Tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one medicament

Abstract

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medicament delivery system attachable to an anvil of a fastening instrument, wherein the anvil includes a forming surface, and wherein said medicament delivery system comprises:
 a releasing material comprising a cavity, wherein said cavity is configured to be aligned with the forming surface of the anvil;   a medicament positioned within said cavity; and   an attachment portion configured to be attached to the anvil.   
     
     
         2 . The medicament delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity is defined by a sidewall, wherein said releasing material comprises a first layer and a second layer, and wherein portions of said first layer are connected to said second layer to define said sidewall. 
     
     
         3 . The medicament delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein said forming surface comprises a forming pocket configured to deform a fastener, and wherein said releasing material is positioned within said forming pocket. 
     
     
         4 . The medicament delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein said medicament can comprise non-woven oxidized regenerated cellulose. 
     
     
         5 . The medicament delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity comprises a first cavity, and wherein said medicament delivery system further comprises a second cavity and a medicament positioned within said second cavity. 
     
     
         6 . The medicament delivery system of  claim 5 , wherein the forming surface of the anvil comprises a first row of forming pockets configured to deform fasteners and a second row of forming pockets configured to deform fasteners, wherein said first cavity is aligned with said first row of forming pockets, and wherein said second cavity is aligned with said second row of forming pockets. 
     
     
         7 . A stapling assembly for use with a stapler, said stapling assembly comprising:
 an anvil comprising a plurality of forming surfaces;   a compensator attached to said anvil, wherein said compensator comprises a plurality of cavities aligned with said forming surfaces; and   at least one medicament positioned within each said cavity.   
     
     
         8 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of forming surfaces comprises an array of forming pockets, wherein each said forming pocket is configured to deform a fastener, and wherein said cavities are aligned with said forming pockets. 
     
     
         9 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of forming surfaces comprises a first row of forming pockets and a second row of forming pockets, wherein each said forming pocket is configured to deform a fastener, and wherein said plurality of cavities comprises a first cavity aligned with said first row of forming pockets and a second cavity aligned with said second row of forming pockets. 
     
     
         10 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of cavities comprises a plurality of bubbles. 
     
     
         11 . The stapling assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said plurality of forming surfaces comprises an array of forming pockets, wherein each said forming pocket is configured to deform a fastener, and wherein said bubbles extend into said forming pockets. 
     
     
         12 . The stapling assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said compensator comprises a first layer and a second layer, and wherein said bubbles are defined between said first layer and said second layer. 
     
     
         13 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one medicament comprises powdered oxidized regenerated cellulose. 
     
     
         14 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one medicament comprises a first medicament and a second medicament, and wherein one or more of said cavities includes said first medicament positioned therein and the one or more said cavities includes said second medicament positioned therein. 
     
     
         15 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one medicament comprises a first medicament and a second medicament, and wherein each said cavity comprises said first medicament and said second medicament positioned therein. 
     
     
         16 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one medicament is configured to absorb water and expand. 
     
     
         17 . The stapling assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one medicament comprises hydrogel. 
     
     
         18 . A stapling assembly for use with a stapler, said stapling assembly comprising:
 an anvil comprising:
 a plurality of forming surfaces; and 
 a slot configured to receive a cutting member; 
   a compensator attached to said anvil, wherein said compensator comprises a plurality of cavities aligned with said slot; and   at least one medicament positioned within each said cavity.