Abstract: A surgical staple has a base having first and second base segments defining in an un-deformed state a substantially V-shaped configuration having an apex, each base segment having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the first base segment is joined to the first end of the second base segment at the apex of the V-shaped configuration so as to define a first angle between the first base segment and the second base segment of less than about 180.degree. and first and second legs each having a first end and a second end, the first and second legs being connected substantially perpendicularly at the first ends to the second ends of the first and second base segments respectively. A surgical stapler for applying surgical staples according to the invention is also disclosed.