Surgical stapler anvil with a staple-forming pocket having a laterally changing orientation

Abstract

The apparatus includes a jaw body, an anvil surface defined by the jaw body, and an elongated slot passing through the anvil surface and extending along the longitudinal axis of the jaw body. The apparatus further includes a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets, which are disposed on the anvil surface and configured to form a plurality of first staples, such that the first legs of each formed first staple are aligned laterally to one another. The apparatus also includes a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets, which are disposed on the anvil surface laterally outward of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis and configured to form a plurality of second staples, such that the second legs of each formed second staple are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown of each formed second staple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Priority) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 459,739, filed Apr. 17, 2023, entitled “Surgical Stapler Anvil Having Staple Forming Pockets with Laterally Varying Orientations”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] In some situations, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over conventional open surgical devices because reducing the size of the incision can reduce postoperative recovery time and complications. For this reason, some endoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placing a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through a trocar cannula. These distal end effectors can engage tissue in several ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., end cutters, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug / gene therapy delivery devices, and energy delivery devices using ultrasound, RF, lasers, etc.). An endoscopic surgical instrument can include a shaft between the end effector and a handle portion or other type of body portion that is operated by a clinician or robotic operator. Such a shaft can allow insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient's body. Positioning of the end effector can be further facilitated by including one or more articulation joints or features that allow the end effector to be selectively articulated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft or flexed in another manner.

[0003] An example of an endoscopic surgical instrument is a surgical stapler. Some such staplers are capable of operating to substantially seal the cut tissue layers together near the cut ends of the tissue layers by clamping the tissue layer, cutting the clamped tissue layer, and driving staples through the tissue layer. Such endoscopic surgical staplers may also be used in incision procedures and / or other non-endoscopic procedures. As just one example, in a thoracic surgical procedure where a trocar is not used as a conduit for the stapler, the surgical stapler may be inserted between the patient's ribs by thoracotomy and brought to one or more organs. Such a procedure may include the use of the stapler to cut and close blood vessels leading to organs such as the lungs. For example, before resecting an organ from the pleural cavity, blood vessels leading to an organ may be cut and closed with a stapler. Naturally, surgical staplers may be used in a variety of other settings and procedures.

[0004] Staples formed by such a surgical stapler may have a two-dimensional ("2D") forming configuration, in which the legs of each staple are formed such that their leg tips are laterally aligned with one another, thus providing a planar shape to each formed staple. Such a 2D forming configuration of staples can generally provide firm tissue compression but generally provide less-than-optimal leak path resistance. Alternatively, staples formed by such a surgical stapler may have a three-dimensional ("3D") forming configuration, in which the legs of each staple are formed such that their leg tips are laterally offset from one another, thus providing a non-planar shape to each formed staple. Such a 3D forming configuration of staples can generally provide improved leak path resistance but generally provide loose tissue compression. The surgical stapler of this disclosure aims to strike a desired balance between achieving firm tissue compression and optimal leak path resistance.

[0005] Although various types of surgical staplers and related components have been manufactured and used, it is believed that none of the inventors prior to this invention have ever manufactured or used the invention described in the attached claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein, and which form part thereof, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the general description of the present invention above and the detailed description of the embodiments below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] An oblique view of an example of a surgical stapler is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the end effector of the surgical stapler in the open state. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the end effector. [Figure 4A] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector along line 4-4 in Figure 2, indicating that the firing beam and thread are in a proximal non-firing position. [Figure 4B] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector along line 4-4 in Figure 2, indicating that the firing beam and thread are in the distal firing position. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector of Figure 2, illustrating further details of the distal knife portion and thread of the firing beam, along line 5-5 and with the upper anvil jaw omitted. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the end effector, which is positioned to be fired once in the first section of tissue and then clamped and fired again in the second section of tissue. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another example of an upper anvil jaw with 2D and 3D stapling pockets for use with the end effector. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the bottom view of the upper anvil jaw. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of region 9 of the upper anvil jaw in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the end face of the upper anvil jaw in Figure 7, along line 10-10. [Figure 11] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper anvil jaw in Figure 7, along line 11-11. [Figure 12] Figure 7 shows a top view of the multiple staples formed by the upper anvil jaw. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a front view of multiple staples. [Figure 14] A bottom view of another example of an upper anvil jaw having rows of staple-forming pockets with laterally offset proximal and distal pockets for use with the end effector shown in Figure 2. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram of an anvil is shown, which has staples with a crown oriented obliquely to the anvil slot, along with laterally offset pockets for proximal and distal staple formation. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram of an anvil having a zigzag-shaped crown for the staples, along with laterally offset pockets for proximal and distal staple formation, is shown. [Figure 17] Figure 5 shows a top view of multiple formed staples, asymmetrical with respect to the cut line generated by the distal knife portion. [Figure 18] The image shows a top view of multiple formed staples, including a lateral intermediate row of 3D formed staples oriented in a manner inverted relative to the lateral outer row of 3D formed staples. [Figure 19] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another example of a staple with a nearly C-shaped crown for use with the end effector. [Figure 20] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another example of a staple with a nearly S-shaped crown for use with the end effector.

[0007] The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way, and various embodiments of the invention are intended to be carried out in various other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part thereof illustrate some aspects of the invention and serve to illustrate the principles of the invention together with this specification, however it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact arrangement shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following description of a particular example of this technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of this technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description, which, as an example, represents one of the best modes intended for carrying out this technology. As will be understood, no other different and obvious modes of the technology described herein are possible without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

[0009] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein in relation to the operator of the surgical instrument, whether human or robotic. “Proximal” refers to the location of an element closer to the operator of the surgical instrument, whether human or robotic, and further away from the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. “Distal” refers to the location of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument, and further away from the operator of the surgical instrument, whether human or robotic. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” and “top” are relative terms provided to further clarify the description of the figures provided below. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” and “top” are therefore not intended to unnecessarily limit the inventions described herein.

[0010] Furthermore, terms such as "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc. as used herein in connection with any numerical values, ranges of values, and / or geometric / positional quantifications are intended to encompass the exact value being referenced, as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purposes described herein. For example, "substantially parallel" encompasses structures that are nominally parallel.

[0011] As used herein in connection with any example of an end effector jaw tip, a tip described as "angled," "bent," or "curved" is a tip configuration in which the longitudinal path (e.g., linear or arcuate) along which the tip extends is non - coaxial and non - parallel with the longitudinal axis of the jaw body, particularly a configuration in which the longitudinal tip path extends distally towards the opposing jaw. Conversely, a tip described as "straight" encompasses a tip configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the tip is substantially parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the jaw body.

[0012] I. Overview of Surgical Stapler Features FIGS. 1 - 6 show an exemplary surgical stapler (10) sized to be inserted into a surgical site of a patient by means of a trocar cannula or a surgical incision (e.g., thoracotomy, etc.) for performing a surgical procedure. The surgical stapler (10) includes a body exemplified as a handle assembly (20), a shaft (30) that extends distally along a longitudinal axis (longitudinal axis, LA) from the handle assembly (20) and terminates distally at a gimbal joint (32), and an end effector (40) operably coupled to the shaft (30) via the gimbal joint (32).

[0013] Once the end effector (40) and articulation joint (32) are inserted distally through the cannula passage of the trocar, the articulation joint (32) can be remotely articulated by an articulation control unit, exemplified as a rotatable knob (22) of the handle assembly (20), so that the end effector (40) can be deflected at a desired angle (α) from the longitudinal axis (LA), as shown by dashed lines in Figure 1. The articulation joint (32) and related features for operating the articulation joint (32) may be further configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,186,142, “Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks,” issued November 17, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] The end effector (40) includes a lower jaw, exemplified as a cartridge jaw (42), configured to removably receive a staple cartridge (70) (also called a “reload”), and an upper jaw, exemplified as an anvil jaw (44) (also called an “anvil”), which pivots relative to the cartridge jaw (42) to clamp tissue between them. In other modifications, the end effector (40) may instead be configured such that the cartridge jaw (42) pivots relative to the anvil jaw (44). Unless otherwise stated, the term “pivot” (and its variations) as used herein in relation to relative motion between the jaws (42, 44) includes, but is not necessarily limited to, pivoting motion about a fixed axis. For example, in some modifications, the anvil jaw (44) may pivot about an axis defined by a pin (or similar feature) that slidably translates along an elongated slot or channel as the anvil jaw (44) moves toward the cartridge jaw (42). Such translation may occur before, during, or after pivoting motion. Therefore, it should be understood that such combinations of pivoting and translational motion are encompassed by the term “pivoting” and its variations as used herein in relation to the relative motion between jaws (42, 44).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle assembly (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closure trigger (26). The closure trigger (26) is pivotable toward the pistol grip (24) and causes clamping or closure of the anvil jaw (44) toward the cartridge jaw (42) of the end effector (40). Such closure of the anvil jaw (44) is provided through the closure tube (34) and closure ring (36) of the shaft (30), both of which translate longitudinally relative to the handle assembly (20) in response to pivoting of the closure trigger (26) relative to the pistol grip (24). The closure tube (34) extends along the length of the shaft (30), and the closure ring (36) is positioned distal to the articulating joint (32). The articulating joint (32) is operable to transmit longitudinal movement from the closure tube (34) to the closure ring (36) to actuate the anvil jaw (44) relative to the cartridge jaw (42).

