is asymmetrical with respect to the corresponding paired distal longitudinally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) around a corresponding lateral centerline (LT2) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoint (C2) of the corresponding laterally intermediate cartridge pocket.

[0056] Although the exit ends (F132c, F132d) of each pair of laterally intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) may exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C2) of the corresponding laterally intermediate cartridge pocket, the entry ends (F130c, F130d) of each pair of laterally intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) do not exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C2) of the corresponding laterally intermediate cartridge pocket, so that each pair of laterally intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) taken as a whole does not exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C2) of the corresponding laterally intermediate cartridge pocket. In this sense, the entry end (F130c, F130d) of each laterally intermediate pocket (F114c, F114d) may have a first width (W1) that is asymmetrical around the intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2).For example, the first width (W1) of each input end (F130c, F130d) may have a first width portion (W1P1) laterally inside the centerline. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 27 / 113 22 / 66 intermediate longitudinal (LG2) and a second width portion (W1P2) laterally outward from the intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2) and larger than the first width portion (W1P1). Thus, each pair of laterally intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) can be asymmetrical around each of the corresponding intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2), the corresponding lateral intermediate centerline (LT2), and the center point (C2) of the corresponding laterally intermediate cartridge pocket. Such asymmetry can make it possible to maximize the sizes of the entry ends (F130c, F130d) within the available space provided on the anvil surface (F112), thereby improving the ability of the entry ends (F130c, F130d) to receive and guide the respective staple legs.

[0057] In the example shown, the input ends (F130e, F130f) of laterally external staple forming pockets (F114e, F114f) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), while the exit ends (F132e, F132f) of laterally external staple forming pockets (F114e, F114f) extend substantially obliquely with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA).In this sense, the exit ends (F132e) of proximal, laterally external staple-forming pockets (F114e) are oriented laterally outwards relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a second angle (α2) greater than or substantially different from the first angle (α1), and the exit ends (F132f) of distal laterally external staple-forming pockets (F114f) are oriented laterally inwards relative to the geometric longitudinal axis (LA) at the second angle (α2). A medial portion of each laterally external staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) located between the respective entry and exit ends (F130e, F130f, F132e,...). F132f) includes a side wall positioned at an angle and / or curve (F136e, F136f) that faces the respective entrance end (F130e, Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 28 / 113 23 / 66 F130f) and which is longitudinally adjacent to the exit end (F132e, F132f) of the corresponding longitudinally paired laterally external staple forming pocket (F114e, F114f). The entry ends (F130e, F130f) are configured to receive and guide a staple leg in an unformed state longitudinally along the respective concave base surface (F134e, F134f) and towards the respective angled side wall (F136e, F136f) to be deformed. The exit ends (F132e, F132f) are each configured to guide the staple leg in a deformed state towards the lower cartridge gripper (42) and into the clamped tissue (T). The exit end (F132e) of each laterally external proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) is laterally adjacent and extends substantially parallel to the exit end (F132f) of the corresponding longitudinally paired laterally external distal staple-forming pocket (F114f).

[0058] When the end actuator (40) is closed so that each pair of laterally external pockets (F114e, F114f) is vertically aligned with a corresponding cartridge pocket (not shown) in a laterally external row of staple cartridges that is received within the lower cartridge gripper (42), each laterally external pocket (F114e, F114f) is asymmetrical around an intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG3) that extends parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoints (C3) of the laterally external cartridge pockets;and each laterally external proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) is asymmetrical with respect to the corresponding longitudinally paired laterally external distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) around a corresponding lateral centerline (LT3) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) through the centerpoint (C3) of the corresponding laterally external cartridge pocket. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 29 / 113 24 / 66

[0059] Although the exit ends (F132e, F132f) of each pair of laterally external pockets (F114e, F114f) may exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C3) of the corresponding laterally external cartridge pocket, the entry ends (F130e, F130f) of each pair of laterally external pockets (F114e, F114f) do not exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C3) of the corresponding laterally external cartridge pocket, such that each pair of laterally external pockets (F114e, F114f) taken as a whole does not exhibit point symmetry with respect to each other around the center point (C3) of the corresponding laterally external cartridge pocket. In this sense, the entry end (F130e, F130f) of each laterally external pocket (F114e, F114f) may have a second width (W2) greater than the first width (W1) that is asymmetrical around the external longitudinal centerline (LG3).For example, the second width (W2) of each entry end (F130e, F130f) may have a first width portion (W2P1) laterally inside the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3) and a second width portion (W2P2) laterally outside the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3) and larger than the first width portion (W2P1). Thus, each pair of laterally external pockets (F114e, F114f) may be asymmetrical around each of the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3), the corresponding outer lateral centerline (LT3), and the center point (C3) of the corresponding outer lateral cartridge pocket. This asymmetry can make it possible to maximize the sizes of the entry ends (F130e, F130f) within the available space provided on the anvil surface (F112), thus improving the ability of the entry ends (F130e, F130f) to receive and guide the respective clamp legs.

[0060] In the example shown, each laterally internal proximal staple formation pocket (F114a) is substantially the same Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 30 / 113 25 / 66 longitudinal position such that a corresponding laterally external proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) and each laterally internal distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) is substantially in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding laterally external distal staple-forming pocket (F114f), so that each staple (86a) formed by each pair of laterally internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) can be substantially in the same longitudinal position as the staple (86c) formed by the corresponding pair of laterally external staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f).However, each proximal, laterally intermediate staple-formation pocket (F114c) is substantially displaced from each proximal, laterally internal and external staple-formation pocket (F114a, F114e), and each distal, laterally intermediate staple-formation pocket (F114d) is substantially displaced from each distal, laterally internal and external staple-formation pocket (F114b, F114f), so that each staple (86b) formed by each pair of laterally intermediate staple-formation pockets (F114c, F114d) can be substantially displaced from the staples (86a, 86c) formed by each pair of laterally internal staple-formation pockets (F114a, F114b) and by each pair of external staple-formation pockets (F114e, F114f).For example, each proximal, laterally intermediate staple-formation pocket (F114c) may be in substantially the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal, laterally internal and external staple-formation pockets (F114b, F114f), and each distal, laterally intermediate staple-formation pocket (F114d) may be in substantially the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal, laterally internal and external staple-formation pockets (F114a, F114e).

