Dual-sided reinforcement reload for surgical instruments

Abstract

A buttress applier cartridge configured to interface with an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The buttress applier cartridge includes a first loading region configured to interface with an anvil of the end effector and a second loading region configured to interface with an elongate channel of the end effector. The first loading region includes a first absorbable layer and a loading assembly for securing the first absorbable layer to the anvil upon the anvil approaching the first absorbable layer. The second loading region includes a staple cartridge removably coupled to the buttress applier cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a second absorbable layer positioned on the deck.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to surgical instruments, and in various arrangements, to surgical suturing and cutting instruments designed to suture and cut tissues, and staple cartridges used with them. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In various embodiments, a support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument is disclosed. The support applicator compartment includes a first loading region and a second loading region. The first loading region is configured to engage with the anvil of the end effector, and the second loading region is configured to engage with an elongated channel of the end effector. The first loading region includes a first absorbable layer and a loading assembly for securing the first absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil approaches the first absorbable layer. The second loading region includes a staple cartridge removably coupled to the support applicator compartment. The staple cartridge includes a table and a second absorbable layer positioned on the table.

[0003] In various embodiments, a support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument is disclosed. The support applicator compartment includes a support loading area configured to engage with an anvil of the end effector. The support loading area includes a support layer, a suture supporting the support layer, and a loading assembly for securing the suture to the outer surface of the anvil as the anvil approaches the support layer.

[0004] In various embodiments, a support applicator cartridge configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument is disclosed. The support applicator cartridge includes: a housing assembly including a support platform; a cartridge assembly supported by the housing assembly; a second absorbable layer positioned on the support platform; and a loading assembly for securing the second absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil of the end effector approaches the second absorbable layer. The cartridge assembly is configured to engage with an elongated channel of the end effector when the end effector approaches the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge, the cartridge including a table and a first absorbable layer positioned on the table. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The various features and advantages of the implementation scheme described herein can be understood in conjunction with the following figures and the following description:

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary joint-movement surgical suturing instrument is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the end effector of the device, wherein the end effector is in an open configuration.

[0008] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the end effector.

[0009] Figure 4 Perspective views of an exemplary upper support and an exemplary lower support are shown, each of which can be applied to... Figure 2 End effector.

[0010] Figure 5 A support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 A receiving end actuator according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The support device compartment.

[0012] Figure 7 An anvil is shown before receiving sutures from a support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of the invention.

[0013] Figure 8 The invention illustrates a device that interacts with an end effector according to at least one aspect of the present invention. Figure 1 The support device compartment.

[0014] Figure 9 An anvil is shown after receiving sutures from a support applicator compartment, according to at least one aspect of the invention.

[0015] Figure 10 A support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 11 A suture gripper according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 12 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 11 Side view of the suture gripper.

[0018] Figure 13 A suture gripper according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 14 A suture gripper according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 15 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 15 Side view of the suture gripper.

[0021] Figure 16 A suture gripper according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 17 An embodiment for securing a support to an anvil is shown according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 18 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 17 A sectional view.

[0024] Figure 19 A support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 20 The diagram illustrates the process before and after handover with the end effector according to at least one aspect of the invention. Figure 19 The support device compartment.

[0026] Figure 21 A support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 22 A third assembly step according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 23 A third assembly step according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 24 The invention illustrates the interaction with the anvil according to at least one aspect. Figure 23 The support device compartment.

[0030] Figure 25 A support assembly according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 26 The image shows the removal of the anvil after a surgical suturing procedure, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 21 Support components.

[0032] Figure 27 A support assembly that intersects with an anvil, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown.

[0033] Figure 28 The connection to the anvil according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 27 It is part of the support structure.

[0034] Figure 29 The diagram illustrates the interaction with the blade component according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 27 It is part of the support structure.

[0035] Figure 30An anvil that intersects with a support layer according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 31 A suture receiver according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 32 The diagram shows the linkage according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 30 The anvil and support layer.

[0038] Figure 33 This illustrates separation from the support layer according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 30 The anvil.

[0039] Figure 34 A side view of a locking mechanism according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 35 A locking mechanism in an unlocked state according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 36 A locking mechanism in a locked state according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 37 A suture applicator according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 38 The diagram shows at least one aspect of the present disclosure in an open position in contact with the end effector. Figure 37 The suture applicator.

[0044] Figure 39 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 38 Top view.

[0045] Figure 40 The diagram shows a closed position, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, in contact with the end effector. Figure 37 The suture applicator.

[0046] Figure 41 This illustrates a movement to the open position after being closed onto the end effector, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 37 The suture applicator.

[0047] Figure 42 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 37 The plunger assembly of the suture applicator.

[0048] Figure 43An anvil is shown according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 44 A suture assembly according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 45 This demonstrates at least one aspect of the compatibility according to the present disclosure. Figure 43 A support chamber used in conjunction with an anvil.

[0051] Figure 46 Contact according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 43 Cam lock of the anvil Figure 45 The arm of the support container.

[0052] Figure 47 A hook needle according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 48 A detailed view of a cam lock according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 49 A support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 50 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 49 An enlarged view of the support applicator compartment.

[0056] Figure 51 A support assembly according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 52 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 51 A cross-sectional view of the support component.

[0058] Figure 53 An anvil is shown that intersects with the nearest side suture clip of the support applicator compartment according to at least one aspect of the invention.

[0059] Figure 54 A detailed top view of a suture clip according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0060] Figure 55 An anvil is shown according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 56 An anvil that intersects with a support assembly according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0062] Figure 57 The positioning according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown in Figure 56 inside the anvil Figure 56 A cross-sectional view of the support component.

[0063] Figure 58 The tissue contact surface of the anvil according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0064] Figure 59 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 58 The outer surface of the anvil.

[0065] Figure 60 An isometric view of a suture lock according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] Figure 61 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 59 A magnified view of the suture lock.

[0067] Figure 62 A support layer according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0068] Figure 63 The invention illustrates at least one aspect of the invention. Figure 59 The junction of the anvil and the base Figure 62 The supporting layer.

[0069] Figure 64 The distal suture leg of the support layer wrapped around the suture lock according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0070] Figure 65 The nearest side suture leg of a support layer wrapped around a suture lock according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0071] Figure 66 A support layer released from the anvil according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0072] In several views, corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate certain embodiments of the invention in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as this application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0074] - A U.S. patent application entitled "METHOD FOR TISSUE TREATMENT BY SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; Agent's file number END9291USNP1 / 200802-1M;

[0075] - U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH INTERACTIVE FEATURES TO REMEDY INCIDENTAL SLED MOVEMENTS"; Agent's file END9291USNP2 / 200802-2;

[0076] - U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SLED LOCATION DETECTION AND ADJUSTMENT FEATURES"; Agent's file END9291USNP3 / 200802-3;

[0077] - U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CARTRIDGE RELEASE MECHANISMS"; Agent's file END9291USNP4 / 200802-4;

[0078] - A U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT RELOAD DETECTION"; Agent's file END9291USNP6 / 200802-6;

[0079] - U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR POWERTRANSMISSION ACROSS STERILE BARRIER"; Agent's file END9291USNP7 / 200802-7;

[0080] - U.S. patent application entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANAGING ENERGY DISSIPATED WITHINSTERILE BARRIERS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HOUSINGS"; Agent's file END9291USNP8 / 200802-8;

[0081] - U.S. patent application entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH EXTERNAL CONNECTORS"; Agent's file END9291USNP9 / 200802-9;

[0082] - U.S. patent application entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART RELOAD WITH SEPARATELY ATTACHABLE EXTERIORLY MOUNTED WIRING CONNECTIONS"; Agent's file END9291USNP10 / 200802-10;

[0083] - U.S. patent application entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMMUNICATION INTERFACESTHROUGH STERILE BARRIER"; Agent's File No. END9291USNP11 / 200802-11; and

[0084] - U.S. patent application entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTI-PHASE TISSUETREATMENT"; Agent's file END9291USNP12 / 200802-12.

[0085] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0086] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,385 entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY”;

[0087] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395 entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION”;

[0088] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,403 entitled “METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB”;

[0089] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,407 entitled “METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL”;

[0090] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,416 entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUDANALYTICS”;

[0091] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,423 entitled “METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS”;

[0092] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,427 entitled “METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLESENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES”;

[0093] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,433 entitled “METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM APATIENT, ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE HUB”;

[0094] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,447 entitled “METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB”;

[0095] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,453 entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES”;

[0096] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,458 entitled “METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE”;

[0097] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,465 entitled “METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORKCONTROL AND INTERACTION”;

[0098] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,478 entitled “METHOD FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK ORSURGICAL NETWORK CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON ASENSED SITUATION OR USAGE”;

[0099] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,490 entitled “METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION”; and

[0100] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,491 entitled “METHOD FOR CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENTBASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS”.

[0101] Figure 1 An exemplary surgical suturing and cutting instrument 3010 is shown, comprising a handle assembly 3020, a shaft assembly 3030, and an end effector 3040. The distal portions of the end effector 3040 and the shaft assembly 3030 are sized for use in... Figure 1The cannula is inserted through a needle into the patient's surgical site in a non-articular position to perform surgical procedures. By way of example only, this cannula can be inserted into the patient's abdomen between two ribs or elsewhere. In some cases, the instrument 3010 is used in the absence of a cannula. For example, the distal portion of the end effector 3040 and shaft assembly 3030 can be directly inserted via a thoracotomy or other type of incision. It should be understood that terms such as "proximal" and "distal" as used herein are relative to the handle assembly 3020 of the instrument 3010 grasped by the clinician. Thus, the end effector 3040 is located distally relative to the more proximal handle assembly 3020. It should also be understood that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in the illustrations herein. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be restrictive or absolute.

[0102] Similarly, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the end effector 3040 of this example includes a lower jaw 3050 and a pivotable anvil 3060. The anvil 3060 includes a pair of integrally formed outwardly extending pins 3066 disposed in a corresponding curved slot 3054 of the lower jaw 3050. The anvil 3060 is oriented toward and away from the lower jaw 3050 in an open position (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown) and closed position (e.g.) Figure 1 Pivoting between (as shown). The use of the term “capable of pivoting” (and similar terms based on “pivoting”) should not be interpreted as requiring pivoting movement about a fixed axis. For example, in this example, the anvil 3060 pivots about an axis defined by pins 3066, which slide along curved slots 3054 of the lower jaw 3050 as the anvil 3060 moves toward the lower jaw 3050. In this type of expression, the pivot axis translates along a path defined by slot 3054 while the anvil 3060 simultaneously pivots about said axis. Alternatively or otherwise, the pivot axis may first slide along slot 3054, and then, after the pivot axis has slid a certain distance along slot 3054, the anvil 3060 pivots about said pivot axis. It should be understood that this sliding / translational pivoting movement is included within terms such as “pivoting,” “pivoting,” and “capable of pivoting.” Of course, some models may provide pivotal movement of the anvil 3060 about an axis that remains fixed and does not translate within the slot or channel.

[0103] like Figure 3As fully illustrated, the lower jaw 3050 of this example is defined as a channel 3052 capable of receiving a staple cartridge 3070. The staple cartridge 3070 can be inserted into the channel 3052 to actuate the end effector 3040, and can then be removed and replaced with another staple cartridge 3070. The lower jaw 3050 thus releasably holds the staple cartridge 3070 in alignment with the anvil 3060 to actuate the end effector 3040. In some embodiments, the lower jaw 3050 is constructed according to at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0239044, entitled INSTALLATION FEATURES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT END EFFECTOR CARTRIDGE, published August 28, 2014 (published November 30, 2016 as U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms of the lower jaw 3050 will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0104] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best seen in this example, the staple cartridge 3070 includes a cartridge body 3071 and a tray 3076 fixed to the underside of the cartridge body 3071. The upper side of the cartridge body 3071 presents a table surface 3073 against which tissue can be pressed when the anvil 3060 is in the closed position. The cartridge body 3071 also defines a longitudinally extending channel 3072 and a plurality of staple recesses 3074. Staples 3090 are positioned in each staple recess 3074. Staple actuators 3075 are also positioned in each staple recess 3074 below the corresponding staple 3090 and above the tray 3076. As will be described in more detail below, the staple actuators 3075 are operable to translate upward within the staple recess 3074, thereby driving the staple 3090 upward through the staple recess 3074 and engaging the anvil 3060. The nail driver 3075 is driven upward by the wedge-shaped slider 3078, which is captured between the bin 3071 and the tray 3076 and moves longitudinally through the bin 3071.

[0105] The wedge-shaped slider 3078 includes a pair of angled cam action surfaces 3079 configured to engage the nail actuator 3075, thereby driving the nail actuator 3075 upward as the wedge-shaped slider 3078 translates longitudinally through the chamber 3070. For example, when the wedge-shaped slider 3078 is in the proximal position, the nail actuator 3075 is in the downward position and the nail 3090 is located in the nail recess 3074. When the wedge-shaped slider 3078 is driven to the distal position by the translation blade member 3080, the wedge-shaped slider 3078 drives the nail actuator 3075 upward, thereby driving the nail 3090 out of the nail recess 3074 and into the nail forming recess 3064 formed in the lower side 3065 of the anvil 3060. Therefore, as the wedge-shaped slider 3078 translates in the horizontal dimension, the nail actuator 3075 translates in the vertical dimension.

[0106] In some embodiments, the staple cartridge 3070 is constructed and operated based on at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0239042 entitled INTEGRATED TISSUEPOSITIONING AND JAW ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER (published on December 13, 2016 as U.S. Patent No. 9,517,065), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or in combination, the stinger 3070 may be constructed and operated based on at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0239044, entitled "INSTALLATION FEATURES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTEND EFFECTOR CARTRIDGE," published August 28, 2014 (published November 7, 2017 as U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms that the stinger 3070 may take based on the teachings herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0107] As in Figure 2As best seen in this example, the anvil 3060 includes a longitudinally extending channel 3062 and a plurality of staple forming recesses 3064. The channel 3062 is configured to align with the channel 3072 of the staple cartridge 3070 when the anvil 3060 is in the closed position. Each staple forming recess 3064 is positioned above a corresponding staple recess 3074 of the staple cartridge 3070 when the anvil 3060 is in the closed position. The staple forming recesses 3064 are configured to deform the legs of the staple 3090 as the staple 3090 is driven through the tissue and into the anvil 3060. Specifically, the staple forming recesses 3064 are configured to bend the legs of the staple 3090 to secure the staple 3090 in the tissue. The anvil 3060 may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings published in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239042, entitled "INTEGRATED TISSUE POSITIONING AND JAW ALIGNMENTFEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER," published August 28, 2014, which was published as U.S. Patent No. 9,517,065 on December 13, 2016; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239036, entitled "JAW CLOSURE FEATUREFOR END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," published August 28, 2014, which was published as U.S. Patent No. 9,839,421 on December 12, 2017; and / or entitled "STAPLEFORMING FEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLING," published August 28, 2014. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239037 to INSTRUMENT, published on October 9, 2018 as U.S. Patent No. 10,092,292, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms of the anvil 3060 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

[0108] In this example, the tool member 3080 is configured to translate through the end effector 3040. (As in...) Figure 3 As best viewed, the blade member 3080 is fixed to the distal end of the firing beam 3082, which extends through a portion of the shaft assembly 3030. Figure 2As best viewed, the blade member 3080 is positioned within the channels 3062 of the anvil 3060 and 3072 of the staple cartridge 3070. The blade member 3080 includes a distally extending cutting edge 3084 configured to cut tissue compressed between the anvil 3060 and the table 3073 of the staple cartridge 3070 as the blade member 3080 translates distally through the end effector 3040. As described above, when the blade member 3080 translates distally through the end effector 3040, the blade member 3080 also distally drives the wedge-shaped slider 3078, thereby driving the staple 3090 through the tissue and shaping it against the anvil 3060.

[0109] In this example, the anvil 3060 is driven toward the lower jaw 3050 by advancing the closing ring 3036 distally relative to the end effector 3040. In response to the distal translation of the closing ring 3036 relative to the end effector 3040, the closing ring 3036 cooperates with the anvil 3060 via a cam action to drive the anvil 3060 toward the lower jaw 3050. Similarly, in response to the proximal translation of the closing ring 3036 relative to the end effector 3040, the closing ring 3036 may cooperate with the anvil 3060 to open the anvil 3060 away from the lower jaw 3050. By way of example only, the closure ring 3036 and the anvil 3060 may interact with at least some of the teachings published in the following U.S. patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0239036 entitled JAW CLOSUREFEATURE FOR END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, published August 28, 2014, which was published as U.S. Patent No. 9,839,421 on December 12, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and / or at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 314,108 entitled JAW OPENING FEATURE FOR SURGICAL STAPLER, published June 25, 2014 (published as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0374373 on December 31, 2015), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] The handle assembly 3020 includes a pistol grip 3022 and a closing trigger 3024. As noted above, in response to distal advance of the closing ring 3036, the anvil 3060 closes toward the lower jaws 3050. In this example, the closing trigger 3024 can pivot toward the pistol grip 3022 to distally drive the closing tube 3032 and the closing ring 3036. Various suitable components that can be used to convert the pivoting movement of the closing trigger 3024 toward the pistol grip 3022 into distal translation of the closing tube 3032 and the closing ring 3036 relative to the handle assembly 3020 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, referring to the teachings herein.

