Hybrid adjunct materials for use in surgical stapling

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and in particular to methods, devices, and components thereof for cutting and stapling tissue.

[0002] Surgical staplers are used in surgical procedures to close openings in tissue, blood vessels, ducts, shunts, or other objects or body parts involved in the particular procedure. The openings can be naturally occurring, such as passageways in blood vessels or an internal organ like the stomach, or they can be formed by the surgeon during a surgical procedure, such as by puncturing tissue or blood vessels to form a bypass or an anastomosis, or by cutting tissue during a stapling procedure.

[0003] Most staplers have a handle with an elongate shaft having a pair of movable opposed jaws formed on an end thereof for holding and forming staples therebetween. The staples are typically contained in a staple cartridge, which can house multiple rows of staples and is often disposed in one of the two jaws for ejection of the staples to the surgical site. In use, the jaws are positioned so that the object to be stapled is disposed between the jaws, and staples are ejected and formed when the jaws are closed and the device is actuated. Some staplers include a knife configured to travel between rows of staples in the staple cartridge to longitudinally cut and/or open the stapled tissue between the stapled rows.

[0004] While surgical staplers have improved over the years, a number of problems still present themselves. One common problem is that leaks can occur due to the staple forming holes when penetrating the tissue or other object in which it is disposed. Blood, air, gastrointestinal fluids, and other fluids can seep through the openings formed by the staples, even after the staple is fully formed. The tissue being treated can also become inflamed due to the trauma that results from stapling. Still further, staples, as well as other objects and materials that can be implanted in conjunction with procedures like stapling, generally lack some characteristics of the tissue in which they are implanted. For example, staples and other objects and materials can lack the natural flexibility of the tissue in which they are implanted. A person skilled in the art will recognize that it is often desirable for tissue to maintain as much of its natural characteristics as possible after staples are disposed therein.

[0005] In some instances, biologic materials have been used in conjunction with tissue stapling. However, the use of biologic materials has presented a number of problems. For example, biologics can lack desired mechanical properties such as springiness or elasticity (i.e., they do not recover, or spring back, after being compressed). Biologics can lack the ability to sufficiently reinforce tissue at a surgical site. Further, it can sometimes be difficult or even impossible to manufacture biologic materials to an exact required shape and/or thickness (e.g., to compensate for variations in tissue thickness, which might only be known at the time of surgery).

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for improved devices and methods for stapling tissue, blood vessels, ducts, shunts, or other objects or body parts such that leaking and inflammation is minimized while substantially maintaining the natural characteristics of the treatment region.

[0007] In various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods associated with the operation of such end effectors.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a staple cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge body and a hybrid adjunct material. The cartridge body has a plurality of staple cavities configured to seat staples therein. The hybrid adjunct material is releasably retained on the cartridge body and configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of the staples in the cartridge body. The material includes a biologic tissue membrane, a synthetic substrate layer, and at least one compressible elastic member configured to compress when a compressive force is applied thereto, and to provide a spring back force when the compressive force is removed.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention provides a hybrid adjunct material that includes a biologic tissue membrane, a synthetic substrate layer, and at least one compressible elastic member configured to compress when a compressive force is applied thereto, and to provide a spring back force when the compressive force is removed. Furthermore, the material is configured to be releasably retained on a surgical stapler cartridge body for delivery to tissue upon deployment of staples from the cartridge body.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for stapling biological tissue. The method includes engaging tissue with a surgical stapler cartridge body at a surgical site, the cartridge body having a hybrid adjunct material releasably retained thereon, the material comprising a biologic tissue membrane, a synthetic substrate layer, and at least one compressible elastic member configured to compress when a compressive force is applied thereto, and to provide a spring back force when the compressive force is removed. The method also includes actuating the surgical stapler to eject staples from the cartridge body into the biological tissue, the staples extending through the material to maintain the material at the surgical site.

[0011] In various embodiments, the invention contemplates all functioning combinations of the aspects above with any one or more of the features below (in addition to the other aspects and embodiments described herein).

[0012] In various embodiments, the material is bioimplantable and bioabsorbable.

[0013] In various embodiments, the elastic member is disposed between the biologic tissue membrane and the synthetic substrate layer. Alternatively, the elastic member can be disposed in one or both of the biologic tissue membrane and the synthetic substrate layer.

[0014] In various embodiments, the assembly includes at least one retention member configured to couple the material to the cartridge body. The at least one retention member can be coupled to an outer edge of the cartridge body and an outer edge of at least one of the biologic tissue membrane and the synthetic substrate layer. The at least one retention member can include a suture.

[0015] In various embodiments, the membrane includes a biological matrix.

[0016] In various embodiments, the compressible elastic member includes a synthetic bioabsorbable material. The synthetic bioabsorbable material can be a nylon, polypropylene, polydioxanon, a polyglycerol sebacate (PGS), PGA (polyglycolic acid), PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (poliglecaprone 25), polyglactin910, poly glyconate, PGA/TMC (polyglycolide-trimethylene), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), or a combination thereof.

[0017] In various embodiments, the compressible elastic member can include at least one member extending across at least one dimension of the material in a sinusoidal pattern. The compressible elastic member can further include a plurality of sinusoidal members extending across at least one of a length dimension and a width dimension of the material.

[0018] In various embodiments, the compressible elastic member includes one or more surface features configured to fix the membrane to the elastic member. The one or more surface features can be selected from the group consisting of ball shaped end caps, shelves, barbs, and combinations thereof.

[0019] In various embodiments, the compressible elastic member includes one or more of a spheroid, ovoid, hemispherical, dome, jack-like, or three-dimensional radial form.

[0040] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-numbered components of the various embodiments generally have similar features when those components are of a similar nature and/or serve a similar purpose.

[0041] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[0043] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, or through an access device, such as a trocar cannula. For example, the working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0044] It can be desirable to use one or more biologic materials and/or synthetic materials, collectively referred to herein as “adjunct materials,” in conjunction with surgical instruments to help improve surgical procedures. A person skilled in the art may refer to these types of materials as buttress materials as well as adjunct materials. While a variety of different end effectors can benefit from the use of adjunct materials, in some exemplary embodiments the end effector can be a surgical stapler. When used in conjunction with a surgical stapler, the adjunct material(s) can be disposed between and/or on jaws of the stapler, incorporated into a staple cartridge disposed in the jaws, or otherwise placed in proximity to the staples. When staples are deployed, the adjunct material(s) can remain at the treatment site with the staples, in turn providing a number of benefits. In some instances, the material(s) can be used to help seal holes formed by staples as they are implanted into tissue, blood vessels, and various other objects or body parts. Further, the materials can be used to provide tissue reinforcement at the treatment site. Still further, the materials can help reduce inflammation, promote cell growth, and otherwise improve healing.

