Tissue stapler having a thickness compensator incorporating an anti-microbial agent

Abstract

A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A staple cartridge, comprising:
 a cartridge body;   staples removably stored in said cartridge body;   a first lubricant comprising sodium stearate on said staples; and   a second lubricant exposed to said staples while said staples are stored in said cartridge body.   
     
     
         13 . The staple cartridge of  claim 12 , wherein said first lubricant further comprises LAE (lauric arginate ethyl ester). 
     
     
         14 . The staple cartridge of  claim 12 , wherein said first lubricant further comprises an antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         15 . A staple cartridge, comprising:
 a cartridge body;   staples removably stored in said cartridge body;   a lubricant comprising sodium stearate on said staples; and   an adhesive substance exposed to said staples while said staples are stored in said cartridge body.   
     
     
         16 . The staple cartridge of  claim 15 , wherein said lubricant further comprises LAE (lauric arginate ethyl ester). 
     
     
         17 . The staple cartridge of  claim 15 , wherein said lubricant further comprises an antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         18 . A staple cartridge, comprising:
 a cartridge body;   staples removably stored in said cartridge body; and   a complement of materials exposed to said staples while said staples are stored in said cartridge body, wherein said complement of materials comprises sodium stearate and a lubricant.   
     
     
         19 . The staple cartridge of  claim 18 , wherein said lubricant comprises LAE (lauric arginate ethyl ester).