SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS
A system for stapling tissue is disclosed. The system can include a channel and a compatible staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The channel and the compatible staple cartridge comprise mating or cooperating alignment features for permitting complete insertion of the compatible staple cartridge and for preventing an incompatible staple cartridge from being completely inserted in the channel.
1 . A system, comprising:
a replaceable staple cartridge, comprising:
a plurality of staples;
a first downwardly-protruding tab; and
a second downwardly-protruding tab; and
a channel configured to receive said replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said channel comprises:
a first receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive said first downwardly-protruding tab; and
a second receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive said second downwardly-protruding tab.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises:
a cartridge body; and
a pan positioned around a portion of said cartridge body, wherein said pan further comprises a base, and wherein said first downwardly-protruding tab and said second downwardly-protruding tab protrude from said base.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein said first downwardly-protruding tab and said second downwardly-protruding tab are comprised of metal.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises:
a first laterally-extending lug; and
a second laterally-extending lug.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein said channel further comprises:
a first sidewall comprising a first cutout, wherein said first cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive said first laterally-extending lug; and
a second sidewall comprising a second cutout, wherein said second cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive said second laterally-extending lug.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein said first laterally-extending lug and said second laterally-extending lug are molded features of said molded cartridge body.
7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein said cartridge body is comprised of a plastic material.
8 . The system of claim 4 , wherein said first laterally-extending lug and said second laterally-extending lug are located distal to said first downwardly-protruding tab and second downwardly-protruding tab.
9 . A system, comprising:
a replaceable staple cartridge, comprising:
a plurality of staples; and
an outer surface comprising a plurality of ribs;
a channel configured to receive said replaceable staple cartridge, wherein said channel comprises a plurality of slots, and wherein each of said slots is configured to receive one of said ribs.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein said plurality of ribs comprises a first rib and a second rib.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein said plurality of slots comprises a first slot and a second slot, and wherein said channel further comprises:
a first sidewall comprising said first slot; and
a second sidewall comprising said second slot.
12 . The system of claim 9 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein said ribs are molded features of said molded cartridge body.
13 . The system of claim 9 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises:
a first laterally-extending lug; and
a second laterally-extending lug.
14 . The system of claim 9 , wherein said channel further comprises:
a first sidewall comprising a first cutout, wherein said first cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive said first laterally-extending lug; and
a second sidewall comprising a second cutout, wherein said second cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive said second laterally-extending lug.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein said replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein said first laterally-extending lug and said second laterally-extending lug are molded in said molded cartridge body.
16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein said molded cartridge body is comprised of a plastic material.
17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein said first laterally-extending lug and said second laterally-extending lug are located distal to said ribs.
18 . A system, comprising:
a compatible staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples;
a channel; and
means for permitting complete insertion of said compatible staple cartridge and for preventing an incompatible staple cartridge from being completely inserted in said channel, wherein the incompatible staple cartridge and the compatible staple cartridge comprise the same length and the same width.
19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein said means comprises proximal and distal alignment keys.
20 . The system of claim 18 , further comprising a second channel, wherein the incompatible staple cartridge is compatible with said second channel.