Surgical stapling device accompanying tissue gap control and controlled staple formation

Abstract

To provide a surgical stapling device accompanying tissue gap control and controlled staple formation.SOLUTION: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil and a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member defining a cavity, a staple cartridge supported in the cavity of the channel member, and a bias member. The staple cartridge supports respective backspans and a stable having a pair of leg parts belonging to the backspans. An energization member is arranged in the channel member and is deformable so that the cartridge body can move vertically in the cavity of the channel member. An anvil includes a stable deformation pocket configured to deform the leg parts of the stable at a position offset horizontally from the backspans from a position on the same plane as the backspans.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling devices, and more particularly to surgical stapling devices having a tool assembly with tissue gap control and controlled staple formation.

Background Art

[0002] In various surgical procedures, such as anastomosis procedures, surgical stapling devices for ejecting staples to quickly and efficiently join tissues or tissue segments are well known. Typically, a surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having first and second jaws that respectively support a cartridge assembly and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge that supports a plurality of staples. The first and second jaws are attached together to allow movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamped position. In the clamped position, the staple cartridge of the cartridge assembly and the anvil are supported in alignment side by side and include tissue contact surfaces that define a predetermined tissue gap. The tissue gap and staple size within the staple cartridge are sized to receive and suture tissue having a thickness within a predetermined range in order to perform hemostasis appropriately. If the tissue disposed between the jaws is outside the predetermined range, i.e., too thick or too thin, the stapling device may not provide effective hemostasis. In addition, if the clinician incorrectly identifies the thickness of the tissue, or if the tissue thickness is near the outer edge of the range of a given staple size, the likelihood of ineffective hemostasis increases.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the suturing art for surgical stapling devices that can provide effective hemostasis for a wider range of tissue thicknesses.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an anvil for a surgical stapling device that defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body having a tissue engaging surface. The tissue engaging surface defines a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot. Each of the staple forming pockets includes first and second recesses. The first and second recesses are arranged to receive first and second legs of a staple including a backspan, respectively. The first and second recesses are configured to form the legs of each staple in a B-shape with the legs laterally offset from the backspan.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a tool assembly including a cartridge assembly and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge and a channel member. The channel member has a bottom wall and side walls defining a cavity. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis, a pusher, staples, and an actuating thread. The cartridge body defines a central knife slot and a series of staple receiving pockets on each side of the central knife slot. Each of the staples includes a backspan and first and second legs secured to the backspan. Each of the staples is received in one of a series of staple receiving slots. The first and second legs of each staple and the backspan of each staple are aligned in a common plane. The anvil includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and having a tissue engaging surface. The tissue engaging surface defines a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot. Each of the staple forming pockets includes first and second recesses. The first and second recesses are arranged to receive one of the first and second legs of each staple, respectively, and are configured to form the legs in a B-shape with the first and second legs of the staple laterally offset from the backspan.

[0006] In aspects of the present disclosure, each of the first and second recesses includes a tapered sidewall and a linear channel, and the tapered sidewall is configured to direct the legs of the staple toward the linear channel.

[0007] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the linear channel of each of the first recesses defines an angle Ω1 with the longitudinal axis of the anvil body, and the linear channel of each of the second recesses defines an angle Ω2 with the longitudinal axis of the anvil body.

[0008] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the angles Ω1 and Ω2 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0009] In aspects of the present disclosure, each of the first and second recesses is teardrop-shaped.

[0010] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the first and second recesses has a wall angled downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anvil body.

[0011] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, each of the first and second recesses is linear.

[0012] In aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridge assembly includes a biasing member disposed on the bottom wall of the channel member between the cartridge body and the channel member, and a biasing member deformable to allow vertical movement of the cartridge body within the cavity.

[0013] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridge body includes a tab, the channel member defines a window for receiving the tab, and the tab is vertically movable within the window to allow the cartridge body to move vertically relative to the channel member.

