Surgical stapling device having a floating staple cartridge - Patents.com

Abstract

A surgical stapling device having a floating staple cartridge is provided. [Solution] A surgical stapling apparatus includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel. The cartridge channel has a pair of spaced-apart side walls and a bottom wall. The cartridge assembly includes compression strips supported on upper edges of the side walls and positioned to support the staple cartridge. In embodiments, each compression strip includes a connecting portion, and the upper edge of each side wall defines a slot configured to receive the connecting portion of the respective compression strip to secure the compression strip to the side wall of the cartridge channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device, and more particularly, to a surgical stapling device including a tool assembly having a staple cartridge supported on a compressible base for accommodating tissues of different thicknesses.

Background Art

[0002] In various surgical procedures, such as anastomosis procedures, surgical stapling devices for releasing staples are known for quickly and efficiently joining tissues or tissue compartments. The surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly define tissue contact surfaces that define a tissue gap when the tool assembly is in the clamped position. The tissue gap is sized to receive a given thickness range of tissue for hemostasis. If the tissue positioned between the jaws is either overly thick or overly thin and outside the defined range, the tissue contact surfaces of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly may not be properly positioned during the firing of the stapling device to provide effective hemostasis. In addition, if the clinician misidentifies the tissue thickness or the tissue thickness corresponds near the outer edge of the range for a given staple size, the likelihood of ineffective hemostasis increases.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a surgical stapling device that can provide effective hemostasis for a greater range of tissue thicknesses in suturing techniques.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel having a bottom wall portion and side wall portions that define a recess. Each of the side wall portions has a first end fixed to the bottom wall portion and a second end spaced from the bottom wall portion that defines an elongated slot. The staple cartridge includes a top wall portion and side wall portions that define a longitudinal axis and a tissue contact surface. The top wall portion extends radially outwardly from the side wall portions of the staple cartridge so as to define longitudinally extending shoulders positioned adjacent to each of the side wall portions of the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is dimensioned to be received within the recess of the cartridge channel such that the shoulders of the staple cartridge are positioned at the upper portions of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel. The compression strip is supported within each of the elongated slots defined within the second ends of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel. The elongated slots and the compression strip are configured to engage to secure the compression strip to the cartridge channel.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel having a bottom wall portion and side wall portions that define a recess, and a staple cartridge that defines a longitudinal axis and supports a plurality of staples and a plurality of pushers. The staple cartridge is received within the recess of the cartridge channel. The staple cartridge has a top wall portion that defines a tissue contact surface and a plurality of staple retaining slots. The compression pad is positioned between the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge.

[0006] In an embodiment, each of the compression strips includes a connecting portion received within the longitudinal slot.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connecting portion of each of the compression strips and the elongated slots are dovetail-shaped.

[0008] In certain embodiments, each of the second ends of the side walls of the cartridge channel includes a notch that intersects an elongate slot so as to divide the elongate slot into a plurality of compartments.

[0009] In embodiments, each of the compression strips is formed from a plurality of compartments, and each of the plurality of compartments of the compression strip has a length corresponding to the length of one of the plurality of compartments of the elongate slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the compression strips is formed from an elastic material.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the cartridge assembly includes a support plate, the staple cartridge includes staples and a pusher, and defines an open end facing the upper wall portion. The support plate is supported on the open end of the staple cartridge so as to hold the staples and the pusher within the staple cartridge.

[0012] In embodiments, the staple cartridge and the support plate define a gap with the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the compression pad is positioned within the gap between the staple cartridge and the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge each define a knife slot, and the compression pad includes a first half on one side of the knife slot and a second half positioned on the other side of the knife slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the compression pad is fixed to the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel using an adhesive.