[0045] Some configurations of adjunct materials include both synthetic and biologic materials. The combination of both types of materials can result in the formation of a hybrid adjunct material. Hybrid adjunct materials, when properly designed and/or selected, can combine beneficial features of synthetic material(s) and beneficial features of biologic material(s) in a single hybrid adjunct material. Thus, while an otherwise desirable biologic material may lack an also desirable mechanical (or other) property, combining the biologic material with a synthetic material providing that mechanical (or other) property can provide a hybrid adjunct material having both desirable properties. For example, a hybrid adjunct material can be designed to combine benefits of biologic material (such as improved healing and tissue growth at a surgical site) with desirable mechanical properties of synthetic material (such as springiness or elasticity in the resulting hybrid adjunct material).

[0046] Surgical Stapling Instrument

[0047] While a variety of surgical instruments can be used in conjunction with the adjunct materials disclosed herein, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one, non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a surgical stapler 10 suitable for use with one or more adjunct materials. As shown the instrument 10 includes a handle assembly 12, a shaft 14 extending distally from a distal end 12d of the handle assembly 12, and an attachment portion 16 removably coupled to a distal end 14d of the shaft 14. Because the illustrated embodiment is a surgical stapler, a distal end 16d of the attachment portion 16 includes an end effector 50 having jaws 52, 54, although other types of end effectors can be used with the shaft 14, handle assembly 12, and components associated with the same. As shown, the surgical stapler includes opposed first and second jaws 52, 54 with the first, lower jaw 52 including an elongate channel 56 (FIG. 4) configured to support a staple cartridge 100, and the second, upper jaw 54 having an inner surface 58 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 6) that faces the lower jaw 52 and that is configured to operate as an anvil to help deploy staples of a staple cartridge. The jaws 52, 54 are configured to move relative to one another to clamp tissue or other objects disposed therebetween, and an axial drive assembly 80 (FIG. 11) can be configured to pass through at least a portion of the end effector 50 to eject the staples into the clamped tissue. In various embodiments a knife blade 81 can be associated with the axial drive assembly 80 to cut tissue during the stapling procedure.

[0048] Operation of the end effector 50 and drive assembly 80 can begin with input from a clinician at the handle assembly 12. The handle assembly 12 can have many different configurations designed to manipulate and operate the end effector associated therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 12 has a pistol-grip type housing 18 with a variety of mechanical components disposed therein to operate various features of the instrument. For example, the handle assembly 12 can include mechanical components as part of a firing system actuated by a trigger 20. The trigger 20 can be biased to an open position with respect to a stationary handle 22, for instance by a torsion spring, and movement of the trigger 20 toward the stationary handle 22 can actuate the firing system to cause the axial drive assembly 80 to pass through at least a portion of the end effector 50 and eject staples from a staple cartridge disposed therein. A person skilled in the art will recognize various configurations of components for a firing system, mechanical or otherwise, that can be used to eject staples and/or cut tissue, and thus a detailed explanation of the same is unnecessary.

[0049] Other non-limiting examples of features that can be incorporated into the handle assembly 22 that affect manipulation and operation of an end effector associated therewith include a rotatable knob 24, an articulation lever 26, and retraction knobs 28. As shown, the rotatable knob 24 can be mounted on a forward end of a barrel portion 30 of the handle assembly 12 to facilitate rotation of the shaft 14 (or the attachment portion 16) with respect to the handle assembly 12 around a longitudinal axis L of the shaft 14. The actuation lever 26 can also be mounted on a forward end of the barrel portion 30, approximately adjacent to the rotatable knob 24. The lever 26 can be manipulated from side-to-side along a surface of the barrel portion 30 to facilitate reciprocal articulation of the end effector 50. One or more retraction knobs 28 can be movably positioned along the barrel portion 30 to return the drive assembly 80 to a retracted position, for example after the firing system has completed a firing stroke. As shown, the retraction knobs 28 move proximally toward a back end of the barrel portion 30 to retract components of the firing system, including the drive assembly 80.

[0050] Still other non-limiting examples of features that can be incorporated into the handle assembly 22 that affect manipulation and operation of an end effector associated therewith can include a firing lockout assembly, an anti-reverse clutch mechanism, and an emergency return button. A firing lockout assembly can be configured to prevent the firing system from being actuated at an undesirable time, such as when an end effector is not fully coupled to the instrument. An anti-reverse clutch mechanism can be configured to prevent components of the firing system from moving backwards when such backwards movement is undesirable, such as when the firing stroke has only been partially completed but temporarily stopped. An emergency return button can be configured to permit components of a firing system to be retracted before a firing stroke is completed, for instance in a case where completing the firing stroke may cause tissue to be undesirably cut. Although features such as a firing lockout assembly, an anti-reverse clutch mechanism, and an emergency return button are not explicitly illustrated in the instrument 10, a person skilled in the art will recognize a variety of configurations for each feature that can be incorporated into a handle assembly and/or other portions of a surgical stapler without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, some exemplary embodiments of features that can be incorporated into the handle assembly 12 are provided for in patents and patent applications incorporated by reference elsewhere in the present application.

[0051] The shaft 14 can be removably coupled to the distal end 12d of the handle assembly 12 at a proximal end 14p of the shaft 14, and a distal end 14d of the shaft 14 can be configured to receive the attachment portion 16. As shown, the shaft 14 is generally cylindrical and elongate, although any number of shapes and configurations can be used for the shaft, depending, at least in part, on the configurations of the other instrument components with which it is used and the type of procedure in which the instrument is used. For example, in some embodiments, a distal end of one shaft can have a particular configuration for receiving certain types of end effectors, while a distal end of another shaft can have a different configuration for receiving certain other types of end effectors. Components of the firing system, such as a control rod 32 (FIG. 2), can be disposed in the shaft 14 so that the components can reach the end effector 50 and drive assembly 80 to provide actuation of the same. For example, when the trigger 20 operates the firing system, the control rod 32 can be advanced distally through at least a portion of the shaft 14 to cause the jaws 52, 54 to collapse towards each other and/or to drive the drive assembly 80 distally through at least a portion of the end effector 50.