[0061] In this way, the orientations of the staple formation pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can vary in the lateral direction. More particularly, the orientations can vary from Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 31 / 113 26 / 66 substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of each proximal, laterally internal staple formation pocket (F114a), to substantially inclined laterally inwards towards the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent distal, laterally intermediate staple formation pocket (F114d) (e.g., by virtue of the orientation of the respective exit end (F132d)), to substantially inclined laterally outwards in the opposite direction to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of the proximal laterally adjacent, laterally external staple formation pocket (F114e) (e.g., by virtue of the orientation of the respective exit end (F132e));and can vary from being substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of each laterally internal distal staple formation pocket (F114b), to being substantially inclined laterally outward in the opposite direction to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent and laterally intermediate proximal staple formation pocket (F114c) (e.g., by virtue of the orientation of the respective exit end (F132c)), to being substantially inclined laterally inward toward the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent and laterally external distal staple formation pocket (F114f) (e.g., by virtue of the orientation of the respective exit end (F132f)).

[0062] It will be recognized that the orientations of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) may vary in the lateral direction in any other suitable manner. For example, each laterally intermediate distal staple-forming pocket (F114d) and laterally external distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) may be substantially inclined laterally outward in the opposite direction to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), and each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c) and staple-forming pocket of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 32 / 113 27 / 66 proximal laterally external clasp (F114e) can be substantially angled laterally inward toward the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) in an arrangement opposite to that shown.

[0063] With reference now to Figure 10, the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b) of the laterally inner staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) each have a first maximum depth (D1) relative to the anvil surface (F112), the concave base surfaces (F134c, F134d) of the laterally intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) each have a second maximum depth (not shown) relative to the anvil surface (F112), and the concave base surfaces (F134e, F134f) of the laterally outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) each have a third maximum depth (D3) relative to the anvil surface (F112). As shown, the third maximum depth (D3) is greater than the first maximum depth (D1). In some cases, the second maximum depth may be greater than the first maximum depth (D1) and / or less than the third maximum depth (D3).Furthermore, or alternatively, the first maximum depth (D1) may be substantially equal to the second maximum depth and / or third maximum depth (D3). The various depths of the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) may be selected to provide staples (86a, 86b, 86c) formed by staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) with a substantially uniform height in each row. Alternatively, the various depths of the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) can be selected to allow the different inclinations of the staple formation pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) described above to transmit staples (86a, 86b, 86c) with different heights from each other. This may be the case, for example, when the first maximum depth (D1) is... Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 33 / 113 28 / 66 substantially equal to each of the second maximum depth and the third maximum depth (D3).

[0064] The input ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, The pockets of staple formation (F130e, F130f) of the staple forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can be oriented downwards relative to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or relative to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA)) in substantially different ways from the corresponding exit ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f). For example, as shown in Figure 11, the entry end (F130e) of each laterally external proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) is oriented downwards relative to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or relative to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA)) at a first angle (β1), while the exit end (F132e) of each lateral proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) is oriented downwards relative to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or relative to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA)) at a second angle (β2) that is larger or substantially different from the first angle (β1).

[0065] In some versions, the entry end (F130f) of each distal lateral external staple-forming pocket (F114f) is oriented at the same first angle (β1) as the entry end (F130e) of each proximal lateral external staple-forming pocket (F114e) and / or the exit end (F132f) of each distal lateral external staple-forming pocket (F114f) is oriented at the same second angle (β2) as the exit end (F132f) of each proximal lateral external staple-forming pocket (F114e). Alternatively, the entry end (F130f) of each distal lateral external staple-forming pocket (F114f) may be oriented at a first angle substantially different from the first angle (β1) of the entry end (F130e) of each staple-forming pocket. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 34 / 113 29 / 66 of the laterally external proximal staple (F114e) and / or the exit end (F132f) of each laterally external distal staple formation pocket (F114f) may be oriented at a second angle substantially different from the second angle (β2) of the exit end (F132f) of each laterally external proximal staple formation pocket (F114e). Similarly, any one or more of the entry ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d) of each laterally inner and / or laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d) may be oriented either at the same first angle (β1) as the entry end (F130e) of each proximal laterally outer staple-forming pocket (F114e), or at a first angle substantially different from the first angle (β1) of the entry end (F130e) of each proximal laterally outer staple-forming pocket (F114e);and / or any one or more of the exit ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d) of each laterally inner and / or laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d) may be oriented at the same second angle (β2) as the exit end (F132e) of each proximal laterally outer staple-forming pocket (F114e) or at a second angle substantially different from the second angle (β2) of the exit end (F132e) of each proximal laterally outer staple-forming pocket (F114e).

[0066] It will be recognized that the orientations of the entry ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and exit ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) in relation to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA)), such as the first and second angles (β1, β2), can affect the shape of the corresponding formed clamp (86a, 86b, 86c), such as the radius of the corresponding formed clamp (86a, 86b, 86c) (e.g., when viewed from the side) and can thus impact springback and / or Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 35 / 113 30 / 66 tissue compression (T) within the inner area of ​​the corresponding formed staple (86a, 86b, 86c). Thus, the orientations of the entry ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and exit ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) in relation to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA)), as first and second angles (β1, β2), can be selected to transmit the corresponding formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) with one or more desired shapes.

[0067] Figure 11 also shows the third maximum depth (D3) of laterally external staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) relative to the anvil surface (F112). As mentioned above, the third maximum depth (D3) can be substantially different from the first maximum depth (D1) of laterally internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and / or the second maximum depth of laterally intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d). For example, the third maximum depth (D3) of laterally external staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) can be greater than the second maximum depth of laterally intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d).

