Implantable layers comprising a pressed region
View Patent ↗A staple cartridge is disclosed which includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples removably stored, at least partially, within the cartridge body, and an implantable layer. The implantable layer can include a first portion, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and a third portion intermediate the first portion and the second portion, the third portion including a pressed region.
1. A staple cartridge, comprising:
a cartridge body;
a plurality of staples removably stored, at least partially, within said cartridge body; and
a tissue thickness compensator, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:
a first portion;
a second portion spaced apart from said first portion; and
a third portion intermediate said first portion and said second portion, said third portion comprising a pressed region, wherein said pressed region comprises a slot defined therethrough.
2. The staple cartridge of claim 1 , wherein said pressed region is thermally pressed.
3. The staple cartridge of claim 2 , wherein said slot extends longitudinally between said first portion and said second portion.
4. The staple cartridge of claim 3 , wherein said third portion comprises a biocompatible foam.
5. The staple cartridge of claim 4 , wherein said thermally pressed region is formed by inserting a space creator into said biocompatible foam.
6. The staple cartridge of claim 5 , wherein said space creator is configured to melt through said biocompatible foam.
7. The staple cartridge of claim 6 , wherein said space creator comprises a wire.
8. The staple cartridge of claim 7 , wherein said slot comprises a width between said first portion and said second portion, and wherein said width is defined by a diameter of said wire.
9. A fastener cartridge, comprising:
a cartridge body;
a plurality of fasteners removably stored, at least partially, within said cartridge body; and
a tissue thickness compensator, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:
a first portion;
a second portion spaced a part from said first portion; and
a third portion intermediate said first portion and said second portion, said third portion comprising a slot defined by a thermally removed region of said third portion.
10. The fastener cartridge of claim 9 , wherein said slot extends longitudinally between said first portion and said second portion.
11. The fastener cartridge of claim 10 , wherein said third portion comprises a biocompatible foam.
12. The fastener cartridge of claim 11 , wherein said thermally removed region is formed by inserting a space creator into said biocompatible foam.
13. The fastener cartridge of claim 12 , wherein said space creator is configured to melt through said biocompatible foam.
14. The fastener cartridge of claim 13 , wherein said space creator comprises a wire.
15. The fastener cartridge of claim 14 , wherein said slot comprises a width between said first portion and said second portion, and wherein said width is defined by a diameter of said wire.
16. A staple cartridge, comprising:
a cartridge body;
a plurality of staples removably stored, at least partially, within said cartridge body; and
a biocompatible foam, said biocompatible foam comprising:
a first portion;
a second portion spaced a part from said first portion; and
a third portion intermediate said first portion and said second portion, said third portion comprised of at least one material, wherein said third portion comprises a valley created by melting said at least one material.
17. The staple cartridge of claim 16 , wherein said valley is created by inserting a heated space creator into said third portion.
18. The staple cartridge of claim 17 , wherein said heated space creator comprises a wire.
19. The staple cartridge of claim 18 , wherein said space valley comprises a width between said first portion and said second portion, and wherein said width is defined by a diameter of said wire.