Surgical fastener applying apparatus

Abstract

A surgical stapler includes a tubular body portion and a cartridge assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion for expelling an annular array of staples. Each of the staples of the annular array of staples has a generally bent backspan. An anvil member disposed at the distal end of the tubular body portion is positioned opposite the cartridge assembly to clinch the staples in tissue upon expulsion of the staples from the cartridge assembly. The anvil member has a corresponding annular array of staple forming buckets. Each of the buckets is configured to accommodate the generally bent configuration of the staples to facilitate formation thereof.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge assembly comprising: a housing; an annular staple cartridge body configured to be coupled to a distal end portion of the housing, the staple cartridge body having a flat, tissue-oriented distal surface defining first and second annular rows of staple retaining slots configured for expelling surgical staples, wherein the first annular row of staple retaining slots includes a first staple retaining slot having a pair of opposed end portions and a middle portion interposed between the pair of opposed end portions, the second annular row of staple retaining slots including second and third staple retaining slots each having opposed first and second end portions, the first end portion of the second staple retaining slot being circumferentially spaced from and adjacent the second end portion of the third staple retaining slot, wherein the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot is radially aligned with a first gap defined between the first end portion of the second staple retaining slot and the second end portion of the third staple retaining slot, wherein at least the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot has a non-linear shape in a plane defined by the flat, tissue-oriented distal surface; and a surgical staple configured for receipt in the first staple retaining slot, wherein the surgical staple has a backspan having a non-linear shape corresponding to the non-linear shape of the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot.

2. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein each end portion of the pair of opposed end portions of the first staple retaining slot has a linear shape.

3. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot is disposed between the first end portion of the second staple retaining slot and the second end portion of the third staple retaining slot.

4. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot is circumferentially aligned with at least a portion of each of the second and third staple retaining slots.

5. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the middle portion of the first staple retaining slot is radially spaced from the second and third staple retaining slots.

6. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second annular rows of staple retaining slots are concentric.

7. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third annular row of staple retaining slots, wherein the first annular row of staple retaining slots is disposed between the second and third annular rows of staple retaining slots.

8. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first annular row of staple retaining slots has a fourth staple retaining slot disposed adjacent and circumferentially spaced from the first staple retaining slot, the first and fourth staple retaining slots defining a second gap therebetween.

9. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and second gaps have the same gap distance as one another.

10. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first gap has a larger gap distance than a gap distance of the second gap.

11. An anvil assembly comprising: a shaft having a first end portion, and a second end portion configured to be operably coupled to an advancing device; and an anvil member configured to be supported on the first end portion of the shaft, the anvil member having a flat, tissue-oriented proximal surface defining first and second annular rows of staple forming buckets, wherein the first annular row of staple forming buckets includes a first staple forming bucket having a pair of opposed end portions and a middle portion interposed between the pair of opposed end portions, the second annular row of staple forming buckets including second and third staple forming buckets each having opposed first and second end portions, the first end portion of the second staple retaining bucket being circumferentially spaced from and adjacent the second end portion of the third staple forming bucket, wherein the middle portion of the first staple forming bucket is radially aligned with a first gap defined between the first end portion of the second staple forming bucket and the second end portion of the third staple forming bucket, wherein at least the middle portion of the first staple forming bucket has a non-linear shape in a plane defined by the flat, tissue-oriented proximal surface.

12. The anvil assembly according to claim 11, wherein each end portion of the pair of opposed end portions of the first staple forming bucket has a linear shape.

13. The anvil assembly according to claim 11, wherein the middle portion of the first staple forming bucket is disposed between the first end portion of the second staple forming bucket and the second end portion of the third staple forming bucket.

14. The anvil assembly according to claim 13, wherein the middle portion of the first staple forming bucket is circumferentially aligned with at least a portion of each of the second and third staple forming buckets.

15. The anvil assembly according to claim 13, wherein the middle portion of the first staple forming bucket is radially spaced from the second and third staple forming buckets.

16. The anvil assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first and second annular rows of staple forming buckets are concentric.