[0014] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the biasing member is selected from the group consisting of a compression spring and a leaf spring.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device that includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a tool assembly. The adapter assembly has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is coupled to the handle assembly, and the tool assembly is supported at the distal portion of the adapter assembly. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge and a channel member. The channel member has a bottom wall and side walls that define a cavity. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body that defines a longitudinal axis, a pusher, staples, and an actuating thread. The cartridge body defines a central knife slot and a series of staple receiving pockets on each side of the central knife slot. Each of the staples includes a backspan and first and second legs that are fixed to the backspan. Each of the staples is received in one of a series of staple receiving slots. The first and second legs of each staple and the backspan of each respective staple are aligned in a common plane within the cartridge body. The anvil includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis and has a tissue engaging surface. The tissue engaging surface defines a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot. Each of the staple forming pockets includes first and second recesses configured to receive one of the first and second legs of each respective staple and configured to form the legs in a B-shape with the first and second legs of the staple laterally offset from the backspan.

[0016] Other aspects of the present disclosure will be understood from the following description. For example, the present application provides the following items. (Item 1) An anvil for a surgical stapling device, A body defining a longitudinal axis and having a tissue engagement surface, the tissue engagement surface defining a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot, each of the staple forming pockets including first and second recesses, the first and second recesses being arranged to receive first and second legs of a staple including a back span, respectively, and configured to form the legs in a B-shape with the legs laterally offset from the back span, anvil, comprising a body. (Item 2) Each of the first and second recesses includes a tapered side wall and a linear channel, the tapered side wall being configured to direct the legs of the staple towards the linear channel, the anvil according to the above item. (Item 3) The linear channel of each of the first recesses defines an angle Ω1 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil, and the linear channel of each of the second recesses defines an angle Ω2 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 4) The angles Ω1 and Ω2 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 5) Each of the first and second recesses is in a teardrop shape, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 6) Each of the first and second recesses has a wall angled downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 7) Each of the first and second recesses is linear, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 8) Each of the first and second recesses is in a teardrop shape, the anvil according to any one of the above items. (Item 9) A tool assembly, A cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge and a channel member, the channel member having a bottom wall and side walls defining a cavity, the staple cartridge including a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis, a pusher, staples, and an actuating thread, the cartridge body defining a central knife slot and a series of staple receiving pockets on each side of the central knife slot, each of the staples including a backspan and first and second legs fixed to the backspan, each of the staples being received in one of the series of staple receiving slots, the first and second legs of each of the staples and the backspan of each respective staple being aligned in a common plane, the cartridge assembly. An anvil including a body defining a longitudinal axis and having a tissue engaging surface, the tissue engaging surface defining a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot, each of the staple forming pockets including first and second recesses, the first and second recesses being arranged to receive respectively one of the first and second legs of each of the staples, the first and second recesses being configured to form the legs in a B-shape with the first and second legs of the staple being laterally offset from the backspan of the staple. The tool assembly includes the anvil. (Item 10) Each of the first and second recesses includes a tapered side wall and a linear channel, the tapered side wall being configured to direct the leg of the staple towards the linear channel. The tool assembly according to the above item. (Item 11) The linear channel of each of the first recesses defines an angle Ω1 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil, and the linear channel of each of the second recesses defines an angle Ω2 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil. The tool assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 12) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the angles Ω1 and Ω2 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. (Item 13) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein each of the first and second recesses has a teardrop shape. (Item 14) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein each of the first and second recesses has a wall angled downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil. (Item 15) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein each of the first and second recesses is linear. (Item 16) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein each of the first and second recesses has a teardrop shape. (Item 17) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the cartridge assembly includes a biasing member disposed on the bottom wall of the channel member between the cartridge body and the channel member, and the biasing member is deformable to allow vertical movement of the cartridge body within the cavity. (Item 18) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the cartridge body includes a tab, the channel member defines a window for receiving the tab, and the tab is vertically movable within the window such that the cartridge body can move vertically relative to the channel member. (Item 19) The tool assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the biasing member is selected from the group consisting of a compression spring and a leaf spring. (Item 20) A surgical stapling device, A handle assembly, An adapter assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being coupled to the handle assembly. A tool assembly, A cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge and a channel member, the channel member having a bottom wall and side walls defining a cavity, the staple cartridge including a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis, a pusher, staples, and an actuating thread, the cartridge body defining a central knife slot and a series of staple receiving pockets on each side of the central knife slot, each of the staples including a back span and first and second legs fixed to the back span, each of the staples being received in one of the series of staple receiving slots, the first and second legs of each of the staples and the back span of each respective staple being aligned in a common plane, the cartridge assembly; An anvil including a body defining a longitudinal axis and having a tissue engaging surface, the tissue engaging surface defining a central knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets disposed on each side of the central knife slot, each of the staple forming pockets including first and second recesses, the first and second recesses being arranged to receive respectively one of the first and second legs of each of the staples, the first and second recesses being configured to form the legs in a B-shape with the first and second legs of the staples laterally offset from the back span of the staples, the anvil; and a tool assembly including the same. A surgical stapling device. (Abstract) The surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member defining a cavity, a staple cartridge supported within the cavity of the channel member, and a biasing member. The staple cartridge supports staples each having a backspan and a pair of legs dependent on the backspan. The biasing member is disposed within the channel member and is deformable such that the cartridge body can move vertically within the cavity of the channel member. The anvil includes a staple deformation pocket configured to deform the legs of the staple from a position in the same plane as the backspan to a position laterally offset from the backspan.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Various aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling device are described below with reference to the drawings herein.

