Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a metal coating on an anvil jaw member of the surgical stapling device, on a surface of staple pockets of a staple cartridge of the surgical stapling device, or any combination thereof. When the surgical stapling device is fired, the metal is transferred from the metal coating on the anvil jaw member, the staple pockets of the staple cartridge, etc., onto the staple. The resulting metal coating on the staple enhances healing of the tissue to which the staple is applied.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a handle comprising an opening and an access panel covering the opening is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor, a power source, a firing member movable through a staple firing stroke and a retraction stroke, an end-of-stroke switch configured to be actuated to automatically retract the firing member through the retraction stroke, and a bailout switch configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the motor when the bailout switch is in an open state and permit power to flow from the power source to the motor when the bailout switch is in a closed state. A user of the surgical instrument is provided access to a retraction lever to manually retract the firing member through the retraction stroke when the access panel is in the open position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a spring loaded lift that automatically adjusts a staple cartridge and/or staple formation between a range of sizes. The lift is automatically released as the staple firing mechanism begins its forward translation of the firing sequence. The automatic one-way adjustment also adjusts the staple cartridge while maintaining the cartridge parallel to the anvil to provide consistent staple formations.

Abstract: A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The battery pack comprises a battery housing, batteries positioned in the battery housing, and an interruption member. The battery housing includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument. The interruption member is movable from a first position where the interruption member electrically disconnects at least one battery from another battery and a second position. The batteries are electrically connected to the surgical instrument when the interruption member is moved from the first position to the second position and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus includes an anvil buttress and an anvil assembly. The anvil buttress has a proximal end portion including a strap. The anvil assembly includes an anvil body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion has a tissue stop configured to prevent proximal tissue migration. The tissue stop includes a strap lock. The strap lock is configured to secure the strap of the anvil buttress to the anvil assembly to secure the anvil buttress to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A purse suturing device includes a circular stapler having a tubular stapler head adapted to be inserted inside a section of the hollow viscus to be sutured, a handle with an actuator connected to the stapler head, and an anvil against which the staples may be folded. The anvil has a pole adapted to be inserted into the tubular stapler head. A suturing thread is wound around the hollow viscus and tightened, causing a section of the hollow viscus to be tightened around the pole. The tightened section also includes a pursed, or folded, section of the wall of the hollow viscus, in which two layers of the wall of the hollow viscus are stapled together.

Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, a knife carrier, a lockout component, and a hook component. The lockout component is supported on an inner wall of the knife carrier and has a body formed of a resilient material that defines a window. The hook component is supported on the inner housing portion of the shell housing and includes a body having a hook that is received within the window of the lockout component when the knife carrier is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to obstruct readvancement of the knife carrier.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly includes a channel member defining a cavity, and a staple cartridge including a cartridge body. A plurality of pushers disposed within the cartridge body, such that each pusher includes a staple supporting surface that defines a first concavity and a second concavity that are separated by a central radiused convexity. Each staple of a plurality of staples is received within one retaining slot of a plurality of retaining slots. Each staple of the plurality of staples includes a back span, wherein the shape of each staple of the plurality staples corresponds to the shape of the staple supporting surface of each of the plurality of pushers. An actuation sled can be moved within the cartridge body, into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to urge the plurality of staples through the plurality of retaining slots.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. An authentication key is movably supported on the retainer between an actuation position wherein the actuation key can defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and a retracted position when the retainer is detached from the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a housing and a plurality of cartridges that are coupled together to form a barrel that is rotatably supported within the housing. Each of the cartridges defines a plurality of staple pockets that support a plurality of staples. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable in relation to the barrel between an open position and a clamped position. A drive shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel and a pusher operatively connected to the drive shaft. The pusher is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the staples from the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a loading unit, a surgical buttress, and a buttress retention band. The loading unit includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge having a tissue facing surface including staple pockets and a central longitudinal slot defined therethrough, and a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The surgical buttress includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is positioned over the protrusion of the staple cartridge. The buttress retention band is disposed around the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress and the protrusion of the staple cartridge to releasably secure the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress to the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a proximal articulation joint that defines a first articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and a distal articulation joint that defines a second articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the first articulation axis. The instrument further includes an anvil that is non-removably attached to the shaft assembly and a channel that is removably attachable to the shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a staple reinforcement for a surgical stapler that can be used in surgical staplers of various sizes, is easily passed through ports, and is less likely to shift during operation of the surgical stapler. Provided is a staple reinforcement for a surgical stapler, including a fabric layer containing a bioabsorbable material and a sponge layer containing a water-soluble polymer, the fabric layer and the sponge layer being integrally laminated.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly, a motor configured to generate rotary motions, a housing, a firing member, a flexible drive member, a feedback device, and a controller is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable during a firing sequence. The controller comprises a processor. The controller is configured to determine that the firing sequence cannot be completed, cause the feedback device to display an alert that the firing sequence cannot be completed, and cause the motor to reset the firing sequence based on determining that the firing sequence cannot be completed.

Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A handle assembly and a stapler including the same are provided. The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle having an un-linked state and a linked state. When the first handle and the second handle are in the un-linked state, and the first handle is rotated in a first direction, the second handle is not rotated, thereby to fire the stapler. When the first handle is in the linked state, and the first handle is rotated in the first direction, the second handle is actuated to rotate in the first direction to fire the stapler. During operation, no matter the stapler is ready to be fired or not, the first handle can be pressed to move by the doctor. However, when the stapler is not ready to be fired, the second handle is not actuated by the first handle, thereby will not fire the stapler.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for releasably securing a trocar assembly within an outer sleeve of an adapter assembly includes a retaining block, a cam wire moveably positioned relative to the retaining block between a lock position and a release position, a retaining block extension maintaining the cam wire relative to the retaining block, a button member in operable engagement with the cam wire, and a pair of retaining members moveable from a first position received within first and second openings of the trocar assembly when the cam wire is in the lock position and a second position spaced from the trocar assembly when the cam wire is in the release position. The retaining members each define a cutout having first and second stepped cutout portions and a smooth transition between the first and second stepped cutouts for receiving the cam wire.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly along a shaft axis, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube configured to rotate relative to the body assembly about the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes a slip ring assembly configured to enable electrical communication between the shaft assembly and the body assembly while permitting relative rotation therebetween. The slip ring assembly includes a first electrical contact supported by the outer tube, and a second electrical contact electrically coupled with the first electrical contact and positioned radially outward of the outer tube. The first electrical contact is configured to rotate with the outer tube about the shaft axis relative to the second electrical contact while the first and second electrical contacts remain electrically coupled.

Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. The applicator can include guide features to direct tissue with respect to the driving head portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.

Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include a body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.

Abstract: Jaw assemblies for a surgical stapler are provided. The jaw assemblies comprise a first jaw having a first clamping surface and a plurality of staples disposed therein and second jaw assembly having a second clamping surface. The jaw assemblies can be actuated from a closed configuration in which the first clamping surface contacts or is adjacent to the second clamping surface to an open configuration in which the second jaw is pivoted away from the first jaw to a stapling position in which the second clamping surface is parallel to the first clamping surface and spaced apart from the first clamping surface. A pivoting link or sliding pivot joint can couple the second jaw to the first jaw to facilitate motion between the closed position, the open position, and the stapling position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft and an end effector coupled to the shaft. The end effector includes a first member, a knife member, and a second member. The first member is movable towards a distal end of the end effector. The knife member is pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member is movable towards the distal end of the end effector. The knife member is configured to be in a cutting position during a translation of the first and second members towards the distal end of the end effector. The knife member is rotatable relative to the first member to stow the knife member into a non-cutting position after the translation of the first and second members towards the distal end of the end effector.

Abstract: A method for providing a visual expiration indication for a surgical instrument includes holding an indicator body in a first position with a detent mechanism to provide a visual in-service indication for the surgical instrument. The indicator body is engaged with a motor and the indicator body is rotated with the motor from the first position to a second position that provides a visual expired indication. The indicator body is prevented from rotating from the second position to the first position with the detent mechanism. The detent mechanism may hold the indicator body in one of only two positions. The visual indications may be displayed through an aperture fixed to the base of the surgical instrument. The indicator body may be elastically deformed when the indicator body is rotated from the first position to the second position. The motor may be rotated to gain momentum before rotating the indicator body.

