Staple cartridge comprising a layer

• US 9,113,865 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2011
• Issued: 08/25/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Rhee, Sora, Baxter, Chester O. III, Aronhalt, Taylor W.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/097,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20120080337A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,579 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/178.1, 227/179.1, 227/180.1, 606/219
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0643 with separate closing member, e.g. for interlocking with staple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0644 penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/29 Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 : with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 : Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 : Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 : Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 : Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 : Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 : elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 : enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00951 : adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0409 : Instruments for applying suture anchors for applying suture clamps, clips or locks A61B2017/0488
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 : having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0688 : Packages or dispensers for surgical staplers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 : curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07235 : containing different staples, e.g. staples of different shapes, sizes or materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07242 : achieving different staple heights during the same shot, e.g. using an anvil anvil having different heights or staples of different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0725 : with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 : characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07278 : characterised by its sled or its staple holder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2902 : characterized by features of the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2916 : pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/292 : connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2944 : Translation of jaw members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 : for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/92 : coded with colour
• CPC Class Codes: B25C 5/1686 : using pre-loaded cassettes

Abstract

A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Claims

1. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an implantable compressible portion, wherein said compressible portion comprises a stepped surface, comprising;

a first step comprising a first thickness; and

a second step comprising a second thickness, wherein said first thickness is different than said second thickness;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said compressible portion is positioned intermediate said fixed anvil and said staple cartridge, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck extending between said proximal end and said distal end; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein said staple cavities are positioned along at least two staple forming paths defined between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said first thickness and said second thickness of said implantable compressible portion are positioned along at least one of said at least two staple forming paths, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body;

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a staple-supporting cradle defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver is positioned above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, wherein said plurality of drivers comprises a first driver and a second driver, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said drivers are configured to push said implantable compressible portion away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke;

wherein at least two said drivers are connected, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a said driver positioned along each of said at least two staple forming paths, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a distal driver and a proximal driver, and wherein said proximal driver is positioned laterally outboard of said distal driver; and

wherein said staple cartridge further comprises;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises;

a proximal leg; and

a distal leg extending non-parallelly relative to said proximal leg;

wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said proximal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said proximal guide surface, and wherein each said distal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said distal guide surface;

wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within at least two said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration, and wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first portion of staples, wherein each said staple of said first portion of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second portion of staples, wherein each said staple of said second portion of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.

2. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck extending between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said deck comprises an undulating surface comprising a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein said staple cavities are positioned along at least two staple forming paths defined between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said crests and said valleys are positioned along said at least two staple forming paths, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, wherein at least one said staple cavity opening is defined in a said crest and at least one said staple cavity opening is defined in a said valley, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body;

an implantable compressible portion positioned adjacent to said deck, wherein said compressible portion is configured to conform to said undulating surface;

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a staple-supporting cradle defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver is positioned above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, wherein said plurality of drivers comprises a first driver and a second driver, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said drivers are configured to push said implantable compressible portion away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke;

wherein at least two drivers are connected, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a said driver positioned along each of said at least two staple forming paths, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a distal driver and a proximal driver, and wherein said proximal driver is positioned laterally outboard of said distal driver; and

wherein said staple cartridge further comprises;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises;

a proximal leg; and

a distal leg extending non-parallelly relative to said proximal leg;

wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said proximal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said proximal guide surface, and wherein each said distal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said distal guide surface;

wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within at least two said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration; and

wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first group of staples, wherein each said staple of said first group of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second group of staples, wherein each said staple of said second group of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.

3. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein said staple cavities are positioned along at least two staple forming paths, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body;

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a staple-supporting cradle defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver is positioned above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, and wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, wherein said plurality of drivers comprises a first driver and a second driver, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position, and wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position;

wherein at least two said drivers are connected, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a said driver positioned along each of said at least two staple forming paths, wherein said at least two drivers comprises a distal driver and a proximal driver, and wherein said proximal driver is positioned laterally outboard of said distal driver; and

wherein said staple cartridge further comprises;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises;

a proximal leg; and

a distal leg extending non-parallelly relative to said proximal leg;

wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said proximal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said proximal guide surface, and wherein each said distal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said distal guide surface;

wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, and wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first group of staples, wherein each said staple of said first group of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second group of staples, wherein each said staple of said second group of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

a support surface;

an implantable compressible portion positioned adjacent to said support surface, wherein said compressible portion is configured to conform to said support surface, wherein said compressible portion comprises at least one void defined therein, wherein said at least one void is positioned along at least one of said at least two staple forming paths, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within at least two said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position during said firing stroke, wherein said drivers are configured to push said implantable compressible portion away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.

4. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, wherein said staple cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows extending between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said plurality of rows comprises a first row, a second row, and a third row, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body;

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a staple-supporting cradle defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver is positioned above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, and wherein said plurality of drivers comprises;

a first driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said first row, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position;

a second driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said second row, wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position; and

a third driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said third row, wherein said top surface of said third driver is positioned a third distance above said deck when said third driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said first driver, said second driver, and said third driver are connected, wherein said third row is laterally outboard of said second row, and wherein said third driver is proximal relative to said second driver; and

wherein said staple cartridge further comprises;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises;

a proximal leg; and

a distal leg extending non-parallelly relative to said proximal leg;

wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said proximal guide surface is configured to guide a said proximal leg and each said distal guide surface is configured to guide a said distal leg as said staple moves from said unfired staple position toward said fired staple position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, and wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first group of staples, wherein each said staple of said first group of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second group of staples, wherein each said staple of said second group of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

an implantable compressible portion positioned intermediate said fixed anvil and said staple cartridge, wherein said implantable compressible portion comprises a stepped surface, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples when said staples are deformed to said fired configuration;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position during said firing stroke, wherein said drivers are configured to push said implantable compressible portion away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.

5. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, wherein said staple cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows extending between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said plurality of rows comprises a first row and a second row, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body;

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a staple-supporting groove defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver extends above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, and wherein said plurality of drivers comprises;

a first driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said first row, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position; and

a second driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said second row, wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said second row is laterally inboard of said first row, wherein said first driver and said second driver are connected, and wherein said second driver is distal relative to said first driver;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises a pair of non-parallel legs, wherein each said pair of non-parallel legs comprises a proximal leg and a distal leg, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said proximal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said proximal guide surface, and wherein each said distal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said distal guide surface;

wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, and wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first group of staples, wherein each said staple of said first group of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second group of staples, wherein each said staple of said second group of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

a layer positioned intermediate said fixed anvil and said staple cartridge, wherein said layer comprises a stepped surface, wherein said layer is configured to be captured within said staples when said staples are deformed to said fired configuration, and wherein said layer comprises a variable thickness;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver from said unfired driver position to said fired driver position during said firing stroke, wherein said drivers are configured to push said layer away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.

6. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a frame;

an anvil fixed relative to said frame;

a staple cartridge rotatable relative to said anvil, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

a cartridge body, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, wherein said staple cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows extending between said proximal end and said distal end, wherein said plurality of rows comprises a first row and a second row, and wherein each said staple cavity further comprises;

a proximal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a distal guide surface extending from said deck into said cartridge body; and

a plurality of drivers, wherein each said driver comprises a top surface and a cradle defined into said top surface, wherein each said driver is moveable between an unfired driver position and a fired driver position during a firing stroke, wherein said top surface of each said driver is positioned below said deck when said driver is in said unfired driver position, wherein at least a portion of said top surface of each said driver extends above said deck when said driver is in said fired driver position, wherein each said opening in said deck is positioned and dimensioned to receive a said top surface of a said driver, and wherein said plurality of drivers comprises;

a first driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said first row, wherein said top surface of said first driver is positioned a first distance above said deck when said first driver is in said fired driver position; and

a second driver positioned in a said staple cavity along said second row, wherein said top surface of said second driver is positioned a second a distance above said deck when said second driver is in said fired driver position, wherein said second row is laterally inboard of said first row, wherein said first driver and said second driver are connected, and wherein said second driver is distal relative to said first driver;

synergistic means for compressing tissue, comprising;

a layer positioned intermediate said fixed anvil and said staple cartridge, wherein said layer comprises a stepped surface, and wherein said layer comprises a variable thickness; and

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises;

a proximal leg; and

a distal leg extending non-parallelly with respect to said proximal leg;

wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity relative to a corresponding said driver, wherein each said proximal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said proximal guide surface, and wherein each said distal leg is positioned in abutting engagement with a said distal guide surface;

wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired staple position and a fired staple position when said corresponding driver is moved between said unfired driver position and said fired driver position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired staple position and said fired staple position, wherein said layer is configured to be captured within said staples when said staples are deformed to said fired configuration, and wherein said plurality of staples comprises;

a first group of staples, wherein each said staple of said first group of staples comprises a first undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a first deformed height when in said fired configuration; and

a second group of staples, wherein each said staple of said second group of staples comprises a second undeformed height when in said unfired configuration and a second deformed height when in said fired configuration, wherein said first undeformed height is different than said second undeformed height, and wherein said first deformed height is different than said second deformed height; and

wherein said end effector further comprises;

a sled configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end to move each said driver from said unfired driver position to said fired driver position during said firing stroke, wherein said drivers are configured to push said layer away from said deck when said drivers are progressively moved to said fired driver positions during said firing stroke, and wherein said implantable compressible portion is configured to be progressively released from said cartridge body during said firing stroke; and

a cutting element configured to translate between said proximal end and said distal end.