US Patent 10028744 Staple cartridge assembly including staple guides

A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal cartridge end, a distal cartridge end, a deck, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a proximal cavity end, a distal cavity end, a proximal guide extending above and below the deck, a distal guide extending above and below the deck, and a connecting slot extending between the proximal cavity end and the distal cavity end. The proximal guide and the distal guide extend laterally with respect to the connecting slot. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removably stored in the staple cavity. The staple comprises a proximal leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg. The base is positioned in the connecting slot.