FASTENER SYSTEM COMPRISING A RETENTION MATRIX AND AN ALIGNMENT MATRIX

摘要

A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to each other by, one, a retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue within the fasteners and, two, an alignment matrix configured to hold the fasteners together before the retention matrix is assembled thereto. In various embodiments, the retention matrix and the alignment matrix can each comprise a tissue-contacting surface configured to compress tissue therebetween.

主权项

1. A surgical stapling system, comprising:
a first staple comprised of a wire, wherein said first staple comprises:
a first base; anda first leg extending from said first base; a second staple comprised of a wire, wherein said second staple comprises:
a second base; anda second leg extending from said second base; a retention matrix, comprising:
a first matrix element, comprising:
a first aperture configured to receive said first leg;a first alignment pocket at least partially surrounding said first aperture, wherein said first alignment pocket is configured to guide said first leg into said first aperture; anda first retention member configured to engage said first leg;a second matrix element, comprising:
a second aperture configured to receive said second leg;a second alignment pocket at least partially surrounding said second aperture, wherein said second alignment pocket is configured to guide said second leg into said second aperture; anda second retention member configured to engage said second leg;a connecting link connecting said first matrix element and said second matrix element; and an alignment matrix comprising a first alignment guide operably engaged with said first leg and a second alignment guide operably engaged with said second leg, wherein said alignment matrix is configured to align said first leg with said second leg.