17. The anvil assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a third annular row of staple forming buckets, wherein the first annular row of staple forming buckets is disposed between the second and third annular rows of staple forming buckets.

18. The anvil assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first annular row of staple forming buckets has a fourth staple forming bucket disposed adjacent and circumferentially spaced from the first staple forming bucket, the first and fourth staple forming buckets defining a second gap therebetween, wherein the first and second gaps have the same gap distance as one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling apparatus including an anvil member and a cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the anvil member and cartridge assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art cartridge assembly and anvil member;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an enlarged area of detail depicted in FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a prior art staple having a straight backspan;

(7) FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cartridge assembly and array of staples contained therein depicted in FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the array of staples depicted in FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a plan view of the anvil member depicted in FIG. 2;

(10) FIG. 9 is a plan view of an enlarged area of detail depicted in FIG. 8;

(11) FIG. 10 is a plan view of an anvil member according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

(12) FIG. 11 is a plan view of an enlarged area of detail depicted in FIG. 10;

(13) FIG. 12 is perspective view of a prior art staple;

(14) FIG. 13A is a plan view of an anvil member according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

(15) FIG. 13B is a plan view of an enlarged area of detail depicted in FIG. 13A;

(16) FIG. 14A is side view of the prior art staple of FIG. 12 shown in a formed configuration;

(17) FIG. 14B is perspective view of the formed staple of FIG. 14A;

(18) FIG. 15A is side view of the prior art staple of FIG. 12 shown in a formed configuration;

(19) FIG. 15B is perspective view of the formed staple of FIG. 15A;

(20) FIG. 16A is perspective view of a staple according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

(21) FIG. 16B is side view of the staple of FIG. 16A shown in a formed configuration; and

(22) FIG. 16C is perspective view of the formed staple of FIG. 16B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(23) Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

(24) In the drawings and in the descriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to the end of a surgical instrument that is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the end of the surgical instrument that is farther from the user.

(25) Referring now in specific detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a surgical stapling apparatus 10 (apparatus 10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 10 is configured to perform a circular anastomosis of a tubular organ. Briefly, apparatus 10 includes a handle assembly 12 having one or more pivotable actuating handle members 14 (two pivotable handle members 14 shown in the drawings). Apparatus 10 includes an advancing device 16 including a rotatable grip member 18 that is configured to approximate an anvil member 26 towards a cartridge assembly 22. Extending from handle assembly 12 is a tubular body portion 20 that includes a generally curved configuration. In certain embodiments, body portion 20 may also be straight and, in other embodiments, may be flexible to bend to any configuration. Body portion 20 terminates in cartridge assembly 22 that is associated with an annular array of staples 24, see FIGS. 1, 6 and 7. Anvil member 26 is positioned opposite cartridge assembly 22 and is connected to apparatus 10 by shaft 28 at connection device or structure (not explicitly shown) operably disposed within the cartridge assembly 22. For a more detailed description of the body portion 20, advancing device 16, handle assembly 12 including handle members 14 reference is made to commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,616 to Viola et al., filed on Oct. 10, 1997, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. For example, the tubular body portion 20 can include a shaft for connection to the shaft 28 and the rotatable grip member 18 when rotated moves the shaft of the body portion 20 and approximates the anvil member 26 with the staple cartridge assembly 22. The stapling apparatus 10 further includes a pusher member, having a plurality of fingers for advancing the staples out of the cartridge assembly 22 and toward the anvil member. Movement of the pivoting actuating handle members 14 moves the pusher member to eject the staples. The handle assembly 12 includes assemblies for moving the shaft of the body portion 20 and pusher member. For example, a cam member having a helical groove receives a pin of the grip member 18 so that as the grip member is rotated, the cam member moves proximally, moving the shaft of the body portion 20. Threaded members and other means can be used to actuate the pusher member and move the anvil member 26 toward and away from the cartridge assembly 22. It is contemplated that the cartridge assembly is a removable and replaceable unit, so that the stapling apparatus 10 can be reloaded and used again.