[0111] Also in this example, the device 3010 provides motorized control of the firing beam 3082. Specifically, the device 3010 includes a motorized component configured to drive the firing beam 3082 distally in response to a pivoting of the firing trigger 3026 toward the pistol grip 3022. In some versions, a motor (not shown) is housed in the pistol grip 3022 and receives power from a battery pack 3028. This motor is coupled to a transmission assembly (not shown) that converts the rotational motion of the motor's drive shaft into linear translation of the firing beam 3082. By way of example only, features operable to provide electrically actuated firing beam 3082 can be constructed and operated according to at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," published July 3, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICALCUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY," published June 4, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,142 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," published March 26, 2014, which was published as U.S. Patent No. 9,913,642 on March 13, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] Additional details regarding the exemplary surgical suturing and cutting instrument 3010 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,342,542, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] In some cases, it may be desirable to equip the end effector 3040 with a support material to enhance the tissue mechanical fastening provided by the staples 3090. This support prevents the applied staples 3090 from being pulled through tissue and may otherwise reduce the risk of tissue tearing at or near the site of staple application. In addition to providing structural support and integrity for a row of staples 3090, or as an alternative, the support may provide a variety of other effects, such as spacing or gap filling, administration of therapeutic agents, and / or other effects. In some cases, the support may be disposed on the table 3073 of the staple cartridge 3070. In other cases, the support may be disposed on the surface of the anvil 3060 facing the staple cartridge 3070. It should also be understood that a first support may be disposed on the table 3073 of the staple cartridge 3070, while a second support may be disposed on the anvil 3060 of the same end effector 3040. Various examples of the forms in which the support may take will be described in more detail below. Various ways in which the support can be fixed to the staple cartridge 3070 or the anvil 3060 will also be described in more detail below.

[0114] Figure 4An exemplary pair of support assemblies 3100, 3110 with basic components are shown. The support assembly 3100 of this example includes a support body 3102 and an upper adhesive layer 3104. Similarly, the support assembly 3110 includes a support body 3112 and a lower adhesive layer 3114. In this example, each support body 3102, 3112 includes a strong yet flexible material configured to structurally support a row of nails 3090. By way of example only, each support body 3102, 3112 may include a woven mesh of polyglactin 910 material from Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ. Alternatively, in addition to polyglactin 910 material, or as another option, any other suitable material or combination of materials may be used to form each support body 3102, 3112. Each support body 3102, 3112 may take any other suitable form and may be constructed of any other suitable material. Further, by way of example only, each support body 3102, 3112 may comprise one or more of the following: NEOVEIL absorbable PGA felt from Gunze Limited, Kyoto, Japan; SEAMGUARD polyglycolic acid:trimethylene carbonate (PGA:TMC) reinforcement from WLGore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, Ariz.; PERI-STRIPSDRY and VERITAS collagen matrix (PSDV) reinforcement from Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, Ill.; BIODESIGN biograft from Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind.; and / or SURGICEL NU-KNIT hemostatic material from Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ. Other suitable materials that may be used to form each support body 3102, 3112 will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0115] In addition to or alternatively, each support body 3102, 3112 may include materials such as hemostatic agents like fibrin to aid in blood clotting and reduce bleeding at surgical sites along tissue cuts and / or sutures. As another illustrative example only, each support body 3102, 3112 may include other adjuvants or hemostatic agents such as thrombin, which may be used to enable each support body 3102, 3112 to aid in blood clotting and reduce bleeding at surgical sites. Other adjuvants or agents that may be incorporated into each support body 3102, 3112 may also include, but are not limited to, medical fluids or matrix components. Exemplary examples of materials that may be used to form each support body 3102, 3112, and materials that may otherwise be incorporated into each support body 3102, 3112, are disclosed only in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 667,842, filed March 25, 2015, entitled METHOD OF APPLYING A BUTTRESS TO A SURGICALSTAPLER, published on September 29, 2016, as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0278774, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, any other suitable materials may be used.

[0116] By way of further example only, each support 3102, 3112 may be constructed according to at least some of the teachings published in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0241493, entitled "TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR COMPRISING CONTROLLED RELEASE AND EXPANSION," published September 27, 2012, and subsequently published as U.S. Patent No. 10,123,798 on November 13, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0068816, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND BUTTRESSMATERIAL," published March 21, 2013, now repealed, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0068816, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FLUID FILLABLE," published March 14, 2013. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0062391 for Buttress, published on June 19, 2018 as U.S. Patent No. 9,999,408, is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0068820, entitled "Fibrin Pad Matrick with Suspended Heat Activated Beads of Adhesive," published on March 21, 2013, was published on August 26, 2014 as U.S. Patent No. 8,814,025, is incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ATTACHMENT OF SURGICAL STAPLE BUTTRESS TO U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0082086 of CARTRIDGE, published on December 2, 2014 as U.S. Patent No. 8,899,464, is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0037596, entitled "DEVICE FOR APPLYING ADJUNCT INENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE," published on February 14, 2013, was published on November 15, 2016 as U.S. Patent No. 9,492,170, is also incorporated herein by reference.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0062393, entitled "Resistive Heated Surgical Staple Cartridge with Phase Change Sealant," published on March 14, 2013, was published as U.S. Patent No. 8,998,060 on April 7, 2015. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0075446, entitled "Surgical Staple Assembled with Hemostatic Feature," published on March 28, 2013, was published as U.S. Patent No. 9,393,018 on July 19, 2016. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference. [Further details about the application are not provided in the original text.] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0062394 for Buttress, published on August 11, 2015 as U.S. Patent No. 9,101,359, is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0075445 for Anvil Cartridge for Surgical Assemening Device, published on March 28, 2013, published on December 1, 2015 as U.S. Patent No. 9,198,644, is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0075447 for Adjunct Therapy for Applying Hemostatic Agent, published on March 28, 2013, is now repealed, and its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0075447 for Tishstone Compensator Comprising a Plurality of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0256367 for MEDICAMENTS, published on December 15, 2015 as U.S. Patent No. 9,211,120, is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 300,954, filed on June 10, 2014, entitled "Adjunct Materials and Methods of Using Same in Streamal Methods for Tissue Sealing," published on January 8, 2019 as U.S. Patent No. 10,172,611, is also incorporated herein by reference.U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 827,856, entitled "IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," published on August 17, 2015, was published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0049444 on February 23, 2017. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 840,613, entitled "DRUG ELUTING ADJUNCTS AND METHODSOF USING DRUG ELUTING ADJUNCTS," filed on August 31, 2015, was published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0055986 on March 2, 2017. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference. [Further details about the application are missing from the provided text.] FIBERS' U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 871,071, published on March 30, 2017 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0086837, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and / or U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 871,131, filed on September 30, 2015, entitled "METHOD FOR APPLYING ANIMPLANTABLE LAYER TO A FASTENER CARTRIDGE," published on March 30, 2017 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0086842, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0117] In this example, adhesive layer 3104 is disposed on support body 3102 to adhere support body 3102 to the underside 3065 of anvil 3060. Similarly, adhesive layer 3114 is disposed on support body 3112 to adhere support body 3112 to the table surface 3073 of staple cartridge 3070. Adhesion of support body 3102 to the underside 3065 of anvil 3060 or to the table surface 3073 of staple cartridge 3070 can be achieved by various mechanisms, including but not limited to pressure-sensitive adhesives. In some embodiments, each adhesive layer 3104, 3114 comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive material. Examples of various suitable materials that may be used to form adhesive layers 3104, 3114 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 667,842, filed March 25, 2015, entitled METHOD OF APPLYING A BUTTRESS TO ASURGICAL STAPLER, published September 29, 2016 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0278774, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, any other suitable materials may be used. It should be understood that the term “adhesive” as used herein may include (but is not limited to) viscous materials as well as flexible or waxy materials that adhere to complex geometries via deformation and bonding. Some suitable adhesives provide this flexibility to adhere to complex geometries via deformation and bonding without necessarily providing high initial tack. In some cases, adhesives with lower tack can be removed from surfaces more cleanly. Various suitable materials that may be used to form adhesive layers 3104, 3114 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

[0118] As described above, the support assembly 3100 can be applied to the underside 3065 of the anvil 3060, and the support 3110 can be applied to the table 3073 of the staple cartridge 3070 before tissue is positioned in the end effector 3040 and before the end effector 3040 is actuated. Since the end effector 3040 can be actuated multiple times during a single surgical procedure using the instrument 3010, it may be desirable to allow the operator to repeatedly and easily load the support assembly 3100 onto the underside 3065 of the anvil 3060 during a single surgical procedure. In other words, since the end effector 3040 can be actuated multiple times during a single surgical procedure using the instrument 3010, simply providing the anvil 3060 pre-loaded with the support assembly 3100 may be insufficient and disadvantageous for reloading the anvil 3060 with an additional support assembly 3100 after the end effector 3040 has been actuated.

[0119] Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the staple cartridge 3070 will need to be replaced each time the end effector 3040 is actuated. A plurality of staple cartridges 3070 may be used during a single surgical procedure when the end effector 3040 is actuated several times during the use of the instrument 3010. It may appear that each of these staple cartridges 3070 may be provided with a support assembly 3110 pre-loaded onto the table 3073. However, there are reasons why it may not be desirable to provide a staple cartridge 3070 with a support assembly 3110 pre-loaded onto the table 3073. In other words, it may be desirable to load the support assembly 3110 onto the table 3073 immediately before the use of the staple cartridge during surgery, rather than loading the support assembly 3110 onto the table 3073 a considerable time before surgery. For example, the support assembly 3110 may be incompatible with the same sterilization technology as the staple cartridge 3070, thus presenting processing difficulties in packaging the staple cartridge 3070 together with the support assembly 3110 pre-loaded onto the worktable 3073. Furthermore, the material forming the support assembly 3110 may possess certain environmental sensitivities not present in the staple cartridge 3070, making it potentially advantageous to store the support assembly 3110 and the staple cartridge 3070 separately before use. Additionally, in some surgical procedures, the support assembly 3110 may be unnecessary or unnecessarily required, making it desirable for surgeons to easily choose whether the staple cartridge 3070 should be loaded with the support assembly 3110 before its use in surgical procedures.

[0120] Based on the foregoing, it may be desirable to enable an operator to repeatedly and easily load support assemblies 3100, 3110 onto the end effector 3040 on a specific basis during a given surgical procedure. In addition to the same means that also enables the support assemblies 3100, 3110 to be easily loaded onto the end effector, it may also be desirable to provide means that provide support and protection for the support assemblies 3100, 3110 before they are loaded onto the end effector 3040. The following examples relate to various compartment assemblies providing such support, protection, and loading of support assemblies 3100, 3110. It should be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0121] Figure 5A support applicator compartment 3200 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The support applicator compartment 3200 may include a generally U-shaped housing assembly 3202 defining an open end 3204 and a closed end 3206. In various embodiments, the housing assembly 3202 may include a top housing portion 3208 and a bottom housing portion 3210, which may be coupled together to form a shell of the housing assembly 3202. The top housing portion 3208 and the bottom housing portion 3210 each include a first leg 3212, a second leg 3214, and a connecting portion 3216 that connects the first leg 3212 to the second leg 3214 at the closed end 3206. The top housing portion 3208 and the bottom housing portion 3210 may be coupled by any suitable coupling mechanism, such as by snap-fit, latching, or press-fit. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 3202 may include various internal components, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,342,542, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] The support applicator compartment 3200 may also include a support platform 3218 positioned between the first leg 3212 and the second leg 3214 and extending generally from the connection portion 3216 of the housing assembly 3202 toward the open end 3204. In one aspect, the support platform 3218 may be made of any suitable compressible material such that the support platform 3218 is compressible when a force is applied thereto. In various other embodiments, the support platform 3218 may be rigid rather than compressible. In various embodiments, the support platform 3218 may be supported by the housing assembly 3202. In one exemplary embodiment, the support platform 3218 may include a lip around its periphery that is captured between the top housing portion 3208 and the bottom housing portion 3210 when they are engaged together. In other embodiments, the support platform 3218 may be coupled to the housing assembly 3202 in any suitable manner such that the support platform 3218 is substantially supported relative to the housing assembly 3202 when a force is applied thereto.

[0123] In various embodiments, the support platform 3218 may include a substantially flat top surface 3220 for supporting the first support layer 3222 and a substantially flat bottom surface for supporting the second support layer 3224. The first support layer 3222 and the second support layer 3224 may be removably attached to the support platform 3218 by any suitable means such as adhesive, such that the first support layer 3222 and the second support layer 3224 are supported on their respective support platforms until the first support layer 3222 and the second support layer 3224 come into contact with the end effector of a surgical instrument, as will be described in more detail below.

[0124] In several aspects, the support applicator compartment 3200 may also include a plurality of suture legs 3226. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, suture legs 3226 may extend from the first support layer 3222. Suture legs 3226 may be coupled to the first support layer 3222 in any suitable manner such that suture legs 3226 can support the first support layer 3222, and in various embodiments, movement of suture legs 3226 causes movement of the first support layer 3222. In one exemplary embodiment, two laterally offset suture legs 3226 form a continuous suture line through the first support layer 3222. In another exemplary embodiment, two laterally offset suture legs 3226 form a continuous suture line supporting the bottom surface of the first support layer 3222. In other words, the continuous suture line extends below the first support layer and is positioned between the bottom surface of the first support layer 3222 and the flat top surface 3220 of the support platform 3218. In another exemplary embodiment, each suture leg 3226 is coupled to the first support layer 3222 at discrete locations, such as by adhesive or embedded in the first support layer 3222, or any other suitable coupling mechanism.

[0125] In one aspect, the support applicator compartment 3200 may also include a plurality of suture applicators 3228. Figure 5 The approximate location of the suture applicator 3228 is shown, while Figures 6 to 9 An exemplary embodiment of the structure of the suture applicator 3228 is shown. In various embodiments, each suture applicator 3228 is rotatably coupled to the support applicator compartment 3200. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the suture applicator 3228 can be rotatably coupled to the top housing portion 3208 via pin 3230. The suture applicator 3228 may include a body portion 3232, a cam actuating surface 3234, and an arm 3236 extending from the body portion 3232. As an example, the end 3238 of each suture leg 3226 extending from the first support layer 3222 may be removably coupled to the corresponding arm 3236 of the suture applicator 3228 via adhesive.

[0126] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the anvil 3240 of the end effector can intersect with the support applicator compartment 3200. The anvil 3240 may include a plurality of suture grippers 3242 positioned on its outer top surface 3244. Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the suture gripper 3242 may include a first arm 3246 and a second arm 3248 spaced apart from the first arm 3246, such that a gap "g" is defined between them. In one aspect, the gap "g" is defined such that the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 can be received between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248 and will be press-fitted and held by the suture gripper 3242. In various embodiments, the suture gripper 3242 may include an adhesive positioned on the receiving surface 3250 of the suture gripper 3242 between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248, such that when the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 is pressed between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248 (e.g., when the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 is pressed between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248), (e.g., when the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 is pressed between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248) Figure 9 As shown), end 3238 will adhere at least partially to anvil 3240 and be press-fitted between first arm 3246 and second arm 3248, thereby increasing the ability of suture gripper 3242 to hold suture leg 3226.

[0127] In operation, such as Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the anvil 3240 is movable toward the first support layer 3222. The outer edge of the anvil 3240 can contact and travel along the cam-acting surface 3234 of the suture applicator 3228. In one exemplary embodiment, the suture applicators 3228 are spaced apart along the support applicator compartment 3200 such that the suture applicators 3228 collectively align the anvil 3240 longitudinally with the support applicator compartment 3200. In other embodiments, the support applicator compartment 3200 includes alignment features that allow the anvil 3240 to be positioned within the support applicator compartment 3200 such that each of the suture grippers 3242 of the anvil 3240 is aligned with a corresponding suture applicator 3228. In one exemplary embodiment, the anvil 3240 is sized such that the anvil 3240 can abut against the connection portion 3216 of the housing assembly 3202, thereby aligning the suture gripper 3242 of the anvil 3240 with the corresponding suture dispenser 3228.