Figure 1

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Figure 5A

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Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Here, the surgical stapling device of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements in each of several figures. However, it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and can be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary details. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in substantially any appropriately detailed structure in various ways.

[0019] In this description, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is closer to the clinician, and the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. Additionally, the term "endoscope" is generally used to refer to an endoscope, laparoscope, arthroscope, and / or any other procedure performed through a small incision or cannula. Further, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel including physicians, nurses, and support staff. Terms indicating directions such as front, back, up, down, top, bottom, and the like are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0020] The disclosed surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil and a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel, and a biasing member. The cartridge channel has a pair of spaced side walls and a bottom wall. The biasing member is supported within the cartridge channel between the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge and enables the staple cartridge to move or float within the cartridge channel to accommodate tissue of different thicknesses. The disclosed surgical stapling device also includes an anvil having a staple forming surface for controlling staple formation discharged from the staple cartridge. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the staple forming surface of the anvil includes a forming pocket configured to deform the legs of the staple into a substantially B-shaped configuration with the legs disposed on one side of the staple's backspan.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a surgical stapling device generally shown as a stapling device 10 that includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body or adapter assembly 14, and a tool assembly 16. As shown, the handle assembly 12 is electric and includes a fixed handgrip 18 and an actuation button 20. The actuation button 20 is operable to actuate various functions of the tool assembly 16, including approximation, stapling, and incision, via the adapter assembly 14. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the handle assembly 12 supports a battery (not shown) that provides power to the handle assembly 12 to operate the stapling device 10. Although the stapling device 10 is shown as an electric stapling device, it is contemplated that the tool assembly 16 of the present disclosure is suitable for use in manual surgical stapling devices as well as robotically controlled stapling devices.

[0022] The adapter assembly 14 includes a proximal portion 14a and a distal portion 14b. The proximal portion 14a is coupled to the handle assembly 12, and the distal portion 14b supports the tool assembly 16. In aspects of the present disclosure, the tool assembly 16 is removably supported on the distal portion 14b of the adapter assembly 14 and forms part of a reload assembly 21 that can be replaced after the staple device 10 is fired to facilitate reuse of the staple device 10. It is also contemplated that the tool assembly 16 can be fixedly coupled to the distal portion 14b of the adapter assembly 14. The tool assembly 16 of the staple device 10 includes a cartridge assembly 30 and an anvil 32. The cartridge assembly 30 and the anvil 32 are coupled together such that the tool assembly 16 can pivot between an open position (FIG. 1) and a clamping position. In the clamping position, the anvil 32 and the cartridge assembly 30 are aligned side by side with each other.