(26) It is also contemplated that the apparatus has a replaceable head including the cartridge assembly, anvil member and associated mechanisms. The stapling apparatus 10 can include the manually actuated handle assembly of FIG. 1 and as described above, or can include a powered actuator assembly having first and second drive members. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,973, filed Nov. 15, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a surgical device having a powered actuator assembly. Such actuator assembly can be powered by a motorized handle.

(27) With reference to now to FIGS. 2, 6-9, anvil member 26 and cartridge assembly 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

(28) Cartridge assembly 22 is configured to house a plurality of staples 24 (FIGS. 1, 6 and 7). In particular, cartridge assembly 22 includes an array of annular slots 30 (FIGS. 1 and 6) that are configured to house a corresponding annular array of staples 24 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In the illustrated embodiment, there are three annular arrays of slots 30 including an inner annular array of slots 30a, a middle annular array of slots 30b and an outer annular array of slots 30c (collectively referred to herein as slots 30 unless otherwise noted) and three corresponding annular arrays of staples including an inner annular array of staples 24a, a middle annular array of staples 24b and an outer annular array of staples 24c (collectively referred to herein as staples 24 unless otherwise noted), see FIG. 6. In certain embodiments, cartridge assembly 22 and anvil member 26 may include two annular arrays of staples and corresponding slots.

(29) Slots 30 are aligned with a plurality of corresponding staple pushers (not explicitly shown). In certain embodiments, the staple pushers include a generally bent configuration to facilitate expelling the staples 30 from the cartridge assembly 22. In other embodiments, the staple pushers may be configured with other configurations, i.e., straight, rounded, etc.

(30) Staples 24 may be made from any suitable biocompatible material including, but not limited, to surgical steel, shape memory alloys, polymeric materials, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the staples 24 are made from surgical steel. In certain embodiments, it may prove advantageous to have one or more annular array of staples, e.g., inner annular array of staples 24a, made from one material and one or more annular array of staples, e.g., middle annular array of staples 24b and outer annular array of staples 24c, made from a different material.

(31) Staples 24 are similar to conventional staples, however, unlike conventional staples (FIG. 5), staples 24 include a backspan 32 having a generally bent or angled configuration, as best seen in FIG. 7. The bent backspan of the staples 24 allows the staples to be arranged such that an equal or consistent gap distance “G” between each consecutive staple in the inner annular array of staples 24a, middle annular array of staples 24b, and outer annular array of staples 24c is achievable (FIG. 9), as described in greater detail below.

(32) Continuing with reference to FIG. 7, the operative features of the staples 24 are described in terms of staples 24a of the inner annular array of staples 24a. Staples 24a include a pair of legs 36a having a generally pointed tip (as best seen in FIG. 7), although the tip may include other suitable configurations, e.g., blunt, flat, beveled, etc. Legs 36a extend from a backspan 32a.

(33) Backspan 32a includes a generally bent or curved configuration, wherein a radius of curvature of the backspan 32a is greatest at a medial portion 38a (FIG. 7). The radius of curvature at the medial portion 38a may be adjusted to accommodate specific surgical procedures, specific surgical devices, a number of annular arrays of staples, a manufacturer's contemplated uses, etc. The bent backspan 32a of the staples 24a allows the staples 24a to be arranged in the inner annular array staples 24a with a minimum gap distance “G” between each consecutive staple 24a. That is, unlike conventional staples with straight backspans, the bent backspan 32a of the staple 24a is configured to follow a contour of the cartridge assembly 22 and, thus, allow a “tighter” grouping of the staples 24a (i.e., a higher density of staples) in the inner annular array of staples 24a. Moreover, a bent backspan 32b and 32c of the staples 24b and 24c, respectively, allows the lengths of the staples in these annular arrays to be larger than the lengths of the staples 24a in the annular array of staples 24a. That is, because of the bent backspans 32b and 32c of respective staples 24b and 24c, a length of the staples 24b and 24c can be increased to accommodate “overlapping” of specific gap distances “G” between consecutive staples 24a in the annular array of staples 24a. For example, and with specific reference to FIG. 7, each staple 24a in the inner annular array of staples 24a includes a length “A” and a gap between each consecutive staple 24a in the inner annular array of staples 24a is equal to gap “G.” The length of staples 24b in the middle annular array of staples 24b includes a length “B” that is larger than the length “A” of the staples 24a, and a gap between each consecutive staple 24b in the middle annular array of staples 24b is equal to the gap “G” (see FIG. 7). The length of staples 24c in the outer annular array of staples 24c includes a length “C” that is larger than the lengths “A” and “B” of the respective staples 24a and 24c, and a gap between each consecutive staple 24c in the outer annular array of staples 24c is equal to the gap “G” (see FIG. 7).