[0052] The shaft 14 can also include one or more sensors (not shown) and related components, such as electronic components to help operate and use the sensors (not shown). The sensors and related components can be configured to communicate to a clinician the type of end effector associated with the distal end 14d of the shaft 14, among other parameters. Likewise, the handle assembly 12 can include one or more sensors and related components configured to communicate to a clinician the type of end effector and/or shaft associated with the distal end 12d of the handle assembly 12. Accordingly, because a variety of shafts can be interchangeably coupled with the handle assembly 12 and a variety of end effectors having different configurations can be interchangeably coupled with various shafts, the sensors can help a clinician know which shaft and end effector are being used. Additionally, the information from the sensors can help a monitoring or control system associated with the instrument know which operation and measurement parameters are relevant to a clinician based on the type of shaft and end effector coupled to the handle assembly. For example, when the end effector is a stapler, information about the number of times the drive assembly 80 is fired may be relevant, and when the end effector is another type of end effector, such as a cutting device, the distance the cutting portion traveled may be relevant. The system can convey the appropriate information to the clinician based on the end effector that is sensed.

[0053] A person skilled in the art will recognize that various configurations of monitoring and control systems can be used in conjunction with the surgical instruments provided herein. For example, sensors associated with any of the end effector 50, the attachment portion 16, the shaft 14, and the handle assembly 12 can be configured to monitor other system parameters, and a monitoring or control system can communicate to a clinician the relevant other parameters based on the type of shaft or attachment portion associated with the handle assembly. Further details about sensors and related components, as well as monitoring and control systems, can be found in patents and patent applications incorporated by reference elsewhere in the present application.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment portion 16 can include a proximal housing portion 34 at a proximal end 16p thereof and an end effector or tool 50 at a distal end 16d thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal housing portion 34 includes on a proximal end 34p thereof engagement nubs 36 for releasably engaging the shaft 14. The nubs 36 form a bayonet type coupling with the distal end 14d of the shaft 14. Besides nubs 36, any number of other complementary mating features can be used to allow the attachment portion 16 to be removably coupled to the shaft 14.

[0055] A distal end 34d of the proximal housing portion 34 can include a mounting assembly 40 pivotally secured thereto. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting assembly 40 can be configured to receive a proximal end 50p of the end effector 50 such that pivotal movement of the mounting assembly 40 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing portion 34 effects articulation of the end effector 50 about a pivot member or pin 42. This pivotal movement can be controlled by the actuation lever 26 of the handle assembly 28, with components being disposed between the lever 26 and the mounting assembly 40 to allow for movement of the lever 26 to articulate the mounting assembly 40, and thereby the end effector 50. Similar to the firing system of the instrument 10, a person skilled in the art will recognize various configurations of components for effecting articulation, mechanical or otherwise, and thus a detailed explanation of the same is unnecessary. Some exemplary embodiments of components for effecting articulation that are suitable for use with the disclosures herein are provided for in patents and patent applications incorporated by reference elsewhere in the present application.

[0056] The end effector 50 of the illustrated embodiment is a surgical stapling tool having a first, lower jaw 52 that serves as a cartridge assembly or carrier and an opposed second, upper jaw 54 that serves as an anvil. As shown in FIG. 6, an inner surface 58 of the second jaw 54, sometimes referred to as an anvil portion, can include a plurality of staple deforming cavities 60 and a cover plate 62 secured to a top surface 59 of the jaw 54 to define a cavity 64 therebetween. The cover plate 62 can help to prevent pinching of tissue during clamping and firing of the surgical stapler. The cavity 64 can be dimensioned to receive a distal end 80d of the axial drive assembly 80. A longitudinal slot 66 can extend through the anvil portion 58 to facilitate passage of a retention flange 82 of the axial drive assembly 80 into the anvil cavity 64. A camming surface 57 formed on the anvil portion 58 can be positioned to engage the axial drive assembly 80 to facilitate clamping of tissue 99. A pair of pivot members 53 formed on the anvil portion 54 can be positioned within slots 51 formed in the carrier 52 to guide the anvil portion between the open and clamped positions. A pair of stabilizing members can engage a respective shoulder 55 formed on the carrier 52 to prevent the anvil portion 54 from sliding axially relative to the staple cartridge 100 as the camming surface 57 is deformed. In other embodiments, the carrier 52 and staple cartridge 100 can be pivoted between open and clamped positions while the anvil portion 54 remains substantially stationary.

[0057] The elongated support channel 56 of the first jaw 52 can be dimensioned and configured to receive a staple cartridge 100, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. Corresponding tabs 102 and slots 68 formed along the staple cartridge 100 and the elongated support channel 56, respectively, function to retain the staple cartridge 100 within the support channel 56. A pair of support struts 103 formed on the staple cartridge 100 can be positioned to rest on sidewalls of the carrier 52 to further stabilize the staple cartridge 100 within the support channel 56. The staple cartridge 100 can also include retention slots 105 for receiving a plurality of fasteners 106 and pushers 108. A plurality of spaced apart longitudinal slots 107 can extend through the staple cartridge 100 to accommodate upstanding cam wedges 70 of an actuation sled 72 of a firing system (FIGS. 4 and 8). A central longitudinal slot 109 can extend along the length of the staple cartridge 100 to facilitate passage of a knife blade 81 associated with the axial drive assembly 80. During operation of the surgical stapler, the actuation sled 72 translates through longitudinal slots 107 of the staple cartridge 100 to advance cam wedges 70 into sequential contact with pushers 108, thereby causing the pushers 108 to translate vertically within the retention slots 105 and urge the fasteners 106 from the slots 105 into the staple deforming cavities 60 of the anvil portion 54.

