Compressible Knitted Adjuncts with Finished Edges

Abstract

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a stapling assembly can include a cartridge and a knitted adjunct that is configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. The adjunct can have a tissue-contacting layer formed of at least first fibers, a cartridge-contacting layer formed of at least second fibers, spacer fibers intertwined with and extending between the tissue-contacting layer and the cartridge-contacting layer to thereby connect the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers together, and at least one fiber interconnecting at least a portion of a terminal edge of each of the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers to form a finished edge that substantially prevents fraying thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler, comprising:
 a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein, the plurality of staples being configured to be deployed into tissue; and   a knitted adjunct configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge such that the adjunct can be attached to tissue by the plurality of staples in the cartridge, the adjunct comprising
 a tissue-contacting layer formed of at least first fibers, 
 a cartridge-contacting layer formed of at least second fibers, 
 spacer fibers intertwined with and extending between the tissue-contacting layer and the cartridge-contacting layer to thereby connect the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers together, and 
 at least one fiber interconnecting at least a portion of a terminal edge of each of the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers to form a finished edge that substantially prevents fraying thereof.