A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.

A method is disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a first staple cartridge and obtaining a second staple cartridge, wherein the first staple cartridge and the second staple cartridge comprise the same length and the same width. The method can further comprise inserting the first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile, wherein complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into the channel is prevented by the keyed profile. Additionally, the method can comprise inserting the second staple cartridge into the channel, wherein complete insertion of the second staple cartridge into the channel is permitted by the keyed profile.

Stapling devices and staple cartridges are disclosed. A stapling device can include a jaw configured to sequentially receive a plurality of dissimilar staple cartridges having different bioabsorbable components. An adjustment module can implement a firing control algorithm based on which dissimilar staple cartridge is received in the jaw. A staple cartridge can include staples comprised of a bioabsorbable metal alloy and configured to degrade at a staple degradation rate over an expected staple life in the patient. A staple cartridge can also include an implantable layer comprised of a bioabsorbable polymer and configured to degrade at a layer degradation rate over an expected layer life in the patient. The staple degradation rate and the implantable degradation rate can be different. The implantable layer can mechanically support at least a portion of a staple for a time in the expected staple life.

A method of pairing bioabsorbable staples in a staple cartridge with the tissue being treated such that the staples are structurally sufficient during the healing window of the tissue but completely bioabsorb shortly thereafter.

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.

A surgical staple driver configured for use with a surgical staple cartridge that operably interfaces with a surgical instrument camming member that is axially movable along a first cam axis. A driver body is slidably supportable within the surgical staple cartridge. A camming surface is provided on the driver body that is oriented for camming engagement with the camming member along the first cam axis. The driver further includes a staple supporting portion that is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon relative to the camming surface such that when the camming member engages the camming surface, the camming member passes transversely under a portion of a staple crown of at least one surgical staple supported on the staple supporting portion.

Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, cutting element, thermal element, and/or grasper may be provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

A loading unit including double pushers and double retention cavities is disclosed. At least one double pusher includes a first body portion having a first upper surface configured to engage a portion of a first fastener, a second body portion having a second upper surface configured to engage a portion of a second fastener, and a bridge interconnecting the first body portion and the second body portion. Each of the first upper surface and the second upper surface defining an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis. At least one double retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a proximal pusher guiding surface of the first body portion of the double pusher retained therein, and a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a distal pusher guiding surface of the first body portion of the double pusher retained therein.

A surgical staple comprising a substrate and one or more coatings which slows the bioabsorption of the substrate. The coating can be selected so as to affect the environment surrounding the staple once the staple is implanted in the patient. The effect on the environment can cause the bioabsorption to occur within a desired time frame.

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.