Abstract: A surgical staple includes a body includes a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a crimped region. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member. The second portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the first leg and a first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between a first end portion of the second leg and a second end portion of the looped member. The crimped region includes a crimped section in at least one of the second portion or the third portion of the backspan. A combined wire thickness of the second and third portions of the backspan in the crimped region is about equal to the diameter of the body of the surgical staple.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongated tool assembly having spaced first and second jaws positioned to receive a body organ. The length of the tool assembly (which may have a curved configuration) is selected to receive and staple and/or transect a body organ in a single actuation of the tool assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multidirectional apparatus that can be attached to a stapler reload apparatus. The multidirectional apparatus can include at least two articulation elements each comprising a cylindrical proximal end, a hemispherical distal end, a central lumen, a wall surrounding the central lumen, and a first pull wire lumen within the wall surrounding the central lumen, wherein the hemispherical distal end of a first articulation element of the at least two articulation elements is nested in the cylindrical proximal end of a second articulation element of the at least two articulation elements and a first pull wire positioned within the first pull wire lumen, and wherein tension applied to the first pull wire causes the second articulation element to move away from a longitudinal axis of the at least two articulation elements in a direction of the first pull wire which is experiencing the tension.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a mounting portion, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, a closure member, a drive screw, a thrust bearing, a coupling member, and a sled. The closure member is configured to move the second jaw from an open position toward a closed position in response to an output motion. The drive screw is configured to apply a distal force to the coupling member when the drive screw is rotated. The coupling member is configured to engage the second jaw and retain the second jaw at a distance relative to the first jaw during a firing stroke. The sled ejects staples from the staple cartridge when the sled is moved by the coupling member during the firing stroke.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied without the need to use different sizes of staples.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapler includes first and second jaw members and a buttress material. The first jaw member is moveable relative to the second jaw member. The first jaw member includes a contact surface, a first projection, and a catch. The catch includes first and second fingers distal of the first projection. The second finger is biased toward the contact surface. The buttress material defines a longitudinal axis. The buttress material is releasably secured to the first jaw member. The buttress material defines first, second, and third slots formed therein. The first projection of the first jaw member is received in the first slot of the buttress material. The first finger of the catch is received in the second slot of the buttress material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly movable from an open position to a closed position, and a locking member movably supported on a distal portion of the cartridge assembly. The locking member is configured to move into a slot of the anvil as the anvil and cartridge assembly move toward the closed position to set a gap distance between the anvil and cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an articulation nut, an articulation link, and a drive belt operably coupled to a distal portion of the articulation link. The articulation link has a proximal end portion operably coupled to the articulation nut, such that rotation of the articulation nut results in translation of the articulation link. The drive belt has a distal end portion configured to be operably coupled to a proximal end portion of a surgical loading unit, such that movement of the drive belt articulates the surgical loading unit relative to the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil assembly, a shell assembly, and an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes a tubular shaft, an approximation assembly, and a seal. The approximation assembly includes a lead screw, a tubular member, a cable, and a trocar assembly. The tubular member threadably engages the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial displacement of the tubular member. The cable extends within the tubular shaft and is coupled to the tubular member for concomitant displacement with the tubular member. The trocar assembly extends from the cable. The trocar assembly is coupled to the anvil assembly such that axial displacement of the tubular member transitions the anvil assembly between a spaced apart configuration and an approximated configuration. The seal provides a fluid-tight seal such that the adapter assembly includes a sealed portion and an unsealed portion. The lead screw is disposed within the sealed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly having a body, a shaft assembly having an outer tube member, an end effector, an anvil, a first trocar closure system, and a second trocar closure system. The end effector has having a staple deck fixed relative to the body, a staple driver operable to actuate relative to the staple deck between an unfired position and a fired position, and the trocar configured to selectively couple with the anvil and actuate relative to the staple dreck. The first trocar closure assembly can actuate in a first motion to drive the trocar between a distal position and a first closed position. The second trocar closure assembly can actuate in a second motion between the first closed position and a second closed position. The staple drive is inoperable at least until the first trocar closure assembly actuates the trocar to the first closed position.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a surgical instrument includes a curved body and a deck configured to clamp tissue against an anvil. A plurality of staple openings is formed in the deck and is configured to house a plurality of staples. An arcuate slot formed in the deck is configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough. An opening formed in the deck adjacent to an end of the arcuate slot is configured to slidably receive a pin therethrough. The cartridge further includes a raised surface offset from the deck and extending circumferentially about at least a portion of the opening. The raised surface is configured to clamp tissue against the anvil to thereby fix the tissue relative to the opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An endoscopic stapler is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple member and an anvil member. The staple member may include a staple housing and the staple holder may include one or more staples. The anvil member may be spaced apart from the staple member and may configured to relatively move towards one another. A controller may be fluidly coupled to the staple member through a plurality of conduits. The controller may be configured to (a) direct a pressurized fluid to the staple member through a first conduit of the plurality of conduits to relatively move the staple member and the anvil member towards one another, and (b) direct the pressurize fluid through a second conduit of the plurality of conduits to eject one or more staples from the staple holder.