[0016] In embodiments, the compression pad is formed from an elastic material. For example, the present application provides the following items. (Item 1) A cartridge assembly, comprising a cartridge channel including a bottom wall portion and side wall portions defining a recess, each of the side wall portions having a first end fixed to the bottom wall portion and a second end spaced from the bottom wall portion, the second end of each of the side wall portions defining an elongated slot, the cartridge channel; A staple cartridge including an upper wall portion and side wall portions defining a longitudinal axis and a tissue contact surface, the upper wall portion extending radially outward of the side wall portions of the staple cartridge so as to define a shoulder extending longitudinally adjacent to each side wall portion of the staple cartridge, the staple cartridge being dimensioned to be received within the recess of the cartridge channel such that the shoulder is located above the upper portion of the side wall portion of the cartridge channel, the staple cartridge; A compression strip supported within each of the elongated slots defined within the second ends of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel, the elongated slots and the compression strip being configured to engage so as to secure the compression strip to the cartridge channel, the compression strip, a cartridge assembly comprising. (Item 2) The cartridge assembly according to the above item, wherein the compression strip includes a connection portion, and the connection portion of the compression strip and the elongated slot are in a dovetail shape. (Item 3) The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein each of the second ends of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel includes a notch, and the notch intersects the elongated slot so as to divide the elongated slot into a plurality of compartments. (Item 4) Each of the compression strips is formed from a plurality of sections, and each of the plurality of sections of the compression strip has a length corresponding to one of the lengths of the plurality of sections of the elongated slot, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 5) Each of the compression strips is formed from an elastic material, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 6) Further including a support plate, the staple cartridge includes staples and a pusher, and defines an open end facing the upper wall portion, and the support plate is supported on the open end of the staple cartridge so as to hold the staples and the pusher within the staple cartridge, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 7) The staple cartridge and the support plate define a gap with the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 8) Further including a compression pad positioned between the staple cartridge and the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel within the gap, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 9) The cartridge channel and the staple cartridge each define a respective knife slot, and the compression pad includes a first half positioned on one side of the knife slot and a second half positioned on the other side of the knife slot, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 10) The compression pad is formed from an elastic material, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 11) The compression pad is fixed to the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel using an adhesive, the cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 12) A cartridge assembly, including a cartridge channel defining a recess and having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion, a staple cartridge defining a longitudinal axis and supporting a plurality of staples and a plurality of pushers, the staple cartridge having an upper wall portion defining a tissue contact surface and a plurality of staple holding slots, the staple cartridge being received within the recess of the cartridge channel, and a compression pad positioned between the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge. A cartridge assembly comprising the same. (Item 13) The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the compression pad is formed of an elastic material. (Item 14) The cartridge channel and the staple cartridge each define a respective knife slot, and the compression pad includes a first half positioned on one side of the knife slot and a second half positioned on the other side of the knife slot. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 15) The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items, wherein the compression pad is fixed to the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel using an adhesive. (Item 16) Each of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel has a first end fixed to the bottom wall portion and a second end spaced apart from the bottom wall portion, and the second end of each of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel defines an elongated slot. The staple cartridge further includes side wall portions extending longitudinally along each end of the upper wall portion, and the upper wall portion extends radially outward in the radial direction of the side wall portion so as to define shoulders extending longitudinally adjacent to each of the side wall portions of the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is dimensioned to be received within the recess of the cartridge channel such that the shoulders are located above the upper portions of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel. The staple cartridge further includes a compression strip supported within the elongated slot defined within the second end of the side wall portion of the cartridge channel, and the elongated slot and the compression strip are configured to engage to fix the compression strip to the cartridge channel. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 17) The compression strip includes a connection portion, and the connection portion of the compression strip and the elongated slot are in a dovetail shape. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 18) The second end of each of the side wall portions of the cartridge channel includes a notch, and the notch intersects the elongated slot so as to divide the elongated slot into a plurality of compartments. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 19) Each of the compression strips is formed from a plurality of compartments, and each of the plurality of compartments of the compression strip has a length corresponding to the length of one of the plurality of compartments of the elongated slot. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Item 20) Further comprising a support plate, the staple cartridge includes an open end portion facing the upper wall portion, and the support plate is supported on the open end portion of the staple cartridge so as to hold the staples and the pusher within the staple cartridge. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the above items. (Abstract) The surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly, a cartridge channel, and a cartridge assembly supported within the cartridge channel. The cartridge channel has a pair of spaced side wall portions and a bottom wall portion. The cartridge assembly includes a compression strip supported on the upper edge portion of the side wall portion and positioned to support the staple cartridge. In an embodiment, each of the compression strips includes a connection portion, and the upper edge portion of each of the side wall portions defines a slot configured to receive the connection portion of the respective compression strip to fix the compression strip to the side wall portion of the cartridge channel. In some embodiments, the tool assembly also includes a compressible pad supported on the bottom wall portion of the cartridge channel between the bottom of the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Various embodiments of the tool assembly of the present disclosure are described below in this specification with reference to the drawings.

