A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.

This disclosure includes fasteners for coupling an implant to tissue (e.g., soft-tissue and/or bone), fabric-like implants, and assemblies with fasteners pre-loaded with implants. The present implants generally comprise at least one flexible, fibrous layer that is substantially planar in a flattened state. In some embodiments of the present assemblies for delivery of a fastener, the assembly comprises fastener cartridge, a fibrous implant wrapped around a portion of the cartridge, a fastener extending through the implant, and an elongated shield disposed around the implant and the cartridge such that the implant is retained between the cartridge and the shield. Kits comprise a plurality of fasteners pre-loaded with implants. Some of the present kits also include one or more of the present fastener-delivery apparatuses or tools; for example, a plurality of pre-loaded fasteners with a single, reloadable tool; a plurality of tools each pre-loaded with a fastener that is pre-loaded with an implant; and/or a plurality of cartridges each pre-loaded with a fastener that is pre-loaded with an implant, and a common tool for use with the cartridges.