[0023] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate a cartridge assembly 30 that includes a channel member 34 and a staple cartridge 40. The channel member 34 includes side walls 36 and a bottom wall 38 that define a cavity 34a (FIG. 5) for receiving the staple cartridge 40. In aspects of the present disclosure, the staple cartridge 40 can be removably received within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34 to enable replacement of the staple cartridge 40 after each firing of the staple device 10 to facilitate reuse of the staple device 10 (FIG. 1).

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a staple cartridge 40 including a cartridge body 42, staples 44, a pusher 46, an operating thread 48, and a staple guard 50. The cartridge body 42 of the staple cartridge 40 is received within a cavity 34a defined by a channel member 34 and includes a tissue engagement surface 52. The cartridge body 42 defines a central knife slot 54 and a plurality of staple receiving pockets 56 arranged in columns on each side of the central knife slot 54. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the tissue engagement surface 52 of the staple cartridge 40 has a stepped configuration of a raised surface adjacent to the central knife slot 54 and a lower surface disposed outwardly toward the side wall 36 of the channel member 34. Each of the staple receiving pockets 56 receives at least a portion of one of the staples 44 (FIG. 3) and the pusher 46. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the staples 44 in the inner column of the staple receiving pockets 56 are shorter in length than the staples 46 in the outer column of the staple receiving pockets 56. The operating thread 48 is movable in a distal direction from the proximal end of the cartridge body 42 and sequentially engages the pusher 46 to push the pusher 46 upward as seen in FIG. 5 to eject the staples 44 from the staple receiving pockets 56 of the cartridge body 42.

[0025] The staple guard 50 is secured to the bottom side of the cartridge body 42 to retain the staples 44, the pusher 46, and the operating thread 48 within the cartridge body 42. In aspects of the present disclosure, the staple guard 50 includes a flexible tab 58 defining an opening 60 that receives a protrusion 62 formed on the outer surface of the cartridge body 42 for securing the staple guard 50 to the cartridge body 42. In aspects of the present disclosure, the staple guard 50 also includes a hooked finger 64 that engages the proximal portion of the cartridge body 42 to secure the staple guard 50 to the cartridge body 42. U.S. Patent No. 6,241,139 discloses exemplary aspects of the structure and operation of a staple cartridge of a surgical stapling device.

[0026] The cartridge body 42 of the staple cartridge 40 includes a tab 66, and the channel member defines a slot 68 that receives the tab 66. The slot 68 is dimensioned to vertically move the cartridge body 42 of the staple cartridge 40 within the slot 68, but prevent longitudinal movement of the staple cartridge 40 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the slot 68 is enclosed by a bar 68a to define a window that prevents the tab 66 from vertically moving out of the slot 68. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tab 66 can have a convex side wall 66a that allows the cartridge body 40 to rock back and forth within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34.

[0027] The cartridge assembly 30 includes one or more biasing members 70 disposed between the staple guard 50 and the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34. The biasing member biases the staple cartridge 40 upward toward the anvil 32 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing members 70 can be in the form of compression springs 70a and 70b, such as polymer compression springs (FIG. 5), spaced apart from each other on the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34 between the staple guard 50 of the staple cartridge 40 and the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34. In an alternative version of the biasing member 70, the biasing member 70 can be in the form of an elongate leaf spring 70' (FIG. 5A) disposed on the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34 between the staple guard 50 of the staple cartridge 40 and the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34.

[0028] When the tissue is disposed between the anvil 32 and the cartridge assembly 30 and the tool assembly 16 is moved from the open position to the clamping position, the pressure of the tissue on the cartridge body 42 of the staple cartridge 40 compresses the biasing members 70, 70' to vertically move (or towards the bottom wall 38 of the channel member 34) the staple cartridge 40 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. The amount of movement of the staple cartridge 40 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34 will depend on the thickness of the tissue. More specifically, the staple cartridge 40 can move downward a greater distance within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34 as the thickness of the tissue increases. As the staple cartridge 40 moves within the channel member 34, the tab 66 moves within a slot 68 defined in the side wall 36 of the channel member 34. As described above, the tab 66 and the window 68 allow the entire staple cartridge 40 to move vertically within the cavity 34a defined by the channel member 34, but prevent axial movement of the staple cartridge 0 within the cavity 34a. When the entire staple cartridge 40 moves within the channel member 34, the relative position of the pusher 46 changes with respect to the anvil 32, which affects staple formation. More specifically, when thick tissue is clamped, the staple cartridge 40 is compressed to the maximum tissue gap for proper staple formation. When thinner tissue is clamped, the staple cartridge 40 (including the pusher 46) moves closer to the anvil 32, which causes the legs of the staple to be curled, as will be described in more detail below.

