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.

Abstract: A suture package includes a suture tray and a suture thread. The suture track has a first housing, a second housing receive against the first housing, a storage space defined between the first and second housings, and a thread shelf positioned within the storage space. The suture thread is at least partially contained within the storage space and has a first portion extending toward the thread shelf and a second portion extending toward the thread shelf such that the first and second portions of the suture thread intersect at the thread shelf. The suture thread also has a third portion between the first and second portions received against the thread shelf such that the thread shelf holds the suture thread to define a preformed thread bend for manipulating the first portion of the suture thread relative to the second portion of the suture thread via the preformed thread bend.