A surgical stapler comprising stored or storable staple cartridges is disclosed. The staple cartridges can have different unfired sizes. In at least one instance, a first stored staple cartridge comprises first staples having a first unfired height and a second stored staple cartridge comprises second staples having a second unfired height which is different than the first unfired height.

The invention relates to a device (14, 14′) for loading hair grafts into a Choi implanter-type implantation instrument, including an element comprising a first hole (18a) connected to a channel (17) that opens into a fluid-discharge chamber (21); a second hole (22) which can be connected to the fluid-discharge chamber (21) and define a path with the channel (17) such as to allow a needle (5) of an implantation instrument (1) to be introduced into the path through the second hole (22); and a connection means (23) for connecting the fluid-discharge chamber (21) to a vacuum source (27). The first hole (18a) is connected to a first tubing (20) used to deliver a graft (12) such that the graft (12) can be inserted into the needle (5) of the implantation instrument (1).

An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease has an implantable movement restriction device adapted to be at least partly invaginated by a patient's stomach fundus wall. A substantial part of the outer surface of the movement restriction device is adapted to rest against the stomach wall without injuring the latter in a position between the patient's diaphragm and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach the patient's diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax, so as to maintain the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen. The movement restriction device has a size of at least 125 mm.sup.3 and a circumference of at least 15 mm.

A system for clearing a blockage in a patient can include a tubular member that defines a channel and is insertable into an esophagus of the patient. The system can include a catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube defining a length greater than a length of the tubular member and being passable through the channel of the tubular member. The catheter tube can include a distal tip that defines a cutting element to core the blockage positioned in the esophagus. The catheter assembly can further include a catheter hub fixedly secured to the catheter tube and couplable with a vacuum line such that, when suction is provided via the vacuum line, advancement of the catheter tube into contact with the blockage cores a piece from the blockage that is passed through the catheter tube.

An aspiration thrombectomy system, comprising a vacuum source comprising a controllable vacuum valve, a pressure source comprising a controllable pressure valve, an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the aspiration catheter comprises connection tubing having a lumen configured to accommodate fluid, and wherein the connection tubing acts as a common conduit for fluid communication between the aspiration catheter and the vacuum and pressure sources via the vacuum and pressure valves, respectively, and a controller configured to open and close the vacuum and vent valves in a predetermined cycle to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter and control flow in and out from the distal end of the catheter.

A surgical instrument comprising a touchscreen display is disclosed.

A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compensator body and at least one vessel contained in the compensator body. The vessel can define an inner cavity which can comprise an inner atmosphere having a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the tissue thickness compensator. In at least one embodiment, the vessel and the compensator body can be maintained in a collapsed state until staples are fired through the vessel. At such point, the vessel can re-expand and apply a biasing force to tissue captured within the staples.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that includes an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section fused to and extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-crosslinked hydrogel precursors, the precursors remaining in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.