[0128] Continuing from the above, the outer edge of the anvil 3240 can contact and travel along the cam action surface 3234 of the suture applicator 3228. Forces on the cam action surface 3234 can cause the suture applicator 3228 to rotate about its pin 3230, thereby causing the arm 3236 and thus the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 to rotate toward the anvil 3240. Continued rotation of the suture applicator 3228 can cause it to force the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 into the gap “g” between the first arm 3246 and the second arm 3248 of the suture gripper 3242. When the anvil 3240 contacts the first support layer 3222, the suture applicator 3228 can reach a fully rotated position, as... Figure 8As shown, the suture applicator 3228 fully presses the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 into the suture gripper 3242. Once the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226 has been pressed into the suture gripper 3242, the anvil 3240 can move away from the support applicator compartment 3200. In one exemplary embodiment, the suture applicator 3228 may include a torsion spring such that as the anvil 3240 moves away from the support platform 3218, the arm 3236 of the suture applicator 3228 may be biased away from the anvil 3240 toward a non-rotational position, such as... Figure 6 As shown, when the arm 3236 of the suture applicator 3228 rotates away from the anvil 3240, the suture gripper 3242 holds the end 3238 of the suture leg 3226, thereby releasing the end 3238 from the arm 3236 of the suture applicator 3228. The suture leg 3226 and the suture gripper 3242 work together to keep the first support layer 3222 against the anvil 3240.

[0129] In addition to using only the suture leg 3226 and the suture gripper 3242, other suitable means for attaching the first support layer 3222 to the anvil 3240 can be used in combination with the suture leg 3226 and the suture gripper 3242. In one exemplary embodiment, the first support layer 3222 may include an adhesive on its surface such that when the anvil 3240 is brought into contact with the first support layer 3222 (e.g., when the anvil 3240 is brought into contact with the first support layer 3222), (e.g., when the anvil 3240 is brought into contact with the first support layer 3222, the adhesive will adhere to the surface of the first support layer 3222.) Figure 8 As shown, the tissue contact surface of the anvil 3240 and the first support layer 3222 can be at least partially adhered together. Other means for attaching the anvil 3240 to the first support layer 3222 are described throughout this application and can be used in conjunction with the support applicator compartment 3200.

[0130] While the accompanying drawings and the description provided above depict the use of a suture applicator 3228 to attach a support layer 3222 to an anvil 3240, it should be understood that other embodiments are also contemplated, in which the support applicator compartment 3200 may include a suture applicator 3228 located on a bottom surface of the support applicator compartment 3220, such that the support layer can be attached to a staple cartridge positioned within an elongated channel of an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, similar to the anvil 3240, the elongated channel of the end effector may include a suture gripper positioned on its outer surface. The bottom surface of the support applicator compartment 3200 may include the suture applicator 3228 and suture legs 3226 supporting a second support layer 3224. In one exemplary embodiment, as the elongated channel and staple cartridge are brought toward the second support layer, the suture applicator 3228 on the bottom surface of the support applicator compartment 3200 may force the suture legs 3226 into the suture gripper on the elongated channel, similar to what has been described above regarding the anvil 3240. In other exemplary embodiments, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the bottom surface of the support applicator compartment 3220 may not include the suture applicator 3228, but only the support layer 3224 that can intersect with the staple cartridge 3252. Other exemplary embodiments are contemplated, in which other suitable means may be included on the bottom surface of the support applicator compartment 3200 to help attach the second support layer 3224 to the staple cartridge 3252.

[0131] As described above, the support platform 3218 can be made of a compressible material. In operation, when the anvil 3240 is brought toward the first support layer 3222, the nail cartridge 3252, positioned in the elongated channel of the end effector, can be brought toward the second support layer 3224 of the support applicator cartridge 3200, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown. The anvil 3240 and the nail cartridge 3252 together press the support layers 3222 and 3224 against the support platform 3218, thereby helping to maintain the position of the support applicator cartridge 3200 and providing additional support when the support layers 3222 and 3224 are adhered to the anvil 3240 and the nail cartridge 3252, respectively.

[0132] In one exemplary embodiment, after support layers 3222, 3224 have been applied to anvil 3240 and staple cartridge 3252, respectively, a new support layer can be positioned on the flat surface of support platform 3218, and support applicator cartridge 3200 can be reused. In another exemplary embodiment, support platform 3218 can be removed and replaced with another support platform 3218 that already includes the new support layers 3222, 3224 positioned thereon. Other exemplary embodiments are contemplated in which support applicator cartridge 3200 can be discarded after a single use.

[0133] Now for reference Figure 10 Another support applicator compartment 3300 is provided according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. The support applicator compartment 3300 may include a housing assembly 3302, which may include a first leg 3304 and a second leg 3306. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 3302 may be an integral construction; however, other exemplary embodiments in which the housing assembly 3302 is not an integral construction are contemplated. In one exemplary embodiment, similar to housing assembly 3202, housing assembly 3302 may include a top housing portion and a bottom housing portion that can be joined together to form the outer shell of housing assembly 3302. In various embodiments, the construction of the support applicator compartment 3300 may be substantially similar to that of support applicator compartment 3200, except for the differences mentioned below.

[0134] The support applicator compartment 3300 may also include a support platform 3308 positioned between the first leg 3304 and the second leg 3306. The support platform 3308 may be made of any suitable material such that it is compressible when a force is applied. In various other embodiments, the support platform 3308 may be rigid rather than compressible. In various embodiments, the support platform 3308 may be supported by a housing assembly 3302. In one exemplary embodiment, the support platform 3308 may include a lip 3310 surrounding its periphery, which is captured and retained by the housing assembly 3302. In an embodiment where the housing assembly 3302 is not integrally constructed, the lip 3310 may be positioned between the top and bottom housing portions when the top and bottom housing portions are joined together. In other embodiments, the support platform 3308 may be coupled to the housing assembly 3302 in any suitable manner such that the support platform 3308 is substantially supported relative to the housing assembly 3302 when a force is applied thereto.

[0135] The support platform 3308 may include a substantially flat top surface 3312 that supports the first support layer 3314. The first support layer 3314 may be removably attached to the support platform 3218 by any suitable means such as adhesive, such that the first support layer 3314 is supported on its support platform 3308 until the first support layer 3314 is engaged with the end effector of the surgical instrument, as will be described in more detail below.

[0136] The support applicator compartment 3300 may also include a suture 3316, which includes a suture base 3318 and suture legs 3320 extending from the suture base 3318. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 10As shown, the suture base 3318 can be positioned between the first support layer 3314 and the top surface 3312 of the support platform 3308, such that the suture 3316 supports the first support layer 3314. Although one suture 3316 is shown and described, it should be understood that multiple sutures 3316 can be used to support the first support layer 3314.

[0137] The support applicator compartment 3300 may also include a plurality of suture applicators 3324. Each suture applicator 3324 is rotatably coupled to the support applicator compartment 3300. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the suture applicator 3324 can be rotatably connected to legs 3304, 3306 via pin 3326. The suture applicator 3324 may include a body portion 3328, a cam actuating surface 3330, and an arm 3332. As an example, the end 3322 of each suture leg 3320 may be removably connected to the corresponding arm 3332 of the suture applicator 3324 via adhesive.

[0138] Similar to targeting Figures 6 to 8 The anvil 3334 of the surgical instrument's end effector may intersect with the support applicator compartment 3300. The anvil 3334 may include a plurality of suture grippers 3336 positioned on its outer top surface 3338. In one exemplary embodiment, the suture gripper 3336 may be similar to the suture gripper 3242 described above. In various other embodiments, the suture gripper 3242 may be similar to the suture gripper described in more detail elsewhere in this application.

[0139] In operation, the anvil 3334 moves toward the first support layer 3314. The outer edge of the anvil 3340 can contact and travel along the cam-acting surface 3330 of the suture applicator 3324. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture applicators 3324 are spaced apart along the support applicator compartment 3300 such that the suture applicators 3324 collectively align the anvil 3334 longitudinally with the support applicator compartment 3300. The cam force on the cam-acting surface 3330 causes the suture applicators 3324 to rotate about their pins 3326, thereby causing the arm 3332 and thus the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320 to rotate toward the anvil 3334.

[0140] As the suture applicator 3324 continues to rotate, it forces the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320 into the suture gripper 3336. When the anvil 3334 contacts the first support layer 3314, the suture applicator 3324 reaches a fully rotated position, and the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320 is fully pressed into the suture gripper 3336. Once the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320 has been pressed into the suture gripper 3336, the anvil 3334 can move away from the support applicator compartment 3300. In one exemplary embodiment, the suture applicator 3324 may include a torsion spring such that as the anvil 3334 moves away from the support surface 3308, the arm 3332 of the suture applicator 3324 is biased away from the anvil 3334 toward a non-rotational position, such as... Figure 10 As shown, when the arm 3332 of the suture applicator 3324 rotates away from the anvil 3334, the suture gripper 3336 holds the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320, thereby releasing the end 3322 from the arm 3332 of the suture applicator 3324. When the anvil moves away from the support applicator compartment 3300, the base 3318 of the suture supports the bottom surface of the first support layer 3314, while the end 3322 of the suture leg 3320 is held by the anvil, thereby keeping the first support layer 3314 abutting against the tissue contact surface of the anvil 3334.

[0141] As described above, the support platform 3308 may be made of a compressible material. In operation, when the anvil 3334 is brought toward the first support layer 3314, the staple cartridge 3342, positioned in the elongated channel of the end effector, is brought toward the bottom surface 3344 of the support platform 3308. In one exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 10 As shown, the staple cartridge 3342 may already have a support layer 3346 supported by the suture 3348. In other exemplary embodiments, the bottom of the support applicator cartridge 3300 may include a suture applicator 3324, such that the staple cartridge 3342 can receive the support layer at the same time as the anvil 3334 receives the support layer. In operation, the anvil 3334 and the staple cartridge 3342 can jointly compress the support platform 3308, thereby helping to maintain the position of the support applicator cartridge 3300 and providing additional support when adhering the support layer 3314 to the anvil 3334.

[0142] As described above, the anvil and / or elongated channel of the end effector can be modified to include a suture gripper, such as suture grippers 3242, 3336, which can receive and hold the suture taut to maintain the support against the anvil and / or elongated channel before the surgical instrument is fired. When the surgical instrument is actuated, a blade traveling within the end effector can cut through the support and the suture. When the surgical device is removed from the cannula, the free end of the suture can be removed from the suture gripper, and another support can be applied to the surgical device using the support applicator compartment. In one exemplary embodiment, as described above, the anvil may include a suture gripper 3242, which includes a first arm 3246 and a second arm 3248 spaced apart from the first arm 3246 and capable of releasably holding the suture therein.

[0143] Another exemplary implementation of the suture gripper is shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 The image shows an anvil 3400, which includes an incision 3402 defined therein and a flap 3404 extending over the incision 3402. The incision 3402 and the flap 3404 function in a manner similar to a dental floss container. In operation, a suture 3406 can be pulled through the incision 3402 and wedged under the flap 3404 (in...). Figure 12 (Most clearly shown). The size of the flap 3404 may be designed such that the suture is held within the incision 3402, thereby allowing the suture 3406 to be tensioned and held in place. The incision 3402 and the flap 3404 allow the suture 3406 to hold the support against the anvil 3400. In another embodiment, the incision 3402 and the flap 3404 may be included in an elongated channel of the end effector to allow the suture (or multiple sutures) to hold the support against the staple cartridge. Although one incision 3402 and flap 3404 are shown and described, it should be understood that the anvil (or elongated channel) may include multiple incisions 3402 and flaps 3404 to allow multiple sutures to hold the support against the anvil (or elongated channel).

[0144] Another exemplary implementation of the suture gripper is shown in Figure 13 The figure shows an anvil 3410, which includes a cam-wedge type lock 3412 for maintaining the suture 3414 in a tensioned state. The cam-wedge lock 3412 may include a first wedge 3416 and a second wedge 3418, each wedge including a plurality of teeth 3420 and an arm 3422. The first wedge 3416 and the second wedge 3418 are rotatably coupled to the anvil 3410 and are rotatable relative to each other between a capture configuration and an uncaptured configuration. In the capture configuration, the arms 3422 of the first wedge 3416 and the second wedge 3418 are in contact with each other (e.g., ...). Figure 13As shown in the diagram, in the uncaptured configuration, the arms 3422 of the first wedge 3416 and the second wedge 3418 rotate away from each other. In the uncaptured configuration, a gap may be defined between the first wedge 3416 and the second wedge 3418, allowing the suture 3414 to pass between the wedges 3416 and 3418. Each of the wedges 3416 and 3418 may also include a biasing mechanism, such as a torsion spring, such that each of the wedges 3416 and 3418 can be biased toward the capture configuration.

[0145] In operation, each of the wedges 3416 and 3418 can move toward the uncaptured configuration (as indicated by arrow 3424). When the wedges 3416 and 3418 are in the uncaptured configuration, the suture 3414 can pass between the wedges 3416 and 3418 within the gap defined between them. Once the suture 3414 has been pulled through the wedges and sufficient tension has been achieved in the suture 3414, the wedges 3416 and 3418 can be released, causing them to be biased toward the capture configuration. The arms 3422 of the wedges engage the suture 3414 therebetween (as indicated by arrow 3424). Figure 13 (as shown in the diagram) and keep the suture 3414 taut.

[0146] Another exemplary implementation of the suture gripper is shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 The image shows a small slit 3430 defined in an anvil 3432. The slit 3430 may include a plurality of alternating teeth 3434 and grooves 3436 (in...). Figure 15 (As most clearly shown), such that when the suture 3438 is tensioned and pulled through the incision 3430, the strands of the suture 3438 engage with each other and are captured by the teeth 3434 and the grooves 3436. When the strands are captured, the teeth 3434 and the grooves 3436 can hold and restrict the movement of the suture 3438, thereby allowing the suture 3438 to maintain tension and keep the support against the anvil 3432.

[0147] Another exemplary implementation of the suture gripper is shown in Figure 16The figure illustrates a shaped groove 3450 defined in an anvil 3452. The groove 3450 may be shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped T-tag 3454 at the end of a suture leg 3456. In one exemplary embodiment, the suture leg 3456 may be tensioned and stretched such that the T-tag 3454 is pulled across the groove 3450. Once fully tensioned, the T-tag 3454 of the suture leg 3456 may be released, allowing the T-tag 3454 to fall into and be captured by the groove 3450. The wall 3458 of the groove 3450 may contact and retain the lateral portion 3460 of the T-tag 3454 within the groove 3450, thereby keeping the suture leg 3456 taut during surgical procedures and maintaining the T-tag 3454 in place. In another exemplary embodiment, the T-shaped label 3454 and the corresponding groove may have similar geometry with tight tolerances, such that the T-shaped label 3454 can be press-fitted into the groove 3450 to maintain tension in the suture leg 3456, but loose enough so that the T-shaped label 3454 can be released from the anvil 3452 after the surgical suturing procedure is completed. Although a T-shaped label has been shown and described, labels and grooves of any suitable geometry and shape may be used at the ends of the suture leg 3456, such as square or star shapes.

[0148] Another exemplary embodiment for securing the support 3470 to the anvil 3472 is shown in Figure 17 In the middle. For example Figure 17 As shown, the anvil 3472 may include a plurality of grooves 3474a, 3474b longitudinally spaced along the outer top surface of the anvil. The first groove 3474a and the second groove 3474b may extend from the first lateral side 3480 and the second lateral side 3482 of the anvil 3472 toward the suture knife recess 3478, respectively. Each of the grooves 3474a, 3474b may include a suture clamping feature 3484 that captures and retains the suture leg, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0149] In various embodiments, the support 3470 may include a plurality of suture legs 3486a, 3486b extending therefrom. The suture legs 3486a, 3486b are capable of being coupled to or supporting the support 3470 in any suitable manner, such that the suture legs 3486a, 3486b can hold the support 3470 against the anvil 3472. In various embodiments, each suture leg 3486a, 3486b may be positioned within an adjacent recess 3474a, 3474b and held within the recess 3474a, 3474b by a suture clamping feature 3484. In one aspect, the suture legs 3486a, 3486b in the laterally offset recesses 3474a, 3474b may be tensioned and coupled together in any suitable manner, such as by tying the ends of the suture legs 3486a, 3486b together in a knot. Once tied, the connected suture legs 3486a and 3486b form a continuous suture that extends from the first side of the support 3470, passes through the groove 3474a, the suture knife recess 3478 and the groove 3474b, and reaches the second side of the support 3470.

