Abstract: A cuff is used to provide a form for curing fluid about the exterior of an end-to-end anastomosis site. The cuff includes a port through which fluid may be injected to reach an interior space defined between the exterior of tissue at the anastomosis site and the inner surface of the cuff. A circular stapler may be used as a mandrel for the cuff and fluid. Alternatively, inflatable balloons may be used as a mandrel. The curing fluid may comprise a mixture of fibrin and thrombin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an oxygen generating agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a anti-inflammatory agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A needle holder includes a shaft and a needle driver located at the distal end of the shaft. The needle driver is operable to rotate a needle such that the needle forms a non-perpendicular angle with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some versions, the needle driver includes a first arm and a rotatable assembly that is configured to longitudinally clamp about a portion of a needle. The rotatable assembly may include self-righting features to right the needle perpendicular to the first arm. The needle driver may further include a second arm that is pivotable relative to the first arm. The rotatable assembly may include a top member associated with the second arm and a bottom member associated with the first arm. In some versions, spring-loaded collets may secure the needle to a rotatable assembly. Alternatively, a pair of actuating arms may pivot the needle about a curved surface.

Abstract: A cuff is used to provide a form for curing fluid about the exterior of an end-to-end anastomosis site. The cuff includes a port through which fluid may be injected to reach an interior space defined between the exterior of tissue at the anastomosis site and the inner surface of the cuff. A circular stapler may be used as a mandrel for the cuff and fluid. Alternatively, inflatable balloons may be used as a mandrel. The curing fluid may comprise a mixture of fibrin and thrombin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a anti-inflammatory agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an oxygen generating agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A needle holder includes a shaft and a needle driver located at the distal end of the shaft. The needle driver is operable to rotate a needle such that the needle forms a non-perpendicular angle with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some versions, the needle driver includes a first arm and a rotatable assembly that is configured to longitudinally clamp about a portion of a needle. The rotatable assembly may include self-righting features to right the needle perpendicular to the first arm. The needle driver may further include a second arm that is pivotable relative to the first arm. The rotatable assembly may include a top member associated with the second arm and a bottom member associated with the first arm. In some versions, spring-loaded collets may secure the needle to a rotatable assembly. Alternatively, a pair of actuating arms may pivot the needle about a curved surface.