(34) As can appreciated, the “tighter” grouping of the staples 24a-24c allows the staples to “nested” and, thus, more closely packed together with respect to one another for a given cartridge assembly 22 when compared to staples with straight backspans. This “nested” configuration of the staples 24a-24c provides an increased inside diameter of staples 24a when compared to staples with straight backspans.

(35) With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, anvil member 26 includes corresponding annular arrays of staple forming buckets 40 including an inner annular array of staple forming buckets 40a, a middle annular array of buckets 40b and an outer annular array of buckets 40c. Unlike conventional staple forming buckets (FIGS. 3 and 4), each of the staple forming buckets 40a, 40b and 40c are configured to accommodate the generally bent configuration of the corresponding staples 24a, 24b and 24c to facilitate formation thereof. To this end, each of the buckets 40a, 40b and 40c include a generally bent or curved configuration and is proportioned to respective staples 24a, 24b and 24c therein such that the staples 24a, 24b and 24c have a generally “B” configuration upon formation thereof. A radius of curvature of the staple forming buckets 40a, 40b and 40c is greatest at a medial portion 38a to match the radius of curvature of the corresponding staples 24a, 24b and 24c.

(36) Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dimensions of the staple forming bucket 40a in the inner annular array of staple forming buckets 40a is substantially equal to the dimensions of the corresponding staples 24a. In particular, the staple forming bucket 40a is slightly larger than the staple 24a to facilitate forming the staple 24a into the “B” formation. A gap between each consecutive staple forming bucket 40a in the inner annular array of staple forming bucket 40a is equal to gap “Gi.” In the illustrated embodiment, the gap “Gi” is illustrated less than the gap “G” as a result of the staple forming bucket 40a being larger than the staple 24a. Alternatively, and in certain embodiments, the gap “Gi” may be equal to the gap “G.” Similarly, the dimensions of the staple forming buckets 40b and 40c of the middle and outer annular arrays of staple forming buckets 40b and 40c are substantially equal to the dimensions of the corresponding staples 24b and 24c of the middle and outer annular arrays of staples 24b and 24c. The gap between each consecutive staple forming buckets 40b and 40c is equal to the gap “Gi” between each consecutive staple forming bucket 40a, see FIG. 9.

(37) In use, tissue, e.g., a portion of a tubular organ, is positioned between the anvil member 26 and cartridge assembly 22. Rotatable grip 18 of the advancing device 16 is actuated to approximate the anvil member 26 towards the cartridge assembly 22. Handles 14 may be pivoted to drive or expel the staples 24 through the tissue against the anvil member 26 to complete a circular anastomosis of a tubular organ.

(38) In accordance with the present disclosure, the annular arrays of formed staples 24a, 24b and 24c form a “tight” staple line by virtue of the consistent gap “G” between consecutive staples 24a, 24b and 24c in the inner, middle and outer annular arrays of staples 24a, 24b and 24c, and the likelihood of bleeding or leaking occurring between consecutive staples 24a, 24b and 24c in the inner, middle and outer annular arrays of staples 24a, 24b and 24c is reduced, if not eliminated. The unique bent configuration of the staples 24a, 24b and 24c and corresponding staple forming buckets 40a, 40b and 40c overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks typically associated with conventional surgical stapling devices. That is, gaps “g1,” “g2,” and “g3” (FIGS. 3 and 4) between consecutive staple forming buckets in respective inner, middle and outer annular arrays of conventional surgical stapling devices, increase from the inner annular array toward the outer annular array, i.e., “g1”<“g2”<“g3;” as can be appreciated, the formed staples in tissue will be spaced apart from one another at a distance that corresponds to the gap distances “g1,” “g2,” and “g3, of the staple forming buckets. As noted above, these “unequal” gap distances are not conducive in obtaining a “tight” staple line.