[0016] The handle assembly (20) also includes a firing trigger (28). An elongated actuator (not shown) extends longitudinally through a shaft (30) and, in response to the activation of the firing trigger (28), transmits a longitudinal firing motion from the handle assembly (20) to a firing member (also referred to herein as a firing driver), exemplified as a firing beam (46). As a result, the firing beam (46) translates distally through the firing stroke, causing stapling and cutting of tissue clamped by the end effector (40), as will be described in more detail below. Not shown, the handle assembly (20) may further include a motor operable to actuate such firing assembly components of a surgical stapler (10) in response to the activation of the firing trigger (28) by a user, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914, issued June 4, 2013, entitled “Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the firing beam (46) includes a proximal beam portion (48) and a distal knife portion (50), the distal knife portion (50) may be formed integrally with the distal end of the proximal beam portion (48), or it may be formed separately and then securely fixed to the distal end of the proximal beam portion (17). The distal knife portion (50) includes a laterally oriented upper projection exemplified as an upper pin (52), a laterally oriented lower projection exemplified as a cap (54), a laterally oriented intermediate projection exemplified as an intermediate pin (56), and a distally presented cut edge portion (58). The upper pin (52) is slidable within the longitudinal anvil jaw slot (62) of the anvil jaw (44), and the cap (54) is slidable along the lower surface of the cartridge jaw (42) defined by the longitudinal cartridge jaw slot (64). The intermediate pin (56) is slidable along the upper surface of the cartridge jaw (42) and, in cooperation with the cap (54), stabilizes and guides the distal knife portion (50) along the longitudinal firing stroke. The firing beam (46) may be further configured and operable in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,717,497, issued August 1, 2017, entitled “Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an open, pivoted anvil jaw (44) with the firing beam (46) positioned proximal, allowing an unused (i.e., unfired) staple cartridge (70) to be removably placed in the channel of the cartridge jaw (42). As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the staple cartridge (70) includes a cartridge body (72) presenting an upper deck (74) defining a first staple-holding surface, and a lower pan (76) (also called a "tray") connected to the underside of the cartridge body (72). A vertical knife slot (78) extends longitudinally through the cartridge body (72) and is configured to slidably receive the distal knife portion (50) of the firing beam (46). In this modified version, three rows of cartridge pockets (80) (also called “staple openings,” “staple apertures,” or “staple cavities”) are formed along each side of the knife slot (78) through the upper deck (74).

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the staple cartridge (70) further includes a thread (82) (also called a "wedge thread") and a plurality of staple drivers (84) movably captured between the cartridge body (72) and the pan (76). Each staple driver (43) is aligned with its respective cartridge pocket (51) and is movable vertically within it. The staples (86) are positioned within each cartridge pocket (80) above each staple driver (84). During the firing stroke, the thread (82) is actuated longitudinally within the staple cartridge (70) by the distal knife portion (50) from the proximal position shown in Figure 4A to the distal position shown in Figure 4B. The angled cam surface of the thread (82) causes the staple driver (84) to cam vertically upward within the cartridge pocket (80), driving the staple (86) upward above the deck (74), thereby ejecting the staple (86) from the cartridge pocket (80) toward the anvil jaw (44).

[0020] More specifically, with the end effector (40) closed as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the firing beam (46) is actuated distally by orienting the upper pin (52) toward the longitudinal anvil slot (62) to engage with the anvil jaw (44). The distal end projection (60) (see Figure 5) of the distal knife portion (50) of the firing beam (46) engages with the proximal end of the thread (82), driving the thread (82) distally as the distal knife portion (50) advances distally through the staple cartridge (70) in response to the firing trigger (28). During such firing, the distal knife portion (50) advances distally along the knife slot (78) of the staple cartridge (70), thereby the cut edge (58) cutting through the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge (70) and the anvil jaw (44).

[0021] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the intermediate pin (56) and the distal end projection (60) both enter the knife slot (78) and actuate the staple cartridge (70) by driving the thread (82) into cam contact with the staple driver (84), thereby acting the staple driver (84) upward, which then drives the staple (86) outward through the cartridge pocket (80), passing through the clamped tissue and into forming contact with the staple-forming pocket (66) (see Figure 2) on the second staple-fastening surface defined by the anvil jaw (44). Such stapling of the tissue, facilitated by the cam interaction between the thread (82) and the staple driver (84), occurs simultaneously with the cutting of the tissue by the cut edge (58). However, it will be understood that for each longitudinal section of tissue clamped by the end effector (40), the staple (86) may be ejected into the tissue shortly before the cut edge (58) cuts through the tissue, ensuring that the tissue is stapled and therefore sealed before it is cut. Figure 4B shows the firing beam (46) fully translated distally at the end of the firing stroke after the tissue clamped by the end effector (40) has been stapled and cut.

[0022] The staple cartridge (70) and anvil jaw (44) may be further constructed and operated in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248, entitled "Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge," issued November 7, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 9,839,421, entitled "Jaw Closure Feature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument," issued December 12, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 10,092,292, entitled "Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument," issued October 9, 2018; and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,130,359, entitled "Method for Forming a Staple," issued November 20, 2018, the entirety of each of these disclosures is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] Figure 6 shows an end effector (40) operated through a single firing stroke on tissue (T) having a first layer and a second layer (T1, T2). A cut edge (58) (see Figures 2-5) cuts the tissue (T), while a staple driver (84) drives three alternating rows of staples (86) through the tissue (T) on each side of the cut line created by the cut edge (58). After the first firing stroke is completed, the end effector (40) is withdrawn from the patient, the used staple cartridge (70) is replaced with a new unused staple cartridge (70), and then the end effector (40) is reinserted into the patient to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process may be repeated until the desired amount and pattern of firing strokes across the tissue (T) are completed.

[0024] II. Examples of anvils with pockets for 2D and 3D stapling In some cases, it may be desirable to position and configure the staple-forming pocket (66) of the anvil jaw (44) to achieve improved sealing of the cut tissue, for example, by striking a desired balance between achieving strong tissue compression and good leak path resistance. Figures 7–10 show an example of an anvil jaw (F110) (also called an anvil) that may provide such capability and may be incorporated into the end effector (40) instead of the anvil jaw (44). The anvil jaw (F110) may be similar to the anvil jaw (44) described above, except as described separately below. In this regard, the anvil jaw (F110) may be configured to pivot with respect to the cartridge jaw (42) of the end effector (40) (or the cartridge jaw (42) may be configured to pivot with respect to the anvil jaw (F110)) and clamp the tissue between them.

[0025] In the example shown, the anvil jaw (F110) includes a body (F111) having an inner portion defining an anvil surface (F112) configured to compress tissue and having a plurality of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f), and an opposing outer portion defining an outer surface (F116). The anvil jaw (F110) also includes a pair of tissue anchors (F118) which extend downward from the proximal portion of the anvil jaw (F110) on opposing sides, and the tissue anchors (F118) extend beyond the anvil surface (F112). The tissue stopper (F118) is configured to prevent the tissue (T) from advancing excessively proximal to the anvil jaw (F110) when the tissue (T) is positioned between the anvil jaw (F110) and the cartridge jaw (42). More specifically, the tissue stopper (F118) allows the tissue (T) to advance proximal only to a predetermined position within the end effector (40), ensuring proper engagement between the staples (86a, 86b, 86c) (Figures 12-13) and the tissue (T), and ensuring that the anvil jaw (F110) can pivot to a closed position without jamming into the tissue (T). The tissue stopper (F118) is also configured to restrict the lateral rotation of the anvil jaw (F110) relative to the lower cartridge jaw (42) by engaging with the lateral portion of the lower cartridge jaw (42). This may be useful in ensuring proper lateral alignment between the more proximal staples (86a, 86b, 86c) and the corresponding staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f).

[0026] The anvil jaw (F110) further includes an elongated anvil slot (F122), also referred to herein as the launch driver slot, extending through the anvil surface (F112). As shown in Figure 8, the anvil slot (F122) extends along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the anvil jaw (F110). The anvil slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the upper pin (52) of the launch beam (46) in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the longitudinal anvil slot (62).

[0027] In the example shown, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) are arranged in pairs on the anvil surface (F112) on each side of the anvil slot (F122). Each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) is configured to receive and deform the respective legs of the staples (86a, 86b, 86c) ejected by a staple cartridge (not shown) held in the lower cartridge jaw (42) when the stapler (10) is fired. Therefore, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) work together to form the discharged staples (86a, 86b, 86c) in the tissue clamped between the lower cartridge jaw (42) and the anvil jaw (F110). In this modification, the anvil jaw (F110) includes three linear (e.g., straight) rows of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) on each side of the anvil slot (F122), but it will be understood that in other modifications, the anvil jaw (F110) may include various other configurations of staple pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f).More specifically, the anvil jaw (F110) of this modified example includes a lateral inner row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), a lateral middle row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d), and a lateral outer row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f), all of which are formed through the same anvil surface (F112) on each side of the anvil slot (F122), and the lateral inner row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is formed through the anvil slot (F122 On each side of the anvil slot (F122), the outermost lateral rows of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) are closest to the longitudinal axis (LA), the middle lateral rows of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) are located between the inner lateral rows of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and the outer lateral rows of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) on each side of the anvil slot (F122).