[0068] In this way, the depths of the staple formation pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can vary in the lateral direction. More particularly, the depths can vary from the first maximum depth (D1) in the case of each laterally inner staple formation pocket (F114a, F114b), to the second maximum depth in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent and laterally intermediate staple formation pocket (F114d, F114e), to the third maximum depth (D3) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent and laterally outer staple formation pocket (F114e, F114f). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 36 / 113 31 / 66

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the staple (86a) formed by inner staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and the staple (86c) formed by outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) are substantially in the same longitudinal position relative to each other, so that staples (86a, 86c) are substantially aligned with each other, while the staple (86b) formed by intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) is in a substantially different longitudinal position (e.g., nominally different) from staples (86a, 86c), so that staple (86b) is substantially displaced from staples (86a, 86c).

[0070] As shown, the clasp (86a) is formed by internal clasp-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with a two-dimensional shape (also called a planar shape), while the clasp (86b) is formed by intermediate clasp-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) with a three-dimensional shape (also called a non-planar shape) and the clasp (86c) is formed by external clasp-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) with another three-dimensional shape. In this sense, the crown (87a) and both proximal and distal legs (88a, 89a) of the clasp (86a) are all in the same plane to each other, with the tips of the legs (88a, 89a) aligned laterally to each other. The clasp (86a) may be substantially B-shaped in the plane in which the crown (87a) and both legs (88a, 89a) reside.

[0071] On the other hand, the proximal and distal legs (88b, 89b) of the clasp (86b) are in different planes from each other and from the crown (87b), with the tips of the legs (88b, 89b) displaced laterally from each other and from the crown (87b) on opposite sides of the crown (87b). More particularly, the proximal leg (88b) inclines laterally outwards in the opposite direction to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at the first angle (α1) relative to the crown (87b) and the distal leg (89b) inclines laterally inwards towards the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at the first angle (α1) relative to the crown (87b) Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 37 / 113 32 / 66 angle (α1) in relation to the crown (87b).

[0072] Similarly, the proximal and distal legs (88c, 89c) of the clasp (86c) are in different planes from each other and from the crown (87c), with the tips of the legs (88c, 89c) displaced laterally from each other and from the crown (87c) on opposite sides of the crown (87c). More particularly, the proximal leg (88c) inclines laterally outwards in the opposite direction to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at the second angle (α2) relative to the crown (87c) and the distal leg (89c) inclines laterally inwards towards the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at the second angle (α2) relative to the crown (87c). As mentioned above, the second angle (α2) is larger than the first angle (α1), so that the tips of the legs (88c, 89c) can be displaced laterally from the crown (87c) by a greater degree than the tips of the legs (88b, 89b) are displaced laterally from the crown (87b).In the example shown, the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) of formed clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) are parallel to each other and to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), so that the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) can similarly be parallel to the cutting line produced by the cutting edge (58). In some versions, the formed clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) can each have the same height (h) from each other in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 13. In addition, or alternatively, the formed clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) can be formed from the same type of unformed clamp (e.g., unformed clamp (86)).

[0073] Due to the different shapes formed of staples (86a, 86b, 86c), the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) can provide varying amounts of tissue compression and resistance to leakage path in the lateral direction, even in cases where the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) are the same height from each other. For example, the 2D formed staple configuration (86a) with non-angled legs (88a, 89a) can provide more tissue compression. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 38 / 113 33 / 66 tighter and / or a lower amount of resistance to the leakage path compared to the other staples (86b, 86c); the 3D configuration formed by staple (86b) with legs (88b, 89b) angled at the first angle (α1) can provide looser tissue compression than staple (86a) and / or a higher amount of resistance to the leakage path than staple (86a); and / or the 3D configuration formed by staple (86c) with legs (88c, 89c) angled at the second angle (α2) can provide looser tissue compression and / or a higher amount of resistance to the leakage path compared to the other staples (86a, 86b). Thus, the rows of staples formed (86a, 86b, 86c) on each side of the cut line produced by the cutting edge (58) can collectively achieve both tight tissue compression and good resistance to leakage path on each side of the cut line.

[0074] In this sense, the laterally inner row of formed staples (86a) on each side of the cut line can provide the tightest (e.g., localized) tissue compression near the cut line, while the laterally intermediate row of formed staples (86b) on each side of the cut line can provide more evenly distributed (e.g., less localized) tissue compression further away from the cut line, and the laterally outer row of formed staples (86c) on each side of the cut line can provide the most evenly distributed (e.g., less localized) tissue compression further away from the cut line.Providing tighter compression of tissue immediately adjacent to the cut line through the innermost staples (86a) in this manner (e.g., instead of through the relatively outer staples (86b, 86c)) can ensure an effective seal and / or promote rapid healing of separated tissue (T) along the cut line; while providing more evenly distributed tissue compression further away from the cut line. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 39 / 113 34 / 66 through the intermediate and outermost staples (86b, 86c) in this manner (i.e., instead of through the innermost staples (86a)) can relieve tension in the separated tissue (T) and inhibit leakage through the outer and intermediate rows of staples (86b, 86c) towards the inner row of staples (86a). III. Example of an anvil with a row of staple-forming pockets with proximal and distal pockets displaced laterally.

[0075] In some cases, it may be desirable to dispose and configure staple forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) of the anvil gripper (F110) to further improve the consistency of forming at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c). Figure 14 shows an example of an anvil gripper (F210) (also called an anvil) that can provide such capabilities and that can be incorporated into the end actuator (40) in place of the anvil gripper (44). The anvil gripper (F210) is similar to the anvil gripper (F110) described above, except as otherwise described below. In this sense, the anvil gripper (F210) can be configured to pivot in relation to the cartridge gripper (42) of the end actuator (40) (or the cartridge gripper (42) can be configured to pivot in relation to the anvil gripper (F210)), to clamp the tissue together.