[0058] An alternative embodiment of an attachment portion 16′ is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The attachment portion 16′ can include a proximal housing portion 34′ at a proximal end 16p′ thereof and an end effector or tool 50′ at a distal end 16d′ thereof. Nubs 36′ can be provided to removably couple the attachment portion 16′ to a shaft of a surgical instrument, and a mounting assembly 40′ can be provided to removably and/or pivotally couple an end effector or tool 50′ to the proximal housing portion 34′. The end effector 50′ can include a first, lower jaw 52′ that serves as a cartridge assembly, and a second, upper jaw 54′ that serves as an anvil portion. The first jaw 52′ can have many of the same features as the first jaw 52 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, and thus can include an elongated support channel 56′ that is dimensioned and configured to receive a staple cartridge 100′, and slots 68′ configured to correspond with tabs 102′ of the staple cartridge 100′ to retain the cartridge 100′ within the channel 56′. Likewise, the cartridge 100′ can include support struts 103′ to rest on sidewalls of the jaw 52′, retention slots 105′ for receiving a plurality of fasteners 106′ and pushers 108′, a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal slots 107′ to accommodate upstanding cam wedges 70′ of an actuation sled 72′ of a firing system, and a central longitudinal slot 109′ to facilitate passage of a knife blade 81′ associated with an axial drive assembly 80′.

[0059] Similar to the second jaw 54 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the second jaw 54′ can include a cover plate 62′ secured to a top surface of the jaws to define a cavity therebetween. An anvil plate 58′ can serve as the inner surface of the jaw 54′, and can include a longitudinal slot 66′ for receiving a distal end of the axial drive assembly 80′, and a plurality of staple deforming pockets or cavities (not shown) to form staples ejected from the cartridge 100′. In this embodiment, however, the lower jaw 52′ containing the cartridge 100′ is configured to pivot toward the upper jaw 54′ while the upper jaw 54′ remains substantially stationary upon actuation by a handle assembly and related components.

[0060] The end effector and staple cartridge disposed therein is configured to receive an axial drive assembly. One non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the axial drive assembly 80 is illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown, a distal end of a drive beam 84 can be defined by a vertical support strut 86 that supports the knife blade 81, and an abutment surface 88 configured to engage the central portion of the actuation sled 72 during a stapling procedure. Bottom surface 85 at the base of the abutment surface 88 can be configured to receive a support member 87 slidably positioned along the bottom of the staple cartridge 100 (FIGS. 4 and 6). The knife blade 81 can be positioned to translate slightly behind the actuation sled 72 through the central longitudinal slot 109 in the staple cartridge 100 to form an incision between rows of stapled body tissue. The retention flange 82 can project distally from the vertical strut 86 and can support a cylindrical cam roller 89 at its distal end. The cam roller 89 can be dimensioned and configured to engage the camming surface 57 on the anvil portion 58 to clamp the anvil portion 58 against body tissue. A person skilled in the art will recognize that a drive assembly for use in conjunction with surgical staplers or other surgical instruments can have many other configurations than the one illustrated in FIG. 11, some of which are described in patents and patent applications incorporated by reference elsewhere in the present application. By way of non-limiting example, the drive assembly 80 can include a single drive beam, or any other number of drive beams, and the distal end of the drive beam(s) can have any number of shapes that are configured for use in the end effector through which the drive assembly is configured to travel.

[0061] In use, the surgical stapler can be disposed in a cannula or port and disposed at a surgical site. A tissue to be cut and stapled can be placed between the jaws 52, 54 of the surgical stapler 10. Features of the stapler 10, such as the rotating knob 24 and the actuation lever 26, can be maneuvered as desired by the clinician to achieve a desired location of the jaws 52, 54 at the surgical site and the tissue with respect to the jaws 52, 54. After appropriate positioning has been achieved, the trigger 20 can be pulled toward the stationary handle 22 to actuate the firing system. The trigger 20 can cause components of the firing system to operate such that the control rod 32 advances distally through at least a portion of the shaft 14 to cause at least one of the jaws 52, 54 to collapse towards the other to clamp the tissue disposed therebetween and/or to drive the drive assembly 80 distally through at least a portion of the end effector 50.

[0062] In some embodiments, a first firing of the trigger 20 can cause the jaws 52, 54 to clamp the tissue, while subsequent firings of the trigger 20 can cause the drive assembly 80 to be advanced distally through at least a portion of the end effector 50. A single, subsequent firing can fully advance the drive assembly 80 through the staple cartridge 100 to eject the staples in the row, or alternatively, the components in the handle assembly 12 can be configured such that multiple, subsequent firings are required to fully advance the drive assembly 80 through the staple cartridge 100 to eject the staples in the row. Any number of subsequent firings can be required, but in some exemplary embodiments anywhere from two to five firings can fully advance the drive assembly 80 through the staple cartridge 100. In embodiments in which the drive assembly 80 includes the knife 81 to cut the tissue being stapled, the knife 81 cuts tissue as the drive assembly advances distally through the end effector 50, and thus the staple cartridge 100 disposed therein. In other exemplary embodiments, a motor disposed within the handle assembly 12 and associated with a firing trigger can actuate the drive assembly 80 automatically in response to activation of the firing trigger.

[0063] After the drive assembly 80 has been advanced distally through the staple cartridge 100, the retraction knobs 28 can be advanced proximally to retract the drive assembly 80 back towards its initial position. In some configurations, the retraction knobs 28 can be used to retract the drive assembly 80 prior to fully advancing the assembly 80 through the cartridge 100. In other embodiments retraction of the drive assembly 80 can be automated to occur after a predetermined action. For example, once the drive assembly 80 has distally advanced to its desired location, the subsequent return of the trigger 80 back to a biased open position can cause the drive assembly 80 to automatically retract. A motor and associated components, rather than retraction knobs 28 and associated components, can be used to retract the drive assembly 80. Further, as discussed above, other features, such as a firing lockout mechanism, an anti-reverse clutch mechanism, and an emergency return button, can be relied upon during operation of the surgical stapler 10, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0064] The illustrated embodiment of a surgical stapling instrument 10 provides one of many different configurations, and associated methods of use, that can be used in conjunction with the disclosures provided herein. Additional exemplary embodiments of surgical staplers, components thereof, and their related methods of use, which can be used in accordance with the present disclosure include those devices, components, and methods provided for in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0083835 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0161374, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0065] Implantable Materials