[0150] like Figure 18 As shown, each suture blade recess 3478 may include a suture blade 3488. Each suture blade 3488 may move within and through the suture blade recess 3478 between a proximal position 3490 and a distal position 3492. In one exemplary embodiment, as the suture blade 3488 moves between the proximal position 3490 and the distal position 3492, the suture blade 3488 cuts connected suture legs 3486a, 3486b extending over the suture blade recess 3478. In various embodiments, the suture blade 3488 may move from the proximal position 3490 toward the distal position 3492 based on the movement of a firing member, such as a firing beam 3082, within an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the firing member may abut a base portion 3496 of the suture blade 3488 as the firing member moves within the end effector to cut and suture tissue positioned therein. In other embodiments, the suture blade 3488 may be positioned distal to the suture blade recess 3478 at a location 3492, such that when the firing member retracts after the cutting and suturing procedure, the firing member may abut the base portion 3496 and move the suture blade 3488 proximally, thereby cutting the connected suture legs 3486a, 3486b. The above embodiments allow for gradual release of the support 3470 from the anvil 3472.

[0151] As described above, the support layer can be applied to the anvil and table of the staple cartridge using the support applicator compartment 3200 before the tissue is positioned in the end effector and before the end effector is actuated. Because the end effector can be actuated multiple times during instrument use and multiple staple cartridges can be used, it is desirable to enable the operator to repeatedly and easily load the support assembly onto the anvil while simultaneously loading the elongated channel of the end effector with a new staple cartridge containing the support layer. In other words, because the end effector can be actuated multiple times during instrument use in a single surgical procedure, it is desirable to include a “one-stop” support applicator compartment to facilitate reloading the end effector with a new staple cartridge already containing the support layer and to apply the support layer to the anvil.

[0152] In one exemplary implementation, reference Figure 19 An end effector 3600 is provided, comprising an elongated channel 3601 and an anvil 3602. The elongated channel 3601 includes a base 3604 and sidewalls 3606 extending upwardly from the base. The elongated channel 3601 is configured and sized to receive a staple cartridge therein, which can be removably replaced during surgical procedures. The anvil 3602 may include an outer surface 3608 and a tissue contact surface 3610 (see...). Figure 20 The outer surface 3608 of the anvil 3602 may include a plurality of notches 3612 and recesses 3614, as will be discussed in more detail below. The end effector 3600 may engage with the support applicator cartridge 3500, as will be discussed in more detail below, so that the support layer can be applied to the tissue contact surface 3610 while the staple cartridge including the support layer is positioned within an elongated channel.

[0153] Continue to refer to Figure 19This illustration shows a support applicator compartment 3500 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The support applicator compartment 3500 may include a generally U-shaped housing assembly 3502 defining an open end 3504 and a closed end 3506. The housing assembly 3502 includes a top housing portion 3508 and a bottom housing portion 3510, which are connectable together to form the outer shell of the housing assembly 3502. The top housing portion 3508 and the bottom housing portion 3510 each include a first leg 3512, a second leg 3514, and a connecting portion 3516 that connects the first leg 3512 to the second leg 3514 at the closed end 3506. The top housing portion 3508 and the bottom housing portion 3510 may be connected by any suitable coupling mechanism, such as by snap-fit, latch, or press-fit. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 3502 may include various internal components, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,342,542, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In other exemplary embodiments, the housing assembly 3502 may be an integral construction rather than separable into a top housing portion and a bottom housing portion. In various embodiments, the support applicator compartment 3500 may include a gripping feature 3517 on each of the legs 3512, 3514 (the gripping feature is shown only on the second leg 3514), which allows a user to grip and position the support applicator compartment 3500.

[0154] The support applicator compartment 3500 may also include a support platform 3518 positioned between the first leg 3512 and the second leg 3514 and extending generally from the connection portion 3516 of the housing assembly 3502 toward the open end 3504. The support platform 3518 may be made of any suitable material such that it is compressible when a force is applied. In various other embodiments, the support platform 3518 may be rigid rather than compressible. In various embodiments, the support platform 3518 may be supported by the housing assembly 3502. In one exemplary embodiment, the support platform 3518 may include a lip surrounding its periphery, which is captured between the top housing portion 3508 and the bottom housing portion 3510 when they are joined together. In other embodiments, the support platform 3518 may be coupled to the housing assembly 3502 in any suitable manner such that the support platform 3518 is substantially supported relative to the housing assembly 3502 when a force is applied thereto. In one exemplary embodiment, the support platform 3518 may be integrally coupled to the housing assembly 3502. In various embodiments, the support applicator compartment 3500 may have similar construction properties to the support applicator compartments described herein, such as applicator compartments 3200, 3300.

[0155] The support platform 3218 may include a substantially flat top surface that supports the first support layer 3520 and a substantially flat bottom surface that intersects with the support layer 3524 positioned on the tabletop of the staple cartridge 3522. In various embodiments, the first support layer 3520 and the second support layer 3524 may be removably attached to the support platform 3218 by any suitable means, such as adhesive, such that the first support layer 3520 and the second support layer 3524 are supported on the support platform 3518 until the first support layer 3520 and the staple cartridge 3522 intersect with the end effector 3600 of the surgical instrument, as will be described in more detail below. In other exemplary embodiments, only the first support layer 3520 is adhered to the support platform 3218, while the second support layer 3524 is supported only by the staple cartridge 3522, such as by adhesive or sutures. Other exemplary embodiments of connecting the first support layer 3520 and the staple cartridge 3524 / second support layer 3524 to the support applicator cartridge 3500 will be described below.

[0156] The support applicator compartment 3500 may also include a first loading region or area 3529, which may include a loading assembly for securing the absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil is near the absorbable layer. In various embodiments, the loading assembly may include a plurality of suture application assemblies 3530 (in... Figure 20 (Most clearly shown). Each suture application assembly 3530 may include a suture applicator 3532, which includes a suture applicator body 3534, a cam actuating surface 3536, an arm 3538, a plug 3540 extending from the arm 3538, and a blade 3542 extending from the arm 3538. Each suture applicator body 3532 is rotatably coupled to one of the legs 3512, 3514 of the housing assembly 3502 about a pin 3544. The suture applicator 3532 can be in a rest position (in Figure 20 (shown on the front side) and actuation position (in) Figure 20 (shown at the rear) Rotation between. In various embodiments, a biasing mechanism such as a torsion spring 3546 may be used to bias the suture applicator 3532 to a rest position. The suture applicator 3532 may rotate toward an actuated position based on the outer edge 3616 of the anvil 3602 traveling along the cam action surface 3536, as will be described in more detail below.

[0157] Each of the suture application components 3530 may further include a suture leg 3548. For example... Figure 20As shown, each of the laterally offset suture application assemblies 3530 includes a suture leg 3548 of a common continuous suture 3550. The suture leg 3548 is connectable to a plug 3540 of the suture applicator 3532, such that movement of the plug 3540 causes movement of the suture leg 3548. In one aspect, the suture 3550 may support a first support layer 3520, such that movement of the suture leg 3548 causes movement of the first support layer 3520. In one exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 20 As shown, the suture 3550 extends from a suture applicator assembly 3530 below the bottom surface of the first support layer 3520 and extends to the laterally offset suture applicator assembly 3530.

[0158] Each of the suture application assemblies 3530 may further include a suture anchor 3552. The suture anchor 3552 is fixedly coupled to the housing assembly 3502 and includes a base 3554 and an attachment portion 3556. In various embodiments, a suture leg 3548 may extend toward and be coupled to the attachment portion 3556 such that, as the suture leg 3548 is moved by the suture applicator 3532 toward the anvil 3602, the suture anchor retains the end of the suture leg 3548, thereby generating tension in the suture 3550.

[0159] Furthermore, as described above, the support applicator compartment 3500 may also include a second loading region or area 3603, which includes a staple cartridge 3522, which may include a second support layer 3524. In various embodiments, the second support layer 3524 may be attached to the staple cartridge 3522, for example, by applying adhesive or suture 3561 to the staple cartridge 3522 prior to insertion of the staple cartridge into the support applicator compartment 3500. In various other embodiments, the second loading region 3603 of the support applicator compartment may include a suture applicator such that the staple cartridge can be loaded into the support applicator compartment and that a support layer can be added to the staple cartridge therein.

[0160] In one aspect, the staple cartridge 3522 may include laterally extending fins 3561, which are held and supported by a latch 3562 extending from the support applicator cartridge 3500. The latch 3562 includes an arm 3564 that retains the staple cartridge 3522 within the support applicator cartridge 3500. The latch 3562 may also include a cam-acting surface 3566 that interacts with a sidewall 3606 of the elongated channel 3601 to release the staple cartridge 3522, as will be described in more detail below.

[0161] During operation, the anvil 3602 and elongated channel 3601 of the end effector 3600 are brought toward the first loading area 3529 of the support applicator compartment 3500, as... Figure 20As shown from the front. The anvil 3602 is movable toward the first support layer 3520 such that the outer edge 3616 of the anvil 3602 engages with and travels along the cam action surface 3536 of the suture applicator 3532. As the outer edge 3616 of the anvil 3602 travels along the cam action surface 3536, the anvil 3602 is longitudinally aligned with the support applicator compartment 3500 due to the lateral spacing of the suture applicator 3632. In other words, the suture applicator 3532 is laterally positioned on the support applicator compartment 3500 such that the suture applicator 3532 aligns the anvil 3602 with the support platform 3518 of the support applicator compartment 3500, thereby ensuring that the anvil 3602 is correctly aligned as it approaches the first support layer 3520.

[0162] In one aspect, continuous movement of the outer edge 3616 of the anvil 3602 along the cam action surface 3536 causes the suture applicator 3532 to rotate toward the actuated position, as described above. As the anvil 3602 is brought toward the first support layer 3520, the suture applicator 3532 can rotate and force the suture leg 3548 through the anvil recess 3612, and further force the suture plug 3540 into the recessed pit 3614 defined in the anvil 3602. The suture plug 3540 can be press-fitted into the recessed pit 3614, such that the suture plug 3540 and thus the suture leg 3548 are coupled to the anvil 3602. Furthermore, when the suture plug 3540 is forced into the recess 3614, the suture anchor 3552 resists the movement of the suture leg 3548 toward the recess 3614, resulting in tension in the suture 3550, thereby allowing the suture 3550 to firmly press the first support layer 3520 against the tissue contact surface 3610 of the anvil. When the suture applicator 3532 reaches the actuated position, the blade 3542 on the suture applicator 3532 can contact and cut the suture leg 3548, thereby releasing the suture 3550 from the support applicator compartment 3500.

[0163] In addition to the above, in various embodiments, the support applicator compartment 3500 may also include an anvil centering feature 3558, which further assists in the proper alignment of the anvil 3602 with the first support layer 3520. The anvil centering feature 3558 may extend from the support platform 3518 through the first support layer 3520 and may be received within an elongated channel 3618 of the anvil 3602. The dimensions of the anvil centering feature 3558 are configured such that it forces the anvil 3602 to be properly aligned with the first support layer 3520.

[0164] While the first support layer 3520 is being applied to the anvil 3602, the elongated channel 3601 of the end effector 3600 can move toward the second loading region 3603, as... Figure 20 As shown from the front. The housing assembly 3502 of the support applicator cartridge 3500 may include a guide wall 3560, which is sized and positioned to abut the sidewall 3606 of the elongated channel 3601 when it is brought toward the staple cartridge 3522. The guide wall 3560 is inclined toward the base of the staple cartridge such that if the sidewall 3606 engages the guide wall 3560, the sidewall 3606 will travel along the guide wall 3560 to become properly aligned with the cam action surface 3566 of the latch 3562.

[0165] When the base 3604 of the elongated channel 3601 is brought toward the base of the staple cartridge 3522, the sidewall 3606 can travel along the sidewall of the staple cartridge 3522 and engage the cam action surface 3566 of the latch 3562, such as Figure 20 As shown on the rear side. The sidewall 3606 and latch 3562 are made of any suitable material of a certain thickness such that when the sidewall 3606 engages the cam action surface 3566, the arm 3564 of the latch 3562 can bend away from the fin 3561, thereby releasing the staple cartridge 3522 from the support applicator compartment 3500. When the latch 3562 disengages from the fin 3561, the base 3604 of the elongated channel 3601 can engage the base of the staple cartridge 3522, and the sidewall 3606 engages the fin 3561 of the staple cartridge 3522, thereby removably connecting the staple cartridge 3522 to the elongated channel 3601.

[0166] It should be understood that the anvil 3602 and the elongated channel 3601 can be brought toward the support applicator compartment substantially simultaneously in the manner described above, such that when the anvil 3602 engages the first support layer 3520 and the elongated channel 3601 engages the staple cartridge 3522, the anvil 3602 and the elongated channel 3601 can apply sufficient force to the support platform 3518, so that the user can ensure that sufficient force is generated to attach the suture leg 3548 to the anvil and to removably place the staple cartridge 3522 within the elongated channel 3601.

[0167] Furthermore, the support applicator cartridge 3500 may also include multiple sensors that can sense or detect proper alignment of the end effector 3600 with the support applicator cartridge 3500. In one exemplary embodiment, the support platform 3518 may include a first sensor 3568 positioned near the closed end 3506 of the support applicator cartridge 3500 and a second sensor 3570 positioned near the open end 3504 of the support applicator cartridge 3500. When the tissue contact surface 3610 of the anvil 3602 is brought into contact with the first support layer 3520, the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570 can detect the alignment of the anvil 3602 relative to the support platform 3518 to determine whether the anvil 3602 is properly aligned.

[0168] In one exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570 may include resistors that form a circuit when the anvil 3602 is properly aligned with the support applicator cartridge. In another exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570 may include Hall effect sensors that detect magnets coupled to the anvil 3602. In several other embodiments, the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570 may sense the position of the anvil 3602 before the tissue contact surface 3610 reaches the first support layer 3520 or before the outer edge 3616 of the anvil 3602 engages the cam action surface 3536 of the suture applicator 3532, thus allowing the user to know whether the anvil 3602 is properly longitudinally and laterally aligned within the support applicator cartridge 3500 before moving the anvil 3602 toward the first support layer, thereby ensuring that the suture applicator 3532 is not unintentionally actuated before the anvil 3602 is properly aligned. While the aforementioned sensors are discussed in relation to proper alignment of the anvil, various other implementations are conceivable in which sensors are used to ensure proper lateral and longitudinal alignment of the elongated channel 3601 within the support applicator compartment 3500.

[0169] In various embodiments, the support applicator compartment 3500 may further include a display 3572 electrically connected to the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570. The display 3572 may provide the user with auditory or visual feedback regarding information sensed by the first sensor 3568 and the second sensor 3570, such as whether the anvil 3602 and / or the elongated channel 3601 are properly aligned within the support applicator compartment. Various other embodiments are contemplated in which the display 3572 may also provide the user with additional information about the support applicator compartment 3500, such as the dimensions and status information of the compartment 3522 located therein, or error messages indicating that the support applicator compartment 3500 is damaged.

[0170] Now for reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 The present disclosure provides another support applicator compartment 3640 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The support applicator compartment 3640 includes a support platform 3642, a first sidewall 3644, and a second sidewall 3646. The sidewalls 3644 and 3646 extend in a direction away from the support platform 3642 to define recessed regions 3648 and 3650 on the top and bottom sides of the support applicator compartment 3640.

[0171] refer to Figure 21 A first embodiment is provided, wherein a first recessed region 3648 may include a support layer 3652 positioned on a planar support platform 3642. The support layer 3652 may include an elongated support member 3654 extending from a surface of the support layer 3652. The elongated support member 3654 is manufactured and sized such that it can be received within an elongated channel, such as an elongated channel 3618, of an anvil. When the anvil is brought toward the support layer 3652, the elongated support member 3654 can deform and be press-fitted into the elongated channel to releasably engage the support layer 3652 to the anvil.

[0172] refer to Figure 22 A second embodiment is provided, wherein the first recessed region 3648 may include a support layer 3656 positioned on a planar support platform 3642. The support layer 3656 may include a plurality of pins 3658 extending from a surface of the support layer 3652. The pins 3658 are manufactured and sized such that they can be received within an elongated channel, such as an elongated channel 3618, of an anvil. When the anvil is brought toward the support layer 3656, the pins 3658 may deform and be press-fitted into the elongated channel to releasably engage the support layer 3656 to the anvil. In various other embodiments, the pins may be laterally aligned rather than longitudinally aligned. In such embodiments, the anvil may include a hole defined in a tissue contact surface such that the pins can be press-fitted into the hole. Thus, the support applicator cartridge can be engaged to the anvil via pins, but the pins are positioned away from the elongated channel.

[0173] Although the support applicator compartments provided above are shown and described as having a support layer positioned within a first recessed region 3648, it should be understood that the support layer may also be positioned against a support platform 3642 in a second recessed region 3650. It should also be understood that support layers 3652, 3656 may be used in various support applicator compartments, such as support applicator compartments 3200, 3500 and any other support applicator compartments described herein.