[0076] In the example shown, the anvil gripper (F210) includes a body (F211) having an inner side that defines an anvil surface (F212) configured to compress tissue and three linear (e.g., straight) rows of staple-forming pockets on each side of an anvil slot (not shown), including an inner lateral row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), an intermediate lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) and an outer lateral row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 40 / 113 35 / 66 The inner and outer lateral rows of staple-forming pockets can be configured and arranged as shown and described above in relation to Figures 7 to 11.

[0077] As shown, the staple forming pockets (F214c, F214d) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs so that each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of a respective clasp (86b) and thus transform the clasp (86b) into a formed shape when the trigger bar (46) is distally actuated. More particularly, each laterally intermediate proximal clasp-forming pocket (F214c) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent, laterally intermediate distal clasp-forming pocket (F214d) to provide the resulting clasp (86b) with a three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed clasp (86b) lie in a different plane.

[0078] The laterally intermediate row of staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) can be configured and arranged in a manner similar to that shown and described above in relation to Figures 7 to 11, except that in the present version, each proximal and laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) is offset laterally from the adjacent distal and laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214d). More particularly, a first longitudinal centerline (LG1) of each proximal, laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) is offset laterally from (e.g., laterally out of) a second longitudinal centerline (LG2) of each distal, laterally intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214d).In contrast, the laterally proximal and distal internal staple-forming pockets may be arranged along a common lateral internal longitudinal centerline (not shown); and / or the lateral proximal and distal staple-forming pockets may be arranged along a common lateral longitudinal centerline (not shown). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 41 / 113 36 / 66 shown).

[0079] Due to the lateral displacement in the laterally intermediate row of staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d), the proximal staple leg (88b) of each second staple (86b) can contact a surface of the laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F214c) earlier, at least compared with the laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c), to help ensure that the proximal staple leg (88b) is positioned at the correct angle to achieve the desired formation of the second staple (86b).

[0080] Although each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F214c) is displaced laterally from the adjacent longitudinally intermediate distal staple-forming pocket (F214d) in the example shown, in some other versions, the laterally intermediate proximal and distal staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) may be arranged along a common longitudinally intermediate centerline. In such cases, the laterally internal proximal and distal staple-forming pockets may be displaced laterally from each other; and / or the lateral proximal and distal staple-forming pockets may be displaced laterally from each other. IV. Examples of Anvil Clamps with Laterally Displaced Proximal and Distal Clamp Formation Pockets

[0081] In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the position and / or shape of a crown (87a, 87b, 87c) of at least some clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) to further improve the consistency of the formation of at least some clamps (86a, 86b, 86c). Figures 15 and 16 schematically show an example of an anvil gripper (F310) (also called an anvil) that can be incorporated into the end actuator (40) in place of the anvil gripper (44). The anvil gripper Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 42 / 113 37 / 66 (F310) is similar to the anvil gripper (F210) described above, except as otherwise described below. In this sense, the anvil gripper (F310) can be configured to pivot relative to the cartridge gripper (42) of the end actuator (40) (or the cartridge gripper (42) can be configured to pivot relative to the anvil gripper (F310)), to clamp the tissue together.

[0082] In the example shown, the anvil gripper (F310) includes three linear (e.g., straight) rows of staple-forming pockets on each side of an anvil slot (not shown), including an inner lateral row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), an intermediate lateral row of staple-forming pockets (F314c, F314d), and an outer lateral row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). The inner and outer lateral rows of staple-forming pockets can be configured and arranged as shown and described above in relation to Figures 7 to 11.

[0083] As shown, the staple forming pockets (F314c, F314d) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs so that each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of a respective staple (86b) and thus transform the staple (86b) into a formed shape when the trigger bar (46) is distally actuated. More particularly, each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F314c) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent, laterally intermediate distal staple-forming pocket (F314d) to provide the resulting staple (86b) with a three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86b) lie in a different plane. In the present version, each laterally intermediate proximal staple-forming pocket (F314c) is displaced laterally from the staple-forming pocket of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 43 / 113 38 / 66 distal staple longitudinally adjacent laterally intermediate (F314d).

[0084] As shown in Figure 15, the crown (87b) of each second clamp (86b) can be positioned to further improve the consistency of the formation of second clamps (86b). More particularly, the crown (87b) of each second clamp (86b) can be oriented obliquely with respect to the anvil slot, instead of being parallel to the anvil slot, to thus provide the formed clamp (86b) with an improved 3D shape.

[0085] As shown in Figure 16, a second alternative clasp (F386b) includes a generally zigzag-shaped crown (F387b) and a pair of legs (F388b, F389b). More particularly, the crown (F387b) of each second clasp (F386b) includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely to the anvil slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the anvil slot, and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely to the anvil slot, thus providing the formed clasp (F386b) with an enhanced 3D shape. V. Examples of Asymmetrical Clamp Patterns

[0086] In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the arrangement of clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) to further improve the consistency of the formation of at least some clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) and / or to further inhibit leakage through the rows of clamps (86a, 86b, 86c). Figures 17 and 18 show examples of alternative arrangements of clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) that may provide such capabilities.

[0087] As shown in Figure 17, the clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) are asymmetrical with respect to the cutting line (CL) produced by the cutting edge (58). More particularly, the clamps (86b, 86c) are uniformly oriented on both sides of the cutting line (CL). It will be recognized that the arrangement of clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) shown in Figure Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 44 / 113 39 / 66 can be achieved using a modified version of the anvil gripper (F110) which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, such a modified version of the anvil gripper (F110) may include clamp-forming pockets that are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the anvil slot (F122).

[0088] As shown in Figure 18, the second clamps (86b) are oriented in an inverted manner relative to the third clamps (86c). It will be recognized that the clamp arrangement (86a, 86b, 86c) shown in Figure 18 can be achieved using a modified version of the anvil gripper (F110) which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. VI. Examples of Clasp Crowns with Large Compression Areas

[0089] In some cases, it may be desirable to shape a crown (87a, 87b, 87c) of at least some clamps (86a, 86b, 86c) to provide an increased compression profile. Figures 19 and 20 show examples of clamps (F486, F586) that can provide such capabilities.