[0066] Regardless of the configuration of the surgical instrument, the present disclosure provides for the use of implantable materials, e.g., biologic materials and/or synthetic materials, collectively “adjunct materials,” in conjunction with instrument operations. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the end effector 50 can include at least one piece of adjunct material 200, 200′ positioned intermediate the first and second jaw members 52, 54 and it can be releasably retained to one of the support channel 56 and/or the anvil portion 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable retention is provided by retention members 202, 202′, which are described in further detail below. In at least one embodiment, a surface on the adjunct material 200, 200′ can be configured to contact tissue as the tissue is clamped between the first and second jaw members 52, 54. In such an embodiment, the adjunct material can be used to distribute the compressive clamping force over the tissue, remove excess fluid from the tissue, and/or improve the purchase of the staples. In various embodiments, one or more pieces of adjunct material can be positioned within the end effector 50. In at least one embodiment, one piece of adjunct material 200 can be attached to the staple cartridge 100 (FIG. 12) and one piece of adjunct material 200′ can be attached to the anvil portion 58 (FIG. 13). In at least one other embodiment, two pieces of adjunct material 200 can be positioned on the support channel 56 and one piece of adjunct material 200′ can be positioned on the anvil portion 58, for example. Any suitable number of adjunct materials can be situated within the end effector 50.

[0067] Adjunct material used in conjunction with the disclosures provided for herein can have any number of configurations and properties. Generally, they can be formed from of a bioabsorbable material, a biofragmentable material, and/or a material otherwise capable of being broken down, for example, such that the adjunct material can be absorbed, fragmented, and/or broken down during the healing process. In at least one embodiment, the adjunct material can include a therapeutic drug that can be configured to be released over time to aid the tissue in healing, for example. In further various embodiments, the adjunct materials can include a non-absorbable and/or a material not capable of being broken down, for example. Similarly, the connection or retention members can be at least partially formed from at least one of a bioabsorbable material, a biofragmentable material, and a material capable of being broken down such that the connection or retention members can be absorbed, fragmented, and/or broken down within the body. In various embodiments, the connection or retention members can include a therapeutic drug that can be configured to be released over time to aid the tissue in healing, for example. In further various embodiments, the connection or retention members can include a non-absorbable and/or a material not capable of being broken down, for example, such as a plastic.

[0068] More particularly, some exemplary, non-limiting examples of synthetic materials that can be used in conjunction with the disclosures provided for herein include biodegradable synthetic absorbable polymer such as a polydioxanon film sold under the trademark PDS® or with a Polyglycerol sebacate (PGS) film or other biodegradable films formed from PGA (Polyglycolic acid, marketed under the trade mark Vicryl), PCL (Polycaprolactone), PLA or PLLA (Polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGCL (poliglecaprone 25, sold under the trademark Monocryl), PANACRYL (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, N.J.), Polyglactin910, Poly glyconate, PGA/TMC (polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate sold under the trademark Biosyn), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), or a blend of copolymerization of the PGA, PCL, PLA, PDS monomers. In use, the synthetic material can be broken down by exposure to water such that the water attacks the linkage of a polymer of the synthetic material. As a result, the mechanical strength can become diminished, and a construct of the material can be broken down into a mushy or fractured scaffold. As further breakdown occurs such that the material breaks into carbohydrates and acid constituents, a patient's body can metabolize and expel the broken down materials.

[0069] Some exemplary, non-limiting examples of biologic derived materials that can be used in conjunction with the disclosures provided for herein include platelet poor plasma (PPP), platelet rich plasma (PRP), starch, chitosan, alginate, fibrin, thrombin, polysaccharide, cellulose, collagen, bovine collagen, bovine pericardium, gelatin-resorcin-formalin adhesive, oxidized cellulose, mussel-based adhesive, poly (amino acid), agarose, polyetheretherketones, amylose, hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid, whey protein, cellulose gum, starch, gelatin, silk, or other material suitable to be mixed with biological material and introduced to a wound or defect site, including combinations of materials, or any material apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosures provided for herein. Biologic materials can be derived from a number of sources, including from the patient in which the biologic material is to be implanted, a person that is not the patient in which the biologic material is to be implanted, or other animals.

[0070] Additional disclosures pertaining to synthetic or polymer materials and biologic materials that can be used in conjunction with the disclosures provided herein can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0080335, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0083835, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/433,115, entitled “Tissue Thickness Compensator Comprising Capsules Defining a Low Pressure Environment,” and filed on Mar. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/433,118, entitled “Tissue Thickness Compensator Comprised of a Plurality of Materials,” and filed on Mar. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/532,825, entitled “Tissue Thickness Compensator Having Improved Visibility,” and filed on Jun. 26, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/710,931, entitled “Electrosurgical End Effector with Tissue Tacking Features,” and filed on Dec. 11, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/763,192, entitled “Multiple Thickness Implantable Layers for Surgical Stapling Devices,” and filed on Feb. 8, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0071] In use, the adjunct material can come pre-loaded onto the device and/or the staple cartridge, while in other instances the adjunct material can be packaged separately. In instances in which the adjunct material comes pre-loaded onto the device and/or the staple cartridge, the stapling procedure can be carried out as known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some instances the firing of the device can be enough to disassociate the adjunct material from the device and/or the staple cartridge, thereby requiring no further action by the clinician. In other instances any remaining connection or retention member associating the adjunct material with the device and/or the staple cartridge can be removed prior to removing the instrument from the surgical site, thereby leaving the adjunct material at the surgical site. In instances in which the adjunct material is packaged separately, the material can be releasably coupled to at least one of a component of the end effector and the staple cartridge prior to firing the device. The adjunct material may be refrigerated, and thus removed from the refrigerator and the related packaging, and then coupled to the device using a connection or retention member as described herein or otherwise known to those skilled in the art. The stapling procedure can then be carried out as known to those skilled in the art, and if necessary, the adjunct material can be disassociated with the device as described above.

[0072] Retention Members

[0073] Connection or retention members can be used to secure, at least temporarily, one or more pieces of adjunct material onto an end effector and/or staple cartridge. These retention members can come in a variety of forms and configurations, such as one or more sutures, adhesive materials, staples, brackets, snap-on or other coupling or mating elements, etc. For example, the retention members can be positioned proximate to one or more sides and/or ends of the adjunct material, which can help prevent the adjunct material from peeling away from the staple cartridge and/or the anvil face when the end effector is inserted through a trocar or engaged with tissue. In still other embodiments, the retention members can be used with or in the form of an adhesive suitable to releasably retain the adjunct material to the end effector, such as cyanoacrylate. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive can be applied to the retention members prior to the retention members being engaged with the adjunct material, staple cartridge, and/or anvil portion. Generally, once firing is completed, the retention member(s) can be detached from the adjunct material and/or the end effector so that the adjunct material can stay at the surgical site when the end effector is removed. Some exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of retention members are described herein with respect to FIGS. 12-15.

