Tissue thickness compensator comprising structure to produce a resilient load

US9220500B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey S. Swayze · Hamilton, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Tamara Widenhouse · Clarksville, US
• Christopher W. Widenhouse · Clarksville, US
• Taylor W. Aronhalt · Loveland, US
• Charles J. Scheib · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 29, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 16, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F04C2270/0421
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fastener cartridge assembly for an end effector of a surgical instrument can comprise a cartridge body, a deformable tube, and a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. The deformable tube can be longitudinally positioned along a length of the cartridge body. When the fastener is moved to the fired position, the fastener can compress a portion of the deformable tube. The deformable tube can comprise a resilient material such that deformation of the deformable tube generates a restoring force. The deformable tube can comprise a lattice of strands woven together to form a tube wall. Further, the deformable tube can be bioabsorbable and can hold a therapeutic agent. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise multiple, substantially parallel deformable tubes positioned side-by-side and/or within each other.