[0090] As shown in Figure 19, the clamp (F486) generally includes a C-shaped crown (F487) and a pair of legs (F488, F489). It will be recognized that the C-shaped crown (F487) can be pre-formed before firing or formed during firing (e.g., bent from a straight / linear shape).

[0091] As shown in Figure 20, the clamp (F586) includes a generally S-shaped crown (F587) and a pair of legs (F588, F589). It will be recognized that the S-shaped crown (F587) can be either pre-formed before firing or formed during firing (e.g., bent from a straight / linear shape).

[0092] It will be understood that although the features shown and described above are presented in the context of anvil jaws (F110, F210, F310) for surgical stapler (10), such features may also be applied to staple cartridges configured for use with various Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 45 / 113 40 / 66 other types of surgical staplers, such as linear surgical staplers. VII. Examples of Combinations

[0093] The following examples refer to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of the present invention may be combined or applied. It should be considered that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be made at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No waiver of rights is intended. The following examples are provided for purely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings of the present invention may be arranged and applied in various other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the examples below. Therefore, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered of critical importance unless the contrary is explicitly stated at a later date by the inventors or a successor in the name of the inventors.If any claims are made in this application or in subsequent filings relating to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, such additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability. Example 1

[0094] An apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: (a) a gripper body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing gripper (42) of a surgical stapler (10) for compressing, stapling and cutting tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the gripper body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated groove (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) of the gripper body (F111, F211), being Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 46 / 113 41 / 66 whereby the elongated slot (F122) is configured to receive in a sliding manner a trigger (46) of the surgical stapler (10); (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) ejected from a stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), such that the first legs (88a, 89a) of each first staple formed (86a) are laterally aligned with each other, and such that a first crown (87a) of each first staple formed (86a) is oriented in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA);and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) and configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) ejected from the stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of each second staple formed (86b) are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to a second crown (87b) of the respective second staple formed (86b), and such that the second crown (87b) of each second staple formed (86b) is oriented in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 2

[0095] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310), of example 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein a first (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of pockets of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 47 / 113 42 / 66 staple formation (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical with respect to a second (F114d, F214d, F314d) of each pair of staple formation pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 3

[0096] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 2, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) ejected from the stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), such that the third legs (88c, 89c) of each third staple formed (86c) are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to a third crown (87c) of the respective third staple formed (86c), and such that the third crown (87c) of each third staple formed (86c) is oriented in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 4

[0097] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 5

[0098] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 4, wherein the second longitudinal row of clasp-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second clasps (86b) such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of each second clasp formed (86b) incline laterally away from the second crown (87b) of the respective Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 48 / 113 43 / 66 second formed clasp (86b) at a first angle (α1), wherein the third longitudinal row of clasp-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third clasps (86c) such that the third legs (88c, 89c) of each third formed clasp (86c) are inclined laterally away from the third crown (87c) of the respective third formed clasp (86c) at a second angle (α2) different from the first angle (α1). Example 6

[0099] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) from Example 5, where the second angle (α2) is larger than the first angle (α1). Example 7

[0100] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 6, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) has the same height as each second staple formed (86b). Example 8

[0101] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 6, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) has a different height from each second staple formed (86b). Example 9

[0102] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 8, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple (86c) formed is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding first staple formed (86a). Example 10 Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 49 / 113 44 / 66

[0103] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 9, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple (86c) is in a different longitudinal position from each second staple formed (86b). Example 11

[0104] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 10, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) is in a different longitudinal position from each first staple formed (86a). Example 12

[0105] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples in 11, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) has the same height as each first staple formed (86a). Example 13

[0106] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 11, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) has a different height from each first staple formed (86a). Example 14

[0107] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 13, with each clip-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 50 / 113 45 / 66 F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) has the same depth relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) as each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b). Example 15

[0108] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples in 14, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is flat. Example 16

[0109] An apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: (a) a gripper body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing gripper (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the gripper body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated slot (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) of the gripper body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to receive in a sliding manner a trigger actuator (46) of the surgical stapler (10);(d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) and is configured to form a corresponding staple (86a) with a two-dimensional shape; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is inclined laterally with respect to the axis; Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 51 / 113 46 / 66 geometric longitudinal (LA) and is configured to form a corresponding clamp (86b) with a three-dimensional shape. Example 17

[0110] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 16, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) in relation to the longitudinal axis (LA). Example 18

[0111] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 17, with at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being inclined laterally outwards with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), with at least one other staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being inclined laterally inwards with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 19

[0112] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 18, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is inclined laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) by a different degree from each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 52 / 113 47 / 66 Example 20

[0113] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 19, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) has a substantially different depth relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 21

[0114] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 20, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 22

[0115] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 21, with each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) inclined laterally with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at a first angle (α1), with each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) inclined laterally with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA) at a second angle (α2) greater than the first angle (α1). Example 23

[0116] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 22, with the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 53 / 113 48 / 66 of proximal staple-forming pockets (F114a) and distal staple-forming pockets (F114b), wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs of proximal staple-forming pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) and distal staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d), wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs of proximal staple-forming pockets (F114e) and distal staple-forming pockets (F114f). Example 24

[0117] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 23, with each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) being in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b). Example 25

[0118] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 24, each distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) being in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b). Example 26

[0119] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 25, with each proximal clasp-forming pocket (F114e) Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 54 / 113 49 / 66 of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 27

[0120] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 26, with each distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) being in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 28

[0121] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples in 27, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is flat. Example 29

[0122] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 28, being at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) oriented relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1) and a staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) oriented relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) greater than the first angle (β1). Example 30

[0123] The device (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 55 / 113 50 / 66 to 29, with the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, with a first (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being asymmetrical to a second (F114d, F214d, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 31