[0028] As will be described in more detail below, each row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) has a unique shape relative to the other two rows of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) on the same side of the longitudinal axis (LA), and the configuration and / or orientation of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) is such that it varies laterally. In this way, each row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) may be configured to form a corresponding row of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) in a configuration unique to the other two rows of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) on the same side of the cut line generated by the cut edge (58).

[0029] As best illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, and each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of the respective staples (86a, 86b, 86c) when the firing beam (46) is actuated distally, thereby changing the staples (86a, 86b, 86c) into a formed shape. More specifically, each proximal lateral inner staple-forming pocket (F114a) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral inner staple-forming pocket (F114b) to provide the resulting staple (86a) with a two-dimensional B-shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86a) lie in the same plane. Each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) to provide the resulting staple (86b) with a first three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86b) lie in different planes. Each proximal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114f) to provide the resulting staple (86c) with a second three-dimensional formed shape different from the first three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86c) lie in different planes. For example, such first three-dimensional formed shapes and / or second three-dimensional formed shapes may be provided in accordance with any one or more teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, “Linear Surgical Stapler,” issued on 25 January 2022 (the disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference).

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, each of the individual staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) in this modified example includes a wide entrance end (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) (also called the staple-catching area) and a narrow exit end (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) (also called the staple-forming area). Each pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) further includes a corresponding concave base surface (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) extending between the corresponding entrance end (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and exit end (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f), and each pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) has a depth that varies along its length.

[0031] In the example shown, the inlet and outlet ends (F130a, F130b, F132a, F132b) of the lateral medial stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), and the width of each proximal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114a) tapers gradually inward distally from each inlet end (F130a) to each outlet end (F132a), and the width of each distal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114b) tapers gradually inward proximal from each inlet end (F130b) to each outlet end (F132b). Each inlet end (F130a, 130b) is configured to receive the unformed staple legs and guide them longitudinally along their respective concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b) toward their respective deformable exit ends (F132a, F132b). Each exit end (F132a, F132b) is configured to guide the deformed staple legs toward the lower cartridge jaw (42) and toward the clamped tissue (T). The exit end (F132a) of each proximal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114a) is longitudinally adjacent to the corresponding longitudinally paired exit end (F132b) of the distal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114b). In some modifications, the exit ends (F132a, F132b) of longitudinally paired lateral inner stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) may overlap or otherwise communicate directly, thereby effectively integrating each longitudinal pair of lateral inner stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) to define a single corresponding lateral inner stapling pocket.

[0032] When the end effector (40) is closed so that each pair of lateral medial pockets (F114a, F114b) is vertically aligned with the corresponding cartridge pocket (not shown) in the lateral medial row of staple cartridges received in the lower cartridge jaw (42), each lateral medial pocket (F114a, F114b) is symmetric with respect to an internal longitudinal centerline (LG1) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C1) of the lateral medial cartridge pocket, and each proximal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114a) is symmetric with respect to the corresponding longitudinally paired distal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114b) with respect to the corresponding lateral centerline (LT1) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C1) of the corresponding lateral medial cartridge pocket.

[0033] In the example shown, the entrance ends (F130c, F130d) of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), while the exit ends (F132c, F132d) of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) extend substantially obliquely to the longitudinal axis (LA). In this respect, the exit end (F132c) of the proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) is oriented laterally outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a first angle (α1), and the exit end (F132d) of the distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) is oriented laterally inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a first angle (α1). The intermediate portion of each lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d) located between each inlet and outlet end (F130c, F130d, F132c, F132d) includes an angled and / or curved side wall (F136c, F136d) facing each inlet end (F130c, F130d) and longitudinally adjacent to the corresponding longitudinally paired outlet ends (F132c, F132d) of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d). Each inlet end (F130c, F130d) is configured to receive an unformed staple leg and guide it longitudinally along its respective concave base surface (F134c, F134d) and toward its respective deformable angled side wall (F136c, F136d). The exit ends (F132c, F132d) are configured to guide the deformed staple legs toward the lower cartridge jaw (42) and toward the clamped tissue (T). The exit end (F132c) of each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) is laterally adjacent to and substantially parallel to the exit end (F132d) of the corresponding longitudinally paired distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d).

[0034] When the end effector (40) is closed so that each pair of lateral intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) is vertically aligned with the corresponding cartridge pocket (not shown) in the lateral intermediate row of the staple cartridge received in the lower cartridge jaw (42), each lateral intermediate pocket (F114c, F114d) is asymmetric with respect to an intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C2) of the lateral intermediate cartridge pocket, and each proximal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F114c) is asymmetric with respect to the corresponding longitudinally paired distal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F114d) with respect to the corresponding lateral centerline (LT2) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C2) of the corresponding lateral intermediate cartridge pocket.

[0035] The exit ends (F132c, F132d) of each pair of lateral intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) may exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C2) of the corresponding lateral intermediate cartridge pocket. However, the entrance ends (F130c, F130d) of each pair of lateral intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) do not exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C2) of the corresponding lateral intermediate cartridge pocket. As a result, each pair of lateral intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d), viewed as a whole, does not exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C2) of the corresponding lateral intermediate cartridge pocket. In this respect, the entrance ends (F130c, F130d) of each lateral intermediate pocket (F114c, F114d) may have a first width (W1) that is asymmetrical with respect to the intermediate longitudinal center line (LG2). For example, the first width (W1) of each entrance end (F130c, F130d) may have a first width portion (W1P1) on the lateral inner side of the intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2) and a second width portion (W1P2) on the lateral outer side of the intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2) that is larger than the first width portion (W1P1). Thus, each pair of lateral intermediate pockets (F114c, F114d) may be asymmetrical with respect to each of the intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG2), the corresponding intermediate lateral centerline (LT2), and the center point (C2) of the corresponding lateral intermediate cartridge pocket. Such asymmetry may allow for maximizing the size of the entrance ends (F130c, F130d) within the available space provided on the anvil surface (F112), thereby improving the ability of the entrance ends (F130c, F130d) to receive and guide their respective staple legs.

[0036] In the example shown, the entrance ends (F130e, F130f) of the lateral stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), while the exit ends (F132e, F132f) of the lateral stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) extend substantially obliquely to the longitudinal axis (LA). In this regard, the exit end (F132e) of the proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e) is oriented laterally outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a second angle (α2) that is greater than or otherwise substantially different from the first angle (α1), and the exit end (F132f) of the distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f) is oriented laterally inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at the second angle (α2). The intermediate portions of each lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) located between each inlet and outlet end (F130e, F130f, F132e, F132f) include angled and / or curved side walls (F136e, F136f) that face each inlet end (F130e, F130f) and are longitudinally adjacent to the corresponding longitudinally paired outlet ends (F132e, F132f) of the lateral outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). Each inlet end (F130e, F130f) is configured to receive an unformed staple leg and guide it longitudinally along its respective concave base surface (F134e, F134f) and toward its respective deformable angled side wall (F136e, F136f). The exit ends (F132e, F132f) are configured to guide the deformed staple legs toward the lower cartridge jaw (42) and toward the clamped tissue (T). The exit end (F132e) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e) is laterally adjacent to and substantially parallel to the exit end (F132f) of the corresponding longitudinally paired distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f).

[0037] When the end effector (40) is closed so that each pair of lateral outer pockets (F114e, F114f) is vertically aligned with the corresponding cartridge pocket (not shown) in the lateral outer row of staple cartridges received within the lower cartridge jaw (42), each lateral outer pocket (F114e, F114f) is asymmetric with respect to an intermediate longitudinal centerline (LG3) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C3) of the lateral outer cartridge pocket, and each proximal lateral outer stapling pocket (F114e) is asymmetric with respect to the corresponding longitudinally paired distal lateral outer stapling pocket (F114f) with respect to the corresponding lateral centerline (LT3) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA) through the center point (C3) of the corresponding lateral outer cartridge pocket.