[0174] Now for reference Figure 23According to at least one aspect of the invention, another support applicator compartment 3680 is provided for attaching a support layer to an anvil. The support applicator compartment 3680 may include a housing assembly 3682 including a support platform 3684, a base 3686, and a wall 3688 connecting the support platform 3684 to the base 3686. In various embodiments, the support platform 3684 is sized to support a support layer 3690 thereon. In various embodiments, both the support platform 3684 and the support layer 3690 may include a slot 3692 defined therein, such that when the support layer 3690 is properly aligned on the support platform 3684, the slot 3692 is aligned such that an opening is defined to pass through the support platform 3684 into the interior 3694 of the housing assembly 3682. In various other embodiments, only the support platform 3684 may include the slot 3692, as will be described in more detail below.

[0175] Now for reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 The housing assembly 3682 may also include a spring-loaded key assembly 3696 located within the interior 3694 of the housing assembly 3682. The spring-loaded key assembly 3696 may include a spring 3698 and a key 3700 coupled to the spring 3698. In various embodiments, the key 3700 may include a base 3702 and an alignment feature 3704 extending from the base 3702. The spring-loaded key assembly 3696 may be in a rest position (e.g., Figure 23 (as shown) and actuation position (e.g.) Figure 24 The spring 3698 is compressed and the key 3700 is positioned within the housing assembly 3682 in the rest position. In the actuated position, the spring is extended and the key 3700 extends through the slot 3692 of the support platform 3684 and the support layer 3690. In an embodiment where only the support platform 3684 includes the slot 3692, as described above, the alignment feature 3704 may include a blade such that when the alignment feature 3704 moves toward the actuated position, the blade can move through the slot 3692 of the support platform 3684 and pierce the support layer 3690.

[0176] As described above, the support applicator cartridge 3680 can attach a support layer, such as support layer 3690, to an anvil 3706. In various embodiments, the anvil 3706 may include an elongated channel 3708 defined therein, which may receive alignment features 3704 of the key 3700. In operation, the tissue contact surface 3710 of the anvil 3706 may be pressed down onto the support layer 3690 positioned on the support platform 3684. Based on the pressure applied to the support layer 3690 and the support applicator cartridge 3680, a spring-loaded key assembly 3696 may be actuated such that the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 moves from a rest position to an actuated position, as described above. In various embodiments, the support platform 3684 may include a pressure sensor that senses the pressure applied by the anvil 3706 to the housing assembly 3682. Once the pressure applied by the anvil 3706 reaches or exceeds a threshold pressure, the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 may be actuated and moved to the actuated position. Various other embodiments of the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 are envisioned, which can be actuated when the anvil 3706 provides sufficient force.

[0177] In one aspect, when the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 is actuated, the alignment feature 3704 can extend from the housing assembly 3682 via the slot 3692 into the elongated channel 3708 of the anvil 3706. The alignment feature 3704 ensures that the support layer 3690 does not misalign from its proper position on the tissue contact surface 3710 of the anvil 3706 during the process of attaching the support layer 3690 to the anvil 3706. In several aspects, the position of the slot 3692 within the support layer 3690 and the alignment feature 3704 within the support applicator compartment 3680 ensure that the support layer 3690 remains misaligned when translated along the primary axis of the anvil 3706, translated along the secondary axis of the anvil 3706, or rotated about a vertical axis passing through the anvil 3706. In various other embodiments, the slot 3692 of the support applicator compartment 3680 may be sized to be larger than the slot 3692 of the support layer 3706, such that the base 3702 of the key 3700 may extend from the housing assembly 3682 and abut against the bottom surface of the support layer 3690, thereby forcing the support layer 3690 against the tissue contact surface 3710 of the anvil 3706, thereby helping to ensure that the support layer 3690 does not move relative to the anvil 3690 during the alignment process.

[0178] As an example, once the support layer 3690 has been properly aligned and secured to the tissue contact surface 3710 of the anvil 3706, such as using adhesive, the anvil 3706 can be moved away from the support applicator cartridge 3680, causing the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 to retract to a rest position. In one exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensor can continuously sense the pressure applied by the anvil 3706 to the support applicator cartridge 3680. The mechanism can retract the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 to a rest position before the applied pressure drops to a threshold level (such as the threshold level for actuating the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 as described above). In various embodiments, the threshold level for retracting the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 can be less than the initial threshold level for moving the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 to the actuated position, such that the pressure level required to actuate the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 is not needed during the alignment process of the support layer 3690. In various implementations, the threshold level at which the spring-loaded key assembly 3696 retracts can be zero force sensed by a pressure sensor, thus indicating that the anvil 3706 has been completely removed from the support applicator compartment 3680.

[0179] Now for reference Figure 25 A support assembly 3720 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The support assembly 3720 includes a support layer 3722 and a plurality of brackets 3724 extending from the support layer 3722. The brackets 3724 may be attached to the support layer 3722 in a suitable manner (such as using an adhesive) such that when a threshold force is applied to the brackets 3724, the brackets 3724 disengage and release the support layer 3722, as will be described in more detail.

[0180] In various implementation schemes, refer to Figure 26 The support assembly 3720 can be coupled to an anvil 3726, which includes a plurality of recesses 3728 defined around its periphery. In an exemplary embodiment, each bracket 3724 of the support assembly 3720 can be aligned with a recess 3728 in the anvil 3726 such that when each of the brackets 3724 engages into and is captured by the corresponding recess 3728, the support layer 3722 can be properly aligned laterally and longitudinally with the anvil 3726.

[0181] In one aspect, once the support assembly 3720 is attached to the anvil 3726 via the bracket 3724 and notch 3728, the anvil 3726 can be used for surgical suturing procedures. After the cutting and ignition stroke is completed, the support layer 3722 can be cut and sutured to the tissue 3730, as... Figure 26 As shown. In the support layer 3722, nails 3732 (in...) Figure 26The document indicates that, while the anvil 3726 remains attached to the tissue 3730, it can be pulled away from the tissue 3730. In various embodiments, as the anvil 3726 moves away from the tissue 3730, the bracket 3724 may be rigid enough to be held in the notch 3728, thereby causing the bracket 3724 to be released from the support layer 3722. Once the bracket 3724 has been separated from the support layer 3722, the clinician can remove the bracket 3724 from the notch 3728 and reload the anvil 3726 with a new support assembly 3720. Although the bracket is shown and described as capable of engaging the support layer 3722 to the anvil 3726, various embodiments are contemplated in which the bracket 3724 is replaced or used in conjunction with other structures to engage the support layer 3722 to the anvil 3726. In various embodiments, these other structures may include pins, magnets, or slot mechanisms.

[0182] Now for reference Figure 27 A support assembly 3750 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The support assembly 3750 may include a support layer 3752, a connecting member 3754, and a bracket 3756. In one aspect, the connecting member 3754 and the bracket 3756 may be longitudinally aligned and laterally spaced along a central support axis 3758, such that when the support layer 3752 is attached to the anvil 3780, as will be described in more detail below, the support layer 3752 may cover a plurality of stud-forming recesses 3782 on the tissue contact surface 3784 of the anvil 3780.

[0183] In various embodiments, the connecting member 3754 may include a base 3760 extending from the support layer 3752 and a head 3762 extending from the base 3760. The base 3760 may be connected to the support layer 3752 in any suitable manner, such as using an adhesive. In other embodiments, the connecting member 3754 may be integrally constructed with the support layer 3752 and contain the same material as the support layer 3752. In various embodiments, the head 3762 may include any suitable shape such that the head 3762 can be press-fitted into an elongated channel 3786 of the anvil 3780, thereby retaining the support layer 3752 onto the anvil 3780. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 27 As shown, the head 3762 may include a triangular shape, causing the connecting member 3754 to form an arrowhead shape. The triangular head 3762 can be pressed into the elongated channel 3786, such that the head 3762 can abut against the inner contact surface 3770 of the anvil 3780 (e.g., Figure 28(As shown) and holds the connecting member 3754 and thus the support layer 3752 against the anvil 3780. This disclosure contemplates various other shapes that are not triangular, such as a rectangular head, such that the connecting member 3754 forms a “T” shape. Although one connecting member 3754 is shown and described, multiple connecting members 3754 can be used to support the support layer 3752 and hold the support layer 3752 against the tissue contact surface 3784.

[0184] In various embodiments, the bracket 3756 may include a base 3764 releasably coupled to the support layer 3752 and a head 3766 extending from the base 3760. The base 3764 may be releasably coupled to the support layer 3752 in any suitable manner (such as using an adhesive) such that when a threshold force is applied to the bracket 3756, the base 3764 can be released from the support layer 3752, as will be described in more detail below. In various embodiments, the bracket 3756 may comprise a different material than the support layer 3752. In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket 3756 may be made of plastic. Other embodiments in which the bracket 3756 and the support layer 3752 comprise the same material are contemplated.

[0185] In one aspect, the head 3766 may be received by the hole 3768 at the distal end of the elongated channel 3786 of the anvil 3780 (by... Figure 27 (As shown by the dotted line in the diagram). Once inserted into the hole 3768, the support assembly 3750 can be moved proximally (away from the tip of the anvil 3780) such that the head 3766 is positioned within the elongated channel 3786 of the anvil 3780 (as shown by the dotted line in the diagram). Figure 28 (As shown). The head 3766 can be sized such that it abuts the contact surface 3770 of the elongated channel 3786, thereby connecting the bracket 3756 and thus the support layer 3752 to the anvil 3780. In various exemplary embodiments, the head 3762 of the connecting member 3754 can also be inserted into the elongated channel 3786, as described above, when the head 3766 is received within the hole 3768. Once the head 3762 of the connecting member 3754 has been inserted into the elongated channel 3786 and the head 3766 of the bracket 3756 has been positioned within the hole 3768, the support assembly 3750 can be pulled proximally such that the head 3762 of the connecting member 3754 and the head 3766 of the bracket 3756 engage the contact surface 3770 of the elongated channel 3786, thereby holding the support layer 3752 onto the anvil 3780.

[0186] Once the support layer 3752 is connected to the anvil 3780 via the connecting member 3754 and the bracket 3756, the anvil 3780 can be used for surgical suturing procedures, as described elsewhere herein. In one aspect, as Figure 27As shown, during a surgical suturing procedure, the blade member 3790 may traverse the anvil towards its distal tip 3780. In one exemplary embodiment, the blade member 3790 may be similar to the blade member 3080. The blade member 3790 may include an abutment surface that engages the contact surface 3770 of the anvil 3780 as the blade member 3790 traverses the elongated channel 3786. The blade member 3790 may also include a tissue cutting blade 3794 for cutting tissue and support layer 3752 as the blade member traverses the elongated channel 3786.

[0187] In operation, the blade member 3790 can extend distally through the elongated channel 3786 of the anvil 3780, thereby cutting the support layer 3752 and the tissue positioned abutting the support layer 3752 with the blade 3794. When the blade 3794 encounters the connecting member 3754, the blade 3794 can cut the connecting member 3754, thereby releasing a portion of the support layer 3752 to which the connecting member 3754 is attached. In other exemplary embodiments, the blade member 3790 abuts the connecting member 3754 such that the head 3762 of the connecting member 3754 is forced out of the elongated channel 3786 and is also cut off by the blade 3794. In one aspect, the blade member 3790 is designed such that after the blade member 3790 releases the connecting member 3754 from the anvil 3780, little or no residue of the connecting member 3754 remains in the elongated channel 3786.

[0188] Continuing from the above, the blade component 3790 can continue to extend laterally through the elongated channel 3786 of the anvil 3780 and approach the bracket 3756, as... Figure 28 As shown. In various embodiments, the abutment surface 3792 may abut the head 3766 of the bracket 3756 and apply sufficient force to release the bracket 3756 from the support layer 3752 (e.g., Figure 29 (As shown). The adjacent surface 3792 can push the bracket 3756 distally and force the head 3766 into the receiving area 3796 of the anvil 3780. After the blade member 3790 has positioned the bracket within the receiving area 3796, the blade member 3790 can retract proximally, thereby positioning the bracket 3756 within the receiving area 3796. At this point, the user of the surgical instrument can remove the anvil from the surgical site, manually remove the bracket 3756 from the receiving area 3796 of the anvil 3780 through the hole 3768, and attach a new support assembly 3750 to the anvil 3780.

[0189] Now for reference Figure 30An anvil 3800 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The anvil 3800 may include a plurality of levers 3802 rotatably coupled to the anvil 3800 about a pin 3804. In various embodiments, the levers 3802 are friction clips, meaning that the levers 3802 can hold themselves in position about the pin 3804 until sufficient force is applied to the levers 3802 to rotate them about the pin 3804. In one aspect, the lever 3802 may include a body 3806 and an arm 3808 extending from the body 3806.

[0190] In various embodiments, the anvil 3800 may also include a plurality of suture receivers 3810 (in... Figure 31 (Shown in more detail below). In various embodiments, the suture receiver 3810 may include a first arm 3812 and a second arm 3814 spaced apart from the first arm 3812 to define a gap therebetween. In use, the suture receiver 3810 may receive a suture leg 3816 between the first arm 3812 and the second arm 3814, as will be described in more detail below. In various embodiments, the first arm 3812 and the second arm 3814 are spaced apart such that the suture leg 3816 can be press-fitted and held between the first arm 3812 and the second arm 3814.

[0191] In one respect, the support layer 3820 may interface with the tissue contact surface 3822 of the anvil 3800, such as Figure 30 As shown. In various embodiments, the support layer 3820 may include a plurality of suture legs 3816 extending therefrom. The suture legs 3816 may be coupled to the support layer 3820 in any suitable manner (such as those described elsewhere herein) such that the suture legs 3816 can support the support layer 3820 against the tissue contact surface 3822 of the anvil 3800.

[0192] like Figure 30 As shown and as described above, the support layer 3820 may intersect with the tissue contact surface 3822 of the anvil 3800. In one aspect, when the support layer 3820 intersects with the tissue contact surface, the suture leg 3816 may wrap around the outer surface of the anvil 3800 and extend toward the suture receiver 3810. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture leg 3816 may press-fit within the first arm 3812 and the second arm 3814 of the corresponding suture receiver 3810. Once the suture leg 3816 is positioned within the suture receiver 3810, the lever 3802 may rotate over the pin 3804 such that the arm 3808 of the lever 3802 engages the suture leg 3816, as... Figure 32As shown, this allows the suture leg 3816 and thus the support layer 3820 to be releasably held on the anvil 3800. Once the support layer 3820 has been attached to the anvil 3800, the anvil 3800 can be used for surgical procedures as described elsewhere herein.

[0193] In one exemplary embodiment, after the surgical instruments used with the anvil 3800 have been used for suturing, the suture leg 3816 can be cut off from the support layer 3820 in any suitable manner, such as using surgical scissors, and the anvil 3800 can be removed from the patient. In one aspect, as... Figure 33 As shown, once the anvil 3800 has been removed from the patient, the arm 3808 of the lever 3802 can rotate away from the anvil 3800, and the suture leg 3816 can be removed from the suture receiver 3810. After the suture leg has been removed from the suture receiver 3810, a new support layer 3820 including the suture leg 3816 can be attached to the anvil 3800 in the same manner as described above.

[0194] Now for reference Figures 34 to 36 A locking mechanism 3824 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism 3824 may be positioned within the anvil of the end effector. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism 3824 may be positioned within an elongated channel and / or cartridge of the end effector. In various embodiments, as will be discussed in more detail below, the locking mechanism 3824 may engage with an elongated slot of the end effector such that the locking mechanism can engage the firing member and prevent the firing member from advancing through the elongated channel of the end effector. In one aspect, the locking mechanism 3824 may engage with an I-beam slot of the end effector.

[0195] In various embodiments, the locking mechanism 3824 may include a leaf spring 3826. In one aspect, the leaf spring 3826 may include a single integral structure. In other aspects, the leaf spring 3826 may include a set of similar structures combined together to form the leaf spring 3826. In various embodiments, the leaf spring 3826 may be in a contraction configuration (such as...) Figure 35 (as shown) and unfolded configuration (as shown) Figure 36 The leaf spring 3826 is shown and described, but various other embodiments using more than one leaf spring 3826 are contemplated. In one aspect, the leaf spring 3826 may include a central body 3828, a first arm 3830 extending from the central body 3828, and a second arm 3832 extending from the central body 3828. The first arm 3830 and the second arm 3832 may be rotated relative to the central body 3828 to allow the leaf spring 3826 to switch between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0196] like Figures 34 to 36As shown, the locking mechanism 3824 may include a first window 3834 and a second window 3836. The first window 3834 is sized to receive a first arm 3830 of the leaf spring 3826, and the second window 3836 is sized to receive a second arm 3832 of the leaf spring 3826. In various embodiments, the leaf spring 3826 may be in an unlocked position relative to the windows 3834, 3836 (e.g., Figure 35 (as shown) and locking position (as shown) Figure 36 The leaf spring 3826 moves between (as shown). In one aspect, when the leaf spring 3826 is moved to the locked position, the first arm 3830 is rotatable into the first window 3834 and the second arm 3832 is rotatable into the second window 3836. When the leaf spring 3826 is in the locked position, the first arm 3830 engages the first window 3834 and the second arm 3832 engages the second window 3836, thereby preventing the leaf spring 3826 from moving back toward the unlocked position. In various embodiments, once the leaf spring 3826 is in the locked position, the leaf spring 3826 is permanently locked in the locked position. In various other embodiments, the leaf spring 3826 can be reset to the unlocked position. In one exemplary embodiment, a user can press the first arm 3830 and the second arm 3832 toward the center body 3828 with their fingers through the first window 3834 and the second window 3836 respectively, thereby allowing the leaf spring 3826 to move back to the unlocked position.