[0124] An apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: (a) a gripper body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing gripper (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the gripper body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated slot (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) of the gripper body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to receive in a sliding manner a trigger actuator (46) of the surgical stapler (10); (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), with each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA);and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA), and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c,; Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 56 / 113 51 / 66 The F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical. Example 32

[0125] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 31, with each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical around a corresponding longitudinal centerline (LG2). Example 33

[0126] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 32, with each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical to a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the respective pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) around a corresponding lateral centerline (LT2). Example 34

[0127] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 33, with each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) and a staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) narrower than the corresponding staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d). Example 35 Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 57 / 113 52 / 66

[0128] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 34, wherein the entry portion of the staple leg (F130c, F130d) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 36

[0129] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples in 35, wherein the exit portion of the staple leg (F132c, F132d) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extends substantially obliquely with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis (LA). Example 37

[0130] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 36, ​​wherein the entry portion of the staple leg (F130c, F130d) of at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is oriented relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1), wherein the exit portion of the staple leg (F132c, F132d) of at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is oriented relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) different from the first angle (β1). Example 38

[0131] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 37, where the second angle (β2) is greater than the first angle (β1). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 58 / 113 53 / 66 Example 39

[0132] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples to 38, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs. Example 40

[0133] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 39, with each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b). Example 41

[0134] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples 40, with each distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) being in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b). Example 42

[0135] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 41, with each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) having a substantially different depth relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second row Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 59 / 113 54 / 66 longitudinal pockets for staple formation (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). Example 43

[0136] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of Examples a 42, which further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally out of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs. Example 44

[0137] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 43, with each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) being asymmetrical. Example 45

[0138] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of any of the Examples to 44, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is flat. Example 46

[0139] An apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: (a) a gripper body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing gripper (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the gripper body; (c) an elongated slot (F122) extending through the anvil surface and along a longitudinal geometric axis (LA) of the gripper body, the elongated slot being configured to receive in a sliding manner a trigger actuator (46) of the surgical stapler; (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface, the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being disposed Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 60 / 113 55 / 66 in longitudinally adjacent pairs, each longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being arranged along a common longitudinal centerline; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets relative to the longitudinal geometric axis, and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, with each proximal staple-forming pocket of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being offset laterally from the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets. Example 47

[0140] The apparatus of Example 46, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) ejected from a stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler such that the first legs (88a, 89a) of each first staple formed are aligned laterally with each other. Example 48

[0141] The apparatus of any of Examples 46 to 47, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of each second staple formed incline laterally in the opposite direction from a second crown (87b) of the respective second staple formed. Example 49 Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 61 / 113 56 / 66

[0142] The apparatus of Example 48, which additionally comprises a plurality of second clasps, wherein the second crown of each second clasp is oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot. Example 50

[0143] The apparatus of Example 48, which additionally comprises a plurality of second clasps, the second crown of each second clasp generally being in a zigzag shape. Example 51

[0144] The apparatus of Example 50, wherein the second crown of each second clasp includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely in relation to the elongated slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the elongated slot and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely in relation to the elongated slot. Example 52

[0145] The apparatus of any of Examples 46 to 51, which additionally comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs. Example 53

[0146] The apparatus of Example 52, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis. Example 54

[0147] The apparatus of any of Examples 52 to 53, each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being arranged along a common longitudinal centerline. Example 55

[0148] The apparatus of any of Examples 52 to 54, wherein Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 62 / 113 57 / 66 each proximal staple-forming pocket of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is displaced laterally from the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets. Example 56

[0149] The apparatus of any of Examples 52 to 55, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that the third legs (88c, 89c) of each third staple formed are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to a third crown (87c) of the respective third staple formed. Example 57

[0150] The apparatus of Example 56, wherein the second and third longitudinal rows of staple-forming pockets are configured to form pluralities of second and third staples, respectively, such that each second staple formed on a first side of the elongated slit is oriented in an inverted manner relative to each third staple formed on the first side of the elongated slit. Example 58

[0151] The apparatus of any of Examples 46 to 57, wherein the staple-forming pockets are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the elongated slit. Example 59

[0152] The apparatus of any of Examples 46 to 58, wherein each proximal staple-forming pocket of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is laterally outside the staple-forming pocket of Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 63 / 113 58 / 66 corresponding distal staple of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets. Example 60

[0153] The apparatus of any of Examples 46 to 59, wherein the anvil surface is flat.