[0029] Figs. 9A - 10 show the unformed and formed staples 44 among a plurality of staples 44. Each of the staples 44 includes a backspan 72 and legs 74 supported at each end of the backspan 72. Each of the legs 74 includes a tapered tip 74a. The backspan 72 of the staple 44 defines a longitudinal axis "Z" (Fig. 10) parallel to the longitudinal axis "Y" (Fig. 8) of the anvil 32 when the tool assembly 16 is in the clamped position. When the staple 44 is in the unformed state (Fig. 9A), the legs 74 and the backspan of the staple 44 are aligned within a common plane "P" (Fig. 9A).

[0030] Figs. 6 - 8 show the anvil 32 of the tool assembly 16 including a body 32a having a tissue engagement surface 80 that defines a central knife slot 82 and a series of staple forming pockets 84 disposed on each opposite side of the central knife slot 82. The body 32a of the anvil 32 defines a longitudinal axis "Y" (Fig. 6), and the central knife slot 82 extends along the longitudinal axis "Y". When the tool assembly 16 is in its clamped position, the tissue engagement surface 80 of the anvil 32 is aligned and in register with the tissue engagement surface 52 of the cartridge body 42 such that the staple receiving pockets 56 of the cartridge body 42 are aligned with the staple forming pockets 84 of the anvil 32.

[0031] Each of the staple forming pockets 84 includes a pair of teardrop-shaped recesses 86a and 86b (FIG. 8). Each of the recesses 86a and 86b includes a linear channel 88 and a tapered side wall 90 that slopes downwardly toward the linear channel 88 of each respective recess 86a, 86b. The tapered wall 90 receives the leg 74 of the staple 44 and is arranged to direct the leg 74 of the staple 44 toward the linear channel 88 of each of the recesses 86a, 86b. The linear channels 88 of each of the recesses 86a, 86b of the staple forming pocket 84 define longitudinal axes S1 and S2, respectively. The longitudinal axis S1 of the linear channel 88 of the recess 86a defines an acute angle Ω1 with the longitudinal axis "Y" of the anvil 32, and the longitudinal axis S2 of the linear channel 88 of the recess 86b defines an acute angle Ω2 with the longitudinal axis "Y" of the anvil 32. The angles Ω1 and Ω2 are selected such that, when formed, the respective legs 74 of the staple 44 are directed inwardly of the backspan 72 such that the legs 74 are offset from the backspan 72 between the respective backspans 72 and the central knife slot 82. The angles Ω1 and Ω2 suppress contact between the legs 74 of the staple 44 and the backspan 72 during staple formation that could result in staple formation interference. In aspects of the present disclosure, the angles Ω1 and Ω2 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the angles Ω1 and Ω2 are substantially equal in degrees.

[0032] Figure 11 shows an alternative version of the anvil of the staple fastening device of FIG. 1, generally shown as anvil 132. Anvil 132 is substantially similar to anvil 32 (FIG. 7), except that staple forming pocket 184 is configured to form staple legs 174 (FIG. 12) on the side of backspan 172 spaced from central knife slot 182. More specifically, the angle of linear portion 188 of each of the respective tear-shaped recesses 186a and 186b of staple pocket 184 is such that the longitudinal axis S3 of linear channel 188 of recess 186a defines an acute angle Ω3 with longitudinal axis "Y" of anvil 132, and the longitudinal axis S4 of linear channel 188 of recess 186b defines an acute angle Ω4 with longitudinal axis "Y" of anvil 132. In aspects of the present disclosure, angles Ω3 and Ω4 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. In aspects of the present disclosure, angles Ω3 and Ω4 are substantially equal in degrees. Angles Ω3 and Ω4 are selected to direct respective legs 174 of staple 144 outwardly of backspan 172 such that, when formed, legs 174 are disposed on the sides of backspan 172 spaced from central knife slot 182. The pockets controlled by angles Ω3 and Ω4 can be designed such that staple tip 174a can be formed on one side of backspan 172 or the other side of backspan 172 (FIG. 12).