[0018]

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[0019] Here, the surgical stapling device of the present disclosure including a tool assembly having a floating staple cartridge will be described in detail with reference to the figures in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of several figures. In this description, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to that portion of the device closer to the clinician, and the term "distal" is generally used to refer to that portion of the device farther from the clinician. Additionally, the term "endoscopic" is generally used to refer to endoscopic procedures, laparoscopic procedures, arthroscopic procedures, and / or any other procedure performed through a small incision or cannula. Additionally, the term clinician is generally used to refer to medical personnel including physicians, nurses, and support staff.

[0020] The surgical stapling device of the present disclosure includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel having a pair of spaced sidewall portions and a bottom wall portion. The cartridge assembly includes a compression strip supported on the upper edge portion of the sidewall portion of the cartridge channel and positioned to support the staple cartridge. In an embodiment, each of the compression strips includes a connection portion, and each upper edge portion of the sidewall portion defines a slot configured to receive the connection portion of the respective compression strip so as to fix the compression strip to the sidewall portion of the cartridge channel. The compression strip allows the staple cartridge to move or float relative to the anvil assembly of the tool assembly so as to accommodate tissues of different thicknesses.

[0021] In some embodiments, the tool assembly also includes a compressible pad supported on the bottom wall portion of the channel. The staple cartridge is supported on the compressible pad within the cartridge channel such that the staple cartridge can move or float within the cartridge channel.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a surgical stapling device of the present disclosure, generally illustrated as 10. The stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, a body portion 14 defining a longitudinal axis "X" and extending from a distal portion of the handle assembly 12, and a tool assembly 100 supported on the distal portion of the body portion 14. In an embodiment, the handle assembly 12 includes a fixed grip 16, a firing trigger 18, a rotation knob 20, and a joint lever 22. The firing trigger 18 is operable to move the tool assembly 100 between a non-clamping position (FIG. 2) and a clamping position (FIG. 1A) to fire the stapling device 10. The joint lever 22 is rotatable to pivot the tool assembly 100 relative to the body portion 14 about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis "X". The rotation knob 20 pivotally supports the body portion 14 and the tool assembly 100 on the distal portion of the handle assembly 12. Rotation of the rotation knob 20 relative to the handle assembly 12 causes corresponding rotation of the body portion 14 and the tool assembly 100 relative to the handle assembly 12.

[0023] For a detailed description of the other components of the stapling device 10 including the firing trigger 18, the rotation knob 20, and the articulation lever 22, and the handle assembly 12, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 8,418,904 (the "‘904 Patent"), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Although the tool assembly 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated as part of a manual surgical stapling device 10, the tool assembly 100 may also be incorporated into an electric surgical stapling device, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943, U.S. Patent No. 8,806,973, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0076206, each of which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, the tool assembly 100 includes an anvil assembly 102 and a cartridge assembly 104. The proximal portion of the anvil assembly 102 is pivotally connected to the proximal portion of the cartridge assembly 104 by a pair of pivot members 105 such that the anvil assembly 102 serves as a pivot for the cartridge assembly 104 and moves the tool assembly 100 between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position (FIG. 1A). It is also contemplated that the cartridge assembly may be pivotally supported by the anvil assembly 102. Although not shown, the anvil assembly 102 includes a tissue contact surface that includes a plurality of staple deformation depressions. For example, refer to the anvil assembly disclosed in the ‘904 Patent.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the cartridge assembly 104 includes a staple cartridge 106 that supports a plurality of staples 108 and a plurality of pushers 110, a cartridge channel 112, a staple cartridge support plate 114, a compression strip 116, a compression pad 118, and an actuating thread 120. The cartridge assembly 104 is envisioned to optionally include only the compression strip 116 or only the compression pad 118, as will be discussed in more detail below. The staple cartridge 106 includes a tissue contact surface 124 (FIG. 3) that defines a central knife slot 106a and a plurality of rows of laterally spaced staple retention slots 124a within the tissue contact surface 124. In an embodiment, the tissue contact surface 124 is stepped downwardly from the central knife slot 106a towards the outer edge of the staple cartridge 106. Alternatively, the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 may be flat. Each staple retention slot 124a receives one of the staples 108 and a respective pusher 110.

