Fastener system comprising a plurality of fastener cartridges

摘要

A surgical fastening instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a first jaw comprising a first cartridge attachment portion and a second jaw comprising a second cartridge attachment portion, and wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other of the first jaw and the second jaw. The surgical fastening instrument can further comprise a first cartridge that is insertable into the first jaw and attachable to the first cartridge attachment portion and, in addition, a second cartridge that is insertable into the second jaw and attachable to the second cartridge attachment portion. In various embodiments, the first cartridge can comprise first fastener portions which are engageable with second fastener portions in the second cartridge.

主权项

1. A surgical stapling instrument, comprising:
a handle comprising an actuator; a shaft extending from said handle; an end effector extending from said shaft, wherein said end effector comprises:
a first jaw comprising a first cartridge attachment portion;a second jaw comprising a second cartridge attachment portion, wherein one of said first jaw and said second jaw is movable relative to the other of said first jaw and said second jaw;a first cartridge insertable into said first jaw, wherein said first cartridge is attachable to said first cartridge attachment portion, and wherein said first cartridge includes a plurality of staples and wherein said plurality of staples comprises:
a first staple comprising a staple leg; anda second staple comprising a staple leg; anda second cartridge insertable into said second jaw, wherein said second cartridge is attachable to said second cartridge attachment portion, wherein said second cartridge includes a retention fastener configured to engage said staples, wherein said retention fastener comprises a contiguous layer defining a plurality of apertures, and wherein said plurality of apertures comprises:
a first aperture structured to receive said staple leg of said first staple; anda second aperture structured to receive said staple leg of said second staple.