A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

An end effector including an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a deck having steps defined thereon for compressing tissue positioned between the anvil and the staple cartridge assembly to different pressures. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples having different unformed heights removably stored therein. The staples are deformed against the anvil to different formed heights.

A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument. The cartridge may include a cartridge body that has a series of staple pockets therein. A driver is movably supported in each staple pocket and is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon. In one arrangement, at least some of the drivers may be formed with one or more laterally extending features that are configured to be received in correspondingly-shaped grooves in the cartridge body to provide lateral support to the driver as it is operably moved within the staple pocket. In other arrangements, at least one inwardly-extending features is formed in the inner wall surface of the pocket and is configured to be movably supported within correspondingly-shaped groove in the driver.

A staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil and a cutter, wherein the cutter comprises a first end and a second end; the staple cartridge assembly also comprises a rotation shaft and an auxiliary closing member which is connected with the rotation shaft; the staple cartridge assembly is also provided with a driving component capable of driving the rotation shaft to rotate; the driving component drives the rotation shaft to drive the auxiliary closing member to move in the process in which the staple cartridge assembly is converted from an original status to a closed status; when at least the staple cartridge assembly is in the closed status, one end surface of the auxiliary closing member abuts against the anvil to apply a force to the anvil for driving the anvil to be closed towards the staple cartridge.

A clip cartridge assembly (300) is provided including a clip tray (302), cartridge clip pusher bar (304), and a plurality of surgical clips (C) interposed therebetween. The clip tray (302) is configured to be selectively loadable in a channel assembly (108) of a surgical clip applier (100) and includes a first plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers (302d) projecting from a base wall thereof. The cartridge clip pusher bar (304) is disposed adjacent the clip tray (302) and is slidable relative thereto. The cartridge clip pusher bar (304) includes a second plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers (304e) projecting from a base wall thereof and each terminating in a distal shoulder (304f). A surgical clip applier (100) is also provided.

A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed height, a compressed height, an outer encasement, and tubular structures aligned along the longitudinal axis. The tubular structures are configured to collapse when pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion.

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.

A surgical end effector for use with a surgical stapler for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector may comprise a frame portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a rotation joint. The second jaw member is pivotably movable relative to the first jaw member about the rotation joint. The second jaw member is configured to apply a closing motion against the tissue and a firing motion to deform the staples, wherein both the closing motion and the firing motion are applied to the tissue from the same side of the tissue.

An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.

A method for creating a flexible fastener line is disclosed. The fastener line comprises fasteners oriented in directions which are transverse or oblique to a tissue incision created by a cutting member. The fasteners can translate and/or rotate within the tissue when the tissue is stretched thereby creating flexibility within the tissue.