[0038] The exit ends (F132e, F132f) of each pair of lateral outer pockets (F114e, F114f) may exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C3) of the corresponding lateral outer cartridge pocket. However, the entrance ends (F130e, F130f) of each pair of lateral outer pockets (F114e, F114f) do not exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C3) of the corresponding lateral outer cartridge pocket. As a result, each pair of lateral outer pockets (F114e, F114f) as a whole does not exhibit point symmetry with respect to the center point (C3) of the corresponding lateral outer cartridge pocket. In this respect, the entrance ends (F130e, F130f) of each lateral outer pocket (F114e, F114f) may have a second width (W2) that is greater than the first width (W1) and asymmetrical with respect to the outer longitudinal center line (LG3). For example, the second width (W2) of each entrance end (F130e, F130f) may have a first width portion (W2P1) laterally inward of the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3) and a second width portion (W2P2) laterally outward of the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3) that is larger than the first width portion (W2P1). Thus, each pair of lateral outer pockets (F114e, F114f) may be asymmetrical with respect to each of the outer longitudinal centerline (LG3), the corresponding outer lateral centerline (LT3), and the center point (C3) of the corresponding lateral outer cartridge pocket. Such asymmetry may allow for maximization of the size of the entrance ends (F130e, F130f) within the available space provided on the anvil surface (F112), thereby improving the ability of the entrance ends (F130e, F130f) to receive and guide their respective staple legs.

[0039] In the example shown, each proximal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114a) is located substantially in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e), and each distal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114b) is located substantially in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f), thereby allowing each staple (86a) formed by each pair of lateral medial stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) to be located substantially in the same longitudinal position as the staple (86c) formed by the corresponding pair of lateral stapling pockets (F114e, F114f). However, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) is substantially offset from each proximal lateral medial and lateral staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114e), and each distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) is substantially offset from each distal lateral medial and lateral staple-forming pocket (F114b, F114f), thereby allowing each staple (86b) formed by each pair of lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) to be substantially offset from each pair of lateral medial staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and each pair of lateral staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) to be substantially offset from the staples (86a, 86c). For example, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c) may be located in substantially the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal lateral medial and lateral staple-forming pockets (F114b, F114f), and each distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) may be located in substantially the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal lateral medial and lateral staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114e).

[0040] In this way, the orientation of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can change laterally. More specifically, the orientation changes from substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of each proximal lateral medial staple-forming pocket (F114a), to substantially obliquely laterally medial toward the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114d) (e.g., by the orientation of each exit end (F132d)), and substantially obliquely laterally outward away from the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent proximal lateral lateral lateral staple-forming pocket (F114e) (e.g., by the orientation of each exit end (F132e)). The orientation may change from substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of each distal lateral medial stapling pocket (F114b) to substantially obliquely laterally outward away from the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent proximal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F114c) (for example, by the orientation of each exit end (F132c)), and substantially obliquely laterally inward toward the longitudinal axis (LA) in the case of the corresponding laterally adjacent distal lateral lateral stapling pocket (F114f) (for example, by the orientation of each exit end (F132f)).

[0041] It will be understood that the orientation of the stapling pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can be varied laterally in any other preferred manner. For example, each distal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F114d) and distal lateral outer stapling pocket (F114f) may be substantially oblique to the laterally outward away from the longitudinal axis (LA), and each proximal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F114c) and proximal lateral outer stapling pocket (F114e) may be substantially oblique to the laterally inward toward the longitudinal axis (LA) in the opposite arrangement to that shown.

[0042] Referring to Figure 10, the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b) of the lateral inner staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) each have a first maximum depth (D1) relative to the anvil surface (F112), the concave base surfaces (F134c, F134d) of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) each have a second maximum depth (not shown) relative to the anvil surface (F112), and the concave base surfaces (F134e, F134f) of the lateral outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) each have a third maximum depth (D3) relative to the anvil surface (F112). As shown, the third maximum depth (D3) is greater than the first maximum depth (D1). In some cases, the second maximum depth may be greater than the first maximum depth (D1) and / or less than the third maximum depth (D3). In addition, or alternatively, the first maximum depth (D1) may be substantially equal to the second maximum depth and / or the third maximum depth (D3). The various depths of the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) may be selected to provide the staples (86a, 86b, 86c) formed by the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) with substantially uniform height in each row. Alternatively, the various depths of the concave base surfaces (F134a, F134b, F134c, F134d, F134e, F134f) may be selected to allow the different skews of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) to impart different heights to the staples (86a, 86b, 86c). This may be, for example, a case where the first maximum depth (D1) is substantially equal to the second maximum depth and the third maximum depth (D3), respectively.

[0043] The inlet ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) may be oriented downward with respect to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or the longitudinal axis (LA)) in a substantially different manner from the corresponding outlet ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f). For example, as shown in Figure 11, the entrance end (F130e) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e) is oriented downward at a first angle (β1) with respect to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or the longitudinal axis (LA)), while the exit end (F132e) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e) is oriented downward at a second angle (β2) that is greater than or otherwise substantially different from the first angle (β1) with respect to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or the longitudinal axis (LA)).

[0044] In some variations, the entrance end (F130f) of each distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f) is oriented at the same first angle (β1) as the entrance end (F130e) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e), and / or the exit end (F132f) of each distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f) is oriented at the same second angle (β2) as the exit end (F132f) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e). Alternatively, the entrance end (F130f) of each distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f) may be oriented at a first angle substantially different from the first angle (β1) of the entrance end (F130e) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e), and / or the exit end (F132f) of each distal lateral stapling pocket (F114f) may be oriented at a second angle substantially different from the second angle (β2) of the exit end (F132f) of each proximal lateral stapling pocket (F114e). Similarly, one or more of the entrance ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d) of each lateral inner and / or lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d) may be oriented at either the same first angle (β1) as the entrance end (F130e) of each proximal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e), or at a first angle substantially different from the first angle (β1) of the entrance end (F130e) of each proximal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e). And / or one or more of the exit ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d) of each lateral inner and / or lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d) may be oriented at either the same second angle (β2) as the exit end (F132e) of each proximal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e), or at a second angle substantially different from the second angle (β2) of the exit end (F132e) of each proximal lateral outer staple-forming pocket (F114e).

[0045] It will be understood that the orientation of the inlet ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and outlet ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) relative to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or the longitudinal axis (LA)), for example, the first and second angles (β1, β2), may affect the shape of the corresponding formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c), for example, the radius of the corresponding formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) (for example, when viewed from the side), and thereby may affect the springback and / or compression of the tissue (T) within the inner region of the corresponding formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c). Therefore, the orientation of the inlet ends (F130a, F130b, F130c, F130d, F130e, F130f) and outlet ends (F132a, F132b, F132c, F132d, F132e, F132f) with respect to the anvil surface (F112) (and / or the longitudinal axis (LA)), for example, the first angle and the second angle (β1, β2), can be selected to impart one or more desired shapes to the corresponding formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c).

[0046] Figure 11 also shows the third maximum depth (D3) of the lateral outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) relative to the anvil surface (F112). As described above, the third maximum depth (D3) may be substantially different from the first maximum depth (D1) of the lateral inner staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and / or the second maximum depth of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d). For example, the third maximum depth (D3) of the lateral outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) may be greater than the second maximum depth of the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d).

[0047] In this way, the depth of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) can vary laterally. More specifically, the depth can vary from a first maximum depth (D1) for each lateral inner staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) to a second maximum depth for the lateral intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114e) adjacent to the corresponding side, and to a third maximum depth (D3) for the lateral outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) adjacent to the corresponding side.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, the staples (86a) formed by the inner staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) and the staples (86c) formed by the outer staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) are located at substantially the same longitudinal position as the staples (86a, 86c) so that they are substantially aligned with each other, while the staples (86b) formed by the intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d) are located at a substantially different (e.g., nominally different) longitudinal position than the staples (86a, 86c) so that the staples (86b) are substantially offset from the staples (86a, 86c).

[0049] As shown, staple (86a) is formed in a two-dimensional shape (also called a planar shape) by internal staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), while staple (86b) is formed in a three-dimensional shape (also called a non-planar shape) by intermediate staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d), and staple (86c) is formed in another three-dimensional shape by external staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). In this respect, the crown (87a) and both the proximal and distal legs (88a, 89a) of staple (86a) are all in the same plane, and the tips of the legs (88a, 89a) are aligned laterally to each other. Staple (86a) may be substantially B-shaped in the plane in which the crown (87a) and both legs (88a, 89a) exist.

[0050] On the other hand, the proximal and distal legs (88b, 89b) of the staple (86b) are in different planes from each other and from the crown (87b), and the tips of the legs (88b, 89b) are offset laterally from each other and from the crown (87b) on both sides of the crown (87b). More specifically, the proximal leg (88b) is oblique to the crown (87b) at a first angle (α1) away from the longitudinal axis (LA), and the distal leg (89b) is oblique to the crown (87b) at a first angle (α1) toward the longitudinal axis (LA).

[0051] Similarly, the proximal and distal legs (88c, 89c) of the staple (86c) are in different planes from each other and from the crown (87c), and the tips of the legs (88c, 89c) are offset laterally from each other and from the crown (87c) on both sides of the crown (87c). More specifically, the proximal leg (88c) is oblique to the crown (87c) at a second angle (α2) away from the longitudinal axis (LA), and the distal leg (89c) is oblique to the crown (87c) at a second angle (α2) toward the longitudinal axis (LA). As described above, the second angle (α2) is greater than the first angle (α1), so that the tips of the legs (88c, 89c) can be offset laterally from the crown (87c) to a greater extent than the tips of the legs (88b, 89b) are offset laterally from the crown (87b). In the example shown, the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) of the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) are parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis (LA), so that the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) can also be parallel to the cut line generated by the cut edge (58). In some modifications, the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) can each have the same height (h) to each other in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 13. In addition, or alternatively, each formed staple (86a, 86b, 86c) may be formed from an unformed staple of the same type (e.g., an unformed staple (86)).

