Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed height, a compressed height, an outer encasement, and tubular structures aligned along the longitudinal axis. The tubular structures are configured to collapse when pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises an end effector configured to move through a grasping motion, a motor configured to drive the grasping motion, an encoder configured to detect rotary positions, a load sensor configured to detect loads delivered, a position sensor configured to detect three-dimensional positions of the end effector, and a control circuit configured to receive a position parameter, a rotary parameter, and a load parameter, store the position parameter at the outset of the grasping motion, calculate an amount of work performed during the grasping motion while the position sensor detects the position of the end effector within a three-dimensional zone around the stored position parameter, transmit a work signal indicative of the amount of work performed, and reset the calculation of the amount of work performed when the position sensor detects a displacement of the end effector out of the three-dimensional zone.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.