[0026] The support plate 114 of the cartridge assembly 104 is fixed to the lower opening end of the staple cartridge 106 facing the tissue contact surface 124 by a snap-fit connection or other type of connection. The support plate 114 covers the lower opening end of the staple cartridge 106 so as to hold the staple 108 and the pusher 110 within the staple cartridge 106. The staple cartridge 106 also defines a plurality of longitudinal slots 130 (FIG. 11). The longitudinal slots 130 communicate with the lower opening end of the staple cartridge 106 and the staple holding slot 124a so as to accommodate the staple pusher 110 and facilitate the passage of the operating thread 120 through the staple cartridge 106. As is known in the art, as the operating thread 120 advances through the staple cartridge 106, the pusher 110 is lifted within the holding slot 124a and the staple 108 is released from the holding slot 124a. For a detailed description of the operation and interaction of the operating thread 120 and the pusher 110, see, for example, the '904 patent.

[0027] The staple cartridge 106 includes opposing side walls 132 and an upper wall 134 that defines the tissue contact surface 124 and the staple holding slot 124a. The upper wall 134 extends radially outward of the side walls 132 so as to define a shoulder 136 (FIG. 3A). The staple cartridge 106 also includes protrusions 140 (FIG. 3) that extend radially outward of each of the side walls 132 of the staple cartridge 106 and facilitate the fixation of the staple cartridge 106 within the cartridge channel 112.

[0028] Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge channel 112 includes a bottom wall portion 144 and spaced side wall portions 146 that together define a recess 148 sized to receive the staple cartridge 106 and the support plate 114 when the staple cartridge 106 and the support plate 114 are assembled. The bottom wall portion 144 defines a central longitudinal knife slot 150 aligned with a central knife slot 106a defined within the staple cartridge 106, as well as a longitudinal knife slot 152 defined by the support plate 114. The knife slots 106a, 150, and 152 are sized to facilitate passage of a drive member and a knife (not shown) through the staple cartridge 106. For a detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the drive member and knife of a surgical stapling device, see, for example, the '904 patent.

[0029] Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 6 - 9, the compression strip 116 is formed from a compressible and / or elastic material. Each of the compression strips 116 includes a support portion 156 and a connection portion 158. In an embodiment, the support portion 156 of each of the compression strips 116 defines a flat surface 156a positioned and configured to support a shoulder 136 of the staple cartridge 106 (FIG. 3A).

[0030] In an embodiment, the spaced sidewall portions 146 of the cartridge channel 112 each define a retaining slot 160 (FIG. 8) configured to receive the connection portion 158 of the compression strip 116. In an embodiment, the retaining slot 160 and the connection portion 158 of the compression strip 116 have a mating configuration that tightly clamps the compression strip 116 within the retaining slot 160. In some embodiments, the connection portions of the retaining slot 160 and the compression strip 116 each have a dovetail configuration, although other mating configurations such as, for example, a T-shaped slot are envisioned. The connection portion 158 of the compression strip 116 is slidably received within the retaining slot 160 so as to secure the compression strip 116 to the upper edge of the sidewall portion 146 of the cartridge channel 112. Additionally, an adhesive, welding, friction fit, or the like can be used to secure the compression strip from moving axially within the slot 160.