[0052] Due to the different formation shapes of the staples (86a, 86b, 86c), the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) can provide varying amounts of tissue compression and leak path resistance in the lateral direction, even when each of the formed staples (86a, 86b, 86c) is the same height as the others. For example, a 2D formation configuration of a staple (86a) having non-angled legs (88a, 89a) may provide the strongest tissue compression and / or the lowest amount of leak path resistance compared to other staples (86b, 86c); a 3D formation configuration of a staple (86b) having legs (88b, 89b) angled at a first angle (α1) may provide less tissue compression and / or a greater amount of leak path resistance than staple (86a); and / or a 3D formation configuration of a staple (86c) having legs (88c, 89c) angled at a second angle (α2) may provide the least tissue compression and / or the highest amount of leak path resistance compared to other staples (86a, 86b). Therefore, the rows of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) formed on each side of the cut line generated by the cut edge (58) can collectively achieve both strong tissue compression and good leakage path resistance on each side of the cut line.

[0053] In this regard, the inner lateral rows of staples (86a) formed on each side of the cut line may provide the strongest (e.g., localized) tissue compression near the cut line, while the middle lateral rows of staples (86b) formed on each side of the cut line may provide more evenly distributed (e.g., less localized) tissue compression further away from the cut line, and the outer lateral rows of staples (86c) formed on each side of the cut line may provide the most evenly distributed (e.g., least localized) tissue compression furthest from the cut line. Providing the strongest tissue compression directly adjacent to the cut line via the innermost staple (86a) rather than via the relatively outer staples (86b, 86c) in this manner may ensure effective sealing of the tissue (T) cut along the cut line and / or promote rapid healing, while providing tissue compression more evenly distributed further away from the cut line via the intermediate and outermost staples (86b, 86c) rather than via the innermost staple (86a) in this manner may alleviate strain on the tissue (T) being cut and prevent leakage across the outer and intermediate rows of staples (86b, 86c) toward the inner row of staple (86a).

[0054] III. Example of an anvil having rows of staple-forming pockets with laterally offset proximal and distal pockets. In some cases, it may be desirable to position and configure staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b, F114c, F114d, F114e, F114f) in the anvil jaw (F110) to further improve the consistency of the formation of at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c). Figure 14 shows an example of an anvil jaw (F210) (also called an anvil) that may provide such capability and may be incorporated into the end effector (40) instead of the anvil jaw (44). The anvil jaw (F210) may be similar to the anvil jaw (F110) described above, except that which is described separately below. In this regard, the anvil jaw (F210) may be configured to pivot relative to the cartridge jaw (42) of the end effector (40) (or the cartridge jaw (42) may be configured to pivot relative to the anvil jaw (F210)) and clamp the tissue between them.

[0055] In the example shown, the anvil jaw (F210) includes a body (F211) having an interior that defines an anvil surface (F212) configured to compress tissue, and three linear (e.g., straight) rows of staple-forming pockets on each side of an anvil slot (not shown), including an interior row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), an interior row of staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d), and an exterior row of staple-forming pockets (not shown) similar to staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). The interior and exterior rows of staple-forming pockets may be configured and arranged as shown and described above in relation to Figures 7 to 11.

[0056] As shown, the staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, and each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of each staple (86b) when the firing beam (46) is actuated distally, thereby changing the staple (86b) into a formed shape. More specifically, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214d) to provide the resulting staple (86b) with a three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86b) lie in different planes.

[0057] The lateral intermediate rows of staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) may be configured and arranged in the same manner as shown in relation to Figures 7 to 11 and described above, except that in this modification, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) is offset laterally from the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214d). More specifically, the first longitudinal centerline (LG1) of each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) is offset laterally (e.g., laterally outward) from the second longitudinal centerline (LG2) of each distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214d). In contrast, the proximal and distal lateral medial stapling pockets may be positioned along a common lateral medial longitudinal centerline (not shown), and / or the proximal and distal lateral lateral stapling pockets may be positioned along a common lateral lateral longitudinal centerline (not shown).

[0058] The lateral offset in the lateral intermediate rows of the staple-forming pockets (F214c, F214d) allows the proximal staple legs (88b) of each second staple (86b) to contact the surface of the proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F214c) earlier than at least the proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F114c), helping to ensure that the proximal staple legs (88b) are properly angled to achieve the desired formation of the second staple (86b).

[0059] In the example shown, each proximal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F214c) is offset laterally from the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate stapling pocket (F214d), but in some other modifications, the proximal and distal lateral intermediate stapling pockets (F214c, F214d) may be aligned along a common lateral intermediate longitudinal centerline. In such cases, the proximal and distal lateral medial stapling pockets may be offset laterally from each other, and / or the proximal and distal lateral lateral lateral stapling pockets may be offset laterally from each other.

[0060] IV. Example of an anvil staple with laterally offset proximal and distal staple-forming pockets. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the position and / or shape of the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) of at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c) to further improve the consistency of the formation of at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c). Figures 15 and 16 schematically show an example of an anvil jaw (F310) (also called an anvil) that may be incorporated into the end effector (40) instead of the anvil jaw (44). The anvil jaw (F310) may be similar to the anvil jaw (F210) described above, except that which is described separately below. In this regard, the anvil jaw (F310) may be configured to pivot relative to the cartridge jaw (42) of the end effector (40) (or the cartridge jaw (42) may be configured to pivot relative to the anvil jaw (F310)) to clamp the tissue between them.

[0061] In the example shown, the anvil jaw (F310) includes three linear (e.g., straight) rows of staple-forming pockets on each side of the anvil slot (not shown), which include a lateral inner row (not shown) of staple-forming pockets similar to staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b), a lateral middle row of staple-forming pockets (F314c, F314d), and a lateral outer row (not shown) of staple-forming pockets similar to staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f). The lateral inner and outer rows of staple-forming pockets may be configured and arranged as shown and described above in relation to Figures 7 to 11.

[0062] As shown, the staple-forming pockets (F314c, F314d) are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, and each pair is configured to receive and deform the legs of each staple (86b) when the firing beam (46) is actuated distally, thereby changing the staple (86b) into a formed shape. More specifically, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F314c) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F314d) to provide the resulting staple (86b) with a three-dimensional formed shape in which the crown and each bent leg of the formed staple (86b) lie in different planes. In this modification, each proximal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F314c) is offset laterally from the longitudinally adjacent distal lateral intermediate staple-forming pocket (F314d).

[0063] As shown in Figure 15, the crown (87b) of each second staple (86b) may be positioned to further improve the consistency of the formation of the second staple (86b). More specifically, the crown (87b) of each second staple (86b) may be oriented obliquely to the anvil slot rather than parallel to the anvil slot, thereby providing the formed staple (86b) with an enhanced 3D shape.

[0064] As shown in Figure 16, the alternative second staple (F386b) includes a substantially zigzag-shaped crown (F387b) and a pair of legs (F388b, F389b). More specifically, the crown (F387b) of each second staple (F386b) includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely to the anvil slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the anvil slot, and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely to the anvil slot, thereby providing the formed staple (F386b) with an enhanced 3D shape.

[0065] V. Example of an asymmetrical staple pattern In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the arrangement of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) to further improve the consistency of the formation of at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c) and / or to further prevent leakage across the rows of staples (86a, 86b, 86c). Figures 17 and 18 show examples of alternative arrangements of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) that may provide such capabilities.

[0066] As shown in Figure 17, the staples (86a, 86b, 86c) are asymmetrical with respect to the cut line (CL) generated by the cut edge (58). More specifically, the staples (86b, 86c) are oriented uniformly on both sides of the cut line (CL). It will be understood that the arrangement of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) shown in Figure 17 can be achieved using a modified version of the anvil jaw (F110), which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, such a modification of the anvil jaw (F110) may include staple-forming pockets arranged asymmetrically with respect to the anvil slot (F122).

[0067] As shown in Figure 18, the second staple (86b) is oriented in a reversed manner relative to the third staple (86c). It will be understood that the arrangement of staples (86a, 86b, 86c) shown in Figure 18 can be achieved using a modified anvil jaw (F110), which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0068] VI. Example of a staple crown with a large compression region In some cases, it may be desirable to form the crowns (87a, 87b, 87c) of at least some staples (86a, 86b, 86c) to provide an increased compression profile. Figures 19 and 20 show examples of staples (F486, F586) that may provide such capability.

[0069] As shown in Figure 19, the staple (F486) includes a substantially C-shaped crown (F487) and a pair of legs (F488, F489). It will be understood that the C-shaped crown (F487) may be either pre-formed before launch or formed during launch (for example, it may be bent from a straight / linear shape).

[0070] As shown in Figure 20, the staple (F586) includes a substantially S-shaped crown (F587) and a pair of legs (F588, F589). It will be understood that the S-shaped crown (F587) may be either pre-formed before launch or formed during launch (for example, it may be bent from a straight / linear shape).