[0074] FIG. 12 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a connection or retention member 202 associated with the adjunct material 200 to secure the material 200 at a temporary location with respect to the lower jaw 52 of the end effector 50. As shown, the adjunct material 200 is disposed over the staple cartridge 100 located in the elongate channel 56 of the lower jaw 52, and the retention member 202 extends therethrough. In the embodiment, the retention member 202 is in the form of a single suture stitched through multiple locations of the adjunct material 200, or it can be multiple sutures disposed at one or more locations on the adjunct material 200. As shown, the sutures are positioned at locations around a perimeter of the adjunct material 200, and are also adjacent to a central longitudinal channel 201 formed in the adjunct material 200. The channel 201 can make it easier for a knife passing through the adjunct material 200 to cut the material 200 into two or more separate strips. In some embodiments, for instance when the retention member 202 is a single suture threaded through multiple locations of the adjunct material 200, a knife passing through the lower jaw 52 can cut the retention member 202 at one or more locations, thereby allowing the retention member 202 to be disassociated from the adjunct material 200 and removed from the surgical site while the adjunct material 200 remains held at the surgical site by one or more staples ejected from the cartridge 100.

[0075] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a connection or retention member 202′ associated with the adjunct material 200′ to secure the material 200′ at a temporary location on the end effector 50. The retention member 202′ has the same configuration as the retention member 202 in FIG. 12, however, in this embodiment it is used to secure the material to the anvil or upper jaw 54, rather than the cartridge or lower jaw 52.

[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates another, non-limiting embodiment of a connection or retention member 202″ used to releasably retain an adjunct material 200″ to at least one of the upper jaw 54 and the lower jaw 52. In this embodiment, the retention member 202″ is a single suture that extends through a distal portion 200d″ of the adjunct material 200″ and is coupled to a proximal end 54p of the upper jaw 54. Terminal ends 202t″ of the retention member 202″ can be used to move the retention member 202″ with respect to the jaws 54, 52. In its extended position, which is illustrated in FIG. 14, the retention member 202″ can hold the adjunct material 200″ in position as the end effector 50 is inserted into a surgical site. Thereafter, the jaws 52, 54 of the end effector 50 can be closed onto tissue, for example, and staples from the staple cartridge 100 can be deployed through the adjunct material 200″ and into the tissue. The retention member 202″ can be moved into its retracted position such that the retention member 202″ can be operably disengaged from the adjunct material 200″. Alternatively, the retention member 202″ can be retracted prior to the staples being deployed. In any event, as a result of the above, the end effector 50 can be opened and withdrawn from the surgical site leaving behind the adjunct material 200″ and tissue.

[0077] FIG. 15 illustrates yet another, non-limiting embodiment of a connection or retention member 202′″ for securing a location of adjunct material 200′″ to an end effector. In particular, the adjunct material 200′″ and retention member 202′″ are used in conjunction with the end effector 50′ of FIGS. 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the retention member 202′″ is in the form of a suture that is used to tie the adjunct material 200′″ to the first, lower jaw 52′ at proximal and distal ends thereof 52p′, 52d′. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjunct material 200′″ can also be secured to the second, upper jaw 54′ at proximal and distal ends thereof 54p′, 54d′. Optionally, recesses can be formed in either or both of the jaws 52′, 54′, and either or both of the adjunct materials 200′″, which can protect the retention members 202′″ against unintended cutting by an outside object. In use, the knife blade 81′ on the driver assembly 80′ can incise the retention members 202′″ as it passes through the end effector 50′ to release the adjunct material 200′″.

[0078] A person skilled in the art will recognize a variety of other ways by which the adjunct material can be temporarily retained with respect to the end effector. In various embodiments a connection or retention member can be configured to be released from an end effector and deployed along with a piece of adjunct material. In at least one embodiment, head portions of retention members can be configured to be separated from body portions of retention members such that the head portions can be deployed with the adjunct material while the body portions remain attached to the end effector. In other various embodiments, the entirety of the retention members can remain engaged with the end effector when the adjunct material is detached from the end effector.

[0079] Hybrid Adjunct Materials with Compressible Elastic Members

[0080] The compressible elastic members described herein, or otherwise known to those skilled in the art, can be used in conjunction with a variety of adjunct materials. While in some instances adjunct materials can be either a synthetic material or a biologic material, in various embodiments the adjunct material includes both synthetic material(s) and biologic material(s) (i.e., it is a hybrid adjunct material). The resulting combination can advantageously exhibit beneficial features from both types of materials in a single hybrid material. For example, a hybrid adjunct material can be designed to combine benefits of biologic material (such as improved healing and tissue growth at a surgical site) with desirable mechanical properties of synthetic material (such as springiness or elasticity). In various embodiments, a synthetic material can also provide structure and support for a biologic material (e.g., add strength and/or shear resistance to fibrous biologic material), while still allowing the biologic material to contact a surgical site and support and/or promote healing. Further, hybrid adjunct materials can be configured to help reduce inflammation, promote cell growth, and/or otherwise improve healing. The hybrid adjunct material can be bioimplantable and bioabsorbable.

