In various embodiments, a layer of material can comprise a body, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion can be releasably secured to a staple cartridge of a surgical end effector, and the distal end portion can be releasably secured to an anvil of the surgical end effector. The layer of material can comprise a tissue thickness compensator.

The present invention relates to bio-zipper surgical closure devices configured to provide tension-free support of an incision throughout the healing process. Further, the present invention provides a surgical closure device to be used for urethral tubular closure during a urethroplasty. The present invention relates to methods of using the surgical closure device for the closure of various wounds such as urethral tubular closure during a urethroplasty.

A method for constructing a braided implant delivery system and treating an aneurysm can include attaching a braided implant having a band attached thereto to a delivery tube, positioning the braided implant within the aneurysm, and releasing the band from the delivery tube, thereby releasing the braided implant. The band can include movable extensions that can press into an outer surface of the delivery tube to secure the band to the delivery tube then move away from the outer surface of the delivery tube to release the band. A pull wire can be engaged to the band to secure the band to the delivery tube then be pulled proximally to release the band from the delivery tube. At least a portion of the braid of the braided implant can be positioned within a lumen of the delivery tube.

Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and adjusting one or more segments of membrane to affect skin tension at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an external layer and tubular elements. The tubular elements are interconnected and positioned within the external layer. The tubular elements comprise apertures defined therein and the tubular elements are configured to collapse as pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion. The apertures enable fluids from the tissue to permeate the tissue thickness compensator.

Systems, devices, and methods for controlling cooperative surgical instruments with variable surgical site access trajectories are provided. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide for coordinated operation of surgical instruments accessing a common surgical site from different approach and/or separate body cavities to achieve a common surgical purpose. For example, various methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein can enable the coordinated treatment of tissue by disparate minimally invasive surgical systems that approach the tissue from varying anatomical spaces and must operate differently, but in concert with one another, to effect a desired surgical treatment.

A buttress device includes an applicator assembly including an applicator body, the applicator body being flexible, and a release liner, the release liner comprising a sacrificial tab. The release liner is coupled to the applicator body. The buttress device includes a buttress positioned on the applicator body, and a buttress fastener, the buttress fastener configured to couple the buttress to an end effector. The buttress fastener is configured to be releasably fastened to the release liner. The buttress device has a first configuration in which the buttress is coupled to the applicator assembly, and a second configuration in which the buttress is uncoupled from the applicator assembly, wherein the sacrificial tab is removed from the applicator assembly in the second configuration.

A system for detecting an anastomotic leak includes a sensor assembly implanted at an anastomosis site. The system also includes a reader configured to receive sensor signals from the sensor assembly and a computing device configured to communicate with the reader. The computing device may be configured to analyze the sensor signals to determine a status of the anastomosis site.

Systems, instruments, and methods are described in which an apparatus comprises a housing including a scalpet device. The scalpet device includes a scalpet array that includes scalpets arranged in a pattern. The scalpets are deployable from the housing to generate incised skin pixels at a target site. The housing is positioned and the scalpet array is deployed into tissue at the target site. Incised skin pixels are generated when the target site is a donor site, and skin defects are generated when the target site is a recipient site. The incised skin pixels are harvested.

A buttress device includes an applicator assembly including an applicator body, the applicator body being flexible, and a release liner. The release liner is coupled to the applicator body. The buttress device includes a buttress positioned on the applicator body, and a buttress fastener, the buttress fastener configured to couple the buttress to an end effector. The buttress fastener is configured to be releasably fastened to the release liner. The buttress device has a first configuration in which the buttress is coupled to the applicator assembly, and a second configuration in which the buttress is uncoupled from the applicator assembly, wherein the sacrificial tab is removed from the applicator assembly in the second configuration.