(39) From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, while the staples 24a, 24b and 24c and corresponding staple forming buckets 40a, 40b and 40c have been described herein as having different lengths, it is within the purview of the present disclosure that the staples 24a, 24b and 24c and corresponding staple forming buckets 40a, 40b and 40c may have the same lengths (FIGS. 10 and 11). In this embodiment, the staples (not explicitly shown) and corresponding staple forming buckets 140 including inner, middle and outer annular arrays of staple forming buckets 140a-140c have the same length. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, an equal number of staple forming buckets 140 are shown in the inner annular array of staple forming buckets 140a, middle annular array of staple forming buckets 140b and outer annular array of staple forming buckets 140c. This embodiment may prove advantageous where a “tight” staple line is not required.

(40) In the instance where a “tight” staple line is required, however, the unique bent backspan of the staples and corresponding staple forming buckets 140b-140c allows for one or more extra staples (or larger staples) and corresponding staple forming buckets 140b-140c to be provided in the middle and outer annular arrays of staples and corresponding staple forming buckets 140b-140c. That is, for a given cartridge assembly and anvil, the geometry, e.g., bent backspan, of the staples and corresponding staple forming buckets 140b-140c follows a contour of the cartridge assembly and anvil, respectively, and, as a result thereof, allows extra staples and staple forming buckets 140b to be provided in the annular array of staple forming buckets 140b without interfering with staples and staple forming buckets 140c. And, likewise, allows extra staples and staple forming buckets 140c to be provided in the annular array of staple forming buckets 140c without interfering or extending into an outer peripheral edge of the cartridge assembly and anvil. The extra staples and corresponding staple forming buckets 140a-140c may be provided to sufficiently overlap the gaps between consecutive staples and staple forming buckets 140a-140c.

(41) With reference to FIGS. 12-15B an alternate embodiment of the staple and staple forming buckets are illustrated designated 224 (FIG. 12) and 240 (FIGS. 13A and 13B), respectively. Only those features unique to staples 224 and staple forming buckets 240 are discussed herein.

(42) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-15B, staples 224 and staple forming buckets 240 may be utilized to provide formed staples with different internal spaces for compressing tissue to achieve a desired level of hemostasis and blood flow in stapled tissue segments. In one particular embodiment, for example, an inner annular row of staples 224a (staples 224a) may provide a greater compressive space (FIGS. 14A and 14B) for stapling tissue than an outer annular row of staples 224b (staples 224b), see FIGS. 15A and 15B. In other words, staples 224b in a formed configuration provide a greater compressive force to stapled tissue than the staples 224a in a formed configuration. Thus, because a pressure exerted on tissue stapled by staples 224b is greater than the pressure exerted on tissue stapled by staples 224a, the blood flow through the tissue surrounding staples 224b will be less (more restricted) than the blood flow through the tissue surrounding staples 224a, thereby further facilitating hemostasis. However, because blood flow is not completely restricted through tissue stapled by staples 224b, blood perfusion is improved and unnecessary necrosis of the stapled tissue may be prevented and/or impeded.

(43) Staples 224a and 224b include respective staple legs 236a (FIGS. 14A-14B) and 236b (FIGS. 15A-15B) that extend from backspans 232a, 232b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-15B, staple legs 236a and 236b have the same length as each other, and backspans 232a, 232b include a “straight” configuration to facilitate forming staples 224a, 224b in the staple forming buckets 240a, 240b (FIGS. 13A and 13B).

(44) Staple forming buckets 240 are described herein in terms of inner annular row of staple forming buckets 240a (buckets 240a) and outer annular row of staple forming buckets 240b (buckets 240a), see FIGS. 13A and 13B. As can be appreciated, greater or fewer rows of buckets 240 may be utilized.