[0081] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary staple cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge body and a hybrid adjunct material. Here, the cartridge body and staples (not shown) are encased by lower jaw 1052 of an end effector of a surgical instrument (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 10). The cartridge body has a plurality of staple cavities configured to seat staples therein (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 10). The hybrid adjunct material 600 is releasably retained on the cartridge body and the lower jaw 1052 and configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of the staples from the cartridge body (as will be discussed in connection with the example of FIGS. 21-23 below). The material 600 includes a biologic tissue membrane or matrix 604 (shown as being partially cutaway to illustrate the compressible elastic members or spring members 616), a synthetic substrate layer or matrix 602, and at least one compressible elastic member or spring member 616 configured to compress when a compressive force is applied thereto, and to provide a spring back force when the compressive force is removed. Because the compressible elastic member or spring member 616 (also referred to as a “skeleton”) is internal to the biologic tissue membrane or matrix 604, irritation and inflammation from synthetic material can be minimized while the biologic tissue membrane or matrix 604 is still provided with a compliant reinforcement.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 16 (and similarly in FIGS. 17-19 and 21-23), the biologic tissue membrane 604 is on a tissue contacting side of the hybrid adjunct material 600 while the synthetic substrate layer 602 is on the side of the material 600 facing the cartridge body. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the relative positions of layers 602 and 604 can be reversed. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that while the cartridge assembly of FIG. 16 includes a hybrid adjunct material, an adjunct material that includes one or more spring members and only one of a biologic layer and a synthetic layer may alternatively be used. In various embodiments, hybrid adjunct materials can include a number (and arrangement) of compressible spring members selected to achieve a desired mechanical property. For example, the number of spring members may be matched to the number (and location) of staples, or the number of spring members may be the number required to cover the biologic tissue membrane or synthetic substrate layer, or a predetermined region thereof (e.g., a function of the size of the spring member and membrane or layer).

[0083] Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 16 (and similarly in FIGS. 17-19 and 21-23), the hybrid adjunct material is assembled to an end effector for context and ease of description. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that that hybrid adjunct materials can be provided in alternatively configured assemblies with an end effector, and can be provided separately from an end effector (or other component of a surgical stapler) and subsequently affixed to a portion of the end effector.

[0084] The hybrid adjunct material can be coupled to a jaw of the end effector (in this example through the synthetic substrate layer) and can include one or more mating features for receiving and coupling to a biologic layer. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates a synthetic material, layer, or matrix 602 of the hybrid adjunct material 600 coupled to the jaw 1052 using retention members 1202 extending across proximal and distal ends 1052p, 1052d thereof. Further, the synthetic matrix 602 can include one or more protrusions, shown here as springs 616, which are configured to engage a biologic material, layer, or matrix 604 to assist in mating the biologic matrix 604 to the synthetic matrix 602, thereby substantially maintaining a location of the biologic matrix 604 with respect to the synthetic matrix 602.

[0085] In this embodiment, the compressible elastic members or spring members 616 form a skeletal structure around which the biologic matrix 604 is formed. For example, when the biologic matrix 604 is formed from collagen, which as discussed elsewhere in this disclosure can be melted into a liquid state and then reformed into a hardened state, the synthetic matrix can be dipped in liquid collagen. As the collagen reforms or hardens, it can form around the skeletal structure defined by the configuration of the springs 616, thereby integrating the biologic matrix with the synthetic matrix. The resulting hybrid adjunct material can be a macro-composite adjunct that benefits from the strength and tear resistance of the internal synthetic frame and the simple parameter attachment features provided by the springs 616, e.g., the shape and material of the springs, while still providing for the benefits of having biologic material. A person skilled in the art will recognize a variety of other protrusions that can extend from a top surface 602a of the synthetic matrix 602, to provide an internal skeletal structure for forming a hybrid adjunct material.

[0086] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that compressible elastic members having a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, and materials, can be used with the adjunct material disclosed herein. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 16, the adjunct material includes spring members 616 in the form of elongate members that extend along at least one dimension of the adjunct material. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, spring members 616 can be elongate members that have raised segments 618 separated by non-raised segments 617. In one example, the elongate members 616 can form a sinusoidal or wave-like pattern. Although FIG. 16 illustrates elongate members 616 extending across a width (W) dimension, a person skilled in the act will recognize that the elongate members can alternatively, or in addition, extend along a length (L) dimension or another dimension (i.e., in FIG. 16, a dimension that is not parallel or perpendicular to the length dimension or width dimension). A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that spring members can take a variety of alternative forms. Virtually any shape can be utilized as long as it is able to provide a spring back force when a compressive force is removed. Further, the spring member can be disposed in or on either the biologic and/or synthetic layer, or disposed between layers.

[0087] FIGS. 17-20C illustrate additional exemplary attachments of biological tissue reinforcement membranes to cartridge bodies, and exemplary compressible elastic members. In FIG. 17, the hybrid adjunct material 2000 includes spherical, or orbit-like, elastic members 2016 disposed between a synthetic layer 2002 and biologic matrix 2004, and embedded within the biologic matrix 2004. In FIG. 18, the hybrid adjunct material 2100 includes radially projecting, atom-like, or jack-like elastic members 2116 embedded within the biologic matrix 2104. In FIG. 19, the hybrid adjunct material 2200 includes hemispherical, or domed, elastic members 2216 embedded within the biologic matrix 2204.

[0088] FIG. 20A is an exploded view of a variation of the compressible elastic member illustrated in FIG. 17. The spherical, or orbit-like, elastic member 2320 includes a plurality of circular, or elliptical components 2330 defining a three dimensional spherical, or orbit-like shape. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that such elastic members can include two or more circular or elliptical components, which can be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the mechanical properties of such elastic members can be modulated, for example, by appropriate selection of the material, size, shape, position, and/or number of circular or elliptical components. These and other elastic members can include one or more surface features, or features of the three dimensional shape of the elastic member itself, configured to fix the membrane to the elastic member. In the example of FIG. 20A, a membrane or matrix can extend around a spherical, or orbit-like, elastic member 2320 and through the interstices defined by the plurality of circular, or elliptical components 2330, thereby embedding and fixing the elastic member 2320 to and/or within the membrane or matrix.

[0089] FIG. 20B is an exploded view of a variation of the compressible elastic member illustrated in FIG. 19. The hemispherical, or domed elastic member 2322 includes a plurality of curvilinear components 2332 affixed to a circular, or elliptical base 2342 and defining a three dimensional hemispherical, or domed shape. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that such elastic members can include two or more curvilinear components, which can be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern, fixed to a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other two dimensional base. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the mechanical properties of such elastic members can be modulated, for example, by appropriate selection of the material, size, shape, position, and/or number of curvilinear components and base. These and other elastic members can include one or more surface features, or features of the three dimensional shape of the elastic member itself, configured to fix the membrane to the elastic member. In the example of FIG. 20A, a membrane or matrix can extend around a curvilinear elastic member 2332 and through the interstices defined by the plurality of curvilinear elastic members 2332 and/or base 2342, thereby embedding and fixing the elastic member 2322 to and/or within the membrane or matrix.