Abstract: A staple retainer for a surgical staple cartridge unit includes a body having first and second body sides configured to be positioned within an aperture defined between an anvil and a deck of the cartridge unit such that the first body side confronts the anvil and the second body side confronts the deck. The second body side is configured to retain staples within openings in the deck. A first protrusion at the first body side is configured to contact the anvil at a first location, and a second protrusion at the first body side is configured to contact the anvil at a second location. The protrusions are configured to resiliently deflect toward the second body side in response to the staple retainer being positioned within the aperture, and are further configured to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a predetermined distance between the anvil and the deck.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system can comprise an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a first outer surface, and wherein a classifying identification of the end effector is inscribed on the first outer surface. The system can also comprise the compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a second outer surface, wherein a classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge is inscribed on the second outer surface. The classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge can correspond to the classifying identification of the end effector.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes: an elongated support member; an end effector that is supported at a distal end of the support member so as to be movable in a longitudinal axial direction; a first pulling pulley that is supported so as to be rotatable about a first shaft that is secured to the end effector and that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; and a first wire that is wound around the first pulling pulley so as to cause, when a proximal end thereof is pulled, tensile forces in substantially the same directions to act on the first pulling pulley on either side of the first pulling pulley flanking the first shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, and a stapling head assembly. The body includes a chassis, a bracket, a coupling, and a conical coil. The bracket is configured to move relative to the chassis between first and second positions when selectively activated by a user. The bracket includes an upright member. The conical coil spring is disposed between the bracket and the coupling. The conical coil spring includes a proximal end, a distal end, a conical helical body disposed between the proximal and distal ends, and at least one dead coil disposed at the distal end of the conical coil spring that is configured to prevent the distal end of the conical coil spring from being retained between the bracket and the chassis. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapler system may include a surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to receive a removable staple cartridge, and an actuation mechanism operably coupled to actuate the end effector to perform a stapling procedure. The surgical stapler system also may include a drive system operably coupled to transmit an actuation force to the actuation mechanism and a controller operably coupled to the drive system. The controller may be configured to measure an actuation force transmitted by the drive system to the actuation mechanism, and control continued transmission of the actuation force based on a comparison of the measured actuation force to a range defined from a minimum threshold actuation force to a maximum threshold actuation force.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied without the need to use different sizes of staples.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector can include a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg. The end effector can also include an anvil comprising a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface, wherein the plurality of pockets comprises a pocket comprising a first cup configured to form the first leg. The first cup can comprise a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a bottom intermediate the first lateral side and the second lateral side, wherein the bottom defines a depth relative to the tissue compression surface, and wherein the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first cup can further comprise sidewalls extending from the respective lateral sides to the bottom, wherein the sidewalls are defined by entirely-curved surfaces.