Stapling adjunct attachment

Abstract

Methods for applying one or more adjuncts to tissue are provided. In one embodiment, the method can include positioning an adjunct, e.g., using an adhesive, on one of first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism on the adjunct can prevent stretching of at least a portion of the adjunct. In other aspects, the adjunct can be maintained on the at least one jaw in a first state in which the adjunct is at least partially stretched over the at least one jaw, and actuation of the surgical stapler can cause the adjunct to transition from the first state to a second state such that the adjunct in the second state at least partially separates from the at least one jaw.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for stapling tissue, comprising:
 positioning an adjunct on one of first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the adjunct having an adhesive thereon that maintains the adjunct on the jaw; and   positioning tissue between the first and second jaws, and actuating the surgical stapler to cause the first and second jaws to move from an open position to a closed position in which the tissue is engaged therebetween;   wherein a first attachment mechanism on the adjunct prevents stretching of at least a portion of the adjunct.   
     
     
         2 . The method of claim [ 0007 ], wherein the first attachment mechanism comprises at least one post formed on one of the adjunct and the jaw, and at least one bore formed on the other one of the adjunct and the jaw for receiving the post. 
     
     
         3 . The method of claim [ 0007 ], wherein a second attachment mechanism on the adjunct prevents sliding of the adjunct relative to the jaw having the adjunct disposed thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The method of claim [ 0008 ], wherein the second attachment mechanism on the adjunct prevents lateral sliding of the adjunct relative to a longitudinal axis of the jaw. 
     
     
         5 . The method of claim [ 0008 ], wherein the second attachment mechanism on the adjunct prevents longitudinal sliding of the adjunct relative to a longitudinal axis of the jaw. 
     
     
         6 . The method of claim [ 0007 ], wherein a second attachment mechanism on the adjunct prevents curling of a distal-most end of the adjunct when the tissue is positioned between the first and second jaws. 
     
     
         7 . A method for stapling tissue, comprising:
 positioning an adjunct on at least one jaw of first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the adjunct being maintained on the at least one jaw in a first state in which the adjunct is at least partially stretched over the at least one jaw; and   positioning tissue between the first and second jaws, and actuating the surgical stapler to cause the first and second jaws to move from an open position to a closed position in which the tissue is engaged therebetween;   wherein the actuation of the surgical stapler causes the adjunct to transition from the first state to a second state such that the adjunct in the second state at least partially separates from the at least one jaw.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the actuation of the surgical stapler comprises causing a cutting element of the surgical stapler to move to thereby cut through at least a portion of the adjunct to cause the adjunct to transition from the first state to the second state. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cutting element cuts through at least a portion of the attachment feature as the cutting element moves. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the actuation of the surgical stapler comprises causing staples to be deployed to thereby penetrate through at least a portion of the adjunct to cause the adjunct to transition from the first state to the second state.