(45) Each of buckets 240a and 240b are configured to receive corresponding staples 224a and 224b therein to form the staples 224a and 224b. Buckets 240a and 240b include an angled configuration to facilitate forming the respective staples 224a and 224b. Unlike the previously described staple forming buckets, however, buckets 240a include depth that is different from a depth of buckets 240b to facilitate forming the staples 224a and 224b with different compressive spaces. For example, and in one particular embodiment, buckets 240a include a depth that is greater than a depth of the buckets 240b to form the staples 224a with a compressive space “CS1” (FIG. 14A) that is greater than a compressive space “CS2” (FIG. 15A) of the staples 224b. Specifically, the angled buckets 240a, 240b having different depths in combination with the staples 224a, 224b having respective straight backspans 232a, 232b and legs 236a and 236b with the same length allows the staples 224a, 224b to formed with different compressive spaces, see FIGS. 14B and 15B for example. That is, this specific combination of staples 224a, 224b and buckets 240a, 240b allows staples 224b to be crimped beyond the backspan 232b (FIGS. 15A-15B) to provide a compressive space “CS2” that is less than a compressive space “CS1” provided by the staples 224a such that tissue stapled by staples 224b is under greater pressure than tissue stapled by staples 224a. In this way, the backspan does not interfere with the deformation of the legs of the staples, and the degree of crimping can be varied. The staples can be crimped by the buckets so that the legs of the staples extend to or beyond the backspan without interference from the backspan.

(46) In certain embodiments, it may prove advantageous to have the staples 224a exert a greater pressure to stapled tissue than the staples 224b. In this embodiment, buckets 240a will include a depth that is less than a depth of the buckets 240b.

(47) In certain embodiments, each of the staples 224a, 224b may be crimped beyond the respective backspans 232a, 232b. For example, the buckets 240a may have a depth that is configured to crimp the staples 224a beyond the backspan 232a such that the compressive space provided therefrom is greater than or less than the compressive space provided by staples 224b.

(48) In one particular embodiment, the buckets 240a, 240b may have the same depth and the staple legs 236a, 236b may have different lengths to achieve the aforementioned compressive spaces. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various lengths of the staple legs 236a, 236b that will be needed to achieve a specific compressive space when the staples 224a and 224b are formed.

(49) In certain embodiments, the operation of the advancing device 16, the pusher member, or both, can be utilized to vary the degree to which the staples are deformed or crimped. For example, by approximating the anvil member more closely with the cartridge assembly, the staples are crimped with a relatively smaller internal space and the tissue is compressed to a greater degree. Alternatively, the pusher member can be further advanced, further crimping or deforming the staples. Desirably, there is an indicator on the stapling apparatus handle assembly 12 that allows the surgeon to gauge the degree to which the staples will be crimped. The variable crimp can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including embodiments in which different sized (preformation) staples are used, same sized staples are used, bent or curved backspan staples are used, and/or bent or curved staple forming buckets are used.

(50) In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16C, the buckets (not explicitly shown) may have a generally straight configuration and the staples 324 may include a backspan 332 having a generally angled configuration to facilitate crimping the staples 324 beyond the backspan 332. In this way, the backspan does not interfere with the deformation or crimping of the legs of the staples. The staples can be crimped by the buckets so that the legs extend to or beyond the backspan, without interference from the backspan. In one particular embodiment, for example, a formed staple 324a with legs 336a extending from an angled backspan 332a may provide a compressive space that is similar to compressive space “CS1” (FIG. 16B) and formed staple 324b with legs 336b extending from an angled backspan 332b may provide a compressive space that is similar to compressive space “CS2” (FIG. 16C). The straight configuration of the buckets can be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including stapling apparatus that vary the degree of crimping or deformation of the staples, as well as embodiments in which different sized (preformation) staples are used, or same sized staples are used.

(51) It is also contemplated that the stapling apparatus can be configured to apply three rows of staples, and that the staples can have more than one bend in the backspan, or a curved backspan that is irregular (i.e., having more than one radius), in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

(52) While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.