[0154] The following clauses also refer to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of the present invention may be combined or applied. 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a claw body configured to cooperate with an opposing claw of a surgical stapler to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface defined by the body of the gripper; (c) an elongated slot extending through the anvil surface and along a longitudinal axis of the gripper body, the elongated slot being configured to slide to receive a surgical stapler trigger; (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface and configured to form a plurality of first staples ejected from a stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that the first legs of each first staple formed are laterally compatible with each other; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to form a plurality of second staples ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that the second legs of each second Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 64 / 113 59 / 66 formed clasp tilt laterally in the opposite direction to a second crown of the respective second clasp formed. 2. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein the first of each pair of staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is asymmetrical to the second of each pair of staple-forming pockets. 3. The apparatus of Clause 1, which further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface and configured to form a plurality of third staples ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler, such that the third legs of each third staple formed are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to a third crown of the respective third staple formed, and such that the third crown of each third staple formed is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis. 4. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis. 5. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the second longitudinal row of clasp-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second clasps in such a way that the second legs of each second clasp formed are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to the second crown of the respective second clasp formed at a first angle, wherein the third longitudinal row of clasp-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third clasps in such a way that the third legs of each third clasp formed are inclined laterally in the opposite direction to the third crown of the Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pages 65 / 113 60 / 66 respective third clamp formed at a second angle different from the first angle. 6. The apparatus of Clause 5, wherein the second angle is larger than the first angle. 7. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples in such a way that each third staple formed has the same height as each second staple formed. 8. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples in such a way that each third staple formed has a different height from each second staple formed. 9. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples in such a way that each third staple formed is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding first staple formed. 10. The apparatus of Clause 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples such that each third staple formed is in a longitudinal position different from each second staple formed. 11. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples such that each second staple formed is in a different longitudinal position from each first staple formed. 12. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples such that each second staple Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 66 / 113 61 / 66 formed, have the same height as each first staple formed. 13. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples in such a way that each second staple formed has a different height from each first staple formed. 14. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein each staple-forming pocket of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets has the same depth relative to the anvil surface as each staple-forming pocket of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets. 15. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein each staple-forming pocket of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets has a different depth relative to the anvil surface of each staple-forming pocket of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets. 16. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the anvil surface is flat. 17. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets includes a staple leg entry portion oriented with respect to the anvil surface at a first angle and a staple leg exit portion oriented with respect to the anvil surface at a second angle greater than the first angle. 18. An apparatus comprising: (a) a claw body configured to cooperate with an opposing claw of a surgical stapler to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface defined by the body of the gripper; (c) an elongated groove extending across the anvil surface and along a longitudinal axis of the claw body, being Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pages 67 / 113 62 / 66 that the elongated slot is configured to slide-in receive a surgical stapler trigger; (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface, wherein each staple-forming pocket of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface, wherein each staple-forming pocket of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is inclined laterally with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis. 19. The apparatus of Clause 18, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis. 20. An apparatus comprising: (a) a claw body configured to cooperate with an opposing claw of a surgical stapler to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface defined by the body of the gripper; (c) an elongated slot extending through the anvil surface and along a longitudinal axis of the gripper body, the elongated slot being configured to slide to receive a surgical stapler trigger; (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface, each staple-forming pocket of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 68 / 113 63 / 66 first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, with each pair of staple-forming pockets in the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets being asymmetrical. VIII. General Considerations

[0155] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, modalities, examples, etc., described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, modalities, examples, etc., described herein. The teachings, expressions, modalities, examples, etc., described above should not, therefore, be viewed as isolated from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of the present invention may be combined will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the teachings of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0156] Furthermore, any one or more of the teachings of the present invention can be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9523USNP1] entitled Surgical Grampler Cartridge Having Intermediate Raised Tissue Engagement Protrusions, filed on the same date as the present application; in U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9523USNP2], entitled Surgical Grampler Cartridge Having Tissue Engagement Protrusions with Enlarged Engagement Surface, filed on the same date as the present application; in U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9523USNP3], entitled Surgical Grampler Cartridge Having Raised Surface to Promote Buttress Adhesion, filed on the same date as the present application; in U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9523USNP4], entitled Surgical Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 69 / 113 64 / 66 Stapler End Effector Sled Having Cartridge Biasing Feature, filed on the same date as this application; U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9523USNP6], entitled Method of Surgical Stapling, filed on the same date as this application; and / or U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Ref. END9516USNP1], entitled Incompatible Staple Cartridge Use Prevention Features for Surgical Stapler, filed on the same date as this application. The invention of each of these U.S. Patent Applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0157] It should be understood that any patent, publication or other invention material which, in whole or in part, is said to be incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with the definitions, statements or other invention materials presented in this invention. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the invention as explicitly presented herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, which is considered incorporated herein by reference but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other invention materials presented herein, shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing invention material.

[0158] Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotics-assisted medical treatments and procedures. By way of example only, several teachings contained in the present invention can be easily incorporated into a robotic surgical system, such as those made available by Auris Health, Inc. of Redwood City, CA or Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, California.

[0159] Versions of the devices described above may be designed Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 70 / 113 65 / 66 devices are designed to be discarded after a single use or may be designed for multiple uses. In either or both cases, the versions may be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Refurbishment may include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing specific parts and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled and any number of parts or specific components of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. With cleaning and / or replacement of specific parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use, either in a refurbishment facility or by a user immediately prior to a procedure.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly techniques. The use of these techniques and the resulting reconditioned device are all within the scope of this application.

[0160] By way of example only, the versions described herein may be sterilized before and / or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed, sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria in the device and container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilized using any other known technique, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or water vapor.

[0161] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, other adaptations of the methods and systems described herein Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 71 / 113 66 / 66 can be carried out through suitable modifications by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will become apparent to persons skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not mandatory. Consequently, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and should not be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the descriptive report and drawings. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 72 / 113

Claims

1 / 17 CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), characterized in that it comprises: (a) a jaw body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing jaw (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated slot (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive a trigger actuator (46) of the surgical stapler (10);(d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) ejected from a stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10) such that the first legs (88a, 89a) of each first staple formed (86a) are laterally aligned with each other, and such that a first crown (87a) of each first staple formed (86a) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA);and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) skewed laterally away from a second crown (87b) of the respective second staple formed (86b), and such that the second crown (87b) of each second staple formed (86b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA); 2. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein a first (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical to a second (F114d, F214d, F314d, F314d).

3. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114F) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) ejected laterally away from a third crown (87c) of the respective third staple formed (86c), and such that the third crown (87c) of each third staple formed (86c) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

4. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA).

5. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form the plurality of second staples Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 74 / 113 3 / 17 (86b) such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of each second staple formed (86b) are skewed laterally away from the second crown (86c) are skewed laterally away from the third crown (87c) of the respective third staple formed (86c) at a second angle (a2) different from the first angle (al).

6. Apparatus (F10, F210, F310) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second angle (a2) is larger than the first angle (al).

7. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) has the same height as each second staple formed (86b).

8. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) has a different height from each second staple formed (86b).

9. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding first staple formed (86a).

10. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) such that each third staple formed (86c) is in a different longitudinal position from each second staple formed (86b).

11. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) is in a different longitudinal position from each first staple formed (86a).

12. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) has the same height as each first staple formed (86a).

13. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) such that each second staple formed (86b) has a different height from each first staple formed (86a).

14. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) has the same depth relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) as each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b).

15. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the surface of the anvil (F112, F212) is flat.

16. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), characterized in that it comprises: (a) a jaw body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing jaw (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated slot (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive a trigger (46) of the surgical stapler (10);(d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming cavity (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) and is configured to form a corresponding staple (86a) with a two-dimensional shape; and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is skewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) and is configured to form a corresponding staple (86b) with a three-dimensional shape.; 17. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), as per Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, page 77 / 113 6 / 17 claim 16, characterized by the fact that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA).

18. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that at least one staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, F214c, F314c) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is laterally deviated outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), wherein at least one other staple-forming pocket (Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is laterally deviated inwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA).

19. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that it further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114f) is skewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) to a different degree than each staple-forming cavity (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d).

20. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), according to claim 19, characterized in that each staple forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (F114e, F114f) has a substantially different depth relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) of each staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d).

21. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA).

22. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that each staple training pouch (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple training pouches (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is skewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a first angle (al), wherein each staple training pouch (F114e, Fl 14f) of the third longitudinal row of staple training pouches (F114e, Fl 14f) is skewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a second angle (a2) greater than the first angle (al).

23. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs of proximal staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a) and distal staple-forming pockets (Fl 14b), wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs of proximal staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e) and distal staple-forming pockets (Fl 14f).

24. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), according to claim 23, characterized in that each proximal staple-forming cavity (Fl 14e) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, Fl 14f) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14a) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b).

25. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that each distal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14f) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14b) of a longitudinally corresponding adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b).

26. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d).

27. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that each distal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14f) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, F214c, F314c) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F1 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d).

28. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that the surface of the anvil (F112, F212) is flat.

29. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 16 to 28, characterized in that at least one staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) oriented relative to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (P2) greater than the first angle (i).

30. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 16 to 29, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein a first (Fl 14c, F214c, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F214c, F214c, F314d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical to a second (Fl 14d, F214d, F214d, F314c, F314d).

31. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), characterized by the suit comprising: (a) a jaw body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing jaw (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body (F111, F211); (c) an elongated slit (F122) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along a longitudinal axis (LA) Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p.81 / 113 10 / 17 of the mandibular body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slide-receive a trigger (46) of the surgical stapler (10); (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA); and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally out of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical.

32. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 31, characterized in that each staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical around a corresponding longitudinal center line (LG2).

33. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 32, characterized in that each proximal staple training pouch (F114c, F214c, F314c) of each pair of staple training pouches (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple training pouches (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) around a corresponding lateral centerline (LT2). Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 82 / 113 11 / 17 34. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that each staple formation pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple formation pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) and a staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) that is narrower than the corresponding staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d).

35. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), according to claim 34, characterized in that the staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) of each staple forming pocket (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

36. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) of each staple forming pocket (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extends substantially obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA).

37. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that the staple leg entry portion (F130c, F130d) of at least one staple forming pocket (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is oriented relative to the anvil surface. 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 83 / 113 12 / 17 (F112, F212) at a second angle (P2) different from the first angle (1).

38. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 37, characterized in that the second angle (P2) is greater than the first angle (pi).

39. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs.

40. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 39, characterized in that each proximal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14c, F214c, F314c) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14b) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b).

41. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that each distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is in the same longitudinal position as a corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (Fl 14a) of a corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b), 42. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 41, characterized in that each staple-forming pocket (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) has a depth Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 84 / 113 13 / 17 substantially different with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) of each staple forming pocket (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (Fl 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d), 43. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 42, characterized in that it further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14e, Fl 14f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F1 14c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs.

44. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), according to claim 43, characterized in that each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is asymmetrical.

45. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of claims 31 to 44, characterized in that the surface of the anvil (F112, F212) is flat.

46. ​​Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), characterized in that it comprises: (a) a jaw body (F111, F211) configured to cooperate with an opposing jaw (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body; (c) an elongated slot (F1122) extending through the anvil surface and along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive a trigger actuator (46) of the surgical stapler;Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, p. 85 / 113 14 / 17 (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14a, Fl 14b) arranged on the anvil surface, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein each longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged along a common longitudinal centerline;and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (Fl 14c, Fl 14d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets relative to the longitudinal axis, and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein each proximal staple-forming cavity of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is displaced laterally from the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets.

47. Apparatus, according to claim 46, characterized in that the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) ejected from a stapling assembly (70) of the surgical stapler such that the first legs (88a, 89a) of each first staple formed are laterally aligned with each other.

48. Apparatus, according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of each second staple formed laterally away from a second crown (87b) of the respective second staple formed.

49. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of second clasps, wherein the second crown of each second clasp is oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot.

50. Apparatus, according to claim 48, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of second clasps, wherein the second crown of each second clasp is generally zigzag in shape.

51. Device according to claim 50, characterized in that the second crown of each second clasp includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the elongated slot, and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot.

52. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 46 to 51, characterized in that it further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs.

53. Apparatus, according to claim 52, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis.

54. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 52 to 53, characterized in that each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged along a common longitudinal centerline.

55. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 52 to 54, characterized in that each proximal staple-forming cavity of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is displaced laterally from the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets.

56. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 52 to 55, characterized in that the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) ejected from the stapling assembly of the surgical stapler such that thirds (88c, 89c) of each third staple formed laterally displaced from a third crown (87c) of the respective third staple formed.

57. Apparatus, according to claim 56, characterized in that the second and third longitudinal rows of staple-forming pockets are configured to form pluralities of second and third staples, respectively, such that each second staple formed on a first side of the elongated slit is oriented in an inverted manner relative to each third staple formed on the first side of the elongated slit.

58. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 46 to 57, characterized in that the clamp-forming pockets are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the elongated slit.

59. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 46 to 58, characterized in that each proximal staple-forming cavity of each longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is laterally outside the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of the respective longitudinally adjacent pair of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets.

60. Apparatus, according to any of the claims in Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 88 / 113 17 / 17 46 to 59, characterized in that the anvil surface is flat. Petition 870250112987, dated 09 / 12 / 2025, pp. 89 / 113

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