[0033] Figures 13 - 15 show another version of the anvil of the staple fastening device of FIG. 1, generally shown as anvil 232. Anvil 232 includes an anvil pocket 284 having first and second recesses 286a and 286b. Each of recesses 286a and 286b is substantially linear and defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of anvil 232. The first and second recesses 286a and 286b are defined by side walls 288 and a bottom wall 290 (FIG. 15). Bottom wall 290 is angled or inclined downwardly toward or away from the center line CL (FIG. 14) of anvil 232. For example, when the legs 74 of a staple, such as staple 44 (FIG. 9), engage bottom wall 290 that defines one of each of the first and second recesses 286a and 286b, the legs 74 of staple 44 slide downwardly along bottom wall 290 and are formed outside of backspan 72. Bottom wall 290 that defines each of the first and second recesses 286a and 286b curves upwardly along the longitudinal axis of each of recesses 286a and 286b to form the legs in a B - shape. As described above with respect to other aspects of the present disclosure, the bottom walls of recesses 286a and 286b can be designed such that staple tip 174a (FIG. 12) is formed on one side or the other side of backspan 172 (FIG. 12).

[0034] Figures 16 - 19 show yet another version of the anvil of the staple fastening device 10 (Figure 1), generally shown as anvil 332. Anvil 332 is substantially similar to anvil 232 (Figure 14), except that each of the first and second recesses 386a and 386b of the staple forming pocket 384 has a teardrop shape. Each of the first and second recesses 386a and 386b includes a wall 390 that is angled or inclined downwardly toward or away from the centerline of anvil 332. When the legs 74 of a staple, such as staple 44 (Figure 9), engage the bottom wall 290 that defines one of each of the first and second recesses 386a and 386b, the legs 74 of staple 44 slide downwardly along wall 390 and are formed outside the backspan 72. The walls 290 that define each of the first and second recesses 286a and 286b curve upwardly along the longitudinal axis of each of the recesses 386a and 386b to form the legs in a B - shape.

[0035] Note that the staples can have the same unformed size in each of the rows of staples. Alternatively, the staples can have different unformed sizes in each of the rows of staples. For example, the staples in the inner row of staples can be smaller than the staples in the outer row of staples. Additionally, the surface of the tissue engaging surface 52 (Figure 5A) of the cartridge body 42 of the staple cartridge can be planar or it can be stepped.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that elements and features exemplified or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure can be combined with other elements and features without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand further features and advantages of the present disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited by what is specifically illustrated and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