[0031] Returning briefly to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sidewall portions 146 of the cartridge channel 112 each include a plurality of notches 170. The notches 170 provide access to the ends of the retaining slots 160 at a plurality of locations along the sidewall portion 146 of the cartridge channel 112 to enable insertion of the connection portion 158 of the compression strip 116 into the retaining slots 160 at a plurality of locations along the sidewall portion 146.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 3-5, 10 and 11, in the embodiment, the compression pad 118 is supported on the bottom wall portion 144 of the cartridge channel 112 between the bottom wall portion 144 of the cartridge assembly 104 (FIG. 11) and the support plate 114 on the opposite side of the knife slot 150. As discussed above with respect to the compression strip 116, the compression pad 118 is formed from an elastic and / or compressible material and supports the staple cartridge 106 to facilitate movement of the staple cartridge 106 relative to the anvil assembly 102 during clamping and firing of the surgical stapling device 10. In the embodiment, the compression pad 118 includes a notch 118a that provides a space for expanding the compression pad 118 during firing. Although illustrated as circular, the notch 118a can be of any configuration.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, when the thin tissue T1 is clamped between the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 and the tissue contact surface 102a of the anvil assembly 102 and the surgical stapling device 10 is fired, the forces applied to the compression strip 116 and the compression pad 118 are minimal, so that the compressible strip 116 and pad 118 undergo minimal deformation or compression. Thus, the movement of the staple cartridge 106 relative to the anvil assembly 102 is very small. Therefore, the staple cartridge 106 remains in close contact with the anvil assembly 102, and the staples 108a (FIG. 13) undergo substantial deformation.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when a thicker tissue T2 is clamped between the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 and the tissue contact surface 102a of the anvil assembly 102 and the surgical stapling device 10 is fired, the force applied to the compression strip 116 and the compression pad 118 increases, so that the compressible strip 116 and the compression pad 118 undergo more substantial deformation or compression. Thus, the staple cartridge 106 moves further downward away from the anvil assembly 102 to compensate for the thicker tissue T2. Therefore, the staple cartridge 106 is further spaced apart from the anvil assembly 102, and the staple 108b undergoes more substantial deformation.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, when an even thicker tissue T3 is clamped between the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 and the tissue contact surface 102a of the anvil assembly 102 and the surgical stapling device 10 is fired, the force applied to the compression strip 116 and the compression pad 118 further increases, so that the compressible strip 116 and the pad 118 undergo even more substantial deformation or compression. Thus, the staple cartridge 106 moves further downward away from the anvil assembly 102 to compensate for the thicker tissue T3. Therefore, the staple cartridge 106 is even further spaced apart from the anvil assembly 102, and the staple 108b undergoes even more substantial deformation.

[0036] The surgical stapling device 10 is illustrated as including both the compression strip 116 and the compression pad 118, but it is envisioned that the surgical stapling device need only include the strip 116 or the pad 118 alone.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting and exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with other elements and features without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand additional features and advantages of the present disclosure based on the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited to that specifically illustrated and described except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tool assembly comprising: an anvil assembly having a first tissue contacting surface; a cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil assembly to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamping position, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge having a length, the staple cartridge including a unitary cartridge body, a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, and an actuation sled configured to actuate the plurality of pushers to push the plurality of staples, the cartridge body having a second tissue contacting surface, the cartridge body including a cartridge knife slot and an opposing side of the cartridge knife slot. a cartridge channel having a bottom wall and a plurality of spaced apart side walls, the bottom wall and the plurality of spaced apart side walls together forming a recess, the bottom wall defining a channel knife slot longitudinally aligned with the cartridge knife slot, the staple cartridge being received within the recess, and the first tissue contacting surface being spaced from and juxtaposed with the second tissue contacting surface when the tool assembly is in the clamping position; a plurality of non-inflatable compression pads positioned on the bottom wall of the cartridge channel, the plurality of compression pads being positioned beneath the staple cartridge, the plurality of compression pads being formed from a compressible material, the plurality of compression pads supporting the staple cartridge along a length of the staple cartridge within the recesses of the cartridge channel from a proximal portion of the staple cartridge to a distal portion of the staple cartridge such that when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue having a plurality of different thicknesses, a plurality of different compression pads enable the staple cartridge to move a plurality of different distances away from the anvil assembly within the recesses of the cartridge channel, the plurality of compression pads being compressed by the staple cartridge when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue, and one of the plurality of compression pads being a plurality of compression pads positioned on one side of the channel knife slot and another of the plurality of compression pads positioned on the other side of the channel knife slot; A tool assembly comprising:

2. 2. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge includes a staple cartridge support plate secured to a lower end of the cartridge body, the plurality of compression pads being positioned between the staple cartridge support plate and the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.

3. The tool assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuation sled is movable through the cartridge body of the staple cartridge into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples from the plurality of staple slots.

4. The tool assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of compression pads define a plurality of spaced apart notches to facilitate expansion of the plurality of compression pads into the plurality of notches.

5. The tool assembly of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of cutouts are circular.

6. The tool assembly of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of notches are longitudinally aligned with one another along a length of the plurality of compression pads.