[0071] The features shown and described above are shown in relation to the anvil jaws (F110, F210, F310) of the surgical stapler (10), but it will be understood that such features may also apply to staple cartridges configured for use with various other types of surgical staplers, such as linear surgical staplers.

[0072] VII. Examples of Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exclusive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit any claims that may be presented at any point in this application or any subsequent application. No waiver of rights is intended. The following examples are provided solely for illustrative purposes. Various teachings herein are intended to be arranged and applied in many other ways. Furthermore, some modifications may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered important unless they are subsequently explicitly indicated as such by the inventors or their heirs. If claims presented in this application or any subsequent application relating to this application include additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be considered added for any patentability reason. [Examples]

[0073] A device (F110, F210, F310) comprising: (a) jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211); and (c) an elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw bodies (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is a surgical stapler (d) an elongated slot (F122) configured to slidably receive the launch driver (46) of the (10), and a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) to be ejected from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein the first legs (88a, 89a) of each formed first staple (86a) are aligned laterally with each other, and each formed first staple (e) First longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) such that the first crown (87a) of the staple (86a) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), and (e) a second longitudinal row disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outside the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) that are discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10) Staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) wherein the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple (86b) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b), and the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), a second row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c,A device (F110, F210, F310) comprising F214d, F314c, F314d). [Examples]

[0074] The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214 The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 1, wherein the first of the (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the (F114c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical with respect to the second of the pairs of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) (F114d, F214d, F314d). [Examples]

[0075] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) disposed on an anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) discharged from a staple-holding assembly (70) of a surgical stapler (10), wherein the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c), and the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0076] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outside the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0077] The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in the second longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b), and the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple (86b) are obliquely angled laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) at a first angle (α1), and the staples of the third longitudinal row Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 3 to 4, wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) are configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c), and the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely angled laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) at a second angle (α2) different from a first angle (α1). [Examples]

[0078] The apparatus described in Example 5 (F110, F210, F310) wherein the second angle (α2) is greater than the first angle (α1). [Examples]

[0079] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 3 to 6 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is of the same height as each formed second staple (86b). [Examples]

[0080] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 3 to 6 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) has a different height from each formed second staple (86b). [Examples]

[0081] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 3 to 8 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding formed first staple (86a). [Examples]

[0082] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 3 to 9 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed second staple (86b). [Examples]

[0083] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed first staple (86a). [Examples]

[0084] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 11 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) is of the same height as each formed first staple (86a). [Examples]

[0085] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 11 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) has a different height from each formed first staple (86a). [Examples]

[0086] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) has the same depth as each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212). [Examples]

[0087] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar. [Examples]

[0088] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprises (a) jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211); and (c) an elongated slot (F1) extending through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw bodies (F111, F211). 22) an elongated slot (F122) configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of a surgical stapler (10), and (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is aligned along the longitudinal axis (e) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) oriented substantially parallel to (LA) and configured to form corresponding staples (86a) in a two-dimensional shape, and (e) a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F2 Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d), each of which staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) are configured to be oblique to the longitudinal axis (LA) and to form the corresponding staples (86b) in a three-dimensional shape. [Examples]

[0089] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 16, wherein the second set of staple-forming pockets in the longitudinal direction (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outside the first set of staple-forming pockets in the longitudinal direction (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0090] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 16 to 17, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and at least one other staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0091] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is obliquely lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) to a different degree than each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). [Examples]

[0092] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 19, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) has a substantially different depth from each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212). [Examples]

[0093] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 19 to 20 (F110, F210, F310), wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outside the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0094] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 19 to 21, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a first angle (α1), and each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is obliquely lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a second angle (α2) that is greater than the first angle (α1). [Examples]

[0095] The staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) in the first longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to the proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) and distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) in the longitudinal direction, and the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to the proximal staple-forming pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) Apparatus according to any one of Examples 19 to 22 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the distal staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d) are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the proximal staple-forming pocket (F114e) and the distal staple-forming pocket (F114f). [Examples]

[0096] The apparatus according to Example 23 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114e) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal stapling pocket (F114a) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0097] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 23 to 24 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of distal staple-forming pockets (F114f) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0098] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 23 to 25, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114e) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal stapling pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the stapling pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d) of the second longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0099] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 23 to 26, wherein each distal staple-forming pocket (F114f) in each pair adjacent to the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) in the third longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal staple-forming pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) in the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in the second longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0100] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 16 to 27, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar. [Examples]

[0101] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 16 to 28, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d) oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1) and a staple leg outlet portion (F132c, F132d) oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) greater than the first angle (β1). [Examples]

[0102] The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214 Apparatus according to any one of Examples 16 to 29 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the first of F114c, F214c, F314c (d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical with respect to the second of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314c, F314d). [Examples]

[0103] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprises (a) jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue; (b) anvil surfaces (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211); and (c) elongated slots passing through the anvil surfaces (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw bodies (F111, F211). (F122) an elongated slot (F122) configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of a surgical stapler (10), and (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) However, (e) staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), and (e) staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c) of the second longitudinal row are arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) to the lateral outer side of the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) wherein each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical. [Examples]

[0104] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 31, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row is asymmetrical with respect to the corresponding longitudinal center line (LG2). [Examples]

[0105] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 31 to 32, wherein each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical with respect to the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the respective pair of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the corresponding lateral centerline (LT2). [Examples]

[0106] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 31 to 33, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d) and a staple leg outlet portion (F132c, F132d) that is narrower than the corresponding staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d). [Examples]

[0107] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 34, wherein the staple leg inlet portions (F130c, F130d) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0108] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 34 to 35, wherein the staple leg exit portions (F132c, F132d) of each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extend substantially obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). [Examples]

[0109] The staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d) of at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row is oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1), and the staple-forming pocket (F114c Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) of at least one staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) different from a first angle (β1). [Examples]

[0110] The apparatus described in Example 37 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the second angle (β2) is greater than the first angle (β1). [Examples]

[0111] Apparatus according to any one of Examples 31 to 38 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs. [Examples]

[0112] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 39, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the stapling pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal stapling pocket (F114b) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row, respectively. [Examples]

[0113] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 39 to 40, wherein each pair of distal staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row, wherein the apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 39 to 40. [Examples]

[0114] Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 31 to 41, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) has a substantially different depth from each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212). [Examples]

[0115] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 31 to 42, further comprising a third row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) to the lateral outer side of a second row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. [Examples]

[0116] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Example 43, wherein each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) in the third longitudinal row are asymmetrical. [Examples]

[0117] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of Examples 31 to 44, wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar. [Examples]

[0118] The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprises (a) jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue; (b) an anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies; and (c) an elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw bodies. (d) an elongated slot (F122) configured to slidably receive a launching driver (46) of a surgical stapler, and (d) a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, and each longitudinally adjacent pair of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is a common longitudinal (e) Staple-forming pockets of a first longitudinal row (F114a, F114b) arranged along the directional centerline, and (e) Staple-forming pockets of a second longitudinal row (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface, laterally outside the staple-forming pockets of the first longitudinal row with respect to the longitudinal axis, and arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising staple-forming pockets in a second longitudinal row (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d), wherein each pair of proximal staple-forming pockets adjacent to the longitudinal direction of the table-forming pockets is laterally offset from the corresponding distal staple-forming pockets of each pair adjacent to the longitudinal direction of the staple-forming pockets in the second longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0119] The apparatus according to Embodiment 46, wherein a first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) discharged from a staple-holding assembly (70) of a surgical stapler, and the first legs (88a, 89a) of each formed first staple are aligned laterally to one another. [Examples]

[0120] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 47, wherein a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) discharged from a staple-holding assembly of a surgical stapler, and the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple. [Examples]

[0121] The apparatus according to Embodiment 48, further comprising a plurality of second staples, wherein the second crown of each second staple is oriented obliquely to the elongated slot. [Examples]

[0122] The apparatus according to Example 48, further comprising a plurality of second staples, wherein the second crown of each second staple is substantially zigzag in shape. [Examples]

[0123] The apparatus according to Example 50, wherein the second crown of each second staple includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely to the elongated slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the elongated slot, and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely to the elongated slot. [Examples]

[0124] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 51, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged in pairs adjacent in the longitudinal direction. [Examples]

[0125] The apparatus according to Example 52, wherein a third row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally and outward from the second row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis. [Examples]

[0126] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 53, wherein each pair of longitudinally adjacent staple-forming pockets in the third longitudinal row is arranged along a common longitudinal centerline. [Examples]

[0127] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 54, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets adjacent to the third longitudinal row of stapling pockets is laterally offset from the corresponding distal stapling pockets of each pair adjacent to the third longitudinal row of stapling pockets. [Examples]

[0128] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 55, wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) discharged from a staple-holding assembly of a surgical stapler, and the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple are obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple. [Examples]

[0129] The apparatus according to Embodiment 56, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second and third longitudinal rows are configured to form a plurality of second staples and a plurality of third staples, respectively, and each second staple formed on the first side of the elongated slot is oriented in a reverse manner with respect to each third staple formed on the first side of the elongated slot. [Examples]

[0130] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 57, wherein the staple-forming pockets are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the elongated slots. [Examples]

[0131] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 58, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each stapling pocket of the second longitudinal row is located laterally outside the corresponding distal stapling pocket of each pair adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each stapling pocket of the second longitudinal row. [Examples]

[0132] The apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 59, wherein the anvil surface is planar.