[0197] In various embodiments, the locking mechanism 3824 may include a piston head 3838. The piston head 3838 is movable to detect the presence of a support layer 3840 within the end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 35 As shown, with the support layer 3840 present, the piston head 3838 can contact the support layer 3840. In another exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 36 As shown, in the absence of a support layer, the piston head 3838 can move beyond the position where the support layer 3840 is to be positioned. In such a case, the movement of the piston head 3838 beyond the position of the support layer 3840 can cause the leaf spring 3826 to actuate and switch to an deployed configuration, resulting in a locking condition, as will be described in more detail below. In various embodiments, when the locking mechanism 3824 is in the locked condition, the firing member of the surgical instrument is prevented from performing a firing stroke.

[0198] Continue to refer to Figure 35 and Figure 36The locking mechanism 3824 may include a piston rod shaft 3842 and a piston rod cylinder 3844. In various embodiments, the piston rod shaft 3842 may be coupled to or secured to a piston head 3838, wherein the distal end 3843 of the piston rod shaft 3842 terminates at the piston head 3838. In various embodiments, the piston rod cylinder 3844 may be coupled to or attached to a leaf spring 3826, wherein the distal end 3845 of the piston rod cylinder 3844 terminates at the leaf spring 3826. In one aspect, the piston rod cylinder 3844 may be hollow and include an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the piston rod shaft 3842. In this aspect, the piston rod shaft 3842 may slide freely within the piston cylinder 3844. In various embodiments, a spring 3846, such as a coil spring, may be coupled to the leaf spring 3826 and the piston head 3838, which may bias the piston rod shaft 3842 away from the piston rod cylinder 3844.

[0199] In one exemplary operation, when the support layer 3840 is present, such as Figure 35 As shown, a helical spring 3846 pushes the piston head 3838 toward the support layer 3840. In one exemplary embodiment, the piston head 3838 may be held in place before surgical instrument manipulation. Once the surgical instrument is actuated and causes the firing member to begin moving within the end effector, the piston head 3838 may be released, thereby activating the locking mechanism 3824. In one aspect, the helical spring 3846 is partially compressed such that when the locking mechanism 3838 is actuated, the helical spring 3846 may force the piston head 3838 toward the position of the support layer 3840. In various embodiments, such as by frictional engagement or by a piston rod cylinder 3844, the leaf spring 3826 is at least substantially held in place, such that the leaf spring 3826 is prevented from moving upward and away from the position of the support layer 3840.

[0200] Continue to refer to Figure 35 When the support layer 3840 is present, the piston head 3838 abuts the surface of the support layer 3840 and stops further movement of the piston head 3838. Due to the displacement of the piston head 3838 toward the support layer 3840, tension is generated within the spring 3846, causing the coil spring 3846 to apply force to the leaf spring 3826, thereby pulling the leaf spring 3826 toward the piston head 3838. As the leaf spring 3826 moves toward the support layer 3840, the coil spring 3846 begins to compress because the piston head 3838 is held in place by the support layer 3840. When the coil spring 3846 is compressed, the resistance of the coil spring 3846 accumulates and stops the movement of the leaf spring 3826 before the first arm 3830 and the second arm 3832 can reach the first window 3834 and the second window 3836, respectively, thus preventing a locking condition. In one aspect, preventing a locking condition allows the firing member to travel freely and unimpeded through the end effector.

[0201] In another exemplary operation, when there is no support layer, such as Figure 36 As shown, the piston head 3838 is pushed towards the support layer 3840 by a coil spring 3846. In one aspect, the coil spring 3846 is partially compressed such that when the locking mechanism 3838 is activated, the coil spring 3846 can force the piston head 3838 toward the desired position of the support layer 3840. In various embodiments, the leaf spring 3826 is at least substantially held in place, such as by frictional engagement or by a piston rod cylinder 3844, preventing the leaf spring 3826 from moving upward and away from the desired position of the support layer 3840.

[0202] Continue to refer to Figure 36 When the support layer is absent, the piston head 3838 moves beyond the intended position of the support layer 3840. Due to the displacement of the piston head 3838 toward the intended position of the support layer 3840, tension is generated in the spring 3846, causing the coil spring 3846 to apply force to the leaf spring 3826, thereby pulling the leaf spring 3826 toward the piston head 3838. When the support layer 3840 is absent and the piston head 3838 is allowed to continue moving beyond the intended position of the support layer 3840, the coil spring 3846 does not compress at the same rate as when the support layer 3840 is present. When the coil spring 3846 cannot generate sufficient helical resistance to stop the movement of the leaf spring 3826, the first arm 3830 and the second arm 3832 of the leaf spring 3826 can reach the first window 3834 and the second window 3836 respectively, and are thus actuated to the deployed position, thereby initiating the locking condition. In various embodiments, the locking condition may include preventing the firing member from translating distally through the end effector.

[0203] In various embodiments, the locking mechanism 3824 may be primarily made of plastic to allow for elastic deformation to control locking. In various embodiments, the piston rod shaft 3842 and piston rod cylinder 3844 may be made of metal to enhance rigidity, thereby allowing the locking mechanism 3824 to resist lateral loading of the firing member and for connection to portions of the end effector, such as an anvil or channel body. The locking mechanism 3824 may be positioned with other mechanisms to enable detection of appropriate support positioning throughout the area of ​​the anvil or cartridge. In one aspect, the locking mechanism 3824 may be positioned to lock a firing motion that results in initial tissue clamping. In other aspects, the locking mechanism 3824 may be positioned to lock a firing motion that results in the firing of the staple cartridge within the end effector.

[0204] Now for reference Figure 37The image shows a suture applicator 3900 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The suture applicator 3900 may include a housing assembly 3902 including a first housing half 3904 and a second housing half 3906 pivotally coupled to the first housing half 3904 about a pivot 3908. The first housing half 3904 may be in an open position relative to the second housing half 3906 (see [image description missing]). Figure 38 ) and closed position (see Figure 40 Rotating between them to capture the anvil 3910 of the end effector 3912 therebetween. Each of the first housing half 3904 and the second housing half 3906 may include a first leg 3914, a second leg 3916, a connector 3918 connecting the first leg 3914 to the second leg 3916, and a surface 3920 (all within) Figure 39 (as shown most clearly in the image).

[0205] In various embodiments, the suture applicator 3900 may include a plurality of plungers 3922 extending from a surface 3920 of the first housing half 3904. (See also...) Figure 42 Each of the plungers 3922 may include a base 3924, a needle 3926, and a cam arm 3928, as will be described in more detail below.

[0206] During operation, the first housing half 3904 can be moved to the open position, such as... Figure 38 As shown. Then the anvil 3910 can be placed inside the second housing half 3906, such that when the first housing half 3904 is rotated to the closed position, as... Figure 40 As shown, the anvil 3910 can be captured between the first housing half 3904 and the second housing half 3906. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the first leg 3914, the second leg 3916, and the connector 3918 of the second housing half 3904 are set to guide the anvil 3910 such that when the tissue contact surface of the anvil 3910 abuts the surface 3920 of the second housing half 3906, the hole 3930 and the cam actuation member 3932 (discussed in more detail below) on the surface of the anvil 3910 are aligned with the needle 3926 of the plunger 3922 and the cam arm 3928, respectively, when the first housing half 3906 is rotated to the closed position.

[0207] like Figure 39 As shown and in Figure 42 As most clearly shown, the anvil 3910 may include a plurality of holes 3930 and a cam actuation member 3932. Figure 42Only one hole 3930 and cam actuation member 3932 are shown, but this is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the anvil 3910 may include multiple holes 3930 and cam actuation members 3932, each pair corresponding to the plunger 3922 in the first housing half 3904, as will be described in more detail below.

[0208] In several respects, the aperture 3930 is sized to receive the needle 3926 of the plunger 3922 when the first housing half 3904 is rotated toward the closed position. When the first housing half 3904 is brought to the closed position, the needle 3926 can travel through the aperture 3930 and extend into the second housing half 3906. In the second housing half 3906, each of the needles 3926 can engage with and capture a suture leg 3934. In one respect, the second housing half 3906 may include a plurality of spools 3936 of suture material, such that when the needle 3926 extends into the second housing half 3906, the needle 3926 can engage with and capture a free suture leg 3934 extending from the spool 3936. Once the needle 3926 has been engaged and captured the suture leg 3934, the first housing half 3904 can rotate toward the open position, thereby causing the needle 3926 to pull the suture leg 3934 through the hole 3930 of the anvil 3910. Figure 41 (as shown in the figure). In various embodiments, the suture leg 3634 may be coupled to the support layer such that when the suture leg 3934 is pulled through the hole 3930, the support layer may be compressed against the tissue contact surface of the anvil 3910.

[0209] As described above, the anvil 3910 may include a plurality of cam-acting members 3932. The cam-acting members 3932 may be rotatably coupled to the anvil 3910 and may be in an engaged position or a disengaged position. Figure 42 Rotation between the disengaged positions shown in the diagram. In several respects, when the first housing half 3904 rotates toward the closed position, the cam arm 3928 of the plunger 3922 can engage the cam actuating member 3932 and rotate the cam actuating member 3932 toward the disengaged position before the needle 3926 enters the hole 3930. In one respect, this can be achieved by extending the cam arm 3928 further from the base 3924 than the needle 3926, as shown in the diagram. Figure 42As clearly shown, when the needle 3926 passes through the hole 3930 to engage with the suture leg 3934 in the second housing half 3906, as described above, the cam arm 3928 can travel along the cam actuating member 3932 to hold the cam actuating member 3932 in the disengaged position. In one exemplary embodiment, the cam actuating member 3932 can be sized such that when the needle 3926 moves through the hole 3930, the cam actuating member 3932 can slide between the needle 3926 and the cam arm 3928 in a gap 3938. When the cam actuating member 3932 slides within the gap 3938, the cam actuating member 3932 can abut the cam arm 3928, thereby holding the cam actuating member 3932 in the disengaged position.

[0210] When the first housing half 3904 rotates to the open position and the needle 3926, carrying the suture leg 3934, passes through the hole 3930, the cam arm 3928 can disengage from the cam actuating member 3932. In various embodiments, a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, can bias the cam actuating member 3932 toward the engagement position such that when the cam arm 3928 disengages from the cam actuating member 3932, the cam actuating member 3932 can rotate toward the engagement position and engage the suture leg 3934 pulled through the hole 3930 of the anvil 3910. In one aspect, the cam actuating member 3932 can engage and hold the suture leg 3934, thereby maintaining tension on the suture leg 3934 passing through the hole 3930 of the anvil 3910.

[0211] In addition to the above, when the first housing half 3904 is rotated to the open position and the cam actuation member 3932 engages the suture leg 3934, the blade member can cut the suture leg 3934 from the plunger 3922, leaving the suture leg 3934 engaged by the cam actuation member 3932, and thus maintaining tension in the hole 3930 through the anvil 3910 in the suture leg 3934. In one exemplary embodiment, the blade can cut the suture leg 3934 when the first housing half 3904 is near the open position. In one exemplary embodiment, the first housing half 3902 may include an actuation feature 3940 extending from its pivot side. Figure 41As best illustrated, when the first housing half 3904 moves to the open position, the actuating feature 3940 can rotate toward the second housing half 3906 and engage a knife positioned in the second housing half 3906. In one exemplary embodiment, the second housing half 3906 may include a hole defined in a connector 3918 of the second housing half 3906 such that the actuating feature 3940 can extend through the second housing half 3906 and engage the knife when the first housing half 3904 rotates toward the open position. In one aspect, the actuating feature 3940 can engage and actuate the knife, causing the knife to cut each of the suture legs 3934 to release the suture leg 3914 from the plunger 3922, but still maintaining tension in the suture leg 3934 by the cam-acting member 3932. In one exemplary embodiment, the knife can progressively cut the suture leg 3934 as the first housing half 3904 rotates toward the open position.

[0212] Now for reference Figure 43 An anvil 3940 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the anvil 3940 may include a first track 3942 on a first lateral side 3944 of the anvil 3940 and a second track 3946 on a second lateral side 3948 of the anvil 3940. Each of the tracks 3942, 3944 is sized to allow a suture assembly to pass through one side of the anvil (such as the outer top surface 3950 of the anvil 3940) to the other side of the anvil (such as the tissue contact surface 3952 of the anvil 3940), as will be described in more detail below. In one aspect, the first track 3942 may include an inlet hole 3954 defined in the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940 and an outlet hole 3956 defined in the tissue contact surface 3952 of the anvil 3940. Similarly, the second track 3946 may include an inlet hole 3958 defined in the tissue contact surface 3952 of the anvil 3940 and an outlet hole 3960 defined in the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940.

[0213] In various embodiments, the anvil 3940 may further include a first cam lock 3962 and a second cam lock 3964. (See reference...) Figure 48 A detailed view of the cam lock 3962 is provided; however, it should be understood that the second cam lock 3964 has a similar construction. Figure 48As shown, each of the cam locks 3962 and 3964 may include a body portion 3966, an engagement surface 3968 extending from the body portion 3966, and a cam arm 3970 extending from the body portion 3966. In one aspect, the body portion 3966 of the cam locks 3962 and 3964 may be rotatably coupled to the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940 via a pin. In one aspect, the first cam lock 3962 may be rotatably coupled to the anvil 3940 near the inlet hole 3954 of the first track 3942, and the second cam lock 3964 may be rotatably coupled to the anvil 3940 near the outlet hole 3960 of the second track 3946.

[0214] In one aspect, the cam locks 3962, 3964 are rotatable relative to the anvil 3940 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In various embodiments, when the first cam lock 3962 and the second cam lock 3964 are in the unlocked position, the engagement surfaces 3968 of the cam locks 3962, 3964 rotate away from their respective holes 3954, 3960 defined in the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940, thereby allowing the suture assembly to pass uninterruptedly through their respective first tracks 3942 and second tracks 3946. Furthermore, when the first cam lock 3962 and the second cam lock 3964 are in the locked position, the engagement surfaces 3968 of the cam locks 3962, 3964 may extend at least partially over their respective holes 3954, 3960 defined in the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940, such that the suture extending through the respective holes can be held in place by the engagement surfaces 3968 of the cam locks 3962, 3964. In various embodiments, cam locks 3962, 3964 may be coupled to a biasing member, such as a torsion spring, so that cam locks 3962, 3964 can be biased to a locked position. In one exemplary embodiment, in order to rotate cam locks 3962, 3964 to an unlocked position, a force may be applied to cam arm 3970, thereby causing cam locks 3962, 3964 to rotate about a pin to an unlocked position.

[0215] In various implementation schemes, refer to Figure 43 and Figure 44The suture assembly 3972 can be used with the anvil 3940 to attach a support layer to the tissue contact surface 3952 of the anvil 3940. In various embodiments, the suture assembly 3972 may include a semi-rigid flexible needle 3974, a suture 3976 removably coupled to and extending therefrom the needle 3974, and a rigid stop ball 3978 coupled to and extending therefrom the suture 3976. The needle 3974 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, such that the needle 3974 is rigid enough to pass through the first track 3942 and the second track 3946 of the anvil 3940, while also being flexible enough to allow any twisting or rotation within the tracks. In one exemplary embodiment, the needle 3974 may include a sharp tip such that the needle 3974 can pass through the support layer, thereby coupling the suture assembly 3972 to the support layer. In another exemplary embodiment, instead of piercing the support layer itself, where the needle 3974 is intended to surround and support the bottom surface of the support layer, the needle 3974 may include a blunt tip. In various implementation schemes, refer to Figure 47 The needle may include a hook-shaped needle 3990, which can be used to facilitate the passage of the needle 3990 through the first track 3942 and the second track 3946. In various embodiments, the hook-shaped needle may include a connecting portion 3992 of the suture 3976 that can be coupled to the suture assembly 3972.

