Implantable layers and methods for modifying the shape of the implantable layers for use with a surgical fastening instrument
First Claim
1. A method for altering a tissue thickness compensator for use with a surgical instrument, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprised at least partially from a material including a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a first shape;
heating said material to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature;
applying a modifying member to a tissue-facing side of said tissue thickness compensator;
manipulating said tissue thickness compensator with said modifying member to a second shape different than said first shape by inducing a localized change in a portion of said tissue thickness compensator in contact with said modifying member;
allowing said material to cool below said glass transition temperature; and
releasing said modifying member from said portion of said tissue thickness compensator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is disclosed for altering an implantable layer for use with a surgical instrument which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer comprised at least partially from a material including a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, wherein the implantable layer includes a first shape, heating the material to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, manipulating the implantable layer to a second shape different than the first shape, allowing the material to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the implantable layer.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for altering a tissue thickness compensator for use with a surgical instrument, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprised at least partially from a material including a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a first shape; heating said material to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature; applying a modifying member to a tissue-facing side of said tissue thickness compensator; manipulating said tissue thickness compensator with said modifying member to a second shape different than said first shape by inducing a localized change in a portion of said tissue thickness compensator in contact with said modifying member; allowing said material to cool below said glass transition temperature; and releasing said modifying member from said portion of said tissue thickness compensator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 12)
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6. A customized tissue thickness compensator for use with a surgical stapler, wherein said customized tissue thickness compensator is prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprising a first shape; transitioning at least a portion of said tissue thickness compensator from an original state to a glassy state; applying a modifying member to a tissue-facing side of said tissue thickness compensator; manipulating said at least a portion of said tissue thickness compensator with said modifying member to a second shape by inducing a localized change in a portion of said tissue thickness compensator in contact with said modifying member; allowing said at least a portion of said tissue thickness compensator to return from said glassy state to a non-glassy state; and releasing said modifying member from said at least a portion of said tissue thickness compensator. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)
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Specification