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 . A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:
 a cartridge body, comprising:
 a first row of staple cavities; and 
 a second row of staple cavities; 
   staples, wherein each said staple is at least partially positionable 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; and   a medicament capsule positioned intermediate said first row of staple cavities and said second row of staple cavities, wherein said staple cavities and said staples are configured and arranged such that said staples do not puncture said medicament capsule when said staples are moved between their unfired positions and their fired positions, and wherein said medicament capsule comprises a shell at least partially comprised of a bioabsorbable material.   
     
     
         2 . The staple cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said medicament capsule further comprises a medicament positioned within said shell, and wherein after sufficient bioapsorption of said shell said medicament can be released from said medicament capsule. 
     
     
         3 . The staple cartridge assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said shell is configured to flex such that said shell does not rupture when a compressive load is applied thereto. 
     
     
         4 . The staple cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said medicament capsule comprises a port, and wherein a medicament can be introduced into said shell through said port. 
     
     
         5 . The staple cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said medicament capsule comprises a network of tubes in fluid communication with each other. 
     
     
         6 . A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:
 a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;   staples, wherein each said staple is at least partially positionable 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; and   a plurality of medicament capsules positioned within said tissue thickness compensator, wherein each said medicament capsule is positioned over a said staple cavity, and wherein said staple cavities and said staples are configured and arranged such that said medicament capsules are crushed within said staples when said staples are moved between their unfired positions and their fired positions.   
     
     
         7 . The staple cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein each said medicament capsule comprises a tube including a shell and a medicament contained within said shell. 
     
     
         8 . The staple cartridge of  claim 7 , wherein each said tube extends along a tube axis, and wherein each said tube axis extends into a said staple cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The staple cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein said cartridge body further comprises a slot configured to receive a cutting member therein, and wherein said staple cartridge further comprises at least one second medicament capsule positioned over said slot. 
     
     
         10 . A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:
 a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;   staples, wherein each said staple is at least partially positionable 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; and   a plurality of medicament capsules positioned within said tissue thickness compensator, wherein each said medicament capsule comprises a shell, a cavity defined in said shell, and a medicament positioned in said cavity, wherein said shell comprises a through-hole extending into said cavity, and wherein said medicament can flow out of said medicament capsule through said through-hole.   
     
     
         11 . The staple cartridge of  claim 10 , wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of gelatin. 
     
     
         12 . The staple cartridge of  claim 11 , wherein said shell is comprised of an absorbable polymer. 
     
     
         13 - 38 . (canceled)