[0216] In one exemplary operation, the anvil 3940 can be placed in the support compartment 3980, such as Figure 45 As shown, a support layer 3982 is applied to an anvil 3940. The support reservoir 3980 may include a base 3984, a first sidewall 3985 extending from the base 3984, and a second sidewall 3987 extending from the base 3984. The base 3984 includes the support layer 3982 positioned thereon. The sidewalls 3985 and 3987 are dimensioned such that when the tissue contact surface 3952 moves toward the base 3984 of the support reservoir 3980, the sidewalls 3985 and 3987 force the anvil 3940 to be properly laterally aligned with the base 3984 to prevent the support layer 3982 from being incorrectly positioned on the tissue contact surface 3952.

[0217] In various embodiments, the support compartment 3980 may further include a first arm 3986 extending from a first sidewall 3985 and a second arm 3988 extending from a second sidewall 3987. The first arm 3986 and the second arm 3988 may be sized such that when the tissue contact surface 3952 moves toward the support layer 3982 in the support compartment 3980, the first arm 3986 and the second arm 3988 may respectively contact the first and second cam arms 3970 of the first cam lock 3962 and the second cam lock 3964, thereby rotating the first cam lock 3962 and the second cam lock 3964 to the unlocked position. An example of this procedure is shown in… Figure 46In one aspect, the first arm 3986 and the second arm 3988 can hold the cam locks 3962 and 3964 in the unlocked position until the anvil 3940 is removed from the support compartment 3980, at which point the biasing member can rotate the cam actuating members 3962 and 3964 back to their locked position.

[0218] In one exemplary embodiment, the tissue contact surface 3952 is movable into the support chamber 3980 and contacts the support layer 3982 on the base 3984. In various embodiments, the support layer 3982 may include an adhesive that can at least partially adhere the support layer 3982 to the tissue contact surface 3982. When the tissue contact surface 3952 of the anvil 3940 contacts the support layer 3982, the first arm 3986 and the second arm 3988 are movable and hold the cam locks 3962, 3964 in the unlocked position. In various embodiments, the suture assembly 3972 can then be used to further attach the support layer 3982 to the anvil 3970 in the manner described above. In one exemplary embodiment, when the cam locks 3962, 3964 are held in the unlocked position, the needle 3974 can pass from the inlet hole 3954 of the first track 3942 to the outlet hole 3964, engage with the support layer 3982 in any suitable manner (such as described above), and then pass from the inlet hole 3958 of the second track 3946 to the outlet hole 3960. In one exemplary embodiment, the base 3984 may include a track defined therein, the track including an inlet hole and an outlet hole corresponding to the outlet hole 3956 and the inlet hole 3958, respectively, such that the needle 3974 can travel through the first track 3942, through (or around) the support layer 3982, through the track in the base 3984, back through (or around) the support layer 3982, and through the second track 3946.

[0219] In various embodiments, when the needle 3970 is pulled through the exit hole 3956 of the second track 3946, the rigid stop ball 3978 may abut against the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940. In one aspect, the rigid stop ball 3978 may be sized such that it is prevented from entering the inlet hole 3954 of the first track 3942, thereby preventing the suture assembly 3972 from being fully pulled through the first track 3942. In various embodiments, the suture 3976 may be of sufficient length to allow the needle 3974 to be pulled through the exit hole 3960 before the rigid stop ball 3978 contacts the inlet hole 3954, thus allowing the user to pull the needle 3974 and tension the suture 3976, thereby allowing the tissue contact surface 3952 against the anvil 3940 to securely pull the support layer 3982. In various implementations, the above-described threading procedure can remove old suture material that remains in the tracks 3942, 3946 of the anvil 3940 due to previous use of the anvil 3940.

[0220] In one aspect, once the support layer 3982 is connected to the anvil 3940 via the suture assembly 3972 and the suture 3976 has been sufficiently tensioned by the needle 3974 and the rigid stop ball 3978, the anvil 3940 can be removed from the support chamber 3980. Movement of the anvil 3940 away from the support chamber 3940 causes the cam locks 3962, 3964 to rotate toward their locked positions, thus causing the engagement surfaces 3968 of the cam locks 3962, 3964 to engage the portion of the suture 3976 extending from the outer surface 3950 of the anvil 3940 (at the inlet hole 3954 of the first track 3942 and the outlet hole 3960 of the second track 3946), thereby holding the suture assembly 3972 in place and maintaining tension in the suture 3976. In various implementations, once the cam locks 3962, 3964 have been rotated to the locked position, the needle 3974 of the suture assembly 3972 can be disengaged from the suture 3976, thereby allowing the needle to be used with different suture assemblies 3972.

[0221] Now for reference Figure 49 A support applicator compartment 4000 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The support applicator compartment 4000 may include a generally U-shaped housing assembly 4002, the housing assembly including a first leg 4004, a second leg 4006, and a connector 4007 connecting the first leg 4004 and the second leg 4006. The housing assembly 4002 may also include a support platform 4008 for supporting a support assembly 4010 thereon. In various embodiments, the housing assembly 4002 may have a similar configuration to other support applicator compartments described herein, such as support applicator compartments 3200, 3300.

[0222] In one aspect, the support assembly 4010 can be applied to the anvil of the end effector using the support applicator chamber 4000. In various embodiments, see reference... Figure 51 The support assembly 4010 may include a support layer 4012 and a plurality of suture loops 4014 extending from the support layer 4012. In various embodiments, such as Figure 52 As shown, the suture loop 4014 can be embedded in the support layer 4012 between the top surface 4016 and the bottom surface 4017 of the support layer 4012. In other embodiments, the suture loop 4014 can be coupled to the support layer 4012 in any suitable manner such that the suture loop 4014 can support the support layer 4012 when it is applied to the anvil. In one such embodiment, the suture loop 4014 is not as Figure 52Instead of a continuous loop, the legs of the suture loop 4014 are attached to the support layer 4012 at discrete locations, as described elsewhere herein. In various other embodiments, the suture loop 4014 is not embedded between individual support layers 4012, but rather a portion of the suture loop 4014 is captured between two support layers 4012 adhered together.

[0223] like Figure 49 As shown, the support assembly 4010 can be positioned within the support applicator compartment 4000 and can be supported by the support platform 4008. In one aspect, the support applicator compartment 4000 may include a plurality of wedge-shaped suture clips 4020 extending from a first leg 4004 and a second leg 4006 of the support applicator compartment 4000. In various embodiments, references... Figure 54 The suture clip 4020 may include a first arm 4022 and a second arm 4024 spaced apart from the first arm 4022 to define a gap 4026 therebetween, such that when the support assembly 4010 is properly positioned on the support platform 4008, the legs of the suture loop 4014 may be held in a recess 4028 by the first arm 4022 and the second arm 4024. In other embodiments, when the suture clip 4020 is in a stationary state, the legs of the suture loop 4014 may be positioned in the recess 4028 of the suture clip, as will be described in more detail below.

[0224] In various embodiments, the suture clamp 4020 can switch between a stationary state and an actuated state. In the stationary state, the suture clamp 4020 holds the legs of the suture loop 4014 within the recess 4028. In the actuated state, the suture clamp 4020 allows the legs of the suture loop 4014 to disengage from the suture clamp 4020. In one embodiment, a portion of the suture clamp 4020 is movable toward the connector 4007, while another portion of the suture clamp 4020 remains stationary. In such embodiments, the relative movement between the portions of the suture clamp 4020 allows the suture clamp 4020 to switch between a stationary state and an actuated state. When the suture clamp 4020 moves to the actuated state, as described above, the legs of the suture loop 4014 can be released and allowed to be removed from the suture clamp 4020. In various other embodiments, one or both of the first arm 4022 and the second arm 4024 of the suture clip 4020 may be movable relative to the other of the first arm and the second arm to increase the gap dimension 4026 between them. In various embodiments, the relative movement of the first arm 4022 and the second arm 4024 may allow the suture clip 4020 to switch between a stationary state and an actuated state.

[0225] In operation, the user can slide the anvil 4018 from the open end of the support applicator compartment 4000 (the end opposite to the connector 4007) along the support assembly 4010 toward the connector 4007. In one aspect, as... Figure 53 As shown, when the anvil 4018 moves below the nearest suture loop 4014, the anvil 4018 may abut against the cam-acting surface 4021 of the nearest suture clamp 4020, causing the suture clamp 4020 to rise slightly, thereby causing the suture loop 4014 held by the suture clamp 4020 to expand under tension. The anvil 4018 may continue to advance along the support applicator compartment 4000 and through the suture loop 4014 and contact the cam-acting surface 4021, thereby causing the suture clamp 4020 to rise slightly and generating tension in all suture loops 4014. In various embodiments, the connector 4007 of the housing assembly 4002 may include a release button 4030 operably coupled to the suture clamp 4020. In one aspect, after the anvil 4018 has advanced through all the suture loops 4014 and reached the connector 4007, the anvil 4018 may engage the release button 4030, causing the suture clamp 4020 to switch to an actuated state, thereby releasing the suture loops 4014 from the suture clamp 4020, as described above. As the anvil 4018 moves along the support assembly 4010 toward the release button 4030 and tensions the suture loops 4014 (due to the suture clamp 4020 being raised via the cam action surface 4021), the suture loops 4014 may be released from the suture clamp 4020 and tightened around the anvil 4018, thereby attaching the support assembly 4010 to the anvil 4018, and more specifically, attaching the support layer 4012 to the tissue contact surface of the anvil 4018.

[0226] In various implementation schemes, such as Figure 55 As shown, an anvil 4032 is provided for use with a support applicator cartridge 4000. The anvil 4032 includes a plurality of pawls 4034 along its length, which receive a suture loop 4014 when the support assembly 4010 is engaged with the anvil 4032. The pawls 4034 are sized to receive and hold the suture loop 4014 such that the chance of the suture loop 4014 sliding along the anvil 4032 is minimized. In various other embodiments, the anvil 4032 may include a plurality of recesses 4036 extending between the laterally offset pawls 4034, which may further be used to retain the suture loop 4014 on the anvil 4032.

[0227] Now for reference Figure 56An anvil 4050 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The anvil 4050 may include a set of tracks 4052 defined on two lateral sides of the anvil 4050, the tracks extending along their length from a receiving position 4054 to an ending position 4056. The tracks 4052 may include a narrow track 4058 and an extended receiving aperture 4060 that may be larger than the narrow track 4058. In one aspect, the aperture 4060 may correspond to the receiving position 4054, and the end of the narrow track 4058 may correspond to the ending position 4056.

[0228] In various embodiments, the anvil 4050 may engage with the support assembly 4062. (See reference...) Figure 56 and Figure 57 The support assembly 4062 may include a support layer 4064, arms 4066 extending from the support layer 4064, and stops 4068 extending from each arm 4066. The stops 4068 are sized to be received within a receiving aperture 4060, while the arms 4066 are sized such that a portion thereof can be slidably received within a narrow track 4058. In one aspect, the support assembly 4062 can be coupled to the anvil 4050 by sliding the stops 4068 and arms 4066 within the receiving aperture 4060 and narrow track 4058, respectively. Once coupled, the stops 4068 are sized to prevent lateral disengagement via the narrow track 4058, thereby maintaining the support assembly 4062 coupled to the anvil 4050. In various embodiments, arm 4066 and stop 4068 are made of a semi-rigid material to prevent arm 4066 and stop 4068 from being released from anvil 4050 via narrow track 4058. In various embodiments, only stop 4068 is made of a semi-rigid material to prevent stop 4068 from disengaging via narrow track 4058.

[0229] In operation, the anvil 4050 can be attached to the support assembly 4062 in the manner described above. Once attached, the anvil 4050 is used in the suturing procedure described elsewhere herein, resulting in the support layer 4064 being sutured to the tissue. To remove the sutured support assembly 4062 from the anvil 4050, the anvil 4050 can be pulled proximally, allowing the stop 4068 and arm 4066 of the support assembly 4062 to slide through the track 4052 and be released from the anvil 4050 through the receiving hole 4060 and the narrow track 4058, respectively. Since substantially all of the support assembly 4062 remains at the suture site, there is no post-firing step regarding the support assembly 4062, and therefore, a new support assembly can be attached to the anvil 4050 in the same manner as described above. The design provided above eliminates the need for another type of support applicator / system and also eliminates the need for sutures.

[0230] Now for reference Figure 58 and Figure 59 An anvil 4100 is provided according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The anvil 4100 may include a tissue contact surface 4102 and an outer surface 4104 opposite to the tissue contact surface 4102. The tissue contact surface 4102 may include an elongated slot 4106 and a plurality of staple recesses 4108 (only three are shown). The outer surface 4104 may include a suture lock 4120 extending therefrom. In various embodiments, such as Figure 60 As best shown, the suture lock 4120 may include a base 4122 coupled to an outer surface 4104, a receiving region 4124 extending from the base 4122, and a cap 4126 extending from the receiving region 4124. In various embodiments, the cap 4126 may have a larger diameter than the receiving region 4124, such that the cap 4126 and the receiving region 4124 define a "mushroom-like" shape, such as... Figure 60 As shown. In various implementation schemes, such as Figure 60 and Figure 61 As shown, the cap 4126 may include a plurality of pawls 4128 defined therein, which can receive and hold the suture leg ( Figure 60 An example of this is shown below, which will be described in more detail below. In one implementation, such as Figure 60 and Figure 61 As shown, the cap 4126 may include a pair of opposing pawls 4128.

[0231] In various embodiments, the anvil 4100 may intersect with a support layer 4130 comprising a plurality of suture legs 4132. In one embodiment, such as Figure 62 As shown, the support layer 4130 may include four suture legs 4132 extending from the four corners of the support layer 4130. In one aspect, a pair of suture legs 4132 may be part of a continuous suture 4134 that passes through one corner of the support layer 4130 and exits from another corner of the support layer 4130. In various other embodiments, the suture legs 4132 may be discretely connected to the corners of the support layer 4130. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the suture legs 4132 extend from the support layer at locations other than the corners of the support layer 4130, such as the sides of the support layer 4130.

[0232] like Figure 63 As shown, the support layer 4130 can intersect with the tissue contact surface 4102 of the anvil 4100, thereby positioning the suture leg 4132 laterally away from the anvil 4100. In one aspect, as Figure 64 As shown, the first pair of suture legs can be pulled 4136 around the receiving area 4124 of the suture lock 4120 and held by a first pawl 4128 defined in the cap 4126 of the suture lock 4120. Additionally, as... Figure 65As shown, the second pair of suture legs 4132 can be pulled 4138 around the receiving area 4124 of the suture lock 4120 and held by a second pawl 4128 defined in the cap 4126 of the suture lock 4120. The pair of suture legs 4132 can be held by the suture lock 4120, thus connecting the support layer 4130 to the anvil 4100, thereby allowing the anvil 4100 to be used in suturing procedures as described elsewhere herein.

[0233] After the suturing process is completed, the free end of the suture leg 4132 extending from the cap 4126 of the suture lock 4120 can be pulled 4140, as... Figure 66 As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. The pawl 4128 of the cap 4126 may include a sharp edge such that when the free end of the suture leg 4132 is pulled 4140, the pawl 4128 may cut the suture leg 4132, thereby releasing the support layer 4130 from the anvil 4100.

[0234] Although the various implementation schemes provided above are discussed in terms of performing actions on the anvil, such as those concerning... Figures 58 to 66 The foregoing description generally discusses attaching the support layer to the anvil, but it should be understood that these implementations may be modified or used in alternatives with elongated channels and / or staple cartridges, or in combination with them.

[0235] This document sets forth numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the figures. Well-known operations, components, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus will recognize that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0236] The terms “comprise” (and any form of “comprise”, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have”, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include”, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain”, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. Therefore, a surgical system, apparatus, or device that “comprises,” “haves,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements has, but is not limited to, having only those elements. Similarly, the elements of a system, apparatus, or device that “comprises,” “haves,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features have, but are not limited to, having only those features.

[0237] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein in relation to the clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. "Proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and "distal" refers to the portion furthest from the clinician's position. It should also be understood that, for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used in conjunction with accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and locations, and these terms are not restrictive and / or absolute.

[0238] Various exemplary apparatuses and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily understand that the various methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in combination with open surgery. Continuing to refer to this specific embodiment, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through natural cavities, through incisions or puncture holes formed in tissue, etc. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0239] The surgical suturing system may include an axis and an end effector extending from the axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and can be removed from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge cannot be removed from the first jaw or at least can be easily replaced from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closed axis; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical suturing system also includes an articulation joint configured to allow the end effector to rotate or perform articulation relative to the axis. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments without an articulation joint are contemplated.

[0240] The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a table extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be sutured, and an anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil moves toward the staple cartridge to compress the tissue and clamp it against the table. Staples, removably stored in the cartridge body, can then be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined within the cartridge body, in which staples are removably stored. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slots, and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slots. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are also possible.