7. 1. A surgical stapling apparatus, comprising: A handle assembly; an elongated body portion having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being secured to the handle assembly; a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongated body portion; Equipped with The tool assembly includes: an anvil assembly having a first tissue contacting surface; a cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil assembly to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamping position, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge having a length, the staple cartridge including a unitary cartridge body, a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, and an actuation sled configured to actuate the plurality of pushers to push the plurality of staples, the cartridge body having a second tissue contacting surface, the cartridge body including a cartridge knife slot and an opposing side of the cartridge knife slot. a cartridge channel having a bottom wall and a plurality of spaced apart side walls, the bottom wall and the plurality of spaced apart side walls together forming a recess, the bottom wall defining a channel knife slot longitudinally aligned with the cartridge knife slot, the staple cartridge being received within the recess, and the first tissue contacting surface being spaced from and juxtaposed with the second tissue contacting surface when the tool assembly is in the clamping position; a plurality of non-inflatable compression pads positioned on the bottom wall of the cartridge channel, the plurality of compression pads being positioned below the staple cartridge, the plurality of compression pads being formed from a compressible material, the plurality of compression pads supporting the staple cartridge along a length of the staple cartridge within the recesses of the cartridge channel from a proximal portion of the staple cartridge to a distal portion of the staple cartridge such that a plurality of different compression pads allow the staple cartridge to move a plurality of different distances away from the anvil assembly within the recesses of the cartridge channel when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue having a plurality of different thicknesses, the plurality of compression pads being compressed by the staple cartridge when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue, one of the plurality of compression pads being positioned on one side of the channel knife slot and another of the plurality of compression pads being positioned on the other side of the channel knife slot; 16. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:

8. 8. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the staple cartridge includes a staple cartridge support plate secured to a lower end of the cartridge body, the plurality of compression pads being positioned between the staple cartridge support plate and the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.

9. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the actuation sled is movable through the cartridge body of the staple cartridge into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples from the plurality of staple slots.

10. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of compression pads define a plurality of spaced apart notches to facilitate expansion of the plurality of compression pads into the plurality of notches.

11. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of notches are circular.

12. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of notches are longitudinally aligned with one another along a length of the plurality of compression pads.

13. A cartridge assembly configured to be coupled to an anvil assembly having a tissue contacting surface, the cartridge assembly being configured to be coupled to the anvil assembly to facilitate movement of a tool assembly formed by the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly between an open position and a clamped position; The cartridge assembly includes: and a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge having a length, the staple cartridge including a unitary cartridge body, a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, and an actuation sled configured to actuate the plurality of pushers to push the plurality of staples, the cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface, the cartridge body defining a cartridge knife slot and a plurality of staple slots positioned on opposite sides of the cartridge knife slot, the plurality of staples being received in the plurality of staple slots, the cartridge channel having a bottom wall and a plurality of spaced apart side walls, the bottom wall and the plurality of spaced apart side walls together forming a recess, the bottom wall defining a channel knife slot longitudinally aligned with the cartridge knife slot, and the staple cartridge being received within the recess. a plurality of compression pads positioned on the bottom wall of the cartridge channel, the plurality of compression pads being positioned beneath the staple cartridge, the plurality of compression pads being formed from a compressible material, the plurality of compression pads supporting the staple cartridge along a length of the staple cartridge within the recesses of the cartridge channel from a proximal portion of the staple cartridge to a distal portion of the staple cartridge such that a plurality of different compression pads allow the staple cartridge to move a plurality of different distances away from the anvil assembly within the recesses of the cartridge channel when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue having a plurality of different thicknesses, one of the plurality of compression pads being positioned on one side of the channel knife slot and another of the plurality of compression pads being positioned on the other side of the channel knife slot, the plurality of compression pads being compressed by the staple cartridge when the cartridge assembly clamps tissue, the plurality of compression pads defining a plurality of spaced apart notches to facilitate expansion of the plurality of compression pads into the plurality of notches; A cartridge assembly comprising:

14. 14. The cartridge assembly of claim 13, wherein the staple cartridge includes a staple cartridge support plate secured to a lower end of the cartridge body, the plurality of compression pads being positioned between the staple cartridge support plate and the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.

15. The cartridge assembly of claim 13, wherein the actuation sled is movable through the cartridge body of the staple cartridge into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples from the plurality of staple slots.

16. The cartridge assembly of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of cutouts are circular.

17. The cartridge assembly of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of notches are longitudinally aligned with one another along a length of the plurality of compression pads.

18. The cartridge assembly of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of compression pads are formed from a resilient material.

19. The cartridge assembly of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of compression pads are not expandable.

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