[0133] The following provisions also relate to various non-exclusive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied.

[0134] 1. A device, (a) A jaw body configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws of a surgical stapler to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surface defined by the Joe body, (c) An elongated slot extending through the surface of the anvil and along the longitudinal axis of the jaw body, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive the firing driver of a surgical stapler, (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets disposed on the surface of an anvil and configured to form a plurality of first staples discharged from a staple-fastening assembly of a surgical stapler, wherein the first legs of each formed first staple are aligned laterally with respect to each other; (e) an apparatus comprising: a second row of staple-forming pockets on the anvil surface, disposed laterally outward of a first row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis, and configured to form a plurality of second staples discharged from a staple-holding assembly of a surgical stapler, wherein the second leg of each formed second staple is laterally oblique away from the second crown of each formed second staple.

[0135] 2. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, and the first staple-forming pocket of each pair of staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row is asymmetrical with respect to the second staple-forming pocket of each pair.

[0136] 3. The apparatus according to Clause 1, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets disposed on the surface of an anvil and configured to form a plurality of third staples discharged from a staple-holding assembly of a surgical stapler, wherein the third leg of each formed third staple is obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown of each formed third staple, and the third crown of each formed third staple is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0137] 4. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally and outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0138] 5. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples, the second leg of each formed second staple being obliquely angled laterally away from the second crown of each formed second staple at a first angle, and a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples, the third leg of each formed third staple being obliquely angled laterally away from the third crown of each formed third staple at a second angle different from the first angle.

[0139] 6. The apparatus described in Clause 5, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0140] 7. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the third longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of third staples, and each formed third staple is of the same height as each formed second staple.

[0141] 8. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the third longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of third staples, and each formed third staple has a different height from each formed second staple.

[0142] 9. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the third longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of third staples, and each formed third staple is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding formed first staple.

[0143] 10. The apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples, and each formed third staple is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed second staple.

[0144] 11. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the staple-forming pockets of a second longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of second staples, and each formed second staple is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed first staple.

[0145] 12. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of second staples, and each formed second staple is of the same height as each formed first staple.

[0146] 13. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row are configured to form a plurality of second staples, and each second staple formed is of a different height from each first staple formed.

[0147] 14. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein each staple-forming pocket in the second longitudinal row has the same depth as each staple-forming pocket in the first longitudinal row with respect to the anvil surface.

[0148] 15. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein each staple-forming pocket of the second longitudinal row has a different depth with respect to the anvil surface than each staple-forming pocket of the first longitudinal row.

[0149] 16. The apparatus described in Clause 1, wherein the anvil surface is planar.

[0150] 17. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket of a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets includes a staple leg inlet portion oriented with respect to the anvil surface at a first angle and a staple leg outlet portion oriented with respect to the anvil surface at a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0151] 18. Apparatus, (a) A jaw body configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws of a surgical stapler to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surface defined by the Joe body, (c) An elongated slot extending through the surface of the anvil and along the longitudinal axis of the jaw body, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive the firing driver of a surgical stapler, (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the surface of the anvil, wherein each staple-forming pocket in the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, (e) A device comprising a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the surface of an anvil, wherein each staple-forming pocket in the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is obliquely positioned laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0152] 19. The apparatus according to Clause 18, wherein a second row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally and outward from the first row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0153] 20. Apparatus, (a) A jaw body configured to work in cooperation with opposing jaws of a surgical stapler to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surface defined by the Joe body, (c) An elongated slot extending through the surface of the anvil and along the longitudinal axis of the jaw body, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive the firing driver of a surgical stapler, (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the surface of the anvil, wherein each staple-forming pocket in the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, (e) A device comprising: a second row of staple-forming pockets arranged on the anvil surface, laterally outside the first row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis, and arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs, wherein each pair of staple-forming pockets in the second row of staple-forming pockets is asymmetrical.

[0154] VIII. Others It should be understood that one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from one another. Various preferred ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0155] Furthermore, one or more of the teachings herein are subject to the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9523USNP1] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Intermediate Raised Tissue Engagement Protrusions"), U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9523USNP2] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Tissue Engagement Protrusions with Enlarged Engagement Surface"), U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9523USNP3] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Raised Surface to Promote Buttress Adhesion"), U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9523USNP4] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Surgical Stapler Cartridge Having Cartridge Retention This may be combined with one or more of the teachings disclosed in U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9523USNP6] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Method of Surgical Stapling"), and / or U.S. Patent Application [Agent Reference Number END9516USNP1] (filed concurrently with this application, titled "Incompatible Staple Cartridge Use Prevention Features for Surgical Stapler"). The disclosures of each of these U.S. Patent Applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0156] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material that is said to be incorporated herein by reference will be incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material, in whole or in part, does not contradict any existing definitions, views, or other disclosure material contained herein. Any disclosure expressly contained herein, either by itself or to the extent necessary, shall take precedence over any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or any part thereof, that is said to be incorporated herein by reference but contradicts any existing definitions, views, or other disclosure material contained herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0157] The modifications of the devices described above are applicable not only to conventional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robot-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. For example, various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as those offered by Auris Health, Inc., Redwood City, CA, or Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California.

[0158] Modifications of the devices described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, the modifications may be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. Readjustment may include any combination of a disassembly step of the device, a subsequent cleaning or replacement step of specific parts, and a subsequent reassembly step. Specifically, some modifications of the device may be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or components of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. During the cleaning and / or replacement of specific parts, some modifications of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use in a readjustment facility or by the user immediately before the procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly may be used in the readjustment of devices. The use of such techniques and the resulting readjusted devices are all within the scope of this application.

[0159] For illustrative purposes only, the modifications described herein may be sterilized before and / or after the procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and inside the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterilized container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or vapor.

[0160] While various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved without departing from the scope of the invention by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art. Some of these possible modifications have been mentioned, but others will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometric shapes, materials, dimensions, proportions, processes, etc., discussed above are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered with respect to the following claims and is not limited to the structural and operational details shown and described herein and in the drawings.

[0161] [Implementation Method] (1) Devices (F110, F210, F310), (a) Jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with the opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surfaces (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211), (c) An elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of the surgical stapler (10), (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein the first legs (88a, 89a) of each formed first staple (86a) are aligned laterally to one another, and the first crown (87a) of each formed first staple (86a) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), (e) Second longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) on the anvil surface (F112, F212) disposed laterally outside the first longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) that are discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein each of the formed second staples Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of the pull (86b) are obliquely positioned laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each of the formed second staples (86b), and the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). (2) The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F21 The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 1, wherein the first of 4c, F214d, F314c, F314d (F114c, F214c, F314c) is asymmetrical with respect to the second of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) (F114d, F214d, F314d). (3) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c), and the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). (4) The apparatus according to Embodiment 3 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally and outward from the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). (5) The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple (86b) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) at a first angle (α1), and the third longitudinal row Apparatus according to any of embodiments 3 to 4 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the loop-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) are configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely angled laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) at a second angle (α2) different from the first angle (α1).

[0162] (6) The apparatus according to Embodiment 5 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the second angle (α2) is greater than the first angle (α1). (7) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 3 to 6 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is of the same height as each formed second staple (86b). (8) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 3 to 6 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) has a different height from each formed second staple (86b). (9) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 3 to 8 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding formed first staple (86a). (10) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 3 to 9 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is in a different longitudinal position from each formed second staple (86b).

[0163] (11) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 10 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) is in a different longitudinal position from each formed first staple (86a). (12) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 11 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) is of the same height as each formed first staple (86a). (13) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 11 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) has a different height from each formed first staple (86a). (14) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) has the same depth as each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212). (15) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar.

[0164] (16) Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), (a) Jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with the opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surfaces (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211), (c) An elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of the surgical stapler (10), (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) and configured to form a corresponding staple (86a) in a two-dimensional shape, (e) Staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) which are obliquely oriented laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) and configured to form corresponding staples (86b) in a three-dimensional shape. (17) The apparatus according to Embodiment 16 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) are arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally and outward from the staple-forming pockets of the first longitudinal row (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). (18) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 17, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and at least one other staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). (19) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 16 to 18, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is obliquely positioned laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) to a different degree than each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d). (20) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 19, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) has a substantially different depth from each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212).

