Implantable layers for a surgical instrument

US11058425B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher W. Widenhouse · Clarksville, US
• Michael J. Miller · New Lisbon, US
• Mark Timmer · Jersey City, US
• Taylor W. Aronhalt · Loveland, US
• Trevor J. Barton · Cincinnati, US
• Emily A. Schellin · Cincinnati, US
• Michael J. Vendely · Lebanon, US
• Lauren S. Weaner · Cincinnati, US
• Courtney Sikes · Uxbridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 17, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 13, 2021
• Expiry date: Nov 14, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/7546
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer. The implantable layer can include a piece of lyophilized foam and a plurality of fibers at least partially embedded in the piece of lyophilized foam. The implantable layer can further include a plurality of pores defined in piece of lyophilized foam, and a plurality of pockets, wherein a pocket at least partially surrounds a fiber. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical staple is also disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a mold comprising a cavity, placing a plurality of fibers in the cavity of the mold, dispensing a solution into the cavity around the fibers, and lyophilizing the solution in the cavity.