Tissue thickness compensator comprising a reservoir

Abstract

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compressible extracellular matrix and a bioabsorbable material dispersed within the extracellular matrix, wherein the bioapsorption of the bioabsorbable material is configured to leave behind channels in the extracellular matrix. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise generation means for generating the ingrowth of tissue into the channels. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise dissolvable wicking members which, when dissolved, can leave behind channels in the tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one rupturable capsule.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:
 a cartridge body, comprising:
 a deck; 
 a plurality of staple cavities defined in said deck; and 
 a slot configured to receive a cutting member; 
   staples, wherein each said staple is removably positioned within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position;   a compressible tissue thickness compensator, wherein said staples are configured to at least partially capture said tissue thickness compensator when said staples are moved between their unfired positions and their fired positions;   a plurality of first medicament capsules positioned within said tissue thickness compensator; and   a plurality of second medicament capsules positioned within said tissue thickness compensator; wherein said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules are positioned relative to said slot, and wherein the cutting member is configured to incise said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules when the cutting member is moved within said slot.   
     
     
         25 . The staple cartridge of  claim 24 , wherein said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules are positioned in an alternating arrangement. 
     
     
         26 . The staple cartridge of  claim 24 , wherein said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules are positioned within said slot. 
     
     
         27 . The staple cartridge of  claim 26 , wherein said deck comprises a plurality of recesses, and wherein said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules are positioned in said recesses. 
     
     
         28 . The staple cartridge of  claim 24 , wherein said first medicament capsules and said second medicament capsules are positioned within said tissue thickness compensator over said slot. 
     
     
         29 . A tissue thickness compensator for use with a fastening instrument, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:
 a compressible layer configured to be at least partially captured by fasteners; and   a capsule embedded in said compressible layer, wherein said capsule comprises:
 a shell comprised of a bioabsorbable material; 
 a cavity defined within said shell; 
 a medicament contained within said cavity; and 
 wicking members extending from said shell, wherein said wicking members are configured to absorb bodily fluids and provide a path for the bodily fluids to flow to said shell. 
   
     
     
         30 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 29 , wherein said bioabsorbable material is a first bioabsorbable material configured to bioabsorb at a first rate, wherein said wicking members are comprised of said first bioabsorbable material, wherein said compressible layer is comprised of a second bioabsobable material configured to bioabsorb at a second rate, and wherein said first rate is greater than said second rate. 
     
     
         31 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 30 , wherein the bioabsorption of said wicking members is configured to leave behind channels in said compressible layer. 
     
     
         32 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 30 , wherein said bioabsorbable material is comprised of gelatin. 
     
     
         33 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 29 , wherein said wicking members comprise support legs configured to support said compressible layer. 
     
     
         34 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 29 , wherein said shell comprises an extruded tube. 
     
     
         35 . A tissue thickness compensator for use with a fastening instrument, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:
 a compressible extracellular matrix;   a bioabsorbable material dispersed within said extracellular matrix, wherein the bioapsorption of said bioabsorbable material is configured to leave behind channels in said extracellular matrix; and   generation means for generating the ingrowth of tissue into said channels.   
     
     
         36 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 35 , wherein said generation means comprises at least one of stem cells, platelet rich plasma, and growth factors. 
     
     
         37 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 35 , wherein said extracellular matrix is comprised from at least one of skeletonized omentum and a regenerative material. 
     
     
         38 . The tissue thickness compensator of  claim 35 , wherein said extracellular matrix is comprised of randomly-oriented hydrophilic fibers.