[0165] (21) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 19 to 20, wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) laterally outside the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). (22) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 19 to 21, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is obliquely lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a first angle (α1), and each staple-forming pocket (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is obliquely lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) at a second angle (α2) that is greater than the first angle (α1). (23) The staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to the proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) and distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) in the longitudinal direction, and the staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to the proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F214c, F314 c) and the apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the distal stapling pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d), and the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the proximal stapling pocket (F114e) and distal stapling pocket (F114f). (24) The apparatus according to Embodiment 23 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114e) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal stapling pocket (F114a) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row. (25) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 23 to 24 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of distal staple-forming pockets (F114f) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114b) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row.

[0166] (26) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 23 to 25, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114e) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the stapling pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal stapling pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the stapling pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d) of the second longitudinal row. (27) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 23 to 26, wherein each pair of distal staple-forming pockets (F114f) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) of the third longitudinal row is in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal staple-forming pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row. (28) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 16 to 27 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar. (29) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 28, wherein at least one staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d) oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1) and a staple leg outlet portion (F132c, F132d) oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) greater than the first angle (β1). (30) The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F Apparatus according to any of embodiments 16 to 29 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the first of the 214d, F314c, F314d (F114c, F214c, F314c) is asymmetrical with respect to the second of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d).

[0167] (31) Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), (a) Jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with the opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surfaces (F112, F212) defined by the jaw bodies (F111, F211), (c) An elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of the surgical stapler (10), (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212), wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), (e) On the anvil surface (F112, F212), a second row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is provided on the lateral outer side of the first row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and is arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the staple-forming of the second row Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) in which each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetrical. (32) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 31, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row is asymmetrical with respect to the corresponding longitudinal center line (LG2). (33) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 31 to 32, wherein each proximal staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is asymmetric with respect to the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket (F114d, F214d, F314d) of the respective pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the corresponding lateral centerline (LT2). (34) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 31 to 33, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) includes a staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d) and a staple leg outlet portion (F132c, F132d) that is narrower than the corresponding staple leg inlet portion (F130c, F130d). (35) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) of Embodiment 34, wherein the staple leg inlet portions (F130c, F130d) of each staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

[0168] (36) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 34 to 35, wherein the staple leg exit portions (F132c, F132d) of each staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) extend substantially obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA). (37) The staple leg inlet portions (F130c, F130d) of at least one staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the staple forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) are oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a first angle (β1), and the staple forming pocket (F114c Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the staple leg exit portion (F132c, F132d) of at least one staple forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is oriented with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212) at a second angle (β2) different from the first angle (β1). (38) The apparatus according to Embodiment 37 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the second angle (β2) is greater than the first angle (β1). (39) The apparatus according to any of embodiments 31 to 38 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row are arranged in longitudinally adjacent pairs. (40) The apparatus according to Embodiment 39 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each pair of stapling pockets (F114c, F214c, F314c) of the second longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding distal stapling pocket (F114b) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of stapling pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row.

[0169] (41) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any of embodiments 39 to 40, wherein each pair of distal staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314d) adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding proximal staple-forming pocket (F114a) of the corresponding longitudinally adjacent pair of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row. (42) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 31 to 41, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) has a substantially different depth from each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212). (43) The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to any one of embodiments 31 to 42, further comprising a third row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged on the anvil surface (F112, F212) to the lateral outer side of the second row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. (44) The apparatus according to Embodiment 43 (F110, F210, F310), wherein each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) in the third longitudinal row is asymmetrical. (45) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 31 to 44 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the anvil surface (F112, F212) is planar.

[0170] (46) Apparatus (F110, F210, F310), (a) Jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with the opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body, (c) An elongated slot (F122) passing through the surface of the anvil and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body, wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of the surgical stapler, (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) arranged on the surface of the anvil, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged along a common longitudinal centerline, (e) Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: a second row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) arranged on the surface of the anvil, laterally outward of the first row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis, and arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein each proximal staple-forming pocket of each pair adjacent to the second row of staple-forming pockets is laterally offset from the corresponding distal staple-forming pocket of each of the pairs adjacent to the second row of staple-forming pockets in the longitudinal direction. (47) The apparatus according to embodiment 46, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler, and the first legs (88a, 89a) of each formed first staple are aligned laterally with respect to each other. (48) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 46 to 47, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) discharged from the staple-holding assembly of the surgical stapler, and the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple. (49) The apparatus according to embodiment 48, further comprising a plurality of second staples, wherein the second crown of each second staple is oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot. (50) The apparatus according to embodiment 48, further comprising a plurality of second staples, wherein the second crown of each second staple is substantially zigzag in shape.

[0171] (51) The apparatus according to embodiment 50, wherein the second crown of each second staple includes a proximal segment (F390) oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot, an intermediate segment (F391) oriented parallel to the elongated slot, and a distal segment (F392) oriented obliquely with respect to the elongated slot. (52) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 46 to 51, further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) arranged in pairs adjacent in the longitudinal direction. (53) The apparatus according to embodiment 52, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is arranged on the anvil surface laterally and outward from the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets with respect to the longitudinal axis. (54) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 52 to 53, wherein each pair of stapling pockets in the third longitudinal row that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction are arranged along a common longitudinal centerline. (55) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 52 to 54, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets adjacent to the third longitudinal row of stapling pockets is laterally offset from the corresponding distal stapling pockets of each pair adjacent to the third longitudinal row of stapling pockets.

[0172] (56) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 52 to 55, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets is configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) discharged from the staple-holding assembly of the surgical stapler, and the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple are obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple. (57) The apparatus according to embodiment 56, wherein the staple-forming pockets of the second longitudinal row and the third longitudinal row are configured to form the plurality of second staples and the plurality of third staples, respectively, and each second staple formed on the first side of the elongated slot is oriented in a manner inverted with respect to each third staple formed on the first side of the elongated slot. (58) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 46 to 57, wherein the staple-forming pocket is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the elongated slot. (59) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 46 to 58, wherein each pair of proximal stapling pockets adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each of the stapling pockets of the second longitudinal row is located laterally outside the corresponding distal stapling pockets of each pair adjacent in the longitudinal direction to each of the stapling pockets of the second longitudinal row. (60) The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 46 to 59, wherein the anvil surface is planar.

Claims

1. The devices (F110, F210, F310) (a) Jaw bodies (F111, F211) configured to work in cooperation with the opposing jaws (42) of a surgical stapler (10) to compress, staple, and cut tissue, (b) The anvil surface (F112, F212) defined by the jaw body (F111, F211), (c) An elongated slot (F122) passing through the anvil surface (F112, F212) and extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the jaw body (F111, F211), wherein the elongated slot (F122) is configured to slidably receive the firing driver (46) of the surgical stapler (10), (d) A first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of first staples (86a) discharged from the staple-fastening assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein the first legs (88a, 89a) of each formed first staple (86a) are aligned laterally to each other, and the first crown (87a) of each formed first staple (86a) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA), (e) Second longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) on the anvil surface (F112, F212) disposed laterally outside the first longitudinal row staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), and configured to form a plurality of second staples (86b) that are discharged from the staple-fastening assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein each of the formed second staples Apparatus (F110, F210, F310) comprising: a second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) such that the second legs (88b, 89b) of the pull (86b) are obliquely positioned laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each of the formed second staples (86b), and the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

2. The staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row are arranged in pairs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, and each pair of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F2 The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein the first of the 14c, F214d, F314c, F314d (F114c, F214c, F314c) is asymmetrical with respect to the second of the pairs of staple-forming pockets (F114d, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) (F114d, F214d, F314d).

3. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2 (F110, F210, F310), further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) disposed on the anvil surface (F112, F212) and configured to form a plurality of third staples (86c) discharged from the staple-holding assembly (70) of the surgical stapler (10), wherein the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c), and the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

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

5. The second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and the second legs (88b, 89b) of each formed second staple (86b) are obliquely oriented laterally away from the second crown (87b) of each formed second staple (86b) at a first angle (α1), and the third longitudinal The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, wherein the row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and the third legs (88c, 89c) of each formed third staple (86c) are obliquely angled laterally away from the third crown (87c) of each formed third staple (86c) at a second angle (α2) different from the first angle (α1).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 (F110, F210, F310), wherein the second angle (α2) is greater than the first angle (α1).

7. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is of the same height as each formed second staple (86b).

8. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) has a different height from each formed second staple (86b).

9. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is located in the same longitudinal position as the corresponding formed first staple (86a).

10. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 3, wherein the third longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114e, F114f) is configured to form the plurality of third staples (86c), and each formed third staple (86c) is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed second staple (86b).

11. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) is located in a different longitudinal position from each formed first staple (86a).

12. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) has the same height as each formed first staple (86a).

13. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) is configured to form the plurality of second staples (86b), and each formed second staple (86b) has a different height from each formed first staple (86a).

14. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein each staple-forming pocket (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) of the second longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114c, F114d, F214c, F214d, F314c, F314d) has the same depth as each staple-forming pocket (F114a, F114b) of the first longitudinal row of staple-forming pockets (F114a, F114b) with respect to the anvil surface (F112, F212).

15. The apparatus (F110, F210, F310) according to claim 1, wherein the anvil surfaces (F112, F212) are planar.

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