[0090] FIG. 20C is an exploded view of a variation of the compressible elastic member illustrated in FIG. 18. The radially projecting, atom-like, or jack-like elastic members 2321 includes a nucleus 2331 from which arms 2341 radiate and terminate in ball shaped end cap 2351. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that similar elastic members can include two or more arms, which are not necessarily straight or equal in length, radiating from a nucleus, which is not necessarily the geometric center of the elastic member. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the mechanical properties of such elastic members can be modulated, for example, by appropriate selection of the material, size, shape, position, and/or number of arms, end caps, and other features. These and other elastic members can include one or more surface features configured to fix the membrane to the elastic member (e.g., ball shaped end caps, shelves, barbs, and the like). Features such as ball shaped end caps may have addition advantageous features, such as blunting the tip of arm 2341, thereby preventing the arm from piercing or otherwise disrupting an adjacent region of membrane or matrix. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 20C, the elastic member 2321 has radially projecting arms 2341 and ball shaped end caps 2351 can be embedded in a membrane or matrix, thereby fixing the elastic member within the membrane or matrix and mitigating movement of the elastic member within the membrane or matrix. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other surface features and configurations can be used in other embodiments.

[0091] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that shapes other than those illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 17-20C, e.g., spheroid, ovoid, three-dimensional radial, non-symmetrical form, and functionally similar two or three-dimensional elastic member shapes, can be used in alternative embodiments. Likewise, the elastic member need not necessarily assume a configuration of the illustrated embodiments (e.g., disposed between a synthetic layer and a biologic layer and/or embedded within a biologic layer—the spring member can be disposed in or on either the biologic and/or synthetic layer, or disposed between layers.). A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the mechanical properties (e.g., compression and spring back behavior) of a hybrid adjunct material can be modulated by appropriate selection of the number, type, and/or arrangement of elastic members. For example, the type and/or arrangement of elastic members can be uniform (e.g., similar to FIG. 17), random (e.g., similar to FIG. 18), or patterned (e.g., similar to FIG. 19, to concentrate compression and spring back around the staples). Furthermore, in various embodiments, a hybrid adjunct material can include two or more different types of elastic members and/or two or more patterns (e.g., regular pattern of a first type of elastic member at staple sites and a random pattern of a second type of elastic member elsewhere).

[0092] Elastic members can be made from essentially any synthetic material having the desired mechanical (e.g., springiness, recoverable viscoelasticity, reinforcement and the like) and biologic (e.g., bioimplantable and bioabsorbable) properties. Representative examples are discussed in the IMPLANTABLE MATERIALS section above. Likewise, essentially any shape and configuration having spring-like properties can be used, assuming compatibility (e.g., shape, volume) with the hybrid adjunct material 600. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of hybrid adjunct materials (and layers thereof) are not limited to the parallelepiped/rhombohedron like forms shown in the illustrated examples. In various embodiments, hybrid adjunct materials (and layers thereof) are not necessarily symmetrical as shown in FIGS. 16-19 and can, for example, vary in thickness or have irregularly shaped portions.

[0093] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for stapling biological tissue. FIGS. 21-23 illustrate an example of one such method, through operation of the exemplary staple cartridge encased by lower jaw 1052 of an end effector shown in FIG. 16. While the example method is discussed with reference to FIG. 16, it is understood that this and other methods provided by the present invention are applicable to the use of adjunct materials with different types of spring members discussed herein.

[0094] FIG. 21 illustrates the engagement of tissue 3000 with a surgical stapler cartridge body 1100 at a surgical site. The cartridge body 1100 has a hybrid adjunct material 600 releasably attached thereto. The material 600 comprises a biologic tissue membrane 604, a synthetic substrate layer 602, and at least one compressible elastic member 616 configured to compress when a compressive force is applied thereto, and to provide a spring back force when the compressive force is removed. Here, the tissue 3000 is engaged between an anvil or upper jaw 1054 and the lower jaw 1052, which encases the cartridge body 1100 having staples 1101 disposed therein, and which supports the hybrid adjunct material 600.

[0095] FIG. 22 illustrates an actuated surgical stapler that has ejected staples 1101 from the cartridge body 1100, and into the biological tissue 3000. The staples 1101 extend through the hybrid adjunct material 600 to maintain the material 600 at the surgical site. In this example, actuation of the surgical stapler also cuts the tissue 3000 at a surgical site between the staples 1101, as shown in FIG. 22. Further embodiments and examples of such cutting embodiments are described above. However, the present invention also contemplates embodiments where tissue is not necessarily cut, or where tissue is not necessarily cut concurrently with actuation of the surgical stapler.

[0096] FIG. 23 illustrates the tissue 3000 following deployment of staples 1101 and adjunct material 600. As shown, the staples 1101 extend through the hybrid adjunct material 600 and the tissue 3000 to maintain the material 600 at the surgical site. In this illustration, the tissue 3000 comprising the staples 1101 is reinforced by the hybrid adjunct material 600, thereby preventing or mitigating tearing, fluid (e.g., blood), or other undesired damage to the surgical site. Avoiding undesired damage can decease surgical recovery time and mitigate surgical complications. Furthermore, the reinforcement can promote healing through the action of the biologic matrix 604 and/or biologically active compounds therein. Similarly, the reinforcement can prevent or mitigate irritation and inflammation from synthetic material because the elastic member or spring 616 is internal to the biologic tissue membrane or matrix 604 and/or because the synthetic substrate layer 602 essentially does not contact the tissue 3000. In alternative embodiments, essentially all synthetic material can be encapsulated by biologic material, to prevent or mitigate irritation and inflammation from synthetic material.

[0097] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination, e.g., electrodes, a battery or other power source, an externally wearable sensor and/or housing thereof, etc. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0098] In some embodiments, devices described herein can be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

[0099] Additional exemplary structures and components are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/074,902 entitled “Sealing Materials For Use In Surgical Stapling”, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/074,810 entitled “Hybrid Adjunct Materials For Use In Surgical Stapling”, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/075,438 entitled “Positively Charged Implantable Materials and Methods of Forming the Same”, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/075,459 entitled “Tissue Ingrowth Materials And Method Of Using The Same”, which are filed on even date herewith and herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0100] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.