**Claim 1**: A cartridge assembly comprising: A channel member including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall that together define a cavity, the bottom wall defining a first knife slot, and each of the plurality of side walls defining a window; A staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an actuating thread, the cartridge body defining a second knife slot and a staple receiving pocket positioned on an opposite side of the second knife slot, the second knife slot being longitudinally aligned with the first knife slot of the channel member, the actuating thread being movable within the cartridge body from a thread retracted position to a thread advanced position to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge body, the cartridge body including a plurality of tabs confined within the plurality of windows in the plurality of side walls of the channel member; A biasing member supported on the bottom wall of the channel member, the biasing member supporting the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel member and being compressible to facilitate movement of the staple cartridge between a raised position and a lowered position within the cavity of the channel member; A cartridge assembly comprising the foregoing. **Claim 2**: The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes an elongate leaf spring. **Claim 3**: The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes a polymeric compression member. **Claim 4**: The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge includes a staple guard fixed to the bottom of the cartridge body, and the biasing member is positioned between the bottom wall of the channel member and the staple guard. **Claim 5**: The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabs have convex side walls to allow the cartridge body to rock back and forth within the windows. **Claim 6**: A tool assembly, the tool assembly comprising: An anvil; A cartridge assembly; And the foregoing. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly can pivot between an open position and a clamping position. The cartridge assembly is a channel member including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall that together define a cavity, the bottom wall defining a first knife slot, and each of the plurality of side walls defining a window. is a staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an actuating thread, the cartridge body defining a second knife slot and a staple receiving pocket positioned on an opposite side of the second knife slot, the second knife slot being longitudinally aligned with the first knife slot of the channel member, the actuating thread being movable within the cartridge body from a thread retracted position to a thread advanced position to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge body, and the cartridge body including a plurality of tabs confined within the plurality of windows within the plurality of side walls of the channel member. is a biasing member supported on the bottom wall of the channel member, the biasing member supporting the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel member and being compressible to facilitate movement of the staple cartridge between a raised position and a lowered position within the cavity of the channel member. The tool assembly includes. **Claim 7**: The tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the biasing member of the cartridge assembly includes an elongate leaf spring. **Claim 8**: The tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the biasing member of the cartridge assembly includes a polymer compression member. **Claim 9**: The tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the staple cartridge of the cartridge assembly includes a staple guard fixed to the bottom of the cartridge body, and the biasing member is positioned between the bottom wall of the channel member and the staple guard. **Claim 10**: The anvil includes a body, the body of the anvil defines a longitudinal axis, and has a tissue engagement surface, the tissue engagement surface defines an anvil knife slot and a series of staple forming pockets positioned on each side of the anvil knife slot, each of the series of staple forming pockets includes a first recess and a second recess, the first recess and the second recess are respectively positioned to receive a first leg and a second leg of one of the plurality of staples. The tool assembly according to claim 6. **Claim 11**: Each of the plurality of staples includes a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan, the first recess and the second recess of each of the series of staple forming pockets are configured to form the first leg and the second leg of the staple in a B-shape with the first leg and the second leg offset laterally from the backspan. The tool assembly according to claim 10. **Claim 12**: Each of the first recess and the second recess includes a tapered side wall and a linear channel, the tapered side wall is configured to direct the first leg and the second leg of the staple toward the linear channel. The tool assembly according to claim 11. **Claim 13**: The linear channel of each of the plurality of first recesses defines an angle Ω1 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil, and the linear channel of each of the plurality of second recesses defines an angle Ω2 with the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil. The tool assembly according to claim 12. **Claim 14**: The angle Ω1 and the angle Ω2 are from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. The tool assembly according to claim 13. **Claim 15**: Each of the first recess and the second recess is teardrop-shaped. The tool assembly according to claim 12. **Claim 16**: Each of the first recess and the second recess has a wall angled downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the anvil. The tool assembly according to claim 10. **Claim 17**: Each of the first recess and the second recess is linear. The tool assembly according to claim 16.

18. A surgical stapling device, wherein the surgical stapling device comprises: a handle assembly; an adapter assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being coupled to the handle assembly; a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the adapter assembly; and the tool assembly includes: an anvil; a cartridge assembly; and the cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly can pivot between an open position and a clamping position; the cartridge assembly includes: a channel member including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall that together define a cavity, the bottom wall defining a first knife slot, and each of the plurality of side walls defining a window; a staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an actuating thread, the cartridge body defining a second knife slot and a staple receiving pocket positioned on an opposite side of the second knife slot, the second knife slot being longitudinally aligned with the first knife slot of the channel member, the actuating thread being movable within the cartridge body from a thread retracted position to a thread advanced position to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge body, and the cartridge body including a plurality of tabs confined within the plurality of windows in the plurality of side walls of the channel member; a biasing member supported on the bottom wall of the channel member, the biasing member supporting the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel member and being compressible to facilitate movement of the staple cartridge between a raised position and a lower position within the cavity of the channel member; A surgical stapling device.

19. The surgical stapling device according to claim 18, wherein the biasing member of the cartridge assembly includes an elongate leaf spring.

20. The surgical stapling device according to claim 19, wherein the biasing member of the cartridge assembly includes a polymeric compression member.

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