[0241] The nail is supported by a nail actuator within the cartridge. The actuator is movable between a first or non-firing position and a second or firing position to eject the nail from the cartridge. The actuator is retained within the cartridge by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge and including a resilient member configured to grip the cartridge and hold the retainer to the cartridge. The actuator is movable between its non-firing position and its firing position by a slider. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slider includes multiple ramp surfaces configured to slide beneath the actuator toward the anvil and to lift the actuator, on which the nail is supported.

[0242] In addition to the above, the slider can also move distally via the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the slider and push it distally. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam engaging a first jaw and a second cam engaging a second jaw. As the firing member advances distally, the first and second cams control the distance or tissue gap between the cartridge table and the anvil. The firing member also includes a blade configured to cut into tissue captured between the cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the blade be positioned at least partially close to the ramp surface so that the staples are fired before the blade.

[0243] While various apparatuses have been described herein in conjunction with certain embodiments, numerous modifications and variations of these embodiments are also possible. In one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner. Therefore, without limitation, specific features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined wholly or partially with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Additionally, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform a given one or more functions. The above detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0244] The device disclosed herein may be designed for single-use disposal or for multiple-use applications. However, in either case, the device can be refurbished and reused after at least one use. Refurbishment may include any combination of the following steps, including but not limited to disassembling the device, subsequently cleaning or replacing specific components of the device, and subsequently reassembling the device. Specifically, refurbishment facilities and / or surgical teams may disassemble the device and, after cleaning and / or replacing specific components, reassemble the device for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques can be used for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly of the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting repaired device are within the scope of this application.

[0245] The device disclosed herein can be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments are obtained and cleaned as needed. Then, the instruments can be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and / or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. Sealing the container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other techniques known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and / or vapor.

[0246] Although several forms have been illustrated and described, the applicant does not intend to limit or restrict the scope of the appended claims to such details. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these forms can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will recognize such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents. Furthermore, alternatively, the structure of each element associated with a described form can be described as a device for providing the function performed by said element. Additionally, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing detailed descriptions and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations falling within the scope of the forms disclosed in this invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0247] The specific embodiments described above have illustrated various forms of apparatus and / or methods using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Wherever such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in an integrated circuit, wholly or partially, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as any combination thereof, and that designing circuit systems and / or writing software and / or hardware code according to this disclosure will be within the skill of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in various forms, and that the exemplary forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used for actual distribution.

[0248] Instructions used for programming logic to execute various disclosed aspects may be stored in the system's memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other memory. Furthermore, the instructions may be distributed via a network or through other computer-readable media. Therefore, machine-readable media may include any means for storing or transmitting information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form, but are not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage devices used for transmitting information over the Internet via electrical signals, optical signals, acoustic signals, or other forms of propagation signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Therefore, non-transitory computer-readable media include any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form.

[0249] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "control circuitry" may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry systems, programmable circuitry systems (e.g., computer processors including one or more individual instruction processing cores, processing units, processors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), state machine circuitry systems, firmware storing instructions executed by the programmable circuitry system, and any combination thereof. Control circuitry can be implemented collectively or individually as part of a larger system, such as integrated circuits (ICs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smartphones, etc. Therefore, as used herein, "control circuit" includes, but is not limited to, electronic circuits having at least one discrete circuit, electronic circuits having at least one integrated circuit, electronic circuits having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, electronic circuits forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and / or devices described herein), electronic circuits forming a memory device (e.g., forming a random access memory), and / or electronic circuits forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optoelectronic device). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog or digital modes, or some combination thereof.

[0250] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "logic" can refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuit system configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. Software can be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware can be embodied as hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) code, instructions, or instruction sets and / or data in a memory device.

[0251] As used in any part of this document, the terms “component,” “system,” “module,” etc., can refer to computer-related entities, hardware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0252] As used in any aspect of this document, "algorithm" refers to a systematic sequence of steps that leads to a desired result, where "step" refers to the manipulation of physical quantities and / or logical states, which may (but not necessarily) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. These signals are commonly referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0253] The network may include a packet-switched network. Communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol that may allow communication using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard entitled "IEEE 802.3 Standard" published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or a higher version of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards published by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards published by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" and / or a higher version of that standard, published by the ATM Forum in August 2001. Of course, this document also envisions different and / or subsequently developed connectivity-oriented network communication protocols.

[0254] Unless otherwise expressly stated in the foregoing disclosure, it is understood that in the foregoing disclosure, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “estimating,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “displaying” refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memories of the computer system and convert them into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the memory or registers of the computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0255] One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to be,” “configurable to be,” “operable / operationally,” “suitable / adaptable,” “capable,” “adaptable / fittable,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context otherwise requires, “configured to be” generally encompasses components in an active state and / or in an inactive state and / or in a standby state.

[0256] Furthermore, even when a specific number of claims is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art should recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as referring to at least the number stated (e.g., in the absence of other modifiers, a bare statement of "two statements" generally means at least two statements, or two or more statements). Moreover, in cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, such constructions are generally intended to have a meaning that those skilled in the art will understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, or C" are used, such constructions are generally intended to have a meaning that those skilled in the art will understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art should also understand that, generally, unless the context otherwise indicates, any transitional words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the detailed description, claims, or drawings should be understood to cover the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0257] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations described herein can generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, although various operation flowcharts are shown in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise requires, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interruption, reordering, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. Moreover, unless the context otherwise requires, terms such as “in response to,” “related,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations.

[0258] It is worth noting that any reference to "one aspect," "one aspect," "one example," or "one example" means that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with said aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in one aspect," "in one aspect," "in one example," and "in one example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more aspects in any suitable manner.

[0259] As described above, the surgical instruments disclosed herein may include a control system. Each of the control systems may include a circuit board having one or more processors and / or storage devices. Furthermore, the control systems are configured to store, for example, sensor data. They are also configured to store data that identifies the type of staple cartridge attached to, for example, a suture instrument. More specifically, when a staple cartridge is attached to a suture instrument, the type of staple cartridge can be identified by sensors, and the sensor data can be stored in the control system. The control system can obtain this information to assess whether the staple cartridge is suitable for use.

[0260] The surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated in any suitable manner. In some instances, the motors disclosed herein may include one or more parts of a robot control system. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535), entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,” discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in more detail, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. International Patent Publication No. WO 2017 / 083125, entitled "STAPLER WITH COMPOSITE CARDAN AND SCREW DRIVE", published on May 18, 2017; International Patent Publication No. WO 2017 / 083126, entitled "STAPLE PUSHER WITH LOST MOTION BETWEEN RAMPS", published on May 18, 2017; International Patent Publication No. 2015 / 153642, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION", published on October 8, 2015; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0265954, entitled "STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DUAL DISTAL PULLEYS", filed on March 17, 2017; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. WO 2017 / 083126, entitled "STAPLER WITH CABLE-DRIVEN ADVANCEABLE CLAMPING ELEMENT AND DUAL DISTAL PULLEYS", filed on February 15, 2017. The full text of the publications of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0265865 entitled “Advanced Clamping Element and Distal Pulley” and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0290586 entitled “Stapping Cartridge”, filed on March 29, 2017, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0261] Unless otherwise stated, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” as used in this disclosure refer to an acceptable error in a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, depending in part on how the value is measured or determined. In some embodiments, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” mean within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In some embodiments, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” mean within 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.

[0262] In summary, many beneficial effects resulting from employing the concepts described herein have been described. For illustrative and descriptive purposes, one or more of the specific embodiments described above have been provided. These embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed in the invention. Modifications or variations may be made to the invention in accordance with the teachings above. The one or more forms chosen and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various forms and modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The claims filed herein are intended to define the full scope.

[0263] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following embodiments.

[0264] Example 1 - A support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument, wherein the support applicator compartment includes a first loading region configured to engage with an anvil of the end effector and a second loading region configured to engage with an elongated channel of the end effector. The first loading region includes a first absorbable layer and a loading assembly for securing the first absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil approaches the first absorbable layer. The second loading region includes a staple cartridge removably coupled to the support applicator compartment, wherein the staple cartridge includes a platform and a second absorbable layer positioned on the platform.

[0265] Example 2 - The support applicator compartment according to Example 1 further includes a suture supporting the second absorbable layer, wherein the loading assembly is configured to connect the suture to the anvil.

[0266] Example 3 - The support applicator compartment according to Example 2, wherein the anvil includes a suture gripper extending from its outer surface, and wherein the loading assembly is configured to connect the suture to the suture gripper.

[0267] Example 4 - A support applicator compartment according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the loading assembly includes a suture applicator rotatable relative to the first absorbable layer between a rest position and an actuated position, and wherein the suture applicator is configured to rotate toward the actuated position when the anvil approaches the first absorbable layer.

[0268] Example 5 - The support applicator compartment according to Example 4, wherein the suture applicator includes a spring configured to bias the suture applicator toward the rest position.

[0269] Example 6 - A support applicator compartment according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the suture applicator includes an arm operably coupled to the suture, and wherein the suture is configured to be released from the arm as the suture applicator rotates toward the rest position after the suture is coupled to the anvil.

[0270] Example 7 - Support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the second loading area includes a latch configured to removably connect the staple cartridge to the support applicator compartment.

[0271] Example 8 - The support applicator cartridge according to Example 7, wherein the latch is configured to release the staple cartridge when the elongated channel approaches the staple cartridge.

[0272] Example 9 - Support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first absorbable layer includes an elongated support extending from its surface, wherein the elongated support is configured to be coupled to the anvil.

[0273] Example 10 - A support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the first absorbable layer includes pins extending from its surface, wherein the pins are configured to be engaged with the anvil.

[0274] Example 11 - A support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument, wherein the support applicator compartment includes a support loading area configured to engage with an anvil of the end effector. The support loading area includes a support layer, a suture supporting the support layer, and a loading assembly for securing the suture to the outer surface of the anvil when the anvil approaches the support layer.

[0275] Example 12 - Support applicator compartment according to Example 11, wherein the anvil includes a suture gripper positioned on its outer surface, and wherein the loading assembly is configured to connect the suture to the suture gripper.

[0276] Example 13 - A support applicator compartment according to Example 11 or 12, wherein the loading assembly includes a suture applicator rotatable relative to the support layer between a rest position and an actuated position, and wherein the suture applicator is configured to rotate toward the actuated position when the anvil approaches the support layer.

[0277] Example 14 - The support applicator compartment according to Example 13, wherein the suture applicator includes a spring configured to bias the suture applicator toward the rest position.

[0278] Example 15 - A support applicator compartment according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the suture applicator includes an arm operably coupled to the suture, and wherein the suture is configured to be released from the arm as the suture applicator rotates toward the rest position after the suture is coupled to the anvil.

[0279] Example 16 - A support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein the support layer includes an elongated support extending from its surface, wherein the elongated support is configured to be coupled to the anvil.

[0280] Example 17 - A support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 11 to 16, wherein the support layer includes pins extending from its surface, wherein the pins are configured to be engaged with the anvil.

[0281] Example 18 - The support applicator compartment according to any one of Examples 11 to 17 further includes a compartment loading area configured to intersect with an elongated channel of the end effector, wherein the compartment loading area includes a fastener compartment removably coupled to the support applicator compartment, wherein the fastener compartment includes a platform and a second support layer positioned on the platform.

[0282] Example 19 - A support applicator compartment according to Example 18, wherein the compartment loading area includes a latch configured to support the fastener compartment, and wherein the latch is configured to release the fastener compartment when the elongated channel approaches the fastener compartment.

[0283] Example 20 - A support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument, wherein the support applicator compartment includes: a housing assembly including a support platform; a staple cartridge assembly supported by the housing assembly; a second absorbable layer positioned on the support platform; and a loading assembly for securing the second absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil of the end effector approaches the second absorbable layer. The staple cartridge assembly is configured to engage with an elongated channel of the end effector when the end effector approaches the staple cartridge assembly, and wherein the staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge including a platform and a first absorbable layer positioned on the platform.

[0284] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other public material mentioned in this specification and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference, provided that the incorporated material is inconsistent with this specification. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly listed herein replace any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein by reference that conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing public materials.

Claims

1. A support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument, the support applicator compartment being U-shaped, defining an open end and a closed end, wherein, The support applicator compartment includes: A first loading area located inside the U-shape of the support applicator compartment, the first loading area being configured to connect with the anvil of the end effector at the open end of the support applicator compartment, wherein the first loading area includes: First absorbable layer; and A loading assembly for securing the first absorbable layer to the anvil when the anvil is near the first absorbable layer; and A second loading area located within the U-shape of the support applicator compartment, the second loading area being configured to intersect with the elongated channel of the end effector at the open end of the support applicator compartment, wherein the second loading area includes: A staple cartridge, removably coupled to the support applicator compartment, wherein the staple cartridge includes a tabletop; and A second absorbable layer is positioned on the platform, wherein, prior to placing the staple cartridge into the elongated channel of the end effector, the second loading area holds the staple cartridge in a position where the second absorbable layer is located between the platform of the first absorbable layer and the staple cartridge.

2. The support applicator compartment according to claim 1, further comprising a suture supporting the first absorbable layer, wherein, The loading assembly is configured to connect the suture to the anvil.

3. The support applicator compartment according to claim 2, wherein, The anvil includes a suture gripper extending from its outer surface, and wherein the loading assembly is configured to attach the suture to the suture gripper.

4. The support applicator compartment according to claim 2, wherein, The loading assembly includes a suture applicator rotatable relative to the first absorbable layer between a rest position and an actuated position, wherein the suture applicator is configured to rotate toward the actuated position when the anvil approaches the first absorbable layer.

5. The support applicator compartment according to claim 4, wherein, The suture applicator includes a spring configured to bias the suture applicator toward the rest position.

6. The support applicator compartment according to claim 4, wherein, The suture applicator includes an arm operably coupled to the suture, and wherein the suture is configured to be released from the arm as the suture applicator rotates toward the rest position after the suture is coupled to the anvil.

7. The support applicator compartment according to claim 1, wherein, The second loading area includes a latch configured to removably engage the staple cartridge with the support applicator cartridge.

8. The support applicator compartment according to claim 7, wherein, The latch is configured to release the staple cartridge when the elongated channel approaches the staple cartridge.

9. The support applicator compartment according to claim 1, wherein, The first absorbable layer includes an elongated support extending from its surface, wherein the elongated support is configured to be coupled to the anvil.

10. The support applicator compartment according to claim 1, wherein, The first absorbable layer includes pins extending from its surface, wherein the pins are configured to engage with the anvil.

11. A support applicator compartment configured to engage with an end effector of a surgical suture instrument, the support applicator compartment being U-shaped, defining an open end and a closed end, wherein, The support applicator compartment includes: A support loading area located inside the U-shape of the support applicator compartment, the support loading area being configured to connect with the anvil of the end effector at the open end of the support applicator compartment, wherein the support loading area includes: First support layer; Sutures supporting the first support layer; and A loading assembly for securing the suture to the outer surface of the anvil as the anvil approaches the first support layer; and A loading area located within the U-shape of the support applicator compartment, the loading area being configured to intersect with an elongated channel of the end effector at the open end of the support applicator compartment, wherein the loading area includes: A staple cartridge removably connected to the support applicator compartment, wherein the staple cartridge includes a platform; and A second support layer is positioned on the platform, wherein, before the staple cartridge is placed into the elongated channel of the end effector, the cartridge loading area secures the staple cartridge in the second support layer at a position between the first support layer and the platform of the staple cartridge.

12. The support applicator compartment according to claim 11, wherein, The anvil includes a suture gripper positioned on its outer surface, and wherein the loading assembly is configured to attach the suture to the suture gripper.

13. The support applicator compartment according to claim 11, wherein, The loading assembly includes a suture applicator capable of rotating relative to the support layer between a rest position and an actuated position, wherein the suture applicator is configured to rotate toward the actuated position when the anvil approaches the support layer.

14. The support applicator compartment according to claim 13, wherein, The suture applicator includes a spring configured to bias the suture applicator toward the rest position.

15. The support applicator compartment according to claim 13, wherein, The suture applicator includes an arm operably coupled to the suture, and wherein the suture is configured to be released from the arm as the suture applicator rotates toward the rest position after the suture is coupled to the anvil.

16. The support applicator compartment according to claim 11, wherein, The first support layer includes an elongated support extending from its surface, wherein the elongated support is configured to be coupled to the anvil.

17. The support applicator compartment according to claim 11, wherein, The first support layer includes pins extending from its surface, wherein the pins are configured to engage with the anvil.

18. The support applicator compartment according to claim 11, wherein, The loading area of ​​the cartridge includes a latch configured to support the staple cartridge, wherein the latch is configured to release the staple cartridge when the